Robotics & Automation News

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Siemens adds module to Ruggedcom for industrial networks

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Siemens has introduced a new line module for the Ruggedcom RST2228 and RST2228P Layer 2 19” rack switches, the Ruggedcom RMM2972-2RNA.

This module strengthens the Ruggedcom RST2228 19” rack switch offering to the electric power utilities by providing seamless redundancy with PRP/HSR (Parallel Redundancy Protocol/High-availability Seamless Redundancy), enhanced IEEE1588 implementation, high bandwidth uplinks, and traffic filtering and segmentation from a single device.

This module eliminates network downtime due to single points of fault, resulting in high reliability and availability for modern digital substation applications as mandated by the IEC 61850 standard. [Read more…] about Siemens adds module to Ruggedcom for industrial networks

OnRobot launches ‘compact, highly customizable’ electric vacuum gripper

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OnRobot, a provider of robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched the VGC10 compact electric vacuum gripper that addresses customer demand for a small but powerful and highly configurable gripper for nearly any application.

Based on the design of the award-winning OnRobot VG10 electric vacuum gripper, the compact VGC10 is smaller and lighter than its larger cousin, so is ideal for constrained environments and smaller robot arms, but offers the same impressive payload of 15 kg (35 lb).

The VGC10 provides fast out-of-the-box deployment but also offers unlimited customization, with easily changeable suction cup options and the ability to add or replace arms to fit highly specific application needs. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘compact, highly customizable’ electric vacuum gripper

BMW claims it has ‘half a million’ electric vehicles on the road

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BMW claims it has “half a million” electric vehicles on the road, and is looking to double that number to reach 1 million by the end of 2021.

To mark the reaching of this milestone, Sebastian Mackensen, BMW Group senior vice president market Germany, handed over the keys to a very special BMW 330e to its future owner at BMW Welt today.

Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW, says: “Half a million vehicles is the best proof: Our broad range of electrified vehicles is meeting exact customer needs. [Read more…] about BMW claims it has ‘half a million’ electric vehicles on the road

OnRobot launches ‘small but powerful’ new gripper

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OnRobot, a manufacturer of robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched a new gripper which it describes as “small but powerful”.

OnRobot says the VGC10 compact electric vacuum gripper addresses customer demand for a small, powerful and highly configurable gripper for nearly any application.

The new gripper has no compressor and requires no air supply, which eliminates the cost, noise, space, and maintenance of producing compressed air, says OnRobot, adding that the compact electrical gripper is “easy to implement and move”. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘small but powerful’ new gripper

Realtime Robotics extends technology relationship with Mitsubishi Electric

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Realtime Robotics, a developer of responsive motion planning software for industrial robots and autonomous vehicles, is expanding its partnership with Mitsubishi Electric.

The company is to develop a “custom integrated solution” that pairs Realtime Robotics’ smart motion planning technology with Mitsubishi Electric’s industrial and collaborative robot product lines.

The intelligent robots will be on display at iREX later this month and there will be a series of demonstrations showcasing the motion-planning technology in action. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics extends technology relationship with Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric unveils new autonomous car for testing new technologies

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Mitsubishi Electric has unveiled the latest version of the xAUTO, (main picture) a vehicle capable of autonomous driving on surface roads without high-definition maps and autonomous parking both indoors and outdoors.

The xAUTO is a demonstration car that incorporates Mitsubishi Electric’s cutting-edge technologies for autonomous driving.

Mitsubishi Electric’s autonomous driving system is realized with sensor-fusion technologies implemented with peripheral sensors, millimeter-wave radar and cameras, and so on, as well as infrastructure-assisted technologies incorporating Centimeter Level Augmentation Service signals from the Quasi Zenith Satellite System and high-definition three-dimensional maps. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric unveils new autonomous car for testing new technologies

GM and LG agree $2.3 billion partnership to mass-produce car battery cells

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General Motors and LG Chem have agreed a partnership to mass-produce battery cells for future electric vehicles.

Together, the companies will invest up to a total of $2.3 billion through a new, equally owned joint venture company.

The joint venture will establish a battery cell assembly plant on a greenfield manufacturing site in the Lordstown area of Northeast Ohio that will create more than 1,100 new jobs. [Read more…] about GM and LG agree $2.3 billion partnership to mass-produce car battery cells

Lenovo and Schneider Electric partner to develop ‘smart green manufacturing’ in China

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Lenovo and Schneider Electric agreed a strategic partnership that will see the two companies working together on smart green manufacturing solutions for the flourishing Chinese manufacturing sector.

The partnership was unveiled at Lenovo Tech World, the company’s annual innovation summit, with Lenovo chairman and CEO, Yuanqing Yang and Schneider Electric chairman and CEO, Jean-Pascal Tricoire, there to shake hands on the deal.

Leveraging the strengths of both companies, the strategic partnerships will create powerful synergies by combining Lenovo’s Industrial Internet of Things LeapIOT solution with Schneider Electric’s smart green manufacturing solution based on EcoStruxure. [Read more…] about Lenovo and Schneider Electric partner to develop ‘smart green manufacturing’ in China

ABB technology in 40 Vattenfall electric vehicle fast-charging stations across Sweden

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ABB says its technology is integarted into in 40 Vattenfall fast-charging stations across Sweden.

ABB is supporting European energy company Vattenfall develop a comprehensive electric vehicle charging network in Sweden, with a complete solution that includes both the fast-charging station and all the necessary grid connection hardware.

The technology from ABB is now charging EVs at almost 40 public locations across Sweden for Vattenfall. [Read more…] about ABB technology in 40 Vattenfall electric vehicle fast-charging stations across Sweden

Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

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Mitsubishi Electric has released the company’s smallest and most powerful compact programmable logic controller to date – the FX5UC series Premium Micro PLC.

The company says the new PLC’s diminutive size is set to help machine builders and manufacturers pack “ever more functionality into a smaller space”, while also providing the web access and network connectivity demanded by the latest smart factory applications.

Mitsubishi Electric launched its first range of micro controllers, the FX family of PLCs, over 35 years ago as part of the MELSEC-F series. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller