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Toyota demonstrates autonomous shuttle for ‘mobility as a service’ applications

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Toyota Motor has unveiled an operations management system to support the providing of services that will enable practical use of the e-Palette, the Japanese auto giant’s battery-electric vehicle for autonomous mobility as a service (Autono-MaaS) applications. (See video below.)

In collaboration with a range of partners, Toyota is also planning to operate the vehicles in Woven City, a fully connected prototype city, while targeting commercial use in multiple areas and regions in the early 2020s.

When announcing his goal to transition Toyota to a mobility company at the January 2018 CES, Toyota president Akio Toyoda also announced the e-Palette as a symbol of mobility that goes beyond cars to provide customers services and new value. [Read more…] about Toyota demonstrates autonomous shuttle for ‘mobility as a service’ applications

Omron launches new SCARA robot

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Omron has launched a new industrial robot, the i4 series SCARA robot, which the company says “automates high-speed, high-precision assembly and transportation with easy installation”.

The i4 series consists of an i4H medium to large sized, high-performance model and an i4L that is compact and suitable for lightweight applications.

By seamlessly integrating and controlling the “i4 series” robots and the robot-hands, or end effector, and other peripheral devices; the interlocking of each device is enabled and complicated tasks which could not be done with conventional SCARA robots are now automated. [Read more…] about Omron launches new SCARA robot

VoIP Phone System for Running a Startup From Home

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Technology-wise, it is perhaps the best time to create a startup company. You can now easily set up a virtual system, and since it can be entirely based online, this eliminates the need for a physical office. You don’t even need to host the system, as this can be done for you by a VoIP service provider!

But where do you start? This article will provide people with a brief explanation for how to set up an effective VoIP system for their startup business, that can be run entirely from home in the UK, the US, or from anywhere else in the world! [Read more…] about VoIP Phone System for Running a Startup From Home

SICK launches sensor-based people-counting system

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In reaction to new developments to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus, SICK has launched its new PeopleCounter (PeCo) SensorApp. Using 3D LiDAR sensors, the system enables facility managers to maintain recommended occupancy levels in public spaces and in manufacturing settings.

Unlike the use of camera technology, the PeCo LiDAR sensor solution does not process personal information. This ensures companies can maintain any health and safety recommendations, but also respect private individuals’ data privacy concerns.

Operators of institutions of public life as well as those that deal in tourism, cruise ships, restaurants, retail, and various other industries can profit from a simple solution that makes it easy to safely maximize utilization of space and still maintain the required occupancy levels. [Read more…] about SICK launches sensor-based people-counting system

SICK launches new image-based code reader

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SICK has expanded its portfolio of image-based code readers with the launch of the Lector61x.

The compact device detects 1D, 2D, and stacked codes for identification, inspection, or content monitoring in production processes.

The trend toward smaller batch sizes in manufacturing and production processes drove the development of this compact code reader, which SICK says enables manufacturers to maintain short throughput times, in spite of individualized products, and remain competitive in production. [Read more…] about SICK launches new image-based code reader

Kuka launches new robot controller that is ‘smaller and requires less energy’

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Kuka has launched a new robot controller which it says requires less energy than its predecessor and is at the same time “significantly more compact”.

The KR C5 and the corresponding KR C5 micro robot controller are designed for small robots and are described as “future-compatible hardware” which feature “smart software”.

Kuka says the controllers “slot seamlessly into existing IT and cloud environments” and will gradually support all current applications – while offering considerably more possibilities and even better results. [Read more…] about Kuka launches new robot controller that is ‘smaller and requires less energy’

Waypoint launches Kingpin lift and hitch top module for its warehouse robots

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Waypoint Robotics has launched a top module that enables the company’s omnidirectional warehouse robots to automatically load and unload payloads and connect to a variety of carts for material movement.

The module is called “Kingpin” and Waypoint says it enables its Vector robot – a 600 lb payload capacity AMR – to do two critical jobs with one simple top module, as opposed to having a dedicated fleet of lift deck robots for automatic load/unload, and another dedicated fleet of cart connecting robots for cart transport.

With Kingpin, Vector can automatically pick up a tote on one side of the factory, deliver it to the other side of the factory, and then connect to a cart on the way back to the starting point. [Read more…] about Waypoint launches Kingpin lift and hitch top module for its warehouse robots

SICK launches new ultra-compact safety laser scanner nanoScan3

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SICK is launching its newest ultra-compact safety laser scanner, nanoScan3. The company says the new product combines smart safety functions with excellent measurement data quality for accurate and reliable localization. 

With an overall height of just over three inches, this space-saving sensor can be used wherever machines and vehicles require maximum performance, but have minimal mounting space.

This enables manufacturers to use small automated guided vehicles or mobile robots equipped with SICK’s leading-edge safety technology. [Read more…] about SICK launches new ultra-compact safety laser scanner nanoScan3

ZF unveils ‘SHI’ new cockpit

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Automotive systems supplier ZF has unveiled a new driving environment, or “cockpit”, as car interiors are increasingly called these days. 

The companies say the new “Safe Human Interaction Cockpit” enables human drivers and electronic drivers enhances to work better together.

This “seamless” integration enables “enhanced safety” and easy operation of complex driving systems, wether they are human-controlled or autonomous, say the companies. [Read more…] about ZF unveils ‘SHI’ new cockpit

SICK launches new superfast camera system for industrial processes

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SICK has launched a new superfast camera system for industrial environments.

The sensor specialist says the new “EventCam” can eliminate spontaneous errors in the manufacturing process.

This industrial-grade 2D camera brings clarity when unexplained gripping, handling, and positioning problems arise or when unreproducible installation errors or machine downtimes occur. [Read more…] about SICK launches new superfast camera system for industrial processes