Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

energy

Schneider Electric invests €40 million in new smart factory in Hungary

by Leave a Comment

Schneider Electric, a provider of digital transformation of energy management and industrial automation, has broken ground on its new smart factory in Dunavesce, Hungary.

With a planned investment of €40 million, the new site will span 25,000 sq m and have a headcount of 500 employees.

The 36th smart factory in Europe, this will be the 22nd engeneering-to-order factory in the region, producing primary and secondary switchgears, low voltage cabinets and components, and state-of-the-art SF6-free AirSeT medium voltage switchgear range, all made-to-order to individual customers’ specifications. [Read more…] about Schneider Electric invests €40 million in new smart factory in Hungary

The Ultimate Guide to Comparing Business Energy Providers

by Leave a Comment

As a business owner, you know how important it is to keep your expenses in check. One of the largest expenses for a business is electricity, and without proper management, it can quickly spiral out of control.

That’s why it’s crucial to find the right energy provider for your business, one that fits your specific requirements and helps you save money.

However, with so many options out there, comparing business energy providers can seem daunting. [Read more…] about The Ultimate Guide to Comparing Business Energy Providers

Fugro and Petrobras pioneer remote subsea inspection in Brazil

by Leave a Comment

Fugro and Petrobras have achieved a major milestone in Brazil’s offshore energy sector by successfully completing the country’s first-ever remote subsea inspection survey.

This technology trial was carried out by Fugro in collaboration with Petrobras under an existing multiyear contract with the aim of minimising risk and improving sustainability during inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) projects.

Fugro utilised a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the Fugro Aquarius to conduct the survey. Office-based personnel piloted the ROV from an operations centre in Aberdeen, Scotland, instead of from the vessel itself. [Read more…] about Fugro and Petrobras pioneer remote subsea inspection in Brazil

Hannover Messe: Connectivity and climate neutrality

by Leave a Comment

The list of challenges facing industry is long: climate change, energy shortages, disrupted supply chains and a shortage of skilled labor. The solution to these challenges lies in the targeted use of technology.

At the same time, governments need to get their economic policy right. Hannover Messe 2023 covers not only technologies for connected, climate-neutral industry, but also provides a forum for a global policy discussion among industry, government, science and social representatives.

Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of the Deutsche Messe group of companies, says: “Carbon-neutral production, artificial intelligence, hydrogen technologies, energy management and Industrie 4.0 – those are the overarching themes of Hannover Messe 2023. [Read more…] about Hannover Messe: Connectivity and climate neutrality

Sarcos cleared to use robotic technology to build solar field for US Department of Energy

by Leave a Comment

Sarcos Technology and Robotics, a maker of robotic systems including exoskeletons, has successfully completed final validation of its Outdoor Autonomous Manipulation of Photovoltaic Panels (O-AMPP) project.

During this field trial, Sarcos collaborated with Mortenson, JLG Industries, Array Technologies, and Pratt Miller to achieve this critical project milestone at a Mortenson project site, which validated the Sarcos robotic solar field construction solution.

Kiva Allgood, president and CEO, Sarcos, says: “Achieving this market validation and field test milestone is a mission-critical step on our path to commercializing our robotic solar field construction solution and, ultimately, enhancing safety and productivity in the solar field construction industry. [Read more…] about Sarcos cleared to use robotic technology to build solar field for US Department of Energy

DoE offering $30 million for new materials and manufacturing to lower cost of large wind turbines

by Leave a Comment

The US Department of Energy has announced a $30 million funding opportunity to advance the cost-effective domestic manufacturing of materials, including lightweight composites, that allow wind turbines to produce power more efficiently.

Because wind energy is the largest source of renewable power in the United States and one of the most affordable sources of energy today, it is a critical tool for reducing our reliance on fossil energy, and next-generation technologies and manufacturing improvements will help bring down costs even more.

The improved materials and manufacturing processes envisioned under this funding opportunity have the potential to reduce wind energy costs and expand the deployment of the nation’s wind energy portfolio in support of President Biden’s goals to reach 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050. [Read more…] about DoE offering $30 million for new materials and manufacturing to lower cost of large wind turbines

Beyond Lithium: Scientists discover a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries

by Leave a Comment

Scientists discover the optimal composition for a magnesium secondary battery cathode to achieve better cyclability and high battery capacity

Magnesium is a promising candidate as an energy carrier for next-generation batteries. However, the cycling performance and capacity of magnesium batteries need to improve if they are to replace lithium-ion batteries.

To this end, a research team focused on a novel cathode material with a spinel structure, Mg1.33V1.67−xMnxO4.

Following extensive characterization and electrochemical performance experiments, they have found a specific composition that could open doors to high-performance magnesium rechargeable batteries. [Read more…] about Beyond Lithium: Scientists discover a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries

Global cement producer Votorantim Cimentos achieves multi-site digitalization with ABB

by Leave a Comment

ABB has delivered advanced automation and digital technologies to global building materials and sustainable solutions company Votorantim Cimentos, as it embraces Industry 4.0 in cement to simultaneously optimize production and decarbonize operations.

Industrial companies, including Votorantim Cimentos Europe, Asia and Africa Region (VCEAA) – which has the worldwide capacity to produce 55.7 million tons of cement per annum, are ramping up their efforts to ensure lower emissions as governments and international organizations push for net-zero emissions by 2030.

Digital solutions ABB Ability Expert Optimizer and ABB Ability Knowledge Manager have recently been installed in the customer’s plants in Spain, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco with proven impacts for enhanced productivity, streamlined processes, reduced maintenance and energy savings. [Read more…] about Global cement producer Votorantim Cimentos achieves multi-site digitalization with ABB

Seed Group and Samotics partner to bring condition monitoring and energy optimization services to the Middle East

by Leave a Comment

Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, has entered into a strategic partnership with Samotics, a provider of real-time actionable insights to eliminate industrial energy waste and unplanned downtime, to bring enhanced condition monitoring and energy optimization services to the Middle East.

As part of this partnership, Seed Group will support Samotics to expand its operations and establish its offering in the Emirates and the wider Middle East region.

The companies will collaborate to identify approaches and opportunities to bring Samotics’ innovative solutions to the region’s industrial players, helping them eliminate unplanned downtime and improve energy efficiency. [Read more…] about Seed Group and Samotics partner to bring condition monitoring and energy optimization services to the Middle East

Five Reasons Home Solar is a No-Brainer

by Leave a Comment

Currently, home solar panels have become very popular worldwide. Renewable energy seems to be the best solution for all those who have concerns about unpredictable fluctuations in the natural gas market, rising prices, and a possible crisis.

Solar panels can provide a private home with at least partial independence from fluctuations in the energy market. In addition, it is the most environmentally friendly solution, and its owner will have more control over costs.

The active use of solar panels to provide electricity to buildings (in which solar energy is converted into electrical energy) and of heating buildings (in which thermo-solar devices are used in the heating systems of houses) started about 35 years ago. [Read more…] about Five Reasons Home Solar is a No-Brainer