Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

energy

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

by

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

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

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

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

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

Saas-Fee: Wait, What, Car-Free?

by

Can a place actually be car-free? Well, yes!

Saas-Fee is a hamlet in Switzerland that prohibits the use of automobiles and is located at the base of the highest peak in Switzerland, the Dom (4,545 meters above sea level).

This mountain is best seen from the tallest restaurant in the world that revolves 360 degrees. Due to the fact that there are 350 kilometers of hiking paths and theme trails, it is the ideal location for hikers and trekkers. [Read more…] about Saas-Fee: Wait, What, Car-Free?

Nauticus Robotics presents at United Nations’ sustainability event

by

Nauticus Robotics, a developer of ocean robots, autonomy software, and services to the marine industries, today announced that founder and CEO Nicolaus Radford was scheduled to be speaking at an event on December 1, 2022, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

The UN event is called “Energy Transition Industries: Solutions to Achieving SDG’s – How Renewable Energy Can Combat Inflation in Emerging Nations”.

The event will feature presentations from industry-leading companies helping to implement technologies and solutions towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals. [Read more…] about Nauticus Robotics presents at United Nations’ sustainability event

Everactive launches ‘batteryless IoT’ development kit

by

Everactive, a startup company making what it describes as “category-defining batteryless Internet of Things (IoT) systems”, is releasing its first development kit to allow third-party developers to build their own IoT products without the constraints of batteries.

The company’s self-powered hardware and managed network is purpose-built to acquire and deliver the dense physical-world data that will usher in an age of hyperscale IoT. Opening up that technology will allow IoT developers to easily create the scalable, sustainable, and data-rich products long demanded by their customers.

The development kit includes two of Everactive’s patented batteryless IoT devices, each with a comprehensive sensor suite that simultaneously measures temperature, humidity, pressure, and triaxial acceleration. [Read more…] about Everactive launches ‘batteryless IoT’ development kit

300,000 tons in carbon emissions ‘could be saved by autonomous oil and gas operations’

by

ABB has published another of its Energy Transition Equation reports that shows how industrial customers can reduce carbon emissions and manage the energy transition for a more sustainable future.

Based on nine months of research and modelling, the report highlights how early adoption and integration of automation, digitalization, and electrification technologies to enable autonomous operations can deliver savings of over 300,000 tons of carbon emissions per annum for offshore sites (approximately 25 percent reduction).

This is the equivalent of removing 150,000 combustion cars from the road and is the same volume of CO2 responsible for five million tons of glacier mass lost each year. [Read more…] about 300,000 tons in carbon emissions ‘could be saved by autonomous oil and gas operations’

ABB launches its smallest industrial robot

by

ABB has launched its smallest ever industrial robot, offering new possibilities for faster, more flexible and high-quality production of wearable smart devices.

With its compact size, class-leading payload and unrivaled accuracy, the new IRB 1010 offers electronics manufacturers the opportunity to increase their production of devices including smart watches, earphones, sensors, and health trackers through automation.

Rui Liang, managing director of ABB Robotics’ electronics business line, says: “The market for wearable smart devices is accelerating rapidly, with projections estimating double digit growth between 2022 and 2028. [Read more…] about ABB launches its smallest industrial robot