Robotics & Automation News

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Toyota Research Institute and Stanford Engineering achieve ‘world’s first’ fully autonomous tandem drift sequence

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Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and Stanford Engineering have demonstrated what they say is “a world first” in driving research: autonomously drifting two cars in tandem.

For nearly seven years, the teams have collaborated on research to make driving safer. The experiments automate a motorsports maneuver called “drifting”, where a driver precisely controls a vehicle’s direction after breaking traction by spinning the rear tires – a skill transferable to recovering from a slide on snow or ice.

By adding a second car drifting in tandem, the teams have now more closely simulated dynamic conditions where cars must respond quickly to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. [Read more…] about Toyota Research Institute and Stanford Engineering achieve ‘world’s first’ fully autonomous tandem drift sequence

Fives automates Carrefour’s order picking platform in Bourges

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French grocery and retail giant Carrefour has entrusted Fives, an industrial engineering group that has been active in intralogistics for over 50 years, with the automation of its new order-picking platform in Bourges, France.

This logistics platform, which was inaugurated on May 28, 2024, is part of Carrefour’s transformation plan and provides fresh produce to its stores in eleven departments in central France. [Read more…] about Fives automates Carrefour’s order picking platform in Bourges

Exploring the Future of Robotics Through Advanced Online Education

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The field of robotics and automation is reshaping many industries, ushering in a pressing need for experts skilled in the latest technological developments.

Institutions like Kettering University Online are responding to this need by offering specialized online Masters in automotive engineering programs and lean manufacturing, which is aimed at preparing students for careers where technology and human expertise intersect.

The importance of advanced online education in the field of robotics cannot be overstated. As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, professionals need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive in their careers. [Read more…] about Exploring the Future of Robotics Through Advanced Online Education

JHFOSTER acquires HTE Technologies

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John Henry Foster Minnesota (JHFOSTER), a strategic collection of engineers, support and service teams, compressed air experts, and automation and robotics solutions provider, has acquired HTE Technologies, an automation supplier operating in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.

To be run as an independent division of JHFOSTER, the company will continue to serve its existing customer base, operate under its existing brand, and remain at its headquarters in St Louis.

This acquisition accelerates JHFOSTER’s ongoing expansion in the manufacturing and automation industry and will bring numerous benefits to customers and employees of both entities. [Read more…] about JHFOSTER acquires HTE Technologies

Boston University celebrates grand opening of its Robotics & Autonomous Systems Teaching & Innovation Center

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An autonomous robot cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of Boston University’s $8.8 million Robotics & Autonomous Systems Teaching & Innovation Center (RASTIC).

Held March 4th, the grand opening included talks from state, industry and university leadership; facility tours; and 16 student demonstrations of robotic projects, spanning smart cities, medical robotics, drones, autonomous driving, smart home applications, and more.

In development over the past year, RASTIC brings together academia and industry to develop the next-generation competitive robotics and autonomous systems workforce. [Read more…] about Boston University celebrates grand opening of its Robotics & Autonomous Systems Teaching & Innovation Center

International work puts robot avatars on the move 

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The term “avatar” might be most familiar as a picture used on social media, but in the technology world, it can mean much more. 

When James Cameron’s hit movie “Avatar” came to theaters in 2009, it introduced a concept already cooking in the technology community: for a connected operator to be able to fully remotely opperate the movements of a robot.

In the movie, the robots were biological, but the technology in the real world is connected to more traditional robots with circuits and computers. These also are called avatars.  [Read more…] about International work puts robot avatars on the move 

Lafayette Engineering: Pioneering in Advanced Sortation Systems

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In the fast-paced realm of warehouse management and material handling, Lafayette Engineering is a prominent leader, specializing in sophisticated sortation systems.

These systems are essential in logistics, where they identify and accurately direct items on conveyor belts to their intended destinations. This process, driven by a variety of devices and specialized software, is key to ensuring material handling is both efficient and precise.

Businesses often face significant challenges in sorting products for market delivery. Lafayette Engineering’s sortation systems are vital in this aspect, segregating products into different lanes that lead to various destinations. [Read more…] about Lafayette Engineering: Pioneering in Advanced Sortation Systems

Understanding Social Engineering and 5 Ways to Combat it

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Cybersecurity has two broad sources of breaches: the human element and the technical element. Technical elements involve loopholes or vulnerabilities in an application, network, program, and so on. On the other hand, the human element involves errors and insecure practices on a user’s part.

Social engineering is a strategy employed by attackers to precipitate security mistakes. They use human psychology to trick web users into revealing sensitive information or granting access.

As such, they capitalize on the human element to compromise cybersecurity. Read on to learn how cybercriminals use social engineering and how to defeat it. [Read more…] about Understanding Social Engineering and 5 Ways to Combat it

SafeAI and Obayashi unveil electric, autonomous construction haul truck

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Companies set stage for a “safer, more sustainable future” with the first retrofitted autonomous, zero-emission haul truck

SafeAI, a developer of autonomous heavy equipment, and Obayashi, one of Japan’s largest construction companies, have unveiled a “first-of-its-kind” retrofit zero-emission, autonomous haul truck.

The Caterpillar 725 is the first haul truck retrofitted with autonomous and electrification technology. This is a breakthrough in heavy industry that paves the way for companies to reuse their existing assets while improving operations and enabling them to reach their sustainability goals.

Heavy industry companies have grappled with safety, productivity, and cost challenges for years. As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments gained prominence in recent years, sustainability has also emerged as a top concern. [Read more…] about SafeAI and Obayashi unveil electric, autonomous construction haul truck

Sheet Metal Fabrication: Crafting Precision with Expert Finishing Services

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Sheet metal fabrication, a testament to the ingenuity of human engineering, stands as a cornerstone in the world of manufacturing.

This versatile and widely-used process involves the meticulous manipulation of metal sheets, transforming them into the building blocks of countless industries.

From the automotive sector’s precision-engineered components to the artistry of architectural elements that grace our cities, and even the humblest household appliances that make our lives easier, sheet metal plays an indispensable role in shaping our modern world. [Read more…] about Sheet Metal Fabrication: Crafting Precision with Expert Finishing Services