environments

Boston Dynamics now selling its robot dog for $75,000 each

June 29, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Boston Dynamics, creator of humanoid and canine robots that have caused primal fear on a global scale, is now selling its robot dog for $75,000 each.

The company has launched commercial sales for Spot, the agile robot that climbs stairs and traverses rough terrain with ease.

The exact price per unit of the clever little canine is $74,500 and it can be bought through Boston Dynamics’ online shop. Discounts are probably available for multiple purchases. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics now selling its robot dog for $75,000 each

Coronavirus pandemic causing grocers to invest in robotics, says report

June 12, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

The coronavirus pandemic is causing grocers to invest more in robotics, according to a study published by the Retail Analytics Council ahead of the Retail Robotics and AI Conference.

The RAC retail robotics research report, Emerging Trends in Retail Robotics, says the Covid-19 outbreak gives grocers an additional reason to use robots in retail – “to assist with customer and employee safety”.

However, the industry was already expanding its use of robots, notes the RAC in its report. [Read more…] about Coronavirus pandemic causing grocers to invest in robotics, says report

Mitsubishi Electric develops ‘co-operative AI’ for human-machine work

June 4, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric says it has developed a cooperative artificial intelligence technology that it says “enhances work collaboration between humans and machines”.

The system uses something Mitsubishi calls “inverse reinforcement learning”, or IRL, to learn and imitate the actions of skilled workers.

IRL, one of the key features of Mitsubishi Electric’s “Maisart AI” technology, enables machines to imitate human-like actions based on relatively small amounts of data. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric develops ‘co-operative AI’ for human-machine work

Septentrio launches ‘ultra-precise’ positioning system for high-volume applications

April 13, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

Septentrio, a manufacturer of high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, is starting high-volume production of mosaic-X5, its next-generation multi-constellation and multi-band receiver module.

Featuring the latest GNSS technology, mosaic-X5 brings centimeter-level positioning to technologies such as robotics, automation, smart wearables and telematics among others.

Its small form factor and low-power design makes high-performance positioning accessible to volume applications. [Read more…] about Septentrio launches ‘ultra-precise’ positioning system for high-volume applications

Cincoze launches new fanless embedded computer

January 28, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Cincoze, a manufacturer of embedded systems, has launched the P2100 Series, including P2102 and P2102E.

The P2102 is a slim, fanless, embedded computer with the P2102E offering greater expandability.

Supporting Cincoze’s innovative modular design, the P2100 Series can also work as a panel PC when combined with various Cincoze display modules. [Read more…] about Cincoze launches new fanless embedded computer

When it comes to wireless transmission, power must catch up with data in Industry 4.0

January 26, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

By Paul Wiener, VP strategic marketing, GaN Systems

With the proliferation of robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensors – the increasingly intelligent industrial environments of today are barely recognizable when compared to the assembly lines introduced 100 years ago.

This is true – with one important exception. In some of the most advanced factory and warehouse spaces, power-reliant hardware devices are still plugged into a fixed electrical outlet to operate or charge.

So while data transmission has successfully evolved from wired to wireless, this is only beginning to be true for power. [Read more…] about When it comes to wireless transmission, power must catch up with data in Industry 4.0

ABB launches new robot and controller

January 9, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

ABB is introducing a new harsh environment version of its IRB 1100 robot and OmniCore controller, designed with enhanced protection against water and dust.

The entire body of the new IRB 1100 model has an IP67 rating, with all electrical components sealed against contaminants.

This makes it resistant to water and provides the robot with “complete protection from dust ingress”, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches new robot and controller

Grote demonstrates robotic sandwich-making system

December 13, 2019 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

A company called Grote has demonstrated a robotic sandwich-making system which it developed in partnership with Stäubli Robotics. (See video below.)

Grote is a manufacturer of food processing equipment and the system it showcased at the International Baking Industry Exposition is said to be feature “robotic food contact for the first time in America”.

Grote’s systems shows how it utilizes Stäubli’s TX2-60 HE robotic arms to assemble sandwiches, cut them, and place them on trays. [Read more…] about Grote demonstrates robotic sandwich-making system

ExRobotics and Yokogawa to develop robotics for inspection of hazardous environments

October 22, 2019 by Mai Tao

ExRobotics and Yokogawa Electric have signed a licensing agreement that will enable Yokogawa to sell and deploy ExRobotics’ inspection robot hardware and software platforms worldwide.

ExRobotics is a Netherlands-based developer of robotics technology for hazardous environments, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation is a global provider of industrial automation, control, and measurement technology.

ExRobotics was established in 2017 to commercialise robotics technology for use in the potentially explosive atmospheres found at oil and gas production and processing facilities, which are often in remote locations with harsh environments. [Read more…] about ExRobotics and Yokogawa to develop robotics for inspection of hazardous environments

Realtime Robotics raises $18 million Series A funding

October 17, 2019 by Sam Francis

Realtime Robotics, a provider of responsive motion planning for industrial robots and autonomous vehicles, says it has raised $11.7 million in Series A funding.

The round was led by Sparx Asset Management, and included participation from Mitsubishi Electric, Hyundai, and Omron Ventures, alongside existing investors Toyota AI Ventures, Scrum Ventures, and the Duke Angel Network.

The new capital will be used to accelerate the development of more commercial product releases and expand the team to support key customers and partners across the globe. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics raises $18 million Series A funding