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Geekplus launches its first robotic automation project in South Africa

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Geekplus, one of the world’s largest providers of warehouse robotics and automation solutions, has launched its first project in South Africa in collaboration with its partner European Conveyors and Components (ECC) for the country’s online retailer, Takealot.

The innovative initiative introduces a large fleet of intelligent sorting robots to Takealot’s Johannesburg facility, setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency, ergonomics, and employee satisfaction in the logistics sector.

This is Geekplus’ first project in South Africa marking a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the evolution of robotics in African logistics. It also means the 40th country in the world in which we have at least one project implemented. [Read more…] about Geekplus launches its first robotic automation project in South Africa

European Space Agency to test animal brain autonomy for future space missions

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Opteran works with Airbus to show how nature can revolutionize space robotics

Opteran, which describes itself as ‘the natural intelligence company”, says that Airbus Defence and Space, with support from European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency, will test the Opteran Mind, its general purpose neuromorphic software, in Airbus space rovers.

Opteran believes nature offers a more efficient, robust solution for autonomy in space robotics which will enable new mission capabilities for future Mars missions and other space exploration projects.

Based on over a decade of research into animal and insect vision, navigation and decision-making, Opteran is conducting tests with Airbus at its Mars Yard to enable rovers to understand depth perception in the toughest off-world environments.

[Read more…] about European Space Agency to test animal brain autonomy for future space missions

The Advantages of Outsourcing to Romania and Eastern European Countries

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Amidst the ever-changing business environment, outsourcing has become a vital strategy for companies aiming to streamline operations, access specialized skills, and enhance competitiveness.

This strategic approach knows no bounds, as businesses increasingly leverage outsourcing to secure cost-effective solutions and tap into specialized expertise beyond their usual operational scope.

One region that has emerged as a prominent destination for outsourcing is Eastern Europe, with Romania standing out as a particularly attractive option. [Read more…] about The Advantages of Outsourcing to Romania and Eastern European Countries

Economy in transition: Challenges and opportunities for European industry in 2024

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Looking ahead to 2024: a year full of challenges for the European economy, but also lucrative opportunities. How companies can master the wave of change and discover new opportunities for growth and efficiency with clever digitalisation and automation as well as the smart use of used machinery.

In 2023, the European economy was heavily impacted by external challenges such as high energy prices, inflation and the ongoing effects of global tensions. These factors led to general uncertainty and a dampened willingness to invest. The wood and metal market, central to many industries, was particularly affected by the price explosion.

In 2024, companies will continue to be confronted with the effects of global political tensions, which are reflected in economic uncertainties. The availability and cost of supplies and market stability will also suffer. [Read more…] about Economy in transition: Challenges and opportunities for European industry in 2024

European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

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Otto Group, one of the largest online retailers in Europe, is entering into a long-term strategic partnership with Covariant, an AI robotics company. 

Covariant’s AI-powered robots will be used to automate a wide range of manual fulfilment activities that require hand-eye coordination and object manipulation – supporting Otto Group to enhance services for its customers and to take another important step towards a digitalized and AI-driven future.

The Otto Group will deploy Covariant robots to increase operational efficiency, build resilience against labour market challenges, and improve the overall quality of work within their fulfilment centres. [Read more…] about European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

Earth Day 2023: Reckless international trade destroying entire world’s forests

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Land area the size of Europe deforested in 10 years

Nearly one-third of the world’s deforested land is a consequence of international trade, underscoring the importance of addressing imported deforestation in the context of global political and economic concerns.

The International Tropical Timber Technical Association (ATIBT) is a distinguished organization with a rich history in biodiversity conservation.

Its primary mission is to combat deforestation by advocating for the protection and restoration of tropical forests, which are crucial for mitigating CO2 emissions. [Read more…] about Earth Day 2023: Reckless international trade destroying entire world’s forests

Comau developing new mobile robot solution for three EU projects

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Comau is designing a “powerful mobile robotics platform” as part of an open, highly collaborative production environment, in the context of three different European Projects.

The integrated solution, which leverages Comau’s proven expertise in IoT-enabled technologies and collaborative robotics, is a natural evolution of the company’s automated workflow optimization systems.

Modular, scalable and completely re-configurable, the platform can be easily adapted to different applications without changing the system’s underlying software or hardware architecture. [Read more…] about Comau developing new mobile robot solution for three EU projects

ACC picks Segula to help build three gigafactories in Europe

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The European automotive market is rapidly electrifying, and the need for batteries to equip vehicles is increasing.

According to the European Commission, demand will increase 12-fold between 2018 and 2030.

This is a revolution for the sector, which is now relying on reindustrialisation and the development of a battery ecosystem sized to ensure the necessary production on the European continent.

This challenge has been taken up by Automotive Cells Company, a company operating in the world of battery technology for electric vehicles, which has selected Segula Technologies, which designs and implements industrial projects, to support it in its plans for three gigafactories dedicated to the production of cells and modules for electric vehicles. [Read more…] about ACC picks Segula to help build three gigafactories in Europe

ABB survey reveals re-industrialization ‘at risk’ from global education gap in automation

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A global ABB survey has revealed a growing trend in US and European businesses towards re-shoring or nearshoring operations to build resilience in the face of global challenges – but at the same time, a significant education gap in the skills necessary for these strategies to succeed.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation Business, says: “The world is constantly evolving – businesses are shifting existing structures and adopting new technologies to future-proof their operations for a variety of challenges and uncertainties, with robotic automation playing a key role.

“We need significant investment in continuous education to prepare our existing and future workforce to thrive in an age of robotics and automation, important not only to prepare for the widespread shifts we are seeing, but to create prosperous societies going forward.” [Read more…] about ABB survey reveals re-industrialization ‘at risk’ from global education gap in automation

European Commission launches online ‘meeting point’ for robotics community

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The European Commission has launched a “meeting point” for the online robotics community.

TheEC says its European hub makes it possible to explore “non-technical aspects of robotics that impact society and our lives”.

Robospot: The Responsible Robotics Knowledge Hub is a platform created within the Robotics4EU project, free and open to anyone. [Read more…] about European Commission launches online ‘meeting point’ for robotics community