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Mitsubishi Electric to acquire Sharp factory to expand power device business

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Mitsubishi Electric has agreed to acquire buildings and land from Sharp Fukuyama Semiconductor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sharp Corporation located in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.

The acquired properties will serve as a new site where Mitsubishi Electric’s Power Device Works will process wafers for the manufacture of power semiconductors.

New production facilities scheduled to start up in November of next year will enable Mitsubishi Electric to expand its power device business. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to acquire Sharp factory to expand power device business

Fabric raises $110 million in new investment round backed by Kraft Heinz

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On-demand fulfillment services startup Fabric has raised an additional investment to its Series B round from Evolv Ventures, the investment arm of Kraft Heinz, one of the largest global food and beverage companies in the world.

Led by a team of food, startup, and venture capital veterans, Evolv Ventures is focused on strategic investments in emerging technologies across the food value chain.

Their undisclosed additional investment to the $110 million-dollar round is a resounding vote of confidence from a leading food tech investor and the iconic food company. [Read more…] about Fabric raises $110 million in new investment round backed by Kraft Heinz

Teradyne completes acquisition of AutoGuide Mobile Robots

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Teradyne has completed the acquisition of AutoGuide Mobile Robots, a leading supplier of high payload autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AutoGuide’s advanced products deliver easy deployment, improved safety, reduced costs and increased efficiency of industrial and warehouse material-handling operations.

Mark Jagiela, president and CEO of Teradyne, says: “AutoGuide’s safe, high-payload AMRs for the global forklift market provide a powerful, additional growth engine to Teradyne’s Industrial Automation group. [Read more…] about Teradyne completes acquisition of AutoGuide Mobile Robots

Doosan Robotics to open new US headquarters to expand distribution in the Americas

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Doosan Robotics, a manufacturer of collaborative robots, says it plans to establish its first US office in Buford, Georgia by the end of 2019 to accelerate its distribution efforts.

The new office will serve as the headquarters for sales, marketing, training, and customer service in the Americas.

Doosan produced the first generation of cobots in 2018 and immediately grew into multiple channels. The company quickly solidified its global presence with the help of its parent company, a large industrial conglomerate. [Read more…] about Doosan Robotics to open new US headquarters to expand distribution in the Americas

Mitsubishi Electric’s new plant in India to produce automotive products

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Mitsubishi Electric says it will start construction of a new plant on the premises of its subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric Automotive India in Gujarat, India.

The company’s new plant, along with one in Manesar, Haryana, will enable MEAI to expand its output of products such as motor-control units for electric power steering, exhaust gas recirculation valves and giant magnet-resistance sensors.

The demand for these components is expected to grow in line with increasing sales of vehicles offering enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in the Indian market. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric’s new plant in India to produce automotive products

UPS attains FAA’s first full approval for drone airline

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UPS subsidiary UPS Flight Forward says it has received the US government’s first full Part 135 Standard certification to operate a drone airline.

The company will initially expand its drone delivery service further to support hospital campuses around the country, and to provide solutions for customers beyond those in the healthcare industry.

UPS Flight Forward plans in the future to transport a variety of items for customers in many industries, and regularly fly drones beyond the operators’ visual line of sight. [Read more…] about UPS attains FAA’s first full approval for drone airline

GM to invest additional $20 million in Texas plant

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General Motors is investing an additional $20 million at Arlington Assembly to upgrade plant conveyors in preparation for the launch of GM’s new SUVs.

GM has invested more than $1.4 billion in Arlington Assembly since 2015 to build a new paint shop and for body shop and general assembly area upgrades.

The new upgrades at Arlington are scheduled to be completed next year.

[Read more…] about GM to invest additional $20 million in Texas plant

Hanwha Aerospace acquires US aircraft engine component manufacturer

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Hanwha Aerospace has signed a deal to fully acquire EDAC Technologies, an American aircraft engine component manufacturer. The deal is expected to be worth around USD 300 million, which will be finalised once negotiations are completed.

The Korean company made a preliminary bid for EDAC Technologies in April of 2019 and entered a period of due diligence before making a final offer.

EDAC Technologies is an aircraft engine component manufacturer based in Connecticut, with a workforce of 590 people. It recorded USD 150 million in revenue in 2018.

[Read more…] about Hanwha Aerospace acquires US aircraft engine component manufacturer

UPS upgrades European network with ‘highly automated’ Dutch superhub

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UPS has opened a new automated package sorting and delivery facility in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and improving its package delivery service for businesses.

The 27,000 square metre superhub is equipped with advanced technology that can sort up to 29,000 packages per hour, with the potential to expand to 40,000 per hour.

“Superhubs like this one are game changers and drive our European transborder connectivity, especially in the tech corridor where Eindhoven sits, the fastest growing part of the country where speed and reliability count,” said Nando Cesarone, President, UPS International.

[Read more…] about UPS upgrades European network with ‘highly automated’ Dutch superhub

CP Technologies claims to be ‘first’ rugged computer manufacturer to expand into full rack integration

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CP Technologies, a provider of ruggedized computers, is claiming to have become the “first” rugged computer manufacturer to expand into full rack integration. 

The company’s president and CEO, Mike McCormack, gave Robotics and Automation News an interview some time before the latest development in which he explained that the company’s background in the military is useful for the industrial and commercial markets. (See video below.)

For over 20 years, CP Technologies – formerly Chassis Plans – has been designing and manufacturing computers, servers, LCD displays, storage arrays, and human interface devices to defense and industrial customers. [Read more…] about CP Technologies claims to be ‘first’ rugged computer manufacturer to expand into full rack integration