experts

Universal Robots launches ‘world’s largest’ virtual conference for collaborative robots

May 28, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Universal Robots has launched what it describes as “the world’s largest virtual conference and exhibition for collaborative robots”.

Named “WeAreCobots”, the event will take place June 16-18, 2020, targeting a European audience with automation trend keynotes and an extensive range of product news and demonstrations in five different languages.

With Europe’s trade fair scene being turned upside down because of coronavirus and the resulting lockdowns, Universal Robots says it is breaking new ground. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches ‘world’s largest’ virtual conference for collaborative robots

How Robots Repair Aging Water Pipes

April 30, 2020 by Polly Leave a Comment

Robots are incredibly useful when working in hard-to-reach areas, such as the cramped confines of the municipal water pipes.

But robots can perform the tasks of accessing and repairing these water pipes without facing the challenges that humans usually do.

Many companies are already building robots that can function in areas that are not easily accessible to humans. [Read more…] about How Robots Repair Aging Water Pipes

Key Ways in Which InventHelp Can Assist New Inventors

October 2, 2019 by David Edwards

Have you ever had a great idea for an invention but given up because you had no idea what to do next?

Well, if so, don’t worry because you are one of many people who have done the same thing.

This does mean that lots of great ideas have gone to waste unnecessarily, as there is support and help out there for new inventors such as the support from InventHelp. [Read more…] about Key Ways in Which InventHelp Can Assist New Inventors

Autonomous vehicles simulator Applied Intuition raises $40 million in funding

September 19, 2019 by David Edwards

Applied Intuition, a provider of a simulation platform for autonomous vehicle development, has raised $40 million in Series B financing.

The funding round was led by General Catalyst with participation from Kleiner Perkins, M12 (Microsoft), Sozo Ventures, and La Famiglia.

Previous investors, Andreessen Horowitz, Lux Capital, and Floodgate, also participated in this round. [Read more…] about Autonomous vehicles simulator Applied Intuition raises $40 million in funding

European robotics organisation looking for external evaluators

June 3, 2019 by David Edwards

ESMERA, short for European SME Robotics Application, an EU-funded robotics organisation, is looking for external evaluators.

Within the robotics project ESMERA, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, a number of proposals are submitted by potential applicants.

To guarantee a neutral evaluation of these proposals, they are evaluated by a team of independent, external experts. [Read more…] about European robotics organisation looking for external evaluators

Microsoft developing new robotics platform

May 17, 2019 by David Edwards

Microsoft is developing what it describes as “an end-to-end toolchain to help make it easier for every developer and every organization to create autonomous systems for their own scenarios”.

The tech giant offered a glimpse into one of the components of the new robotics platform at the company’s recent Build conference for developers.

The “limited preview” talks about autonomous systems, motion control, machine teaching, and smart buildings and homes, among other things.

[Read more…]

UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

May 2, 2019 by Anna

United Technologies (UTC) has recently launched the advanced projects group within the company, which moves at speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators.

The group’s first product demonstrator is a hybrid-electric X-plane under the project name, Project 804.

The number “804” represents the straight-line mileage between the Pratt & Whitney facility in Longueuil, Québec, and the Collins Aerospace facility in Rockford, Illinois.

Opinion: Is digitalisation the key to remote plant operation?

June 8, 2017 by Sam Francis

By Eric Duchesne, SVP technology experts for Total, who will be addressing at the ERTC Ask the Experts conference in Cologne on 20-21 June

There have been many advances in the field of digitalisation in recent years.

As the industry moves towards remote operation it is plant optimisation and integrity management which will provide the tools to enhance safety and anticipate potential problems within the plant, ensuring that the right human assets and replacement parts are available when required.

Today, there’s lots of talk about big data, but before we start to consider how we use big data we can dramatically improve the performance of our plants through the more effective interpretation of data that already exists. We need to become proactive rather than reactive. [Read more…] about Opinion: Is digitalisation the key to remote plant operation?

Audi says autonomous cars could cut traffic accidents by 90 per cent

May 17, 2016 by Sam Francis

Autonomous and connected cars have the potential to reduce the number of traffic accidents by up to 90 percent, according to Audi’s chairman.

In a report about corporate responsibility, Professor Rupert Stadler says Audi will be making driving a car “much safer” in the future with the help of algorithms.

Prof Stadler says: “Piloted driving has the potential to cut the number of accidents and road deaths by up to 90 per cent in the long term.” [Read more…] about Audi says autonomous cars could cut traffic accidents by 90 per cent

Siemens provides close-up view of its electronics manufacturing plant, where the lines between human and robot workers are blurred

February 25, 2016 by Sam Francis

siemens robotic electronics factory — Picture: At Siemens’ Electronics Manufacturing Plant in Erlangen, Germany, the company has devised new concepts for highly flexible manufacturing systems using lightweight robots and 3D printers.

Simulation, 3D printing, lightweight robots – these are some of the innovative technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution – or Industry 4.0. And they are already a reality at Siemens’ Electronics Manufacturing Plant in Erlangen, Germany. A key reason for the success of this plant is that people and machines work hand in hand.

Schorsch assembles small converters. Hannes does the big ones; he inserts a fan and a heat sink in the housing and fastens them with four screws – several hundred times a day. When Hannes takes a break, Schorsch keeps on working unwaveringly.

When Hannes goes home, Schorsch goes on working. Hannes is a temporary factory worker. Schorsch is a lightweight robot. [Read more…] about Siemens provides close-up view of its electronics manufacturing plant, where the lines between human and robot workers are blurred