Robotics & Automation News

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greenhouse

Komatsu to develop zero-emission vehicles for mining industry

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Komatsu says it will collaborate with its customers – most notably perhaps Rio Tinto – to develop “zero-emission equipment” solutions for the mining industry.

Komatsu, which is a leading supplier of mining vehicles, including an autonomous dump truck, says it plans to utilize electrification for the next generation of its offerings.

Working together to rapidly innovate in support of carbon reduction targets, Komatsu and several of its customers have formed the Komatsu Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Alliance. The founding members of the alliance are Rio Tinto, BHP, Codelco and Boliden. [Read more…] about Komatsu to develop zero-emission vehicles for mining industry

New AppHarvest funding round brings total to $150 million

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Indoor farming startup AppHarvest has raised $28 million in its latest funding round, bringing the total to $150 million.

As Bloomberg reports, AppHarvest is building “the world’s largest greenhouse” in Morehead, Kentucky in the US.

AppHarvest uses similar indoor farming techniques to those used by so-called “vertical farming” companies in that it can irrigate its crops using 90 percent less water than traditional farming techniques. [Read more…] about New AppHarvest funding round brings total to $150 million

5 ways robots are cleaning up the world’s oceans

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Written by Pippa Strickland from iDiveblue.com

Robotics have changed our lives in remarkable ways and when you consider the vastness of our oceans (which cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface), it makes sense that robotics is being harnessed to conduct research and preserve our ocean health.

From improving ship fuel efficiency to repopulating reefs and removing marine litter, here are five ways that robotic innovations are leading to a brighter future for our ocean-dwelling species. [Read more…] about 5 ways robots are cleaning up the world’s oceans

Denso invests in automated greenhouse provider Certhon Group

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Denso, one of the world’s largest advanced automotive technology suppliers, has invested in Certhon Group, a developer and builder of automated greenshouses.

Certhon operated mainly in Europe and the United States and will collaborate with Denso to expand its horticulture business in the global market, specifically by developing and providing automated greenhouse solutions.

While food demand increases as the global population continues to grow, the number of the agricultural population is decreasing due to demographic aging, unstable wages, and strict work environment. [Read more…] about Denso invests in automated greenhouse provider Certhon Group

BASF light stabiliser used to produce more durable greenhouse films in Vietnam

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BASF and Tân Hùng Cơ Masterbatch Manufacture Co. have teamed up to produce more durable greenhouse films.

Tân Hùng Cơ, a manufacturer of additive masterbatches for plastic films in Vietnam, is now using BASF’s plastic additive Tinuvin NOR 371 to increase durability and lifespan of plastic greenhouse films made from low density polyethylene.

With Tinuvin NOR 371, greenhouse films can withstand weathering for at least three to four years, says BASF.

[Read more…] about BASF light stabiliser used to produce more durable greenhouse films in Vietnam

That drug, man… it, like, uh, really ties the artificially intelligent, automated greenhouse together… you know?

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“I’m the Dude, so that’s what you call me. That or, uh, His Dudeness, or, uh, Duder, or El Duderino, if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.”

Dope, weed, grass, cannabis, marijuana, or even pot – if, like Hollywood superstar Jeff Bridges, you live in the 1970s and make classic stoner films like The Big Lebowski.

There are hundreds of words for what is probably the most widely used recreational drug in the world. It’s still illegal in much of the world, but some states in the US have taken what many see as an enlightened view and decided they would rather not spoil someone else’s rug, or take it away.  [Read more…] about That drug, man… it, like, uh, really ties the artificially intelligent, automated greenhouse together… you know?

Harvest Automation sells robotic warehouse business to focus on agriculture

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Harvest Automation has sold its robotic warehouse automation technology and business to focus on robotic material handling in a variety of agriculture markets.

Harvest developed what it says are “groundbreaking robotic systems” for e-commerce order fulfillment over the last year and a half.

The company had completed a small fleet of robots that demonstrated a three-fold increase in order picking efficiency.  [Read more…] about Harvest Automation sells robotic warehouse business to focus on agriculture