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Volvo invests in autonomous car software developer Apex

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Volvo Group Venture Capital has invested in Apex.AI, a developer of software for autonomous cars and mobility.

Volvo says the investment will fund the development of a “safety-certified software framework for autonomous systems”.

Apex, a Palo Alto, California-based company founded in 2017, is building an automotive-grade version of Robot Operating System, an established open source software framework commonly used in robotics and autonomous systems research. [Read more…] about Volvo invests in autonomous car software developer Apex

Piab Group claims to be ‘global leader in ergonomic handling solutions’ after TAWI acquisition

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Piab Group now claims to be the “global leader in ergonomic handling solutions” after its acquisition of the TAWI Group.

Piab Group entered into the agreement to acquire TAWI Group recently. TAWI is a manufacturer of smart lifting solutions with global reach.

Total 2019 sales for TAWI is expected to reach 340 million Swedish krona, which is about $36 million. [Read more…] about Piab Group claims to be ‘global leader in ergonomic handling solutions’ after TAWI acquisition

Broman Group selects Swisslog as its automation partner

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Automotive parts supplier Broman Group has appointed Swisslog to provide automation at its Logistics center in Kerava, Finland.

The new contract includes upgrading existing automation, the design and delivey of new automation, and also a SynQ, Swisslog’s warehouse management system, to orchestrate the entire warehouse solution.

The logistics center will be rolled out using a phased approach, with the first go-live in early 2020. [Read more…] about Broman Group selects Swisslog as its automation partner

GROUND unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

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GROUND has unveiled a new autonomous collaborative robot that will start selling in Japan at the end of 2019.

The autonomous mobile robot was exhibited at the Daiwa House Group booth at the “1st Kansai Logistics Exhibition” held at INTEX Osaka recently.

GROUND is jointly researching and developing the machine jointly with China’s leading robot company HIT Robot Group. [Read more…] about GROUND unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

NXP unveils new chip to turn smartphones into car keys

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NXP Semiconductors, the world’s largest provider of automotive semiconductors, has added to its UWB portfolio with a new automotive UWB integrated circuit, or chip.

UWB provides precise, secure, real-time localization capabilities unrivaled by other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

The technology is designed to give spatial awareness to UWB-equipped cars, mobiles, and other smart devices, to enable cars to know exactly where the users are. [Read more…] about NXP unveils new chip to turn smartphones into car keys

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

Volkswagen strengthens new software business unit

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Volkswagen strengthens its Car.Software business unit with its group responsibility for in-car software.

Starting January 1, 2020, the Car.Software organization will operate as an in-dependent business unit.

As a VW company, the Car.Software organization will centralize the associates and subsidiaries within the Group that develop car software and software for the digital ecosystems. [Read more…] about Volkswagen strengthens new software business unit

BMW orders €10 billion of battery cells for its 25 models of electric car

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BMW has placed orders for around €10 billion worth of battery cells for its planned line-up of 25 electric car models by 2023

The BMW Group is forging ahead with electromobility and deepening its existing business relationships with battery cell manufacturers Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and Samsung SDI.

The original CATL order volume of €4 billion agreed in mid-2018 will now be increased to €7.3 billion (contract duration from 2020 to 2031), with €4.5 billion for the BMW Group and €2.8 billion for the Chinese production site of the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture in Shenyang.

The BMW Group is the first customer of the CATL battery cell plant currently under construction in Erfurt, Germany. [Read more…] about BMW orders €10 billion of battery cells for its 25 models of electric car

Dover and Burke Porter partner to develop ‘first-ever’ automated ADAS calibration system

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Superlarge diversified global manufacturer Dover Corporation and Burke Porter Group, a supplier of testing and assembly systems, are partnering to develop “Mosaic”, which they say is the “first-ever” automated calibration system for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

ADAS is the umbrella term referring a number of technologies which give cars and other vehicles certain features that make them more automated or autonomous. Examples include collision avoidance, autonomous braking in emergencies, self-parking, and cruise control.

The specific Dover business unit involved in the partnership is Chief Collision Technology, formerly known as Chief Automotive Technology and part of VSG and Dover. [Read more…] about Dover and Burke Porter partner to develop ‘first-ever’ automated ADAS calibration system

Volkswagen initiates system changeover to e-mobility as production of the ID.3 starts

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Volkswagen has initiated a system changeover to electric mobility as production of the ID.3 starts in Zwickau

Volkswagen’s electric offensive is picking up speed: This months sees the official start of series production of the ID.3.

The first car in the new generation of electric vehicles (EVs) – a white ID.3 – rolled off the assembly line watched by Federal Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel and Group CEO Dr Herbert Diess.

The Volkswagen Group aims to sell some 22 million EVs worldwide by 2028, helping EVs make the breakthrough to the mainstream. [Read more…] about Volkswagen initiates system changeover to e-mobility as production of the ID.3 starts