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Solar power revolution ‘unavoidable’ in Asia, says industry expert

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REC solar panel manufacturing plant in Singapore
A robot operates at a production line during a tour of an REC solar panel manufacturing plant in Singapore. Reuters / Edgar Su

By Henning Gloystein and Vera Eckert, Reuters

Investors are increasingly excited about the prospects for much faster growth in the solar power industry in Southeast Asia, which has until now been a backwater for renewable energy.

They say that the region is in a perfect position to benefit from rapidly declining prices in solar panels. It has strong economic growth, relatively high costs of electricity and a shortage from traditional sources, undeveloped infrastructure in more remote areas, plenty of sunshine, and backing for more renewable energy from many of Southeast Asia’s governments.

“Dramatically falling costs for solar energy technologies means businesses and governments are choosing renewable energy not for environmental reasons but for economic ones,” said Roberto De Vido, spokesman for Singapore-based Equis, one of Asia’s biggest green energy-focused investment firms with $2.7 billion in committed capital. “It simply makes good business sense. And that’s a trend that’s not going to change.”  [Read more…] about Solar power revolution ‘unavoidable’ in Asia, says industry expert

Microtechnology exhibition to showcase innovations in watchmaking and medicine

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epjh entrance

It’s not one of the most famous exhibitions in the world, and not the biggest, but that’s probably appropriate for EPHJ, because it’s all about small things, or – more accurately – what’s called the “microtechnology” sector. 

Microtechnology includes such things as watchmaking, jewellery making, and precision instrumentation for medicine, all of which are relatively large business sectors in Switzerland, where EPHJ is being held, on 20-23 June 2017 – Geneva, to be exact.

Now in its 16th year, the event is described as “an unmissable event for high-precision manufacturers, with exhibitors from the worlds of watchmaking and jewellery, microtechnology and medtech”.  [Read more…] about Microtechnology exhibition to showcase innovations in watchmaking and medicine

Universal Robots delivers high double-digit growth again

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Jürgen von Hollen, the new president of Universal Robots
Jürgen von Hollen, president of Universal Robots

Universal Robots has continued its rapid expansion worldwide with a growth rate of 62 per cent from 2015 to 2016.

The company that pioneered and commercialised collaborative robot technology continues to leverage its first mover advantage and market leadership position.

Cage-free, user-friendly collaborative robots of all sizes have now become the market driver within industrial robotics.

The 2016 annual result of Universal Robots is a testament to that market growth, with revenue reaching $98.4 million and delivering a profit of $13.7 million before tax.

President of Universal Robots, Jürgen von Hollen, considers net income to be satisfactory and expects revenue growth of 50 per cent or greater in 2017, which means that the company will stay on target to reach $148.6 million by the end of 2017. [Read more…] about Universal Robots delivers high double-digit growth again

MiR reports 500 per cent growth in sales of logistics robots

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Mobile Industrial Robots, a developer and manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, claims it has seen “an astounding 500 percent growth in sales” in 2016, with over 200 MiR100 robots and accessories installed in more than 30 countries.

The company says it has an “ambitious” plan, and has recently expanded its global presence, establishing regional offices in New York and Shanghai.

With substantial increases in hiring in 2016, MiR also tripled the size of its Denmark headquarters, relocating to a new location that will support its ongoing expansion.

In 2017, the front-runner expects to further consolidate its leadership position with a new product that will be launched in Chicago on April 3, 2017 at Automate, North America’s largest automation trade show. [Read more…] about MiR reports 500 per cent growth in sales of logistics robots

Global collaborative robotics market forecast to grow to $95 billion in seven years

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The worldwide collaborative robot market is expected to be worth $95 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Transparency Market Research.

Companies in the global collaborative robot market are focused on the acquisition of smaller and local automation companies to expand their operations, says Transparency.

Leading companies such as ABB, Kuka, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Robert Bosch are expected to launch products in the coming years to fulfil the requirement of their clientele in the several end-user industries.  [Read more…] about Global collaborative robotics market forecast to grow to $95 billion in seven years

The effect of industrial espionage on economic growth

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spy camera

In an interesting article on The Diplomat website, the question is asked, “How does industrial espionage affect economic growth?” 

The article is based on a study by Erik Meyersson, an assistant professor at Stockholm School of Economics, who teamed up with Albrecht Glitz, an associate professor at Pompeu Fabra University.

The two academics analysed almost 200,000 informant reports in the old East German Ministry for State Security, otherwise known as the Stasi.  [Read more…] about The effect of industrial espionage on economic growth

Automotive industrial robot market forecast to reach $8 billion within four years

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industrial robots

Industrial robots are in high demand in the automotive sector, and a research company is saying the market will grow to beyond $8 billion by 2021. 

In the report published by MarketsandMarkets, the market was estimated to be $5.07 billion in 2016, and is projected to grow to $8.44 billion by 2021, at a growth rate of 10.74 per cent.  [Read more…] about Automotive industrial robot market forecast to reach $8 billion within four years

Hannover Messe: And Polska has won it!

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Poland is this year’s partner country for Hannover Messe, the world’s most influential industrial trade show. 

Last year’s partner country was USA, and President Barack Obama was the guest of honour. The year before that, it was India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcomed as usual by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

So, following on from the one of the world’s most populous nations, and then the world’s most powerful, Poland and its leaders have a lot to live up to. [Read more…] about Hannover Messe: And Polska has won it!

Industrial Vision Systems relocates to ‘fulfil ambitious expansion plans’

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ivs harwell relocation

Company is expecting “year on year double digit growth” in machine vision, robotics and artificial intelligence over the next decade

Industrial Vision Systems, a supplier of machine vision solutions to industries including automotive, medical devices, electronics, food and drink, and packaging, has relocated into a new facility – custom designed to its own specification – in order to fulfil its ambitious expansion plans.

Having grown “significantly” over the course of the past 16 years, Industrial Vision Systems has now made the move to its brand new 10,000 sq ft premises at the prestigious Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire which will allow it to grow further and capitalise on new, emerging markets.

The relocation presents a new phase of business for IVS. The company is fully expecting year on year double digit growth in machine vision and robotics on the manufacturing floor over the next decade. [Read more…] about Industrial Vision Systems relocates to ‘fulfil ambitious expansion plans’

Metal belts are driving robotics industry growth, says metal belts company

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belt technologies belts-drivetape

Belt Technologies, which claims to be the leading provider of stainless steel belts, drive tapes, and conveyor systems, says metal belts are driving the growth in the robotics industry.

Recently, the company says it has seen an increase in the number of OEMS in the robotics industry seeking metal drive tapes and belts for their automated equipment.

Belt Technology’s president, Alan Wosky, says: “Robotic technology typically requires a high level of precision and cleanliness.  [Read more…] about Metal belts are driving robotics industry growth, says metal belts company