Robotics & Automation News

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Continental reveals its new virtual dashboard

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Automotive components and parts supplier Continental has unveiled its new virtual dashboard, saying it represents a “complete culture change”.

Continental will be formally launching what it calls its “Integrated Interior Platform” at the IAA 2019 in Frankfurt later this month.

As a high-performance computer, this comprehensive solution for software and hardware provides the basis for interaction between humans and vehicles in the connected cockpit of tomorrow – and at the highest level of quality. [Read more…] about Continental reveals its new virtual dashboard

Logic Supply launches ‘high-performance’ edge computing device

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Industrial and IoT computer hardware manufacturer Logic Supply has unveiled the Karbon 700 “high-performance rugged computer”.

Designed for reliability in challenging environments, Karbon 700 is intended for use as a data logger, NVR or edge device in heavy industrial, in-vehicle or remote installations in the manufacturing, physical security and energy management industries.

Murat Erdogan, Logic Supply VP of products, says: “The Edge continues to expand further out from the data center, placing increasingly challenging environmental demands on hardware. [Read more…] about Logic Supply launches ‘high-performance’ edge computing device

New Scale Robotics launches ‘first multi-tool mount system’ for smallest collaborative robots

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New Scale Robotics has launched what it says is “the first multi-tool mounting system for the smallest collaborative robots”.

The new NSR-MTM-3-URe Multi-Tool Mount (NSR-MTM) System allows users to mount and control up to three grippers or other tools on one Universal Robots (UR) e-Series cobot. [Read more…] about New Scale Robotics launches ‘first multi-tool mount system’ for smallest collaborative robots

DJI unveils the RoboMaster S1 educational robot 

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DJI, a leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, has taken a step into educational technology by launching the RoboMaster S1, the company’s first ground-based robot.

The S1 was built to introduce new users to the fun and possibilities of robotic technology, with brushless motors, a chassis that can move in all directions, a high-precision gimbal, and interactive modes for programming, play, and competition.

S1 users can assemble designated and custom hardware, learning to manoeuvre the rover, programming with Python or Scratch and competing with friends in multiple modes.

[Read more…] about DJI unveils the RoboMaster S1 educational robot 

General Motors unveils its digital vehicle platform

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General Motors has unveiled its all-new electronic platform for its next-generation of vehicles.

As the automotive industry and vehicles evolve in the next five to 10 years, more electrical bandwidth and connectivity will be needed to ensure that features such as electric propulsion systems, the Super Cruise driver assistance feature and advanced active safety systems can all run in conjunction with each other.

Debuting on the recently-unveiled 2020 Cadillac CT5 sedan, the electronic platform will go into production later this year and should be rolled out to most vehicles within GM’s global lineup by 2023.

[Read more…] about General Motors unveils its digital vehicle platform

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

BASF invests in quantum computing startup Zapata

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BASF Venture Capital is joining a group of prominent investors in the Series A investment round of Zapata Computing, Inc.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Zapata is developing both a powerful software platform as well as specific applications for Global 1000 companies to effectively use a range of emerging quantum computing hardware.

By investing in Zapata, BASF Venture Capital supports BASF’s strategic goal to take advantage of the opportunities that digitalisation offers along the entire value chain.

[Read more…] about BASF invests in quantum computing startup Zapata

Fujitsu begins production of post-K supercomputer

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Fujitsu Limited has announced that, working with RIKEN, it has completed the design of Post-K, the successor to the K supercomputer.

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is aiming to start the public service of Post-K around 2021 or 2022.

Fujitsu has now concluded an official contract with RIKEN to manufacture, ship, and install hardware for Post-K.

[Read more…] about Fujitsu begins production of post-K supercomputer

Formlabs launches new generation of 3D printers

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Formlabs, the designer and manufacturer of 3D printing systems, has launched two new advanced professional Low Force Stereolithography 3D printers to its hardware lineup: Form 3 and Form 3L.

LFS 3D printing is an advanced form of stereolithography (SLA) that delivers consistently flawless parts.

The LFS process uses a flexible tank to drastically reduce the forces of the peel process, providing incredible surface finish and detail, and linear illumination to deliver accurate, repeatable parts.

[Read more…] about Formlabs launches new generation of 3D printers

Robotic toymaker Anki to close down

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Anki, a startup company which made robotic toy cars and trucks, is planning to close its doors, according to a report on the Recode website.

The company had raised more than $200 million in funding for the venture, and generated $100 million in revenue in 2017, but is now making all of its 200 employees redundant.

In a statement to Recode, the company says that it had been left “without significant funding” which meant it could not finance its hardware and software development plans going forward.

[Read more…] about Robotic toymaker Anki to close down