Robotics & Automation News

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DeepRoute.ai launches $1,000 ‘map-free’ self-driving solution

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DeepRoute.ai, developer of the first production-ready autonomous driving solution, has launched its new Driver 3.0 solution, which the company describes as “the latest advance to achieving full autonomous driving and widespread commercialization”.

DeepRoute.ai is among the first to successfully complete HD map-free self-driving public road tests, thus breaking limitations created by geo-fencing. It is also among the first to win a production contract from automotive manufacturers to produce autonomous vehicles for consumer use.

DeepRoute.ai’s Driver 3.0 includes two versions of its self-driving solutions for automakers. D-PRO, with a hardware cost of $2,000, includes HD map-free operation and features like valet park assist (VPA) and point-to-point navigation on all roads without operational design domain (ODD) restrictions. [Read more…] about DeepRoute.ai launches $1,000 ‘map-free’ self-driving solution

Smart actuators help robot valets optimize high-volume automobile storage and retrieval

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Before a newly manufactured car is delivered to a dealership, it typically joins thousands of others in a large storage lot where it can sit for days or even months.

Managing these lots requires many manual, time-intensive tasks: attendants must start each car, park it safely in a designated area, keep track of its location and be able to access it easily for distribution when needed.

Vehicle remarketers, airports, auto rental services and many other businesses that require high-volume auto storage and easy retrieval share these same issues. Ultimately, manual auto parking results in inefficient space and labour utilization, risk of accident and injury to attendants, and burning of fuel. [Read more…] about Smart actuators help robot valets optimize high-volume automobile storage and retrieval

Mercedes-Benz receives ‘world’s first internationally valid system approval’ for conditionally automated driving

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Mercedes-Benz says it has become the first automotive company in the world to meet the demanding legal requirements of UN-R157 for a Level 3 system.

The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has granted system approval for this on the basis of the technical approval regulation UN-R157, thus paving the way for offering such a system internationally, provided that national legislation allows it.

Germany has taken a pioneering role in this with the opening of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) for Level 3 systems in 2017. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz receives ‘world’s first internationally valid system approval’ for conditionally automated driving

Omron launches new autonomous mobile robot

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Omron Automation Americas has launched the HD-1500 autonomous mobile robot, which it says can handle bulky objects weighing up to 1500 kg. (See video below.)

This addition to Omron’s robotics portfolio comes after the LD-250 mobile robot launch and further expands manufacturers’ options for autonomous material transport.

Manufacturers are facing a growing need to automate their material handling operations due to an industrial demand for increased productivity and flexibility coinciding with challenges in finding and properly utilizing skilled workers. [Read more…] about Omron launches new autonomous mobile robot

Infineon and Synopsys partner to develop AI chips for automotive applications

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Artificial intelligence and neural networks are becoming a key factor in developing safer, smart and eco-friendly cars.

In order to support AI-driven solutions with its future automotive microcontrollers, Infineon Technologies has started a collaboration with Synopsys.

Next generation Aurix microcontrollers from Infineon will integrate a new high-performance AI accelerator called Parallel Processing Unit (PPU) that will employ Synopsys’ DesignWare ARC EV Processor IP. [Read more…] about Infineon and Synopsys partner to develop AI chips for automotive applications

GM to invest $150 million in Flint truck assembly plant

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General Motors has announced the second major expansion of its full-size pickup production capacity this year: a $150 million investment at Flint Assembly to increase production of the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups.

This news follows GM’s announcement last month to expand light-duty, full-size pickup production capacity in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in response to strong customer demand.

GM has invested more than $1.6 billion in the Flint Assembly since 2013, enabling an increase in the truck plant’s production capacity of the all-new Chevrolet and GMC HD pickups by about 40,000 vehicles annually, including more crew cab models and diesels. [Read more…] about GM to invest $150 million in Flint truck assembly plant