Robotics & Automation News

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Plus Automation wins its first robotics-as-a-service contract

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Logistics and supply chain technology startup Plus Automation has won its first robotics-as-a-service contract with Jun Co, a Japanese company with diversified interests including fashion, food and fitness products. 

The company was jointly established in June 2019 and is 60 per cent owned by Mitsui, a Japanese conglomerate, and GLP Japan, said to be the largest Japanese logistics company but also has real estate and other interests.

The contract between Plus and Jun consists of a standard annual subscription together with the option to add robots when cargo volumes increase, making it “a highly convenient service package”, says Plus. [Read more…] about Plus Automation wins its first robotics-as-a-service contract

Nokia unveils 120 Industry 4.0 networking customers

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Nokia says it has deployed private wireless networks for more than 120 customers across multiple industries and geographies, helping its enterprise customers take advantage of Industry 4.0 innovation.

Unleashing the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies such as cloud, IoT, AI and machine learning, Nokia’s private LTE/4.9G and 5G wireless networking solutions have established a global marketplace footprint across energy, transportation, public sector, manufacturing and logistics.

Kathrin Buvac, president of Nokia Enterprise, says: “Enterprise customers who invest in Industry 4.0 today will gain a clear competitive advantage over those who choose to wait. [Read more…] about Nokia unveils 120 Industry 4.0 networking customers

Honeywell equips Middle East Airlines with new cockpit tech

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Honeywell has signed a selection agreement with Middle East Airlines, the national flag-carrier airline of Lebanon, to provide cockpit technologies to support the airline’s new fleet of 19 aircraft.

The deal, which includes four of Airbus’ latest variant, the A321XLR, will see Honeywell provide its latest full avionics suite to help Middle East Airlines maximize safety and ensure regulatory compliance.

Middle East Airlines’ (MEA) purchase of Airbus aircraft includes 11 A321NEOs, four A330NEOs and four A321XLRs, the latest evolution of the successful A321NEO aircraft. [Read more…] about Honeywell equips Middle East Airlines with new cockpit tech

Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

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Rockwell Automation and Accenture’s Industry X.0 are teaming up to develop a digital offering to help industrial clients “move beyond existing manufacturing solutions to transform their entire connected enterprise”.

The engagement is designed to capitalize on the expertise of both companies to deliver new capabilities for greater industrial supply chain optimization.

By providing customers with a single, trusted provider of digital solutions, the collaboration will enable clients to more effectively leverage the industrial internet of things and ultimately drive measurable growth outcomes. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

Russians demonstrate robocop for security work

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It’s probably not the best time for the Russians to be unveiling a “robocop”, what with all the paranoia about Russians meddling in previous US elections and influencing candidates for future ones, but that is what a Perm-based company called PromoBot has done, according to Daily Star. 

The authoritative news outlet, which mainly features pictures if buxom women on its home page, says the new Russian robotic cop will be used for fingerprinting and background checks.

However, since it’s a humanoid robot, it’s flexible enough to be reconfigured for a variety of uses, including carrying firearms. [Read more…] about Russians demonstrate robocop for security work

Fanuc opens new robotics and automation facility

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Fanuc America is planning to open a new 461,000 square-foot North Campus robotics and automation facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The world’s largest industrial robot supplier will hold a grand opening celebration for the new centre later today.

Fanuc has invited customers, local officials, educators, suppliers, and the media to an official program, ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour. [Read more…] about Fanuc opens new robotics and automation facility

Omron, NTT, and Nokia partner to test 5G networks at manufacturing sites

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Omron, NTT Docomo, and Nokia have agreed to jointly conduct trials utilizing the fifth-generation mobile communications system in factories and other manufacturing sites.

Through these trials, the three companies will jointly evaluate the usefulness and possibilities of 5G’s high-speed, large-capacity, low-latency, and simultaneous multiple connections with the aim of solving the challenges facing the manufacturing industry and developing communications technology required in manufacturing sites of the future.

In the manufacturing industry, the demand for wireless communications is increasing as efforts aimed at improving productivity through the use of IoT data make progress in dealing with various issues, such as a shortage of skilled workers and high-mix low-volume production. [Read more…] about Omron, NTT, and Nokia partner to test 5G networks at manufacturing sites

Toyota and Subaru to jointly develop battery electric vehicles

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Toyota Motor Corporation and Subaru Corporation are to jointly develop a platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for midsize and large passenger vehicles and to jointly develop a C-segment-class BEV SUV model for sale under each company’s own brand.

The two companies will combine their respective strengths, such as Subaru all-wheel-drive technologies and Toyota vehicle electrification technologies,  to create attractive BEVs.

Ever since concluding an agreement on business collaboration in 2005, Toyota and Subaru have been deepening their cooperation in various fields, including development, production, and sales.

[Read more…] about Toyota and Subaru to jointly develop battery electric vehicles

Doosan debuts collaborative robot at US trade show

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Doosan Robotics showcased a wide variety of application scenarios using their cutting-edge collaborative robots (cobots), indicating the company’s entry into the North American market.

Doosan cobots have a track record in several markets worldwide including Germany, France and China, with capabilities such as a working radius of 900 to 1,700 millimetres and a load capacity of 6 to 15 kilograms.

The company gave a demonstration of six cobots collaborating with two human workers to execute fine motor activities on an auto assembly line.

[Read more…] about Doosan debuts collaborative robot at US trade show