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MIPI Alliance completes development of new industry standard A-PHY v1.0

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The MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, has completed the development of MIPI A-PHY v1.0, a long-reach serializer-deserializer (SerDes) physical layer interface for automotive applications.

The specification is undergoing member review, with official adoption expected within the next 90 days.

A-PHY will provide a physical layer for data transfers spanning an entire vehicle. As the first standard of its kind, it will help the automotive industry accelerate the availability of advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous driving systems and other surround-sensor applications, including cameras and in-vehicle infotainment displays. [Read more…] about MIPI Alliance completes development of new industry standard A-PHY v1.0

AMS launches new position sensors for high-speed electric motors to ‘improve car industry’s electrification efforts’

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AMS, a supplier of high performance sensor solutions, has introduced new position sensors that it says lower system cost and enhance electrification of safety-critical vehicle functions such as power steering, active damper control, and braking for safer, smarter, and greener cars.

The two new position sensors – the ams AS5147U and the AS5247U – bring new benefits and a lower system cost to the automotive industry, says ams.

The ams AS5147U is an intelligent magnetic rotary position sensor chip for use in electric motors that run at speeds up to 28,000 rpm. [Read more…] about AMS launches new position sensors for high-speed electric motors to ‘improve car industry’s electrification efforts’

MassRobotics agrees strategic partnership with Thomas H. Lee Partners

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MassRobotics has agreed a strategic partnership with private equity company Thomas H. Lee Partners.

The partnership aims to bring together their extensive market knowledge, expertise, and networks to advance the scaling of automation-related businesses across robotics and artificial intelligence startups.

Based in the Boston area, MassRobotics is one of the first and largest robotics startups escalator in the world. [Read more…] about MassRobotics agrees strategic partnership with Thomas H. Lee Partners

Will Automation Make Lorry Drivers Obsolete?

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The haulage industry is an essential part of the network that is keeping the economy going, but for the last decade, there have been whispers of big changes that will ultimately change and revolutionise the way that day-to-day haulage works. 

Huge corporations like UPS and Daimler have been investing in automation technology, working closely with robotics companies to create a standard for the haulage industry that will speed up the process of transporting freight across the world.

There have even been estimations made that 1.2 million lorry driver jobs will be eliminated. But will automation really make the lorry driver obsolete? [Read more…] about Will Automation Make Lorry Drivers Obsolete?

University students compete in SICK’s second annual TiM$10k Challenge

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For the second consecutive year, sensor manufacturer SICK invited students from universities around the country to participate in the company’s TiM$10K Challenge.

The challenge started in 2018 to support innovation and student achievement in automation and technology.

Teams were supplied with a 270° SICK LiDAR sensor (TiM) and accessories and challenged to solve a problem, create a solution, or bring a new application to any industry that utilizes the SICK LiDAR. [Read more…] about University students compete in SICK’s second annual TiM$10k Challenge

Visteon debuts new digital dashboard infotainment technology

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Visteon, the only global Tier 1 automotive supplier solely focused on the digital cockpit market, has contributed its technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities to provide the infotainment platform for Volkswagen’s new Nivus model for the Brazil market.

With its new coupe-style SUV, the automaker debuts VW Play – a pioneering infotainment system for enhanced in-car connectivity, streaming and other services – supported by Visteon.

Developed jointly by VW and Visteon in Brazil, VW Play was created with usability in mind. Delivering a premium user experience, the intuitive interface incorporates customizable control screens, offering a diverse range of connectivity elements, key vehicle information and application notifications. [Read more…] about Visteon debuts new digital dashboard infotainment technology

Engineering procurement platform Kreatize enters new market with Austrian investors

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Kreatize, which claims to be Germany’s largest procurement platform for mechanical engineering, has received a joint investment from Austrian company B&C Innovation Investments (BCII) and the industrialist Martin Ohneberg.

Kreatize says the new investment – which is described as being in the “mid single-digit million” euro range  – will enable it to expand its business in Austria.

The procurement of industrial components is often a costly, lengthy and non-transparent process. [Read more…] about Engineering procurement platform Kreatize enters new market with Austrian investors

Collaborative robots: A helping hand in healthcare

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By Darrell Adams, head of Southeast Asia and Oceania, Universal Robots

Covid-19, the global pandemic, took the world by surprise and suddenly the healthcare system has to confront one of the toughest challenges on a global scale.

Healthcare workers are working round the clock and the intense workload at the frontline led to exhaustion in many, virus infection in others, and some sadly passed away in their line of duty.

Millions of nurses needed

The global healthcare system is cracking under the strain of this global pandemic. Yet, a recent report shows that globally, we are in need of 6 million more nurses to achieve global health targets, even without a global pandemic. This is an alarming number, and it is unlikely that over a short period of time, the demand can be met. [Read more…] about Collaborative robots: A helping hand in healthcare

Comau releases infographic about smart factory trends

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Industrial automation company Comau has released a new video-infographic about the Smart Factory latest trends.

The company notes that, as a result of digitization, many everyday objects are able to collect data, analyze external information and communicate with each other.

But what happens when this type of technology is applied to the factory, both large companies and SMEs? What elements will characterize the factory of the future? [Read more…] about Comau releases infographic about smart factory trends

A digital skills crisis is looming in manufacturing – but there could be a game-changing solution

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According to recent research, there’s an escalating talent shortage in the manufacturing industry. As the sector benefits from advances in technology, including implementation of automated processes and robotics – the digital skills gap has only widened.

In the 2018 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute skills gap and future of work study, researchers predicted a potential shortage of around 2.4 million workers over the next 10 years.
The study was US-based, but the findings are likely to resonate with manufacturing firms worldwide. Job openings have been growing at rapid rates, but employers are struggling to find the skilled talent needed to fill them. [Read more…] about A digital skills crisis is looming in manufacturing – but there could be a game-changing solution