Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

innovation

Leica Geosystems nominated for robotics award at CES

by Leave a Comment

Leica Geosystems, a provider of measurement technology, has been named a CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree for the Leica BLK ARC, a four-legged canine type of robot.

This year’s CES Innovation Awards program received a record high number of over 1,800 submissions. The announcement was made ahead of CES 2022, the world’s most influential technology event, happening January 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada and digitally.

The Leica BLK ARC is an autonomous laser scanning module for robotics applications. It provides a safe and autonomous way to perform reality capture of images and 3D data of areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to reach. [Read more…] about Leica Geosystems nominated for robotics award at CES

Ottonomy provides ‘first’ fully autonomous delivery robots for airport

by Leave a Comment

A company called Ottonomy is providing a fleet of its fully autonomous delivery robots – called Ottobots – for food and retail at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

This is said to be the first autonomous robotic delivery of food, beverage and lifestyle products in an airport environment.

Officially launched for the holiday travel season, passengers are now able to order contactless delivery directly to their location in Concourse B of the airport, delivered by an autonomous robot. Customers can select grab and go, beverage and travel items sold at select retail stores operated by Paradies Lagardere via orderatcvg.com on mobile devices. [Read more…] about Ottonomy provides ‘first’ fully autonomous delivery robots for airport

NXP and Foxconn agree strategic partnership to accelerate automotive innovation

by Leave a Comment

NXP, a semiconductor company with a strong presence in the automotive market, has agreed a strategic partnership with Foxconn Industrial Internet, a subsidy company of the Foxconn group, to “transform the car into the ultimate edge device”.

NXP will provide FII with its comprehensive portfolio of automotive technologies.

The initial phase of the joint project will focus on the development of a full digital cockpit solution, based on the NXP i.MX 8 QuadMax. [Read more…] about NXP and Foxconn agree strategic partnership to accelerate automotive innovation

Proposed new European laws will cause ‘severe damage’ to industry, warn global robotics leaders

by Leave a Comment

The European Commission’s proposed AI Act and updated regulations on machinery products will cause “severe damage” to European small businesses, robotics companies and innovation, according to four of the most influential voices in robotics and automation.

Together, the International Federation of Robotics, the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association, EUnited Robotics and REInvest Robotics urgently call on European policymakers to revisit and amend the proposals. [Read more…] about Proposed new European laws will cause ‘severe damage’ to industry, warn global robotics leaders

International Examples Give Inspiration to American Industry

by Leave a Comment

American automation has, over recent years, come to somewhat of a standstill.

The impact of the international coronavirus pandemic clearly illustrated this; NASDAQ highlights how industrial production dropped to a ten year low, with only the arrival of new automation tools creating any sort of relief within the industry.

The need for automation is clear, as the impact of a total industrial shutdown causes far more harm to the economy and jobs than the jobs lost to robotic and automated systems. While America might have a lot to do to catch up, other countries have carved out a trail that can provide inspiration. [Read more…] about International Examples Give Inspiration to American Industry

TTTech Auto and Infineon design new chip architecture for highly automated driving

by Leave a Comment

TTTech Auto and Infineon Technologies have developed key components for a fail-operational electronic architecture for highly automated driving of SAE Level 3 and 4.

This enables the safe and reliable processing of, for example, radar or LiDAR camera sensor data and is targeting car and technology manufacturers. The fail-operational architectural concept and its key components ensure the safe operation of highway pilot functions, valet parking and autonomous truck driving in case individual functions fail.

The joint research contributed to the successful completion of the European PRYSTINE (Programmable Systems for Intelligence in Automobiles) project. With a budget of about €50 million, PRYSTINE aimed to realize safe automated driving by fail-operational urban surround perception. [Read more…] about TTTech Auto and Infineon design new chip architecture for highly automated driving

Nonwoven materials event INDEX opens after 18-month wait

by Leave a Comment

INDEX20 opened its doors this week, after an 18-month wait, delighted to welcome the nonwoven industry back to Geneva with open arms. The exhibition floor was bustling with activity and anticipation at the prospect of new business.  

Over 500 exhibitors from 44 countries were present at the event, premiering their latest innovations. Organisers say the resounding message from the event was one of “a positive outcome and an inspiring vision” of the industry’s future across the spectrum of applications sectors.

The industry continued to evolve dramatically during the pandemic, and expectations were high as players from across the industry worldwide came together for the first time since 2017. Exhibitors said their expectations were exceeded, citing the high quality of the visitors present, converging on INDEX to conclude new business projects. [Read more…] about Nonwoven materials event INDEX opens after 18-month wait

Einride and GE Appliances to launch ‘first US fleet of autonomous and electric trucks’

by Leave a Comment

Swedish freight technology company Einride and GE Appliances are partnering for the implementation of electric and autonomous transport at scale.

The companies say this will be the first time in history an autonomous and electric truck is live and operating on US soil.

The partnership will represent Einride’s first installation with its renowned Pods in the US, which will operate on GE Appliances’ 750-acre Appliance Park campus in Louisville, Kentucky. [Read more…] about Einride and GE Appliances to launch ‘first US fleet of autonomous and electric trucks’

Geek+ and DHL showcase ‘the future of robotics automation’ in DHL’s Asia Pacific Innovation Center

by Leave a Comment

Geek+, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, is partnering with DHL’s Asia Pacific Innovation Center. Located in Singapore, the center will be home to a new exhibit that showcases a cutting-edge, automated, and completely integrated e-commerce solution.

Named the “Warehouse of the Future”, the exhibit integrates RoboShuttle tote-picking robot and robot-arm technology for full-scale automation.

The project represents the shared values and commitments of both Geek+ and DHL to accelerate innovation and educate supply chain leaders on the opportunities that come with robotics automation. [Read more…] about Geek+ and DHL showcase ‘the future of robotics automation’ in DHL’s Asia Pacific Innovation Center

South Korea’s top battery makers enjoy steady growth

by Leave a Comment

South Korea’s Electric Vehicle Battery Trio – LG, Samsung, and SK – enjoyed steady growth in the January to March period, according to a report by SNE Reseach.

Amid intense competition in global EV battery deployment, LG Energy Solution ranked 2nd, while Samsung SDI and SK Innovation captured the 5th and 6th spots respectively.

Global competition for the world’s top spot for the xEV (EV, PHEV, HEV) battery market is getting fiercer, with CATL continued to top for both Mar 2021 and Jan-Mar 2021. LG Energy Solution came in 2nd, while Samsung SDI and SK Innovation ranked 5th and 6th respectively. [Read more…] about South Korea’s top battery makers enjoy steady growth