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ASTM tests exoskeletons for proposed ‘firefighter readiness’ standard

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The exoskeletons and exosuits committee (F48) of industry standards association ASTM has proposed a new test method for evaluating exoskeleton device performance on first responder tasks.

According to ASTM member Ben Beiter, there are currently 16 different test methods to evaluate the performance of exoskeletons for industrial applications.

The specific applications of the technology for first responders, though, are unique. This new test method aims specifically at testing exoskeletons for their ability to help with firefighting tasks. [Read more…] about ASTM tests exoskeletons for proposed ‘firefighter readiness’ standard

Matthews Automation agrees global commercial partnership with Mobile Industrial Robots

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Matthews Automation has agreed a global commercial partnership between its automation solutions business segment and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), a manufacturer of collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and part of Teradyne Robotics, a division of Teradyne.

The new partnership combines Matthews’ proven warehouse automation technologies with MiR’s advanced AMRs uniquely suited for internal transportation and material handling tasks in a variety of settings.

This collaboration positions both companies to capitalize on the projected 30 percent compound annual growth rate in the AGV/AMR market by 2028, driven by rising demand in e-commerce and the flexibility of AMRs to deploy without major infrastructure changes. [Read more…] about Matthews Automation agrees global commercial partnership with Mobile Industrial Robots

Matthews Automation Solutions invests in material handling specialist Freespace Robotics

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Freespace Robotics, an innovator in autonomous robotics for material handling and logistics, has agreed a strategic partnership and investment from the automation solutions business of Matthews International, a provider of warehouse automation software, controls, and order fulfillment systems.

This partnership combines Freespace Robotics’ groundbreaking high-density, dynamic storage cube with Matthews’ industry-leading software, unlocking transformative capabilities for warehouse and last-mile operations.

Freespace Robotics’ pioneering solution leverages advanced robotics to deliver high-turnover, small-footprint, high-rise AS/RS (Automate Storage and Retrieval System) technologies. [Read more…] about Matthews Automation Solutions invests in material handling specialist Freespace Robotics

Top 5 global robotics trends 2025, according to the IFR

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The global market value of industrial robot installations has reached an all-time high of $16.5 billion.

Future demand will be driven by a number of technological innovations, market forces and new fields of business. The International Federation of Robotics has released what it says will be the top 5 trends for the robotics industry for 2025. [Read more…] about Top 5 global robotics trends 2025, according to the IFR

Alstom renews contract to operate and maintain automated people movers at Denver Airport

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Alstom, a global company specializing in transportation and mobility systems, has signed a contract renewal with Denver International Airport to operate and maintain the airport’s Innovia Automated People Mover (APM) system – built by Alstom – over the course of next seven years.

The new contract will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2032. The contract will employ 91 Alstom team members at Denver International Airport, and is valued at €218 million.

Alstom employees will provide twenty-four hour a day, seven-day-a-week maintenance and operations for Denver’s Automated People Mover system. These services include the operations and dispatching of the APMs.

Alstom will provide maintenance of the vehicles and the 1.2 mile of loop track; power and electrification; signs, signals, and station platform doors; and the communications systems.

The contract scope includes cleaning services for the interior and exterior of the trains; tunnel floor cleaning, pressure washing, and floor drainage; facilities and platform doors; and the collection and disposition of hazardous waste.

Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas, says: “Alstom is proud to be Denver International Airport’s partner of choice as they continue on their journey to modernize and expand air train service at one of the busiest airports in the world.

“Our expertise in the operations and maintenance of automated people movers allows us to deliver frequent, safe and comfortable service for travellers from around the world.”

Matthew Robb, senior vice president of technical operations for Denver International Airport, says: “Denver International Airport’s new operations and maintenance agreement with Alstom is one of many steps we’re taking to enhance the reliability and passenger experience of the train that moves people between the terminal and concourse.

“As a growing airport, it’s crucial that we provide a consistent service, especially as we continue our work toward accommodating 100 million annual passengers.”

Alstom recently entered a new chapter in its 30-year relationship with Denver International Airport by providing new Innovia APM R vehicles, which went into service in July 2024.

Manufactured by Alstom, these train cars increased capacity, efficiency, and comfort for people navigating the airport.

Alstom has been providing operations and maintenance services for the airport’s Automated People Mover system since the airport opened in 1994.

Across all our Innovia APM customers in the US, we average a performance of 99.5 percent fleet availability, through 24/7 operations and maintenance services.

Strong position in airport people movers

Alstom says it is “the number one provider and operator of airport people movers in the US”.

Alstom’s Innovia APMs have transported over 525 million passengers safely and efficiently at 16 airports across the nation.

Market leading for 50+ years, driverless Innovia automated people mover (APM) is an efficient transportation solution, specially designed to offer quick and convenient service for commuters between airport terminals, to and from airports or within cities.

Over 30 of Alstom’s APM systems have been delivered around the world and are in operation at 12 of the world’s busiest airports.

Alstom’s FlexCare Operate portfolio covers the full spectrum of customer needs, including operations for all types of fleets and maintenance for the full transit system.

Our customers benefit from reduced operating costs and increased operational efficiencies through technologies and best practices based on over 40 years of experience operating and maintaining trains and systems.

With over 25 active operations and maintenance projects worldwide, we are a trusted partner in helping transit authorities and communities achieve their mobility goals.

Abu Dhabi hosts ‘record numbers’ of delegates and visitors for IROS robotics conference

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The 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024) successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi today, October 18th, 2024, with a “record number of nearly 10,000, visitors, delegates and participants in attendance”.

The success of what is arguably the world’s most prestigious robotics exhibition has “emphatically raised the profile of Abu Dhabi as a global destination for robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as for advanced technology innovation”, say the organizers. 

Researchers, academics, scientists and regulatory stakeholders inspired guests and visitors with their impactful plenary talks, keynote sessions, and individual poster and oral presentations at IROS 2024 that opened on 14 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

[Read more…] about Abu Dhabi hosts ‘record numbers’ of delegates and visitors for IROS robotics conference

Managing Family Relationships as an Expat: A Guide

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No lie, moving overseas is an exhilarating yet emotionally challenging phase of life. Every expat goes through the phase of juggling with career and financial stability even while studying. This often makes them neglect their family and friends, which might bring distance in their relationship.

Regardless of the purpose for which one moves overseas, missing family and friends is the ultimate thing. If you’re also living abroad and struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with your family, don’t worry anymore! [Read more…] about Managing Family Relationships as an Expat: A Guide

The Impact of Bitcoin on Remittances and International Money Transfers

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Bitcoin has been a game-changer in the world of finance and has impacted the way we send and receive money across borders. It has brought significant benefits to remittances and international money transfers, and this article will explore how it has done so.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of Bitcoin, its advantages and disadvantages, how it has impacted remittances and international money transfers, and what the future holds for this cryptocurrency.

Leveraging platforms like Immediate Evex for online trading can significantly influence the approach and the trading process. Register now and get started right away! [Read more…] about The Impact of Bitcoin on Remittances and International Money Transfers

Prime Robotics agrees warehouse automation partnership with Wulftec International

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Prime Robotics, a provider of intelligent end-to-end automation solutions for warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment facilities, has agreed a partnership with Wulftec International.

This agreement enables Prime Robotics customers to fully integrate Wulftec’s stretch wrapping technology with Prime’s pallet management solution.

In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, end-to-end automation plays a critical role in the efficiency and success of fulfillment facilities. [Read more…] about Prime Robotics agrees warehouse automation partnership with Wulftec International

Fugro marine robots locate World War II ship 80 years after tragic sinking

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In an extraordinary mission that took nearly five years of planning, Fugro has played a key role in locating the wreck of the Montevideo Maru, one of the worst international maritime disasters in history.

In close partnership with the Silentworld Foundation and the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society, and support from Australia’s Department of Defence, Fugro used their unparalleled deepwater hydrographic and oceanographic expertise to successfully identify the wreckage of the Japanese transport ship at a depth of more than 4,000 metres off the coast of the Philippines.

The Montevideo Maru was carrying approximately 1060 prisoners of war and civilians when it was sunk by an American submarine in 1942 during World War II. [Read more…] about Fugro marine robots locate World War II ship 80 years after tragic sinking