Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

international

International Society of Automation celebrates first-ever International Automation Professionals Day

by Leave a Comment

The International Society of Automation celebrated the first-ever International Automation Professionals Day on 28 April.

The digital event engaged automation professionals from all around the globe to recognize their efforts in the vastly growing automation industry.

ISA President Carlos Mandolesi said that automation professionals make up many diverse sectors, and having a day dedicated to those in the field can offer a learning opportunity for those unfamiliar with automation. [Read more…] about International Society of Automation celebrates first-ever International Automation Professionals Day

AUVSI celebrates 50 years in Orlando

by Leave a Comment

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) brings its world class annual conference, XPONENTIAL, to Orlando, April 25-28.

The event invites industry changemakers and end users to experience new technology that is solving real world problems, from safety and defense, to energy and infrastructure, business, construction, health, and the environment.

The largest of its kind, the convention features keynote speakers, panel presentations, educational programs, specialized workshops, networking opportunities, and an extensive exhibitor hall teaming with newly developed technology to preview, as well as co-located events by partners like the FAA. [Read more…] about AUVSI celebrates 50 years in Orlando

Future Acres to partner with Sun World International and expand advisory board

by Leave a Comment

Future Acres, an agricultural robotics startup, has agreed a partnership with global plant variety breeder and genetics licensor Sun World International to further develop its proprietary technology.

Future Acres’ stated mission is to bring “sustainable agricultural robotics to the farm industry in order to optimize workforce efficiency and safety”.

The collaboration begins with an initial testing and pilot program at Sun World’s International Center for Innovation and will include collaborative commercialization of Future Acres with Sun World’s 2,000 growers farming on 55,000 acres around the world, who could socialize the equipment and technology. [Read more…] about Future Acres to partner with Sun World International and expand advisory board

Saxony styles itself ‘Robot Valley’ and launches festival

by Leave a Comment

The German region of Saxony is styling itself as “Robot Valley” and has launched a festival to highlight robotics clusters in the cities of Dresden and Chemnitz.

Authorities in the region say that Robot Valley Saxony has established itself as a robotics location “of supra-regional importance”.

They say the region plays a vital role in a variety of sectors, from novel robotics applications in medicine to small and medium-sized enterprises and the skilled trades, and sniff bots for hazardous areas or the 80 robots working on the new Volkswagen ID4. [Read more…] about Saxony styles itself ‘Robot Valley’ and launches festival

Tas Global commercializes ‘world’s first’ ship hull cleaning robot system

by Leave a Comment

A startup company called Tas Global is commercializing what it says is the world’s only robot capable of cleaning freely on curved surfaces.

The company has registered more than 30 patents in 16 countries including the US on the journey to bringing the robotic system to market.

Selected as a South Korean government project, Tas started by developing technology for processing organisms attached on a ship’s hull. [Read more…] about Tas Global commercializes ‘world’s first’ ship hull cleaning robot system

Advanced Intelligent Systems launches UV light disinfection robot

by Leave a Comment

Advanced Intelligent Systems (AIS), a Canadian custom robotics engineering firm, has launched an ultraviolet light robot to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses in healthcare facilities and combat the spread of infectious diseases in public spaces.

The development was made possible by a grant from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen).

Jayson Myers, CEO, NGen, says: “At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NGen rallied industry leaders from across the country to help build a domestic supply of critical equipment. Support for organizations like AIS enabled the rapid development of viable disinfecting solutions and demonstrates the diverse manufacturing and technology capabilities that exist here in Canada.” [Read more…] about Advanced Intelligent Systems launches UV light disinfection robot

SAE International launches 12-week robotics for autonomous vehicle systems training ‘Bootcamp’

by Leave a Comment

Virtual 12-week experience provides career development opportunities for engineers entering the fast-growing autonomous vehicles industry

SAE International has announced the new 12-week Robotics for Autonomous Vehicle Systems Bootcamp for recent graduates and/or entry-level mechanical, electrical and computer science engineers joining the industry to support autonomous vehicle (AV) system development.

In partnership with Clemson University and Argo AI, SAE designed the rigorous, virtual-only workforce development experience to provide participants with an in-depth technical understanding of how to build autonomous systems.

“Companies can spend upwards of 10 months onboarding entry-level AV positions, which in this fast-moving industry can directly hinder the development and deployment cycles. The Robotics for Autonomous Vehicle Systems Bootcamp aims to support both employers and professionals by bridging the training gap through an accelerated 12-week bootcamp,” said Elizabeth Melville, director of learning at SAE International. [Read more…] about SAE International launches 12-week robotics for autonomous vehicle systems training ‘Bootcamp’

Key industry organisations partner to develop global standards for autonomous vehicles

by Leave a Comment

The Autonomous Vehicle Computing Consortium, a global group of automotive and technology industry organisations, has agreed what is described as a “key liaison” with SAE International, the association of more than 200,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.

The two organisations’ shared goal is to help expedite the development of autonomous and assisted driving solutions through shared technical references, recommendations, design benchmarks and marketing initiatives.

Jack Pokrzywa, ground vehicle standards director, SAE International, says: “For more than a century, SAE Standards have created the safe, reliable and consistent use and adoption of technologies to advance the mobility industry for the benefit of humanity. [Read more…] about Key industry organisations partner to develop global standards for autonomous vehicles

UPS sells UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million

by Leave a Comment

Logistics giant United Parcel Services has entered into an agreement to sell UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments.

Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, says: “We’re excited about the future and the opportunities this creates for both UPS and UPS Freight as part of TFI International.

“The agreement allows UPS to be even more laser-focused on the core parts of our business that drive the greatest value for our customers.” [Read more…] about UPS sells UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million

Airbus to develop ‘Moon Cruiser’ concept for ESA

by Leave a Comment

Aerospace giant Airbus has been awarded a CLTV (Cis-Lunar Transfer Vehicle) study for a “Moon Cruiser” by the European Space Agency (ESA).

According to the study concept (two parallel Phase A/B1), the CLTV is a versatile, autonomous logistics vehicle that could, for example, provide timely and efficient support to NASA and ESA in the implementation of the future Artemis Moon missions.

The spacecraft will be based on existing and proven technologies and will complement the multipurpose European Large Logistic Lander (EL3). [Read more…] about Airbus to develop ‘Moon Cruiser’ concept for ESA