Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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Fugro and Spoor to develop bird-monitoring solution for offshore renewable energy projects

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Fugro and Spoor, a software company that helps renewable energy projects reduce their environmental impact, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a new bird-monitoring solution for offshore renewable energy projects.

This innovative system will not only help protect bird populations but also supports the growth of renewable energy by making environmental assessments more affordable, cleaner, and safer.

The solution uses video cameras installed on Fugro’s SeaWatch Wind Lidar and other metocean buoys to record bird activity at wind farm locations. Spoor’s advanced computer vision and AI software then analyses these recordings to quickly and accurately identify bird species. [Read more…] about Fugro and Spoor to develop bird-monitoring solution for offshore renewable energy projects

Embotech implements new automated marshalling capabilities in BMW factories

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Embotech, a provider of autonomous driving solutions for logistics, is partnering with with Outsight, a LiDAR software solutions provider, and Hesai, a LiDAR hardware manufacturer, to deliver cutting-edge LiDAR technology and perception software for Embotech’s AVM technology deployed in BMW facilities and known internally at BMW as Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW).

Within this AVN solution, Outsight plays a key role with its advanced LiDAR software platform that tracks the vehicle and the surrounding obstacles within BMW’s production facilities, while Hesai supplies its industry-leading LiDAR sensors, renowned for their accuracy and reliability, which act as the “eyes” of the AVM system.

Initially implemented for the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series in Dingolfing, is now also in use for the MINI Countryman and other BMW models manufactured in Leipzig. [Read more…] about Embotech implements new automated marshalling capabilities in BMW factories

Common ground: Are mobile robots technologically the same as autonomous cars?

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For a long time, I’ve been wondering if an autonomous mobile robot – those small wheeled boxes you see moving shelf units and other items in warehouses – could be increased in size, then fitted with a car chassis and body, with a couple of seats inside, and marketed as a road-going, passenger-carrying autonomous vehicle. 

Yes, of course, some serious design refinements of the sketched out idea above would be required and a torrent of regulations would have to be navigated, but beyond that, the internal technologies would not need to change much because, fundamentally, they are the same. Right? Or not?

Actually, I don’t know. I’m not an engineer. But from what’s called a high-level perspective, both AMRs and autonomous vehicles are essentially the same thing or at least perform the same function – carry goods and people around autonomously. [Read more…] about Common ground: Are mobile robots technologically the same as autonomous cars?

Unitree Robotics releases new lidar system with ‘200 percent performance increase’

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Unitree Robotics says its new L2 4D lidar is an “ideal solution” for robot vacuums, intelligent distribution systems, smart factories, and more.

Unitree, a global robotics company that develops and sells consumer and industry-level, high-performance robots, has released an upgraded 4D lidar. The company’s new L2 4D lidar boasts a 200 percent performance improvement, and sells for just $419. [Read more…] about Unitree Robotics releases new lidar system with ‘200 percent performance increase’

SICK’s new multiScan and picoscan LiDAR sensors ‘more powerful, compact, and robust than ever before’

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SICK has enhanced its multiScan and picoScan LiDAR sensors to provide customers with a range of robust, high performance, customisable 2D and 3D sensors that deliver superior object detection, field evaluation and fast data streaming to a huge range of applications

Sensor expert SICK has expanded its high performance multiScan and picoScan LiDAR ranges to make them even more powerful, compact and robust.

With a variety of industry specific software applications that run on-device, SICK is taking LiDAR sensor technology to new levels of performance, reliability and flexibility.

The modular multiScan 100 3D product family and compact picoScan 150 LiDAR sensors are customisable to suit a wide range of applications, with bespoke parameters, operation and integration.

[Read more…] about SICK’s new multiScan and picoscan LiDAR sensors ‘more powerful, compact, and robust than ever before’

The Future of Robotic Bumpers: Trends and Predictions

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In the rapidly evolving landscape of robotics, robotic bumpers stand at the forefront of ensuring both safety and efficiency in various applications.

These essential components serve as the first line of defense, preventing collisions and mitigating potential damage to the robotic systems.

As robotics technology continues to evolve, engineers are presented with the opportunity to create more reliable and effective bumpers to enhance the safety and functionality of robots. [Read more…] about The Future of Robotic Bumpers: Trends and Predictions

Theobroma releases single-board computer dedicated to autonomous mobile robots

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Theobroma has released a single-board computer dedicated to autonomous mobile robots. Jaguar SBC-RK3588-AMR is specifically designed for use in robust and reliable autonomous mobile robots (AMR).

Typical applications include industrial automation, agriculture and horticulture, construction, retail intralogistics, and hospitality.

Jaguar features Rockchip’s high-end ARM-based SOC RK3588. A variety of interfaces allow the integration of a broad range of sensors, actuators, and communication modules such as high-resolution cameras, LiDAR and ToF sensors. [Read more…] about Theobroma releases single-board computer dedicated to autonomous mobile robots

Purdue thermal imaging innovation allows AI to ‘see through pitch darkness like broad daylight’

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Researchers at Purdue University are advancing the world of robotics and autonomy with their patent-pending method that improves on traditional machine vision and perception.

Zubin Jacob, the Elmore Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and research scientist Fanglin Bao have developed HADAR, or heat-assisted detection and ranging.

Their research was featured on the cover of the July 26 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Nature. A video about HADAR is available on YouTube. Nature also has released a podcast episode that includes an interview with Jacob. [Read more…] about Purdue thermal imaging innovation allows AI to ‘see through pitch darkness like broad daylight’

Introducing Unitree Go2 – Quadruped Robot of Embodied AI from $1600

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On 12 July, Unitree unveiled its latest quadruped robot – the Unitree Go2, which features embodied AI technology and is priced from $1,600 (tax and freight excluded).

This product is expected to revolutionize the consumer-grade quadruped robots industry, leading to a transformation of the sector.

Back in June 2021, Unitree released its first side-follow bionic robot – Go1, a technological breakthrough that attracted widespread attention and generated discussions worldwide upon its release. [Read more…] about Introducing Unitree Go2 – Quadruped Robot of Embodied AI from $1600

Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

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Hesai Technology, a provider of lidar solutions, and Cratus, a software solution integrator for lidar systems, have agreed a strategic alliance to develop autonomous warehouse solutions using Hesai’s “groundbreaking safety-rated” 3D lidar, the QT128.

Cratus has selected the QT128 as the lead sensor in its all-new lidar perception package for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AGVs and AMRs have been used for many years in warehouses and manufacturing plants to accomplish a variety of material handling tasks. [Read more…] about Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots