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Columbia engineers develop ‘tactile robot finger with no blind spots’

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Researchers at Columbia Engineering say they have developed a new type of robotic finger with a sense of touch. Their finger can localize touch with very high precision – less than 1 mm – over a large, multicurved surface, much like its human counterpart. (See video below.)

Matei Ciocarlie, associate professor in the departments of mechanical engineering and computer science, says: “There has long been a gap between standalone tactile sensors and fully integrated tactile fingers–tactile sensing is still far from ubiquitous in robotic manipulation.”

Ciocarlie led this work in collaboration with Electrical Engineering Professor Ioannis Kymissis. [Read more…] about Columbia engineers develop ‘tactile robot finger with no blind spots’

Siasun develops robotic system for packing cigarettes

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Chinese industrial robotics company Siasun has developed a new system for packing cigarettes which can cope with the ever-changing shapes and dimensions of tobacco products and packaging.

The company is using a delta robot to pack cigarettes into packaging which is increasingly unusual in the way it is designed, with some opening in the middle and other opening on the narrow side instead of the wide edge, which is the usual method globally. (See illustration below.) [Read more…] about Siasun develops robotic system for packing cigarettes

SICK launches its ‘most powerful and accurate’ 2D LiDAR sensor yet

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SICK has launched what it describes as its “most powerful and accurate 2D LiDAR sensor yet”.

The LMS4000 is designed for materials handling and intralogistics applications, and is said to maintain its high degrees of accuracy and power even at high speeds, in low ambient light or when goods, packages or parcels are matt black or glossy.

SICK says its LMS4000 2D LiDAR Sensor’s “exceptionally high” laser scanning frequency helps to produce more than half a million measurement points per second to calculate the position, shape, volume or surface quality of goods, packages or components over a wide depth of field, and at ranges up to 3 metres. [Read more…] about SICK launches its ‘most powerful and accurate’ 2D LiDAR sensor yet

Infineon and Synopsys partner to develop AI chips for automotive applications

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Artificial intelligence and neural networks are becoming a key factor in developing safer, smart and eco-friendly cars.

In order to support AI-driven solutions with its future automotive microcontrollers, Infineon Technologies has started a collaboration with Synopsys.

Next generation Aurix microcontrollers from Infineon will integrate a new high-performance AI accelerator called Parallel Processing Unit (PPU) that will employ Synopsys’ DesignWare ARC EV Processor IP. [Read more…] about Infineon and Synopsys partner to develop AI chips for automotive applications

Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

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Omron has launched an updated ranges of optical sensors that the company says can better detect black, mirrored and transparent surfaces.

Omron Electronic Components Europe says the new series of optical sensors, also feature a longer detection distance.

Omron B5W sensors are particularly effective at identifying black, transparent, reflective and other hard to detect services, and the new range also features enhanced performance in this area. [Read more…] about Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

BMW unveils ‘the world’s blackest’ car using nanotech coating

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BMW has unveiled what the automaker describes as “the world’s blackest of black” cars, using a coating called “Vantablack”.

The company says Vantablack “highlights the expressive design language and confident, dominant and muscular appearance of the new BMW X6 to perfection”.

Vantablack is the registered trademark for the VBx2 nanostructure paint finish BMW used on the new X6 vehicle. [Read more…] about BMW unveils ‘the world’s blackest’ car using nanotech coating

Cornell scientists develop new material to give robots more sensitive touch

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A new synthetic material created by a scientist at Cornell University is said to give robots a “softer touch”.

Developed by PhD student Patricia Xu, at Cornell’s Organic Robotics Lab, the “sensory network” – also dubbed “optical lace” – is said to be similar to the human biological nervous system.

The lab’s paper, Optical Lace for Synthetic Afferent Neural Networks, was published in Science Robotics. [Read more…] about Cornell scientists develop new material to give robots more sensitive touch

Oceaneering to perform first deepwater survey in Mexico using autonomous underwater vehicle

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Oceaneering International, Inc. has secured a contract to perform the first-ever deepwater (1,000-3,000 m) Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) survey in Mexican waters.

The geophysical survey will take place at the BHP-operated Trion block. Oceaneering will use the DP-2 Ocean Investigator, equipped with the OS-VI AUV and light geotechnical capabilities.

Work is currently under way and will continue for approximately 45 days. Oceaneering will also provide light geotechnical services by acquiring 6 m piston core soil samples.

BASF light stabiliser used to produce more durable greenhouse films in Vietnam

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BASF and Tân Hùng Cơ Masterbatch Manufacture Co. have teamed up to produce more durable greenhouse films.

Tân Hùng Cơ, a manufacturer of additive masterbatches for plastic films in Vietnam, is now using BASF’s plastic additive Tinuvin NOR 371 to increase durability and lifespan of plastic greenhouse films made from low density polyethylene.

With Tinuvin NOR 371, greenhouse films can withstand weathering for at least three to four years, says BASF.

[Read more…] about BASF light stabiliser used to produce more durable greenhouse films in Vietnam

ZF unveils electric truck prototype for Japan

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ZF has developed an electric light commercial vehicle specifically for the Japanese market.

The company has been electrifying a wide range of systems not only for passenger cars and commercial vehicles but also for industrial machines.

This prototype vehicle has been developed by ZF Japan’s engineering team at their Tech Centre in Yokohama, collaborating with a team in ZF HQ in Germany in order to satisfy Japan’s unique requirements.

[Read more…] about ZF unveils electric truck prototype for Japan