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Copia Automation raises $16.4 million to bring DevOps efficiencies to industrial automation

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Industrial automation software developer Copia Automation has secured a Series A investment of $14.2 million led by Lux Capital, with follow-on investment from Construct Capital and participation from Ironspring Ventures.

This latest round builds on existing $2.2 million in seed funding led by Construct Capital with participation from Lux Capital and Liquid 2 Ventures. Bilal Zuberi, Partner at Lux Capital, will join Copia’s board alongside Dayna Grayson from Construct Capital.

Copia Automation brings modern DevOps to industrial automation, specifically the coding of Programmable Logic Controllers or PLCs – the computerized brains behind today’s complex manufacturing machines. [Read more…] about Copia Automation raises $16.4 million to bring DevOps efficiencies to industrial automation

‘Robotaxis will be disruptive to conventional taxis and ride-hailing, but not car ownership’, says new report

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Robotaxis remain one of the most pursued applications for autonomous vehicle technologies today, with many developers envisioning an end to – or at least a significant reduction in – car ownership.

Developers of autonomous vehicles, specifically those focused on Level-4 self-driving vehicles, often focus on mobility services as the first application.

Not only is there a demonstrated market for taxis and ride-hailing, but it’s a market where the high costs of labor create high prices, making it a ripe opportunity for autonomous vehicle deployment. [Read more…] about ‘Robotaxis will be disruptive to conventional taxis and ride-hailing, but not car ownership’, says new report

Sustainable plastics will make up more than 15 percent of production by 2030, says report

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Sustainable plastics will make up more than 15 percent of production by 2030, according to a new report by Lux Research. 

Future projections of a circular economy emphasize that a combination of recycled and bio-based resources will serve as a feedstock for plastic needs, says the market analyst.

However, it adds that in order for the “idealistic future” to be realized, there must be a major investment in new technologies, including advanced recycling tech and bio-based plastic capacity. [Read more…] about Sustainable plastics will make up more than 15 percent of production by 2030, says report

‘Autonomous vehicles’ tops Lux Research list of emerging technologies

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The category of “Autonomous vehicles” tops a new list of 12 emerging technologies for 2021 produced by Lux Research.

The research company says that, after a tumultuous 2020, organizations need to “re-examine their outlook on what emerging tech innovations will be critical for their future opportunities”.

Lux Research, a provider of tech-enabled research and advisory services, released its annual report on the top tech innovations that will have the greatest impact over the next 10 years, based on proprietary data science tools and expert insight. [Read more…] about ‘Autonomous vehicles’ tops Lux Research list of emerging technologies

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics market set to grow to $64 billion by 2030

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Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are a critical class of performance materials, but disruptions from Covid-19 have made the future of the industry uncertain.

In a new report, The Future of Carbon Fiber Composites, Lux Research outlines major challenges and opportunities carbon fibers and CFRPs face and how standardization and recycling are enabling the CFRP market to grow to a $64 billion industry by 2030.

The carbon fiber industry is facing three major challenges: weakness in underlying markets, fiber standardization, and recycling. [Read more…] about Carbon fiber reinforced plastics market set to grow to $64 billion by 2030

Buyers don’t all know the potential of robots nor who can supply them, says Lux Research

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Potential buyers are not aware of the potential of robots, nor which companies can supply and integrate them into their business, according to a report by Lux Research.

The research company says businesses are “increasingly using robotics” across a wide variety of industries, but many companies still fail to understand what’s currently possible with today’s technology or which vendors can provide the solutions they need.

In its new report, Building Robotics Solutions, Lux Research attempts to create a framework for selecting robotics vendors based on the key capabilities and level of customization required. [Read more…] about Buyers don’t all know the potential of robots nor who can supply them, says Lux Research

Electric vehicles drop in price, but ‘most remain unprofitable’, says Lux Research

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Electric vehicles have fallen in price, but “most remain unprofitable”, according to Lux Research.

The automotive industry is under pressure to reduce emissions, both from government regulations and from consumers who are growing more conscious about the environmental impact of their vehicles.

Electrified powertrains are a promising avenue to reduce or eliminate vehicle emissions for automakers. [Read more…] about Electric vehicles drop in price, but ‘most remain unprofitable’, says Lux Research

Robotic last-mile deliveries to generate almost $50 billion in revenue by 2030

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Robotic last-mile deliveries are forecast to generate almost $50 billion in revenue by 2030, according to a new report by Lux Research.

Automated parcel delivery technologies, such as small mobile delivery robots, are growing due to the rise in consumer demand for faster deliveries.

The rise in e-commerce is fueling rapid growth in parcel delivery volumes, a market expected to grow to $665 billion by 2030. Consumers are increasingly expecting parcels to be delivered quickly. [Read more…] about Robotic last-mile deliveries to generate almost $50 billion in revenue by 2030

Veo Robotics could make all industrial robots collaborative

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Traditional industrial robots tend to be very large and potentially dangerous, which is why they tend to be caged off and kept separate from human workers.

But a new company called Veo Robotics says it has the technology to transform traditional industrial robotic arms into safe machines that humans can work alongside, within close proximity.

Veo’s solution could make every industrial robot a collaborative robot. The term “collaborative” is recognized by international standards organizations and usually applies to much smaller, newer types of robots which are specifically designed to safe for humans to work with.  [Read more…] about Veo Robotics could make all industrial robots collaborative

Johnson Controls acquires Lux Products Corporation

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Johnson Controls has acquired the assets of Lux Products Corporation (LUX), a leader in residential thermostats and smart home products. Lux markets several successful residential and commercial lines ranging from timers to smart home thermostats including Kono and Geo.

“The acquisition of Lux strengthens our portfolio in the consumer retail channel and offerings in thermostats,” said Chris Eichmann, vice president, general manager of Johnson Controls.

This announcement comes shortly after the launch of Johnson Controls’ new GLAS®, a new smart thermostat that features a translucent OLED touchscreen display, among other high-tech features.

[Read more…] about Johnson Controls acquires Lux Products Corporation