Robotics & Automation News

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ATI unveils ‘ultra-thin’ force torque sensor for robots

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ATI Industrial Automation has unveiled its “ultra-thin” Mini43LP Force/Torque Sensor, which the company says provides “high-precision force sensing in a rugged, yet compact transducer”.

At less than 8 mm tall, the newest member of ATI’s force/torque sensor product range is “uniquely suited for smaller automated applications”, says ATI.

The low profile sensor body allows users to optimize their work envelope and preserve the robot’s lifting power for end-of-arm tools. [Read more…] about ATI unveils ‘ultra-thin’ force torque sensor for robots

BMW shows off autonomous version of classic Mini

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BMW is showing off an autonomous version of the classic Mini. The new concept car is part of the German automotive giant’s “Vision Next” project, which encapsulates a company-wide philosophy that aims to integrate the latest technologies into a new generation of vehicles.

These technologies include internet connectivity, autonomous or highly automated driving functions, shared availability, and electric propulsion. 

Called the Mini Vision Urbanaut, BMW says the car represents an “all-new interpretation of a vision of space”. In other words, the interior is radically different from conventional modern cars. [Read more…] about BMW shows off autonomous version of classic Mini

SICK shrinks its PowerProx sensor to miniature size

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SICK has shrunk its versatile, high-performance PowerProx sensor into a space-saving miniature housing to reach the longest distances ever achieved with such a compact device.

The tiny SICK WTT4SL PowerProx Mini photoelectric sensor measures just 12.2 x 41.8 x 17.3 mm yet delivers outstanding performance to detect objects up to 1.3metres away. It is therefore ideal for high-speed production and logistics applications.

The PowerProx mini can be integrated into tight machine spaces such as the grippers of picking robots or for materials handling duties in AGVs, as well as for empty bay and clearance detection in high-bay warehouses. [Read more…] about SICK shrinks its PowerProx sensor to miniature size

OnLogic unveils new line of mini PCs powered by AMD Ryzen Embedded processors

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Computer hardware manufacturer OnLogic has teamed up with AMD to release a line of small form factor industrial computers powered by AMD Ryzen Embedded processors.

Both the ultra-compact fanless ML100G-40, and actively-cooled MC510-40 are available for pre-order now and limited quantities are expected to begin shipping to customers this month.

Johnny Chen, OnLogic partnership manager, says: “When we talk about helping clients find the ‘right-fit’ computing solution, it’s about a lot more than just the form factor of the device. [Read more…] about OnLogic unveils new line of mini PCs powered by AMD Ryzen Embedded processors

Stop & Shop installs robotic bakery ‘Breadbot’ at its Massachusetts store

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Stop & Shop has teamed up with the Wilkinson Baking Company to install the Mini Bakery, also known as “Breadbot”, at its Milford, Massachusetts, store.

Stop & Shop is the only grocer on the East Coast with The Mini Bakery, offering sandwich-style bread that is fresh-from-the-oven, delicious and affordable.

The Mini Bakery – which is described as a “robotic bakery” by some – mixes, forms, proofs, bakes and cools 10 loaves of artisan bread per hour. [Read more…] about Stop & Shop installs robotic bakery ‘Breadbot’ at its Massachusetts store

Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

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Komatsu Ltd has unveiled its electric mini excavator, based on its accumulated technological expertise of hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks.

Equipped with an in-house developed new charger, high-voltage converter and other devices, it offers excavation performance on a par with the internal combustion model of the same power output, while achieving zero exhaust gas emissions and a dynamic reduction in noise levels.

Komatsu expects a wider range of applications for this machine, including construction work near hospitals or schools or in residential areas, where contractors pay special attention to exhaust gas and noise during work, as well as inside tunnels or buildings.

[Read more…] about Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

BMW and Great Wall Motor establish joint venture to build Mini electric vehicles in China

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The BMW Group and the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor have signed an agreement to produce Mini electric vehicles through a new 50:50 joint venture based in China. 

During a recent event for autonomous and connected driving attended by China’s Premier Li Keqiang and Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, the BMW Group and Great Wall Motor committed to founding a new joint venture, “Spotlight Automotive Limited”, for the development and production of electric vehicles in China.

As well as Mini electric vehicles, the joint venture will also produce electric vehicles for Great Wall Motor.  [Read more…] about BMW and Great Wall Motor establish joint venture to build Mini electric vehicles in China

BMW partners with Amazon to integrate Alexa artificial intelligence into its cars

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BMW is to integrated Amazon’s Alexa artificial intelligence into its in-car systems.

Amazon Alexa will be available in BMW and Mini vehicles starting in mid-2018.

Users can ask Alexa in-car to get directions, call a business, play music or Audible content, control your smart home, check the news, and so on – without downloading a separate app.  [Read more…] about BMW partners with Amazon to integrate Alexa artificial intelligence into its cars

BMW reveals new autonomous Mini concept

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BMW has unveiled a new concept for its Mini model as part of its “Vision Next 100” project to steer the company into the future. 

The new Mini Cooperizer is designed as a computerized, electric, connected, and autonomous car, which is meant as part of the company’s own ride-sharing scheme.

BMW plans to locate Minis all over a town for people to hire as and when they want through its app.  [Read more…] about BMW reveals new autonomous Mini concept