Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

models

Comau expands Jeep manufacturing lines in Brazil

by Leave a Comment

Comau has expanded the end-to-end body manufacturing lines at one of the most modern car manufacturing plants in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco to produce the new 7-seat Jeep Commander SUV.

Comau has been tasked with increasing the flexibility of 14 complex lines to handle 4 different vehicle models in a completely random production flow.

The increased flexibility also extends to model-specific assembly, welding and quality inspection operations based on available inputs. [Read more…] about Comau expands Jeep manufacturing lines in Brazil

Robotics-as-a-Service market growing in the logistics industry

by Leave a Comment

Between 6 percent and 8 percent of total revenue in the mobile robotics for logistics market comes from Robotics-as-a-Service, according to research company IDTechEx.

X-as-a-Service business models are now commonplace in the industry, involving the delivery of a specific service rather than a product to perform the service.

The most significant change in models such as this is the replacement of a proportionally very large up-front product price with a billing structure that is based on the services performed as the product itself. [Read more…] about Robotics-as-a-Service market growing in the logistics industry

Robots-as-a-Service or Software-as-a-Service: Which Technology Trend is the Future?

by Leave a Comment

Many people have not yet heard of Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS). This trend has grown as a technology likely to grow in scope in the coming years.

In short, RaaS allows businesses to take advantage of the benefits that come with robotic automation through cloud-based subscriptions rather than expensive equipment purchases.

This technology builds on the popularity of Software-as-a-Service or SaaS solutions. The rise of SaaS has increased the importance of cloud-based subscriptions for many companies. [Read more…] about Robots-as-a-Service or Software-as-a-Service: Which Technology Trend is the Future?

Boston Dynamics releases new software for its canine robot Spot

by Leave a Comment

Boston Dynamics has released new software for its canine robot, Spot, which has sold in relatively large numbers considering its hefty price tag.

The company says the new software – Spot Release 3.0 – adds functionality to make Spot “the data collection solution you need for safer and more efficient inspection rounds”.

Spot’s famous realistic walking ability – the Autowalk system – has logged thousands of miles in industrial facilities and on construction sites around the world. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics releases new software for its canine robot Spot

IDS unveils new camera models for special requirements in factory automation

by Leave a Comment

IDS Imaging Development Systems has unveiled new industrial camera models for special requirements in factory automation. The uEye FA camera series integrates new sensors – the 12 and 20 MP Sony Starvis and 5 MP polarisation sensor.

uEye FA industrial cameras are particularly robust and therefore ideally suited for demanding environmental conditions, for example in factory automation. Starting in August, IDS will offer three new sensors in the family.

The 12 MP (IMX226) and 20.44 MP (IMX183) Sony sensors are true high-performers with high resolution and low noise. For special requirements, the company will also integrate the 5 MP polarisation sensor IMX250MZR. [Read more…] about IDS unveils new camera models for special requirements in factory automation

Cepton secures ‘industry’s largest” ADAS lidar deal with global automotive manufacturer

by Leave a Comment

Lidar solutions provider Cepton Technologies has secured an ADAS lidar series production award at a leading, Detroit-based global automotive manufacturer.

Cepton says the contract is “the industry’s largest award to date”.

This represents a landmark milestone both for the lidar industry as well as for Silicon Valley-based Cepton, which celebrates its five-year anniversary this month. [Read more…] about Cepton secures ‘industry’s largest” ADAS lidar deal with global automotive manufacturer

Kivnon unveils three new automated vehicles for material handling

by Leave a Comment

Kivnon has expanded its range of mobile robots with a new range of automated forklifts and the new rotational lifting platform.

Kivnon has unveiled three new models of autonomous vehicles: the K03 Twister, the K55 Pallet Stacker and the K50 Pallet Truck, capable of moving around the environment using magnetic guidance or mapping navigation, based on SLAM technology.

The new K03 Twister is a rotational mobile platform with dimensions of 700 x 500 x 280 mm, making it the smallest AGV in Kivnon’s portfolio of mobile robots. [Read more…] about Kivnon unveils three new automated vehicles for material handling

LK Metrology introduces ‘ultra accuracy’ portable measuring arms

by Leave a Comment

LK Metrology has introduced what it describes as “ultra-accuracy” portable measuring arms.

The company has expanded its Freedom arm range of 3D articulating arm metrology systems, or portable measuring arms, with the launch of five models in both 6-axis and 7-axis variants.

The 10 new arms bring the total number of different varieties available from LK to 34. [Read more…] about LK Metrology introduces ‘ultra accuracy’ portable measuring arms

VW electric vehicle sales increase more than 400 percent

by Leave a Comment

Volkswagen’s electric vehicle sales have increased more than 400 percent over the past year, according to the German auto giant’s latest figures.

The Volkswagen Group says its “e-offensive is gaining traction”. Deliveries of electric models in the EU including the UK, Norway and Iceland increased “more than fourfold in the year now ended to a total of 315,400 electric vehicles (2019: 72,600)”.

The proportion of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in-hybrids (PHEVs) in the total deliveries rose to 9.7 percent (2019: 1.7 percent). [Read more…] about VW electric vehicle sales increase more than 400 percent

Gatik raises $25 million in new funding

by Leave a Comment

Gatik, a Palo Alto and Toronto based autonomous technology company deploying autonomous vehicles for B2B short-haul middle-mile logistics, announced today it has raised $25 million in Series A funding.

The round was co-led by Wittington Ventures and Innovation Endeavors with participation from FM Capital and Intact Ventures. Existing investors like Dynamo Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, AngelPad and others participated as well.

Gatik’s investors bring a wealth of deep experience in automotive, artificial intelligence and supply chain, making them a strong strategic fit for the company’s rapid growth. [Read more…] about Gatik raises $25 million in new funding