Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

IDS launches new industrial camera range

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IDS has launched a new range of industrial cameras – the uEye XLE, which the company describes as “modern, small and consistently cost-optimised”.

Particularly affordable, particularly compact and particularly powerful when the essentials matter: the new uEye XLE camera family from IDS has been specially developed for high-volume and price-sensitive projects.

Thanks to their space-saving design, practical USB3 interface and support of the USB3 Vision Standard, the industrial cameras can be easily integrated into any machine vision system. [Read more…] about IDS launches new industrial camera range

A Brand New Startup Has Managed to Raise $50 Million for Vehicle Holograms

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Envisics might be a little-known company, but what it lacks in recognition, it makes up for in funds that are backing a pioneering sector of the car manufacturing industry.

This small startup has raised $50 million from various investors, including General Motors Ventures and Hyundai Mobis, to use technology that it has developed in future vehicles.

The technology in question is called augmented reality, and it says that it can produce visuals that look like they’re right in front of the car. This technology could be used in future vehicles to see pedestrians, as well as stationary vehicles. It will also help self-driving cars point out specific obstacles and hazards so that a human driver can take control again. [Read more…] about A Brand New Startup Has Managed to Raise $50 Million for Vehicle Holograms