Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

motors

General Motors unveils its digital vehicle platform

by

General Motors has unveiled its all-new electronic platform for its next-generation of vehicles.

As the automotive industry and vehicles evolve in the next five to 10 years, more electrical bandwidth and connectivity will be needed to ensure that features such as electric propulsion systems, the Super Cruise driver assistance feature and advanced active safety systems can all run in conjunction with each other.

Debuting on the recently-unveiled 2020 Cadillac CT5 sedan, the electronic platform will go into production later this year and should be rolled out to most vehicles within GM’s global lineup by 2023.

[Read more…] about General Motors unveils its digital vehicle platform

Hyundai walking car concept for the ‘first responder’ industry

by

Any first responder will tell you that the first 72 hours following a natural disaster are the most crucial to saving lives.

However, often times due to the nature of the disaster (forest fire, earthquake, hurricane, or flood), it can be difficult for search-and-rescue and humanitarian aid missions to reach and get immediate help to those in need.

The need for efficient, rapid, resilient transportation for disaster assistance is what led Hyundai to develop the first-ever vehicle with moveable legs.

[Read more…] about Hyundai walking car concept for the ‘first responder’ industry

Hitachi electric vehicle inverter adopted for the Audi e-tron

by

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.’s electric vehicle (EV) inverter has been adopted by Audi for its first mass production EV, the e-tron, which went on sale in Europe in March this year.

With tightened environmental regulations around the world, many countries are driving for greater adoption of electric vehicles.

This has led to the demand for more efficient and higher-output electric motors, inverters, and other electric powertrain systems that will contribute to high performance EVs.

[Read more…] about Hitachi electric vehicle inverter adopted for the Audi e-tron

General Motors names Kuka as ‘Supplier of the Year’

by

Auto giant General Motors named industrial robotics and automation company Kuka its “Supplier of the Year” during its 27th annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony held recently in Detroit.

This is the fourth time Kuka has received the award. In an interview with Robotics and Automation News, Joe Gemma, a senior executive at Kuka, provided some insights into the company. (See video below.)

During the event, GM recognized 133 of its best suppliers from 15 countries that have consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value or introduced innovations to the company. [Read more…] about General Motors names Kuka as ‘Supplier of the Year’

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi partner with Plug and Play China

by

Alliance Ventures, the venture capital fund that invests in technology start-ups for Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors, is partnering with Plug and Play China, part of the global innovation platform.

“China is leading innovation in the automotive industry,” said Francois Dossa, Alliance Global Vice President, Ventures and Open Innovation; Chairman of Alliance Ventures.

“By harnessing the expertise of Plug and Play China, we can gain access to start-ups and technologies that will transform the mobility experience.”

[Read more…] about Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi partner with Plug and Play China

Nidec to build $500 million facility in China to make motors for electric vehicles

by

Industrial motors giant Nidec is planning to build a $500 million facility in China, according to a report on Nikkei.

The factory will specialize in manufacturing motors for electric vehicles, a growing market in China and the rest of the world.

The proposed location is said to be the Jinpu New Area in the port city of Dalian, north-east China, about 500 km east of Beijing.

[Read more…] about Nidec to build $500 million facility in China to make motors for electric vehicles

Spinning in infinity: Exclusive insight into industrial technology giant Nidec

by

Nidec Corporation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial components, with annual revenues typically in the region of $11 billion.

The Japanese company’s technology can be found in products ranging from robots to computers, from cars to washing machines, and beyond.

There probably isn’t a machine builder on Earth who has not used or has at least considered using Nidec components at concept or production stage. In the computing sector, for example, Nidec is said to have the largest global market share for the tiny spindle motors that power hard-disk drives. Which means that the computer you’re reading this on is likely to have a Nidec component inside it.  [Read more…] about Spinning in infinity: Exclusive insight into industrial technology giant Nidec

Nidec records ‘highest-ever profit’ as it expands industrial motor division

by

Nidec is already one of the world’s largest suppliers of components for industrial robots and machinery, and it’s expanding rapidly.

The company says it has just recorded its “highest-ever quarterly operating profit” for its appliance, commercial and industrial product segment.

And the company says it is planning to “further strengthen” these segments and its industrial motor division.  [Read more…] about Nidec records ‘highest-ever profit’ as it expands industrial motor division

Motors giant Nidec enters into $260 million joint venture with automaker PSA

by

Nidec, one of the world’s largest suppliers of motors and other industrial components, has entered into a joint venture with global automaker PSA Group.

The “Nidec-PSA emotors” joint venture has been created by Groupe PSA and Nidec to initiate the design of “future electric motors”.

Shigenobu Nagamori, CEO of Nidec, and Carlos Tavares, CEO of Groupe PSA, endorsed the establishment of Nidec-PSA emotors, saying the new business will be “dedicated to the design, development, manufacture and sale of electric traction motors”.  [Read more…] about Motors giant Nidec enters into $260 million joint venture with automaker PSA

Mclennan launches Phytron ZSH series harsh environment stepper motors

by

Mclennan has now made available specialist ZSH-series stepper motors from its new distribution partner Phytron.

The motors are built for use in especially harsh industrial environments, says the company.

As part of a wide range that spans proven use in environments from deep space and ultra-high vacuum to standard industrial, the ZSH is designed as a cost effective solution for truly harsh industrial use where standard build stepper motors would have severe limitations.  [Read more…] about Mclennan launches Phytron ZSH series harsh environment stepper motors