Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

networking

Interview: A new type of networking that is claimed to be faster and more reliable

by

In this exclusive interview, Todd Rigby of Rajant talks about a new type of networking technology that he claims is faster and more reliable 

A growing number of factories, warehouses and other industrial facilities are installing computer networks in order to make the most of the opportunities offered by the internet of things.

Typically, sensors are connected to traditional machinery, and then those sensors are connected to what are referred to as “gateway” devices, which are like routers.

This gateway can send the data collected and sent to it by the sensor either to a computer on-site or in the cloud through an internet connection.  [Read more…] about Interview: A new type of networking that is claimed to be faster and more reliable

Qualcomm confirms it is buying NXP for $47 billion

by

qualcomm-snapdragon

Qualcomm and NXP Semiconductors have announced a definitive agreement, unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, under which Qualcomm will acquire NXP.

Qualcomm will pay $110 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $47 billion.

NXP is a specialist in high-performance, mixed-signal semiconductor electronics, with innovative products and solutions and leadership positions in automotive, broad-based microcontrollers, secure identification, network processing and RF power.  [Read more…] about Qualcomm confirms it is buying NXP for $47 billion

Zeiss to show the latest networking technologies at IMTS 2016

by

zeiss industrial metrology

Zeiss Industrial Metrology is planning to show its latest networking technologies for Industry 4.0 at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).

The latest developments of Zeiss PiWeb quality data management software and Zeiss Calypso measurement software, along with further enhancements of computer tomography and white light sensor technology will be highlighted.

Customers can explore CT images virtually, get up-close views of the robotic sensor display and learn about the latest specials, available only at IMTS.

Pepperl+Fuchs launches new sensor for internet of things

by

pepperl+fuchs sensorik 4.0 sensor

Sensorik 4.0: Cloud-based sensor for the internet of things 

Sensors are valuable sources of information and can also be used outside of conventional machine and plant engineering to optimize processes and conserve resources.

The Internet of Things opens up new possibilities for networking even sensors spread over long distances. Sensor signals can be provided at exactly the right time in the place where the information contained in the signals can be used profitably.

For example, the detection of filling levels using modern sensor technology is possible in most cases with lesser or greater ease. Where containers are spread over long distances, however, greater cost is often involved with the transmission of sensor signals. [Read more…] about Pepperl+Fuchs launches new sensor for internet of things

Daimler using deep learning to teach autonomous cars to drive themselves

by

mercedes s class bertha benz

German auto giant Daimler is using deep learning techniques to teach its autonomous cars how to drive, and is boasting it has produced the smartest car in its market. 

The company is also working with Bosch and others on developing a smart car parking system, whereby human customers can simply pick up or drop off their cars in a designated area, perhaps at the entrance of a car park, and the car will go and park itself, or will come to the customer, depending on what’s required.

Daimler owns the Mercedes brand, among others, such as Benz, which is named after Carl Benz, who is credited with inventing the first motor vehicle 125 years ago. The original vehicle has been a celebrated museum piece for many decades.  [Read more…] about Daimler using deep learning to teach autonomous cars to drive themselves

The rise of the robots – a networking perspective

by

ale networking

A recent article by MIT Technology Review highlighted the inevitable growth in robotics, automation and AI in 2016 after a year of advancements in smarter learning and knowledge-sharing which broaden the ability of individual robots to adapt to unfamiliar situations and tasks. Manish Sablok, head of field marketing at ALE, discusses the impact that large-scale adoption of robotics and automated units will have on vital sectors such as healthcare, education and hospitality as existing networks encounter inevitable further strain.

Cutting-edge robots and other advanced smart machines are set to be added into the rapidly expanding Internet of Things, which is projected to reach 25 billion devices by 2020. Robotics has already been used in manufacturing to great effect for over a decade, performing delicate and precise tasks with a higher success rate than humans. With advancements such as ‘deep learning’ robots, delivery drones and ubiquitous knowledge-sharing between machines, widespread robotics adoption is becoming far more feasible.

In healthcare, there are already robotic services in operation with automated pharmacy dispensing and robotic trolleys – robots that can navigate between floors and even call the lift using a Wi-Fi sensor. The hospitality sector has also been a keen adopter of robotics to deliver services and in education, robots are being deployed successfully as a tutor, tool or peer in learning activities, providing language, science and technology education.  [Read more…] about The rise of the robots – a networking perspective

Yamaha buys into autonomous vehicle tech startup

by

veniam, v2x, v2v, yamaha
Veniam already has customers for its autonomous vehicle networking technology, which utilises IoT

Yamaha has bought a tech startup that develops networks for autonomous road vehicles. The Japanese manufacturer most famous for its motorcycles made an investment of $2 million into Silicon Valley startup company Veniam.

The company says this investment represents the first opportunity explored by its new business subsidiary, Yamaha Motor Ventures and Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV), which began operations in Silicon Valley in August 2015.

Veniam is engaged in the service provision and communication hardware development and sale of wireless mesh networking, a technology that is suited to communication between moving vehicles, and between moving vehicles and stationary objects.

In other words, Veniam has developed technology which provides fleets of vehicles with network connectivity for vehicle telemetry and communications, as well as internet access to passengers in the car. [Read more…] about Yamaha buys into autonomous vehicle tech startup