Robotics & Automation News

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ESMERA releases list of 20 new robotics projects in line to receive €75,000 each

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ESMERA, the EU-funded program to develop the European robotics sector, has released a list of 20 new “experiments” that will receive support from the organisation.

The 20 new experiments started within the ESMERA project as of May 1st, 2020. The word “ESMERA” is short for European SMEs Robotic Applications.

Within the project’s second Open Call, which ended in December 2019, 69 applications were registered, all proposing to solve either a pre-defined robotics challenge or bringing with them their own challenge provider and challenge. [Read more…] about ESMERA releases list of 20 new robotics projects in line to receive €75,000 each

The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Modern Workforce: 3 Tips to Protect Your Company

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Moving your small business online is a great way to build your business brand and help open up brand new avenues to market your product or service.

However, opening your business up online can also leave you open to cyber-attacks, which means that in addition to developing a website and strong digital marketing strategy, you need to think about developing a strong cybersecurity policy.

While a cyberattack is potentially harmful regardless of who is the victim, for a business it can be even more damaging and potentially deadly. [Read more…] about The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Modern Workforce: 3 Tips to Protect Your Company

Five robotic technology innovations move to final phase of Esmera competition

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Five robotic technology experiments have moved into the final phase of a competition run by Esmera, the European Union-funded project set up to develop innovative technologies.

The five entrants are:

  • Nix;
  • Minotaur-R (energy sector);
  • Reflect;
  • Wire Cobots (manufacturing); and
  • Cobolleague (construction).

They have all been selected to move into the second phase of Esmera, which is an abbreviation of European SMEs Robotic Applications. [Read more…] about Five robotic technology innovations move to final phase of Esmera competition

Open Manufacturing Platform expands with new industrial giants joining

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The Open Manufacturing Platform has expanded, with new steering committee members and new working groups established.

OMP is an alliance founded in 2019 to help manufacturing companies accelerate innovation at scale through cross-industry collaboration, knowledge and data sharing as well as access to new technologies.

The OMP was founded under the umbrella of the Joint Development Foundation, which is part of the Linux Foundation. [Read more…] about Open Manufacturing Platform expands with new industrial giants joining

Bosch Rexroth adopts Ubuntu Core and snaps for app-based ctrlX Automation platform

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Bosch Rexroth has selected Ubuntu Core for its app-based platform ctrlX Automation.

ctrlX Automation leverages Ubuntu Core, designed for embedded devices, and snaps, the universal Linux application containers, to deliver an open source platform to remove the barriers between machine control, operation technology and information technology, or OT-IT.

Industrial manufacturing solutions built on ctrlX Automation with Ubuntu Core and snaps will benefit from an open ecosystem, faster time to production and stronger security across devices’ lifecycle. [Read more…] about Bosch Rexroth adopts Ubuntu Core and snaps for app-based ctrlX Automation platform

The mundane revolution: Unexpected innovations in robotics

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By Rhys Davies, product manager at Canonical, publishers of Ubuntu

Today’s headlines tend to focus on the weird and wonderful robots of this world: the Hollywood Terminators or mechanical dogs developed by Boston Dynamics and other Silicon Valley start-ups.

The greatest innovations, however, can often be found in the more mundane corners of our society, within the industries and environments people least expect.

It’s happened with medicine and the discovery of penicillin, for example, while Archimedes had his eureka moment in the bath. [Read more…] about The mundane revolution: Unexpected innovations in robotics

Essentium research shows industrial-scale 3D printing moving into mainstream manufacturing

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Essentium, a leading innovator in industrial additive manufacturing, has released the first in a series of findings from independent global research on the current and future use of industrial 3D printing.

The study reveals a significant increase in the use of large-scale additive manufacturing (AM).

The number of manufacturers using 3D printing for full-scale production has doubled compared to last year (40 per cent in 2019; 21 per cent in 2018). [Read more…] about Essentium research shows industrial-scale 3D printing moving into mainstream manufacturing

Industrial measurement and testing: Faster commissioning results in quicker time to market

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Bosch Rexroth provides insight into measurement and testing processes

To ensure consistency, repeatability, quality and compliance with regulations, many companies employ rigorous testing and measurement processes.

Kraus automation technology (KAT), specialises in providing tailored testing systems for life-span, fatigue and material tests.

To offer testing systems which meet the needs of their diverse customer base, KAT use National Instruments’ LabView software to create custom user interfaces for engineers. [Read more…] about Industrial measurement and testing: Faster commissioning results in quicker time to market

BMW and Microsoft launch ‘Open Manufacturing Platform’

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Microsoft and the BMW Group have announced what they describe as “a new community initiative” to enable faster, more cost-effective innovation in the manufacturing sector.

In manufacturing today, production and profitability can be hindered by complex, proprietary systems that create data silos and slow productivity.

The Open Manufacturing Platform (OMP) is designed to break down these barriers through the creation of an open technology framework and cross-industry community.

[Read more…] about BMW and Microsoft launch ‘Open Manufacturing Platform’

Industrial Internet Consortium launches series of challenges

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The Industrial Internet Consortium has launched a series of “IoT Challenges” aimed at solving real problems and advancing the validation of industrial internet applications and solutions.

The current Challenges are co-organized with the Trusted IoT Alliance.

In an interview with Robotics and Automation News, Dr Richard Soley, executive director of the IIC, provides an overview and some insights into what the IIC is and what it does. (See video below.)

In these Challenges, architects and solution providers will compete to design industrial internet solutions that address high-profile, real-world problems. [Read more…] about Industrial Internet Consortium launches series of challenges