Robotics & Automation News

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Sarcos and Blattner develop autonomous robotic solar construction system

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Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, a specialist in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced robotic systems, and Blattner Company, a provider and installer of renewable energy, have entered into a collaboration agreement.

The agreement focuses on the development and refinement of Sarcos’ autonomous mobile robotic system designed to optimize employee safety and enhance the efficiency of the installation of photovoltaic (PV) modules for utility-scale solar projects.

Laura Peterson, interim president and CEO, Sarcos, says: “Like many industries, the solar construction industry is experiencing significant worker shortages post-Covid and has not yet recovered. [Read more…] about Sarcos and Blattner develop autonomous robotic solar construction system

Comau unveils robotic system for constructing solar farms

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Comau has launched its patented Hyperflex mobile factory, which it describes as “a new paradigm in solar blade deployment that facilitates faster photovoltaic plant construction for a time to market savings of up to 25 per cent on new installations”.

Designed in-house and featuring proprietary Comau robotics, lifting equipment and other technology enablers, Hyperflex automatically assembles the entire solar blade, which can measure up to 48 sq m, directly in the photovoltaic field.

In doing so, the robotized temporary mobile factory lowers overall operating costs while granting better operator well-being, process quality and overall productivity when expanding an existing plant or installing a new one. [Read more…] about Comau unveils robotic system for constructing solar farms

The Future of Solar Panel Cleaning: Robots vs Humans

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One of the advantages of solar systems is their minimal maintenance.

This is true, there are no moving parts in the panels that can fail due to friction, they do not wear out, so they can serve for a long time without loss of efficiency.

But often users notice that performance has started to drop. Some even call specialists, believing that something is wrong with the batteries. There’s something wrong with them, they are just dirty.

Solar systems need constant care. It is necessary to clean the surface of the panels at least 2 times a year – in spring and autumn, but it is better to do this more often. [Read more…] about The Future of Solar Panel Cleaning: Robots vs Humans

Five Reasons Home Solar is a No-Brainer

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Currently, home solar panels have become very popular worldwide. Renewable energy seems to be the best solution for all those who have concerns about unpredictable fluctuations in the natural gas market, rising prices, and a possible crisis.

Solar panels can provide a private home with at least partial independence from fluctuations in the energy market. In addition, it is the most environmentally friendly solution, and its owner will have more control over costs.

The active use of solar panels to provide electricity to buildings (in which solar energy is converted into electrical energy) and of heating buildings (in which thermo-solar devices are used in the heating systems of houses) started about 35 years ago. [Read more…] about Five Reasons Home Solar is a No-Brainer

Best MPPT or PWM solar controller for the camper

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PWM and MPPT charge controllers are both devices widely used to charge batteries using energy produced by solar panels on campers and boats and, of course, in fixed installations.

The PWM controller is a switch connecting the solar panels to your service battery. This device can substantially reduce the voltage of the meetings until it reaches that of the battery bank.

The MPPT controller, on the other hand, is more sophisticated (and more expensive): it regulates its input voltage to harvest the maximum possible power from the solar panels. [Read more…] about Best MPPT or PWM solar controller for the camper

Kuehne+Nagel shows off solar-powered delivery trucks

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As part of the goal to create more sustainable supply chain solutions, Kuehne+Nagel is reducing CO2 emissions in the Netherlands with photovoltaics – solar panels – installed on top of trucks.

The solar panels reduce fuel consumption by up to 1.200 litres per year, per vehicle. This reduces a truck’s overall fuel consumption by up to 6 percent, lowering CO2 emission per truck by 3.8 tonnes on an annual basis.

Traditionally, trucks consume a large amount of electricity which is generated by the alternator. The photovoltaics now supply the trucks with solar electricity. When driving, there is a decreased load on the engine which lowers fuel consumption. [Read more…] about Kuehne+Nagel shows off solar-powered delivery trucks

RE2 Robotics partners with JLG Industries to build robotic elevation platforms

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RE2 Robotics, a developer of intelligent mobile manipulation systems, has agreed a developmental partnership with JLG Industries, part of the Oshkosh group and a manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers.

The collaboration of these two companies is intended to advance the integration of robotics with access equipment.

Jorgen Pedersen, RE2’s president and CEO, says: “The future of work is here. Humans and robots are working more closely together, and the construction industry is no exception. [Read more…] about RE2 Robotics partners with JLG Industries to build robotic elevation platforms

DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories

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DFI’s AMR-dedicated AI computer enhances mobility and accuracy of mobile robots

The humble LCD panel was originally one of the Taiwanese government’s “Two Trillion & Twin Star” plan to develop its high-tech sectors. Now, it’s one of the country’s most significant symbols of electronics manufacturing.

With the trend of panel generation becoming larger and larger, in the production line of large-size panels, handling technology is also relatively important. [Read more…] about DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories

Nissan uses robotic and 3D printing technologies to expand heritage parts range

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Nissan says it will utilize its new technologies to bring to the Japan market additional parts in its NISMO Heritage Parts program, a series of genuine repair and replacement parts for discontinued vehicles.

The new technologies include dual-sided dieless forming for body panels and 3D printing for resin parts.

Nissan unveiled dual-sided dieless forming technology in 2019 as a method to produce body panels in low volumes. [Read more…] about Nissan uses robotic and 3D printing technologies to expand heritage parts range

Solar power revolution ‘unavoidable’ in Asia, says industry expert

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REC solar panel manufacturing plant in Singapore
A robot operates at a production line during a tour of an REC solar panel manufacturing plant in Singapore. Reuters / Edgar Su

By Henning Gloystein and Vera Eckert, Reuters

Investors are increasingly excited about the prospects for much faster growth in the solar power industry in Southeast Asia, which has until now been a backwater for renewable energy.

They say that the region is in a perfect position to benefit from rapidly declining prices in solar panels. It has strong economic growth, relatively high costs of electricity and a shortage from traditional sources, undeveloped infrastructure in more remote areas, plenty of sunshine, and backing for more renewable energy from many of Southeast Asia’s governments.

“Dramatically falling costs for solar energy technologies means businesses and governments are choosing renewable energy not for environmental reasons but for economic ones,” said Roberto De Vido, spokesman for Singapore-based Equis, one of Asia’s biggest green energy-focused investment firms with $2.7 billion in committed capital. “It simply makes good business sense. And that’s a trend that’s not going to change.”  [Read more…] about Solar power revolution ‘unavoidable’ in Asia, says industry expert