Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

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Zebra Technologies unveils new robot for retail operations

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Zebra Technologies has introduced SmartSight, a robot for mass merchants, grocers, and supermarkets and hypermarkets.

The company is showcasing the new machine at NRF 2020, the retail technology show currently being held in Chicago, USA.

SmartSight leverages the computer vision, machine learning, workflow automation and robotic capabilities of Zebra’s EMA50 enterprise mobile automation system to accurately identify out-of-stock conditions, pricing inconsistencies and planogram issues on the shelf. [Read more…] about Zebra Technologies unveils new robot for retail operations

Columbia develops ‘robotic trunk support assists’ for people with spinal cord injuries

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Engineers at Columbia university have invented a robotic trunk-support-trainer to retrain patients with spinal cord injury to sit more stably and gain an expanded active sitting workspace. (See video below.)

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can cause devastating damage, including loss of mobility and sensation. Every year, there are an estimated 17,000 new SCIs in the US alone, a rate higher than in most regions of the world.

In addition, the rate of SCIs in people 65 years or older is expected to rise in the US, from 13 percent in 2010 to 16.1 percent by 2020. [Read more…] about Columbia develops ‘robotic trunk support assists’ for people with spinal cord injuries

RE2 Robotics plans expansion as it looks to increase staff by 50 per cent

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RE2 Robotics, a developer of human-like robotic manipulation systems, says it will “significantly increase” its hiring efforts in 2020.

This hiring push is a direct result of the company’s expansion into commercial markets last year, including the aviation, energy and medical industries.

RE2 expects to increase its staff by 50 percent by the end 2020. The company, which increased its staff by 32 percent in 2019, is seeking to add approximately 20 engineers in a variety of disciplines, including mechanical, electrical and software engineering. [Read more…] about RE2 Robotics plans expansion as it looks to increase staff by 50 per cent

Cyber Security: Should We Be Afraid of Robotization?

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One of the major trends that will determine the development of business and society for the coming decades is the introduction of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, industrial automation. These technologies will help businesses to improve the effectiveness of many processes, but they also expose companies to new threats.

A robot for automating business processes is software that runs on a user’s computer. Choose the antivirus for your computer and ensure the safety of your personal information right now with best free antivirus 2019.

It imitates human actions, performing tasks according to specific rules written in its algorithm. Robots process electronic documents, tables, interact with accounting systems, online resources, and correspondence. [Read more…] about Cyber Security: Should We Be Afraid of Robotization?

Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales jump 12 percent

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Worldwide semiconductor equipment manufacturers posted third-quarter 2019 billings of $14.9 billion, a quarter-over-quarter increase of 12 percent but down 6 percent from the third quarter of 2018.

This is according to data collated by SEMI, the global industry association representing the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, reported today.

The data are gathered jointly with the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan from more than 80 global equipment companies that provide data on a monthly basis. [Read more…] about Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales jump 12 percent

Can robots save the e-commerce holiday season?

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It’s getting close to Christmas and that means it’s time for e-commerce fulfillment managers to start getting worried about the availability of labor for the holiday season.

According to a recent article in Supply Chain Dive, “this year’s peak season promises additional challenges in recruiting new hires as the pool of available labor shrinks”.

As the article points out, the US unemployment rate hit a 50-year low in September 2019. [Read more…] about Can robots save the e-commerce holiday season?

Manufacturing industry turning to robotics and AI in challenging economic landscape, says Deloitte

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The manufacturing industry is turning to robotics and artificial intelligence as well as a range of other strategies to navigate an increasingly challenging economic landscape, according to a report by Deloitte.

The management consultancy says that, as the risk of a global economic downturn grows, the industrial manufacturing industry faces a challenging landscape in 2020 replete with trade tensions, muted job growth, supply chain volatility and an ongoing skilled talent shortage.

Yet, despite these headwinds, industry leaders are rapidly developing coping strategies – not only to weather the brewing storm, but to thrive in spite of it. [Read more…] about Manufacturing industry turning to robotics and AI in challenging economic landscape, says Deloitte

Bosch ‘poised for leap’ in e-mobility with new silicon carbide semiconductors

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Bosch says it is poised to make a technological “leap” in electric mobility as a result of developing new silicon carbide semiconductors.

The vast majority of semiconductors today are made using common silicon, which makes up 25 per cent of Earth’s crust, but silicon carbide is generally made from an extremely rare mineral called “moissanite”.

Bosch is secretive about its technology, but Harold Kroeger, member of the Bosch board of management, says: “Silicon carbide semiconductors will transform e-mobility.” [Read more…] about Bosch ‘poised for leap’ in e-mobility with new silicon carbide semiconductors

Geek+ smart warehouses break Single’s Day record with 8 million orders delivered in 72 hours

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Geek+ says it implemented and completed large-scale scheduling of more than 4,000 robots in its smart warehouses during this year’s 11.11 Singles’ Day shopping festival.

China’s largest smart warehouse network processed a record 8 million orders in 72 hours.

Geek+ says “the successful deployment is a fantastic validation of the strength of the robotics-as-a-service business model” and the flexibility and efficiency of smart warehouses during periods of peak orders, including the ultimate challenge of the world’s largest shopping festival. [Read more…] about Geek+ smart warehouses break Single’s Day record with 8 million orders delivered in 72 hours

Walgreens chooses Postmates for grocery deliveries

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Walgreens and Postmates are partnering to provide quick, convenient, on-demand delivery for customers looking for over-the-counter medications, health and wellness, beauty and grocery products.

Postmates will deliver hundreds of Walgreens’ most popular items from 174 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Whether it will use its delivery robots remains to be seen, but it’s certainly an option in the long term.

Craig Whitmer, VP, merchant business development, Postmates, says: “In the last year, orders from convenience and drugstores have increased by 68 percent. [Read more…] about Walgreens chooses Postmates for grocery deliveries