Robotics & Automation News

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NXP and Microsoft demonstrate edge-to-cloud machine learning solution for predictive maintenance

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NXP Semiconductors has agreed a collaboration with Microsoft to bring artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities for anomaly detection to Azure internet of things users.

By combining complementary strengths – NXP’s offline machine learning capability and embedded processing with Microsoft’s cloud expertise – the two companies jointly demonstrates a new Anomaly Detection Solution for Azure IoT at Microsoft Build in Seattle recently.

The solution consists of a small form factor, low power system-on-module powered by NXP’s i.MX RT106C Crossover Processors, a full suite of sensors, and an associated Anomaly Detection Toolbox.

[Read more…] about NXP and Microsoft demonstrate edge-to-cloud machine learning solution for predictive maintenance

Epson Robots signs Smith Power Systems as distributor in south central US

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Epson Robots has signed Smith Power Systems, provider of selling services for its manufacturing partners, as an official distributor for the full line of Epson Robots automation products for the Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas territories.

This includes Epson SCARA, 6-Axis and Linear Module robots as well as integrated solutions such as the IntelliFlex Feeding System, Vision Guide, Force Guide and many other industrial automation products offered by Epson Robots.

Gregg Smith, president, Smith Power Systems, says: “Our partnership with Epson gives us a solid footprint in the factory automation, assembly and robotics field in our territory.

[Read more…] about Epson Robots signs Smith Power Systems as distributor in south central US

Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

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Komatsu Ltd has unveiled its electric mini excavator, based on its accumulated technological expertise of hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks.

Equipped with an in-house developed new charger, high-voltage converter and other devices, it offers excavation performance on a par with the internal combustion model of the same power output, while achieving zero exhaust gas emissions and a dynamic reduction in noise levels.

Komatsu expects a wider range of applications for this machine, including construction work near hospitals or schools or in residential areas, where contractors pay special attention to exhaust gas and noise during work, as well as inside tunnels or buildings.

[Read more…] about Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

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

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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

UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

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United Technologies (UTC) has recently launched the advanced projects group within the company, which moves at speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators.

The group’s first product demonstrator is a hybrid-electric X-plane under the project name, Project 804.

The number “804” represents the straight-line mileage between the Pratt & Whitney facility in Longueuil, Québec, and the Collins Aerospace facility in Rockford, Illinois.

[Read more…] about UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

Panasonic says it has sold 100 million household refrigerators

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Panasonic says its production of household refrigerators reached a grand total of 100 million in 2018, 65 years since the company first began to manufacture them in 1953.

Panasonic began working on refrigerators as well as televisions and washing machines in anticipation of the approaching electrical age after the Second World War.

In 1952 an alliance was formed with Nakagawa Kikai Company, a specialist machine tool manufacturer that had made refrigerators. [Read more…] about Panasonic says it has sold 100 million household refrigerators

Veo Robotics could make all industrial robots collaborative

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Traditional industrial robots tend to be very large and potentially dangerous, which is why they tend to be caged off and kept separate from human workers.

But a new company called Veo Robotics says it has the technology to transform traditional industrial robotic arms into safe machines that humans can work alongside, within close proximity.

Veo’s solution could make every industrial robot a collaborative robot. The term “collaborative” is recognized by international standards organizations and usually applies to much smaller, newer types of robots which are specifically designed to safe for humans to work with.  [Read more…] about Veo Robotics could make all industrial robots collaborative

Robotics and automation news is good for ABB, says CEO

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Industrial giant ABB is reporting a 3 per cent growth in total orders across its operation, but most of it seems to be coming from robotics. 

Net income was $525 million – for the second quarter ending July 6. Gross profit, however, was down 5 per cent, and was only $1 billion. Total revenues were up 1 per cent at almost $8.5 billion.

ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer says: “In Q2, ABB continued to build its growth momentum as our targeted initiatives are delivering. Order growth was broad-based and across all regions.

“Our industry-leading digital offering, ABB Ability, is taking off and starting to contribute to growth.

“Operational performance in the power grids and industrial automation divisions was solid in the quarter. Electrification products and robotics and motion improved margins sequentially, but were not able to fully compensate commodity price headwinds and overcapacity during the quarter.  [Read more…] about Robotics and automation news is good for ABB, says CEO

ABB claims world record in energy efficiency for its synchronous motor

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abb AMS 1400 Motor

ABB says it has set a new world record in energy efficiency with its synchronous motor – and says the technology could save companies half a million dollars over 20 years.

The company says it achieved “almost 100 per cent energy efficiency” with the motor.

Tests carried out on a 44 megawatt 6-pole synchronous ABB motor shortly before delivery showed an efficiency 0.25 percent greater than the 98.8 percent stipulated in the contract, resulting in the world record for electric motor efficiency.  [Read more…] about ABB claims world record in energy efficiency for its synchronous motor

HMS Industrial launches new smart grid connectivity gateway

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hms_ixxat-sg-gateways

New IXXAT SG-gateways from HMS Industrial Networks enable data exchange between infrastructure and energy networks based on IEC61850 or IEC60870-5-104, and common fieldbus and industrial Ethernet systems, says the company.

While industrial communication between devices and systems is typically done with fieldbus and industrial Ethernet, modern infrastructure and energy networks are based upon other protocol standards such as IEC61850 and IEC60870-5-104.

The new IXXAT SG-gateways from HMS address the increasing need for data exchange between these two worlds, offering a wide protocol coverage and easy integration.  [Read more…] about HMS Industrial launches new smart grid connectivity gateway