Robotics & Automation News

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XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

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XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has embarked on a new autonomous forklift truck technology pilot program in collaboration with Balyo, a specialist developer of robotics for goods handling equipment.

XPO is the first logistics company in Europe to test Balyo’s latest robotic “reach truck” – referring to its higher reach – under real-life conditions. The pilot is underway at an XPO distribution center near Blois, France.

Malcolm Wilson, XPO’s chief executive officer – Europe, says: “We’re pleased that our on-site tests will help optimize intelligent reach trucks for the logistics environment. As we pilot the robotics in our operations, we’re also exploring these applications to increase efficiency for customers and to support our employees.” [Read more…] about XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

Okuma makes ‘conversational programming’ standard on its CNC machines

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Okuma, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial equipment, has introduced “conversational programming” as standard on its CNC machines.

Okuma says its Advanced One Touch (AOT) conversational programming software enables shops to “easily create programs without the need for highly-trained programmers, achieve faster setup times, and increase machine productivity”.

Okuma America says that select machines from Okuma’s core product line now come equipped with the Advanced One Touch-Interactive Graphics Function (AOT-IGF), the conversational programming software designed for Okuma’s lathes, machining centers and multitasking machines. [Read more…] about Okuma makes ‘conversational programming’ standard on its CNC machines

AutoX launches fully driverless RoboTaxi service to the public in China

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Autonomous driving company AutoX has launched a “fully driverless” RoboTaxi pilot program to the public in Shenzhen, China after its taxis completed final testing last month. (See video below.)

This marks the first time that the general public will be able to book a completely autonomous RoboTaxi without accompanying safety drivers in China.

Members of the public can sign up for the pilot program through AutoX’s RoboTaxi registration page. Selected pilot users can use AutoX membership credits for the RoboTaxi rides. [Read more…] about AutoX launches fully driverless RoboTaxi service to the public in China

Lilium partners with Lufthansa to train pilots for its tiny plane

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Lilium, the Munich-based aviation company developing an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) for regional air mobility, has agreed what it describes as “an industry-first partnership” with Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT, part of the Lufthansa Group).

Together, Lilium and LAT will develop a tailor-made Pilot Sourcing and Training programme to qualify pilots to fly the Lilium Jet.

The first phase of this innovative program consists of an additional training certification for qualified commercial pilots. [Read more…] about Lilium partners with Lufthansa to train pilots for its tiny plane

Trumpf enters the world of automated arc welding

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Industrial machine tools company Trumpf has released its first automated arc welding system. The TruArc Weld 1000 comes with a collaborative robot, also known as a “cobot”. After the operator has manually guided it over a component, the cobot then automatically carries out the weld.

It is significantly more efficient than would be possible manually. With the new system, Trumpf says it is responding to the increasing lack of skilled workers and helps fabricators get started with automated welding. CE-compliant and approved by TÜV Austria, the TruArc Weld 1000 “meets the very highest safety standards”. [Read more…] about Trumpf enters the world of automated arc welding

Geisel Software wins NASA contract to develop collaborative mobile robotics for space program

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Geisel Software, a Massachusetts-based custom software development company, and University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) have been awarded a Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The award will support the development of a solution that will allow for collaborative mobility and manipulation in a heterogeneous robotic environment.

The research is critically important to solving problems such as mapping, localization, atmospheric transmission spectroscopy, electromagnetic radiation detection of all kinds, seismic and other planetary sensing, and more. [Read more…] about Geisel Software wins NASA contract to develop collaborative mobile robotics for space program

Michigan awards $1.7 million in grants to expand electric vehicle charging network across the state

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Drivers of electric vehicles will have more locations to recharge their vehicle’s batteries as they travel across Michigan because of $1.7 million in grants awarded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The EGLE made the funding available for direct current fast chargers located along well-traveled routes. It says this will “make it more convenient for drivers to reach their destinations”.

EGLE says it is committed to the future of mobility through investment in infrastructure that is needed to support EVs and it has identified “optimal charger locations” across Michigan. [Read more…] about Michigan awards $1.7 million in grants to expand electric vehicle charging network across the state

Boston Dynamics now selling its robot dog for $75,000 each

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Boston Dynamics, creator of humanoid and canine robots that have caused primal fear on a global scale, is now selling its robot dog for $75,000 each.

The company has launched commercial sales for Spot, the agile robot that climbs stairs and traverses rough terrain with ease.

The exact price per unit of the clever little canine is $74,500 and it can be bought through Boston Dynamics’ online shop. Discounts are probably available for multiple purchases. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics now selling its robot dog for $75,000 each

Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation

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Over the past year, Grenzebach and Geodis, a global supply chain operator, have been engaged in a joint project setting up a Grenzebach Goods-to-Person solution for a large consumer electronics customer.

The Goods-to-Person solution has been installed at Geodis’ Nashville, Tennessee campus. It features Grenzebach L600 automated guided vehicles, mobile storage units and picking stations as well as software.

The project has been run as a pilot program, designed to make the jobs of Geodis teammates easier, safer and more productive. Following the success of the pilot program, Geodis is now introducing Grenzebach AGV solutions to additional clients. [Read more…] about Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation

Softing Industrial Automation joins Endress+Hauser’s IIoT network

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Softing Industrial Automation has joined the “Open Integration” network set up by Endress+Hauser, which says its partner program is gaining importance through its IIoT solutions.

Endress says people in the industry often ask, “How can field instruments and components be easily integrated into automation systems?”

The answer to this question is becoming increasingly important as industrial production digitalization progresses, says the company. [Read more…] about Softing Industrial Automation joins Endress+Hauser’s IIoT network

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