Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

provide

Chinese robotics sector files ‘44 percent of total global patents’

by

The Chinese robotics sector generated almost half of total global patents in the most recent year available, according to a new report. 

The figure was published in the Annual Report on the Development of the Robot Industry in China, jointly written by HRG International Institute of Research and Innovation as well as the China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation.

The two organizations produced what they call the 2021 Blue Book of the Robot Industry, based on their research. [Read more…] about Chinese robotics sector files ‘44 percent of total global patents’

OrionStar showcases Qualcomm-enabled 5G service robots at MWC Shanghai

by

OrionStar, the robotics company invested in by telecommunications company Cheetah Mobile, has developed three service robots embedded with Qualcomm’s 5G solutions and processing capabilities.

The company showcased some of its technologies at the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2021.

By adding 5G connectivity, the robots get a powerful boost in AI performance to provide an even higher level of stability, consistency, responsiveness, coordination and remote control capabilities. [Read more…] about OrionStar showcases Qualcomm-enabled 5G service robots at MWC Shanghai

Rockwell Automation and OSIsoft extend digital data partnership

by

Rockwell Automation has extended its 15-year partnership with industrial data platform provider OSIsoft to “ensure continued” value for industrial manufacturing customers by enabling informed, data-driven decisions.

OSIsoft’s PI System is the market-leading operations data management platform for industrial organizations meeting next-generation demands for efficiency, reliability, security, sustainability, and resilience.

The agreement reinforces the companies’ joint commitment to drive outcome-based digital transformation solutions for customers across essential industries, including energy, mining, oil and gas, utilities, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and more. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation and OSIsoft extend digital data partnership

Berkshire Grey valued at $2.7 billion after merger with Revolution Acceleration

by

Berkshire Grey, a developer of integrated artificial intelligence and robotic solutions for e-commerce, retail replenishment, and logistics, has entered into a definitive agreement with Revolution Acceleration Acquisition, a special purpose acquisition company, to create a leading publicly listed robotics and automation solutions company with a post-transaction equity value of up to $2.7 billion.

Founded in 2013 by the current chief executive officer, Tom Wagner, PhD, the former chief technology officer at iRobot, BG is a pure-play robotics company offering fully integrated, AI-based software and hardware solutions to automate business operations in warehouses and logistics fulfillment centers.

The company’s solutions help retailers and logistics companies meet the exponential growth of e-commerce and ever-increasing consumer demands. BG’s management, engineering, and commercial teams each have extensive robotics expertise and deep industry experience. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey valued at $2.7 billion after merger with Revolution Acceleration

Veo Robotics signs up Calvary Robotics as first integration partner

by

Veo Robotics, an industrial automation company building technology to make robots responsive to humans, has agreed a partnership with Calvary Robotics, a developer of custom automation solutions, robotic platforms, and material handling systems, as its initial certified systems integrator partner.

Calvary will include Veo’s flagship product FreeMove, a “3D safeguarding solution” that is said to turn standard industrial robots into collaborative machines that work safely with humans, as part of its solution offering to customers.

The Veo team will provide training to the Calvary team on how to install FreeMove in various manufacturing settings. [Read more…] about Veo Robotics signs up Calvary Robotics as first integration partner

ABB to power South Korea’s first domestic zero-emissions ferry

by

ABB has secured a contract with Haemin Heavy Industries shipyard to provide a complete power and propulsion solution for Busan Port Authority’s first all-electric passenger ferry.

The new ferry represents the first commitment by South Korean authorities to a plan which will see 140 state-owned conventionally powered vessels replaced with those operating on cleaner alternatives by 2030, in line with environmental legislation.

Sustainable transportation, including marine vessels, will play an important role in South Korea’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, set out in the country’s Green New Deal, announced in 2020. [Read more…] about ABB to power South Korea’s first domestic zero-emissions ferry

Toyota demonstrates autonomous shuttle for ‘mobility as a service’ applications

by

Toyota Motor has unveiled an operations management system to support the providing of services that will enable practical use of the e-Palette, the Japanese auto giant’s battery-electric vehicle for autonomous mobility as a service (Autono-MaaS) applications. (See video below.)

In collaboration with a range of partners, Toyota is also planning to operate the vehicles in Woven City, a fully connected prototype city, while targeting commercial use in multiple areas and regions in the early 2020s.

When announcing his goal to transition Toyota to a mobility company at the January 2018 CES, Toyota president Akio Toyoda also announced the e-Palette as a symbol of mobility that goes beyond cars to provide customers services and new value. [Read more…] about Toyota demonstrates autonomous shuttle for ‘mobility as a service’ applications

Delivering Content Like Never Before

by

When you’re watching a movie on Netflix, skipping between one webpage to another, downloading an image, or accessing a cloud storage server, you’re getting some form of content.

The way this information is delivered to you actually involves an intricate and complex process that ensures that you’re getting the right content quickly.

Obtaining and assessing vital information has never been quicker or more efficient, and this is in large part thanks to the emergence of content delivery networks, which are a network of servers and data centres that work in tandem with each other in order to deliver a faster connection to users. [Read more…] about Delivering Content Like Never Before

How robotics is helping those with disabilities

by

Government statistics show that 14.1 million people reported a disability in the UK in 2018-19 – a figure that equates to 21% of the population. Of course, disabilities can range in severity and further data from the authorities reveals 4.1 million disabled people are in work.

Although that represents almost 30% of all disabled people, Scope’s 2019 disability price tag study found that on average, those with a disability face extra living costs of nearly £600 per month.

The encouraging news is that plenty is being done to improve the quality of life for disabled people, to help them enjoy the sense of freedom and independence that more able members of the population may take for granted. [Read more…] about How robotics is helping those with disabilities

Cheetah Mobile introduces new robots for trade shows

by

Cheetah Mobile has introduced three new robots for trade shows – GreetBot, EngageBot and FanBot. The company says the robots will “elevate virtual and in-person event experience, offering Covid-safe solutions”. (See video below.)

Cheetah Mobile says it has launched its exhibition solutions in response to “the shifting environment in the events and trade show industry due to Covid-19”.

Implemented together, these robots help event planners and exhibitors provide contactless check-in, event information and venue layout guidance for in-person attendees or for those online. [Read more…] about Cheetah Mobile introduces new robots for trade shows