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Baidu expands Apollo Go robotaxi service to all first-tier cities in China

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Baidu Apollo’s ride-hailing service platform Apollo Go has launched trial operation in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, providing autonomous robotaxi services to Shenzhen commuters.

Shenzhen is the seventh city where Baidu has introduced its robotaxi ride services in China, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Changsha, and Cangzhou.

Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, home to top tech companies including Tencent and Huawei, is one of the most densely populated areas in south China.

The launch of Baidu’s robotaxi services is set to drive further developments in autonomous driving in Shenzhen and accelerate the development of local intelligent connected vehicles, underscoring Baidu’s continuous efforts and ambition to lead the transformation of intelligent transportation in China. [Read more…] about Baidu expands Apollo Go robotaxi service to all first-tier cities in China

UVD Robots sends its machines along supermarket aisles

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UVD Robots, a specialist manufacturer of autonomous ultraviolet disinfection robots, is partnering with OCC Commercial Consulting to offer “complete hospital-grade disinfection solutions” for supermarkets, with the aim of providing a safe shopping experience for employees and customers.

UVD Robots says that the average consumer spends about 60 hours grocery shopping per year – hours spent in an environment that may harbor different germ colonies, include shopping carts, refrigerator doors, and produce.

A study showed that grocery store carts have 361 times more bacteria than a bathroom door knob, with 75 percent of the germs found on those carts considered harmful to humans. [Read more…] about UVD Robots sends its machines along supermarket aisles

ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

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Industrial automation giant ABB has launched a virtual technical assistance support service.

With the theme of “A problem shared” – the new virtual assistance support service from ABB provides instant access to virtual face to face expert technical advice.

Getting to grips with robotic automation is “now even easier” with the launch of ABB’s Virtual Assistance support service, says the company. [Read more…] about ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

Hexagon launches ‘world’s first’ wireless laser scanner

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Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division has launched what it claims is “the world’s first wireless laser scanner” designed specifically to work inside computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines.

The cutting-edge scanner allows for data to be efficiently, accurately and securely transmitted wirelessly, which improves production quality.

Hexagon’s new integrated wireless laser scanner, the m&h LS-R-4.8, does not require traditional touch probes and captures around 40,000 measurement points a second to provide information about the complete part, compared to the status quo of taking individual points with traditional touch probes. [Read more…] about Hexagon launches ‘world’s first’ wireless laser scanner

ZF providing safety technology for Zoox autonomous shuttle

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Automotive components giant ZF is providing safety technology for the Zoox autonomous shuttle.

The company says it is providing “advanced occupant protection systems” and “high-quality chassis components” for the vehicle.

ZF says future mobility will encompass ride-hailing solutions and robo-taxis to move people comfortably and safely through the megacities of the globe. [Read more…] about ZF providing safety technology for Zoox autonomous shuttle

Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

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Hanwha has launched what it describes as “new advanced solutions”, including Hanwha Collaborative Robot Advanced (HCR Advanced) and a collaborative-robot-solutions package to continue building its momentum in the collaborative robot market that is expected to grow rapidly.

The global market for cobots was worth $1.2 billion last year, and it is expected to grow on average by 42 percent annually as more smart factories are built and the increasing demand for contactless services due to Covid-19 are expected to reach $7 billion by 2026.

In response, Hanwha is aggressively developing advanced cobots that combine Hanwha’s AI technology with its mobility capabilities. The company is integrating its robotics technology with existing logistics automation systems, secondary batteries, and display-related facilities to create synergy and satisfy the diverse needs of customers worldwide. [Read more…] about Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

Webinar: Lessons Learned in Scaling a Robot Fleet

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RoboBusiness Direct presents From 1 to 1,000: Lessons Learned in Scaling a Robot Fleet

Featured Speaker: Sarjoun Skaff, CTO, Bossa Nova Robotics

June 17, 2020 – 2:00 PM EST

Bossa Nova Robotics is one of the leaders in the retail robotics sector, providing large retailers with inventory-scanning robots that move up and down aisles, tracking inventory supply levels via computer vision and artificial intelligence to keep items available for customers.  [Read more…] about Webinar: Lessons Learned in Scaling a Robot Fleet

Will Automation Make Lorry Drivers Obsolete?

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The haulage industry is an essential part of the network that is keeping the economy going, but for the last decade, there have been whispers of big changes that will ultimately change and revolutionise the way that day-to-day haulage works. 

Huge corporations like UPS and Daimler have been investing in automation technology, working closely with robotics companies to create a standard for the haulage industry that will speed up the process of transporting freight across the world.

There have even been estimations made that 1.2 million lorry driver jobs will be eliminated. But will automation really make the lorry driver obsolete? [Read more…] about Will Automation Make Lorry Drivers Obsolete?

Robots used in various situations to fight global coronavirus pandemic

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The use of robotics in the reduction of dull, dirty, and unsafe tasks is commonplace.

Some of the scenarios in which robots are sent in include the detonation of bombs and investigation of uncharted and potentially dangerous environments.

And as the world looks on, China is accelerating the use of robotics to assist with the public health crisis that is Covid-19, or as it’s more commonly known, the coronavirus.

With almost 2 million cases and more than 125,000 deaths from the disease worldwide – and rising daily – reducing the risk of person-to-person transmission is of the highest priority for government and health officials. [Read more…] about Robots used in various situations to fight global coronavirus pandemic

NXP launches new chip with ‘10 times more processing power’ to support autonomous cars

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NXP Semiconductors has launched a new processor with “10 times more processing power” to support autonomous driving functions.

NXP is believed to be the world’s largest supplier of automotive semiconductors.

The company says the new S32G vehicle network processors mark a “significant turning point” in the way vehicle architectures are designed and implemented.

As the latest offering from NXP’s S32 family of processors, the S32G processors enable the automotive industry shift to high performance domain-based vehicle architectures and provide reduced software complexity and enhanced security and safety. [Read more…] about NXP launches new chip with ‘10 times more processing power’ to support autonomous cars