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Toyota offers free access to virtual crash test dummy software

June 30, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Toyota will make its Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) software freely available from January 2021 as part of its efforts toward a safe mobility society.

THUMS is a virtual human body model software program for computer analysis of human body injuries caused in vehicle collisions. Free access to THUMS, and subsequent use by a wider variety of users, is expected to enhance vehicle safety.

Designed to aid vehicle safety technologies’ research and development, and developed in cooperation with Toyota Central R&D Labs, THUMS was the world’s first virtual human body model software when it launched in 2000. [Read more…] about Toyota offers free access to virtual crash test dummy software

Electric vehicles drop in price, but ‘most remain unprofitable’, says Lux Research

June 9, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

Electric vehicles have fallen in price, but “most remain unprofitable”, according to Lux Research.

The automotive industry is under pressure to reduce emissions, both from government regulations and from consumers who are growing more conscious about the environmental impact of their vehicles.

Electrified powertrains are a promising avenue to reduce or eliminate vehicle emissions for automakers. [Read more…] about Electric vehicles drop in price, but ‘most remain unprofitable’, says Lux Research

Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

May 26, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric has launched what is believed to be its first series of collaborative robots, which the company has named “Melfa Assista” (main picture).

The “RV-5AS-D” model of the cobot has a 5 kg load capacity and 6-axis movement.

The company says the robots can work collaboratively with humans based on safety features such as collision detection and strict compliance with the international safety and robotic standards ISO 10218-1 and ISO/TS15066.

The series also will introduce an intuitive engineering software, RT VisualBox, for “quick, easy system deployment”, says Mitsubishi. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

NXP becomes lead partner for Arm Ethos U-55 machine learning accelerators

February 26, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

NXP Semiconductors has agreed a lead partnership role with Arm for Ethos-U55 microNPU (Neural Processing Unit), a machine learning accelerator targeted at resource-constrained industrial and IoT edge devices.

As an industry-leading innovator of microcontrollers (MCUs), NXP intends to implement Ethos U-55 in its Cortex-M based microcontrollers, crossover MCUs and real-time sub-systems in applications processors.

The expansion builds on the company’s growing ML offerings including the recently announced i.MX 8M Plus applications processors with a dedicated NPU. [Read more…] about NXP becomes lead partner for Arm Ethos U-55 machine learning accelerators

THine introduces 4Gbps low voltage differential transceiver IC

February 4, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

THine, the leader in high-speed serial interfaces and image signal processing, has introduced the high-volume availability of their new GPIO / LVCMOS transceiver IC, THCS251.

This new IC allows engineers to aggregate up to 37 lines of different data rates into just 4 lines that can be received and transmitted in the same IC.

With the THCS251, manufacturers can lower cost, reduce size, and improve reliability by utilizing simplified and smaller hinges/slip rings in their product implementations. [Read more…] about THine introduces 4Gbps low voltage differential transceiver IC

Can robots save the e-commerce holiday season?

December 4, 2019 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

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?

John Deere showcases autonomous electric tractor and other new tech

November 19, 2019 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

John Deere, probably the largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery in the world, has been showcasing a new autonomous tractor and other new technology at the ongoing Agritechnica event.

In a new exhibition concept at this year’s Agritechnica, Deere is demonstrating its leading position in precision agriculture in the Future Technology Zone.

Nine different product developments and research projects in the fields of electrification, autonomy through automation and artificial intelligence show how agriculture could work even more sustainably and productively in the future. [Read more…] about John Deere showcases autonomous electric tractor and other new tech

DMG MORI and Jungheinrich partner to develop driverless transport technologies

October 8, 2019 by David Edwards

DMG MORI and Jungheinrich have formed a partnership to develop driverless transport systems – and have already demonstrated a first product.

The company says the DMG MORI PH-AGV 50 (main picture) “heralds a new era of flexible automation solutions in intralogistics”.

Because the driverless transport system enables the fully automated loading and unloading of workpiece pallets on machine tools. [Read more…] about DMG MORI and Jungheinrich partner to develop driverless transport technologies

Ultimation reaches out to vertical farming sector with its conveyor systems

July 16, 2019 by Sam Francis

Ultimation is targeting the new and growing market of vertical farming sector with its conveyor systems, technology it has been supplying for more than 30 years.

The company says that sustainable agricultural operations such as vertical and indoor farms are becoming more prevalent, and “conveyor technology systems can be part of the solution”.

Ultimation says vertical farms can potentially achieve higher yields for the surface area dedicated to production by controlling the light, temperature, humidity, water and nutrients the plants receive. [Read more…] about Ultimation reaches out to vertical farming sector with its conveyor systems