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A year after the UN’s driver-assistance regulation came into force, the real race begins

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When the United Nations adopted its Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS) regulation towards the end of last year, it was seen as a milestone for global automotive safety and automation.

Now, a year after it entered into force, attention is shifting from legislation to implementation – how automakers, suppliers, and regulators are putting the new rules into practice.

The regulation, officially UN Regulation No. 171, was developed under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the body responsible for harmonising vehicle standards across more than 60 countries. [Read more…] about A year after the UN’s driver-assistance regulation came into force, the real race begins

Mercedes-Benz starts production of GLC electric drive units in Romania

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Mercedes-Benz has started production of electric drive units for the all-new, fully electric GLC SUV at its Star Assembly plant in Sebeș, Romania.

The facility, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, now forms part of the company’s global electric powertrain network, supplying components to vehicle plants in Bremen, Germany and Kecskemét, Hungary.

Jörg Burzer, Mercedes-Benz board member responsible for production, quality and supply chain management, says: “Producing the electric drive units for the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC is an important milestone in the transformation of our plant and underlines the role of Sebeș in the global Mercedes-Benz production network. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz starts production of GLC electric drive units in Romania

General Motors announces plans for eyes-off driving and conversational AI

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General Motors says it will introduce “eyes-off” driving capability and new conversational AI systems as part of its next generation of intelligent vehicles. The company described the technologies as key steps toward what it calls “personal autonomy”.

In a statement, GM said that in 2028 it plans to launch eyes-off driving on the Cadillac Escalade IQ (main image), starting with highway use. Turquoise lighting on the dashboard and exterior mirrors will signal when the system is active. “A turquoise light indicates hand-off operation,” the company said.

GM added that the system is built on “redundancy with lidar, radar, and cameras integrated into the vehicle’s design”. According to the company, this combination of sensor fusion, real-world driving data, and simulation “provides a safe, reliable, and highly capable eyes-off autonomous system”. [Read more…] about General Motors announces plans for eyes-off driving and conversational AI

BMW becomes first automaker to gain approval for hands-off driving under new UN regulation

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BMW Group has become the first car manufacturer in Germany (and possibly the world) to receive international approval for its advanced driver assistance systems under the new UN Regulation No. 171 for Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS).

The certification applies to the upcoming BMW iX3, part of the company’s Neue Klasse lineup, and paves the way for wider deployment of the brand’s “hands-off” Motorway Assistant across Europe.

The DCAS framework defines global safety and performance standards for Level 2 driver assistance systems, ensuring consistent testing and validation procedures. For BMW, it marks a significant milestone in expanding its portfolio of semi-automated driving functions. [Read more…] about BMW becomes first automaker to gain approval for hands-off driving under new UN regulation

BMW begins production of all-electric iX3 at its new Hungarian plant with more than 1,000 robots

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BMW Group has begun series production of its all-electric BMW iX3 at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary – the company’s first facility designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels.

Speaking before the opening, Milan Nedeljković, BMW board member responsible for production, said: “The start of series production for the BMW iX3 signals a new era of automotive manufacturing. Digital from the very beginning, the plant will offer a new dimension in efficient production without fossil fuels.”

The €2 billion Debrecen facility embodies BMW’s iFACTORY strategy, focused on digitalisation, efficiency, and sustainability. It will run exclusively on electricity from renewable sources, including a 50-hectare on-site solar farm that provides about a quarter of its annual power needs. [Read more…] about BMW begins production of all-electric iX3 at its new Hungarian plant with more than 1,000 robots

Continental celebrates grand opening of new hydraulic plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico

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Continental’s group sector ContiTech has celebrated the grand opening of its new hydraulics production facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The new plant underscores ContiTech’s commitment to strengthening local supply chains, expanding its manufacturing footprint in the Americas, and advancing its “in the region, for the region” strategy.

The grand opening event was attended by officials from the state of Aguascalientes, led by Governor Maria Teresa Jiménez Esquivel, alongside Head of ContiTech group sector Philip Nelles, CFO Matthias Reinsberg, ContiTech USA CEO and Head of Business Area Industrial Solutions Americas Andreas Gerstenberger, and employees. [Read more…] about Continental celebrates grand opening of new hydraulic plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico

5 Signs it’s Time to Upgrade Your Packaging Line

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In the contemporary competitive cart package business, efficiency, accuracy, and speed are all that matter. Your packaging line is the blood pump of your business whether you are making corrugated cartons, folding boxes, or e-commerce-specific packaging. However, there is no shelf life even in the best system.

Machines belabor, technology changes, and market demands change. You may be losing a daily amount of money without knowing it, in case your line is aging. It is also important to note that it is equally important to know when to upgrade as well as what to upgrade.

The following are five outstanding indications that it is time to upgrade your packaging line – and how upgrading your packaging line can radically transform your production performance, product quality, and profit margins. [Read more…] about 5 Signs it’s Time to Upgrade Your Packaging Line

Kuka introduces heavy-duty KR Quantec HC for medical imaging and radiotherapy systems

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Kuka has unveiled a new addition to its medical robotics lineup – the KR Quantec HC, a heavy-duty robot designed to move large medical devices such as X-ray C-arms and linear accelerators used in radiation therapy.

Capable of handling payloads of up to 300 kilograms, the robot is engineered for precision and stability in clinical environments where accurate positioning is essential.

Kuka says the technology enables “highly precise examinations and treatments of patients”, extending its automation expertise beyond industrial manufacturing and into advanced medical applications. [Read more…] about Kuka introduces heavy-duty KR Quantec HC for medical imaging and radiotherapy systems

Partner Robotics raises $14 million funding to develop its construction robotics business

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Partner Robotics has raised $14 million in a Series A funding round led by China Growth Capital, with participation from existing investors Cowin Capital and Redpoint China Ventures.

Index Capital served as the financial advisor. Including its angel round completed at the end of 2024, the company has raised about RMB 100 million ($14 million) to date.

Founded in 2023 by Kecheng Wang, former CEO of Bright Dream Robotics, Partner Robotics is built by a team with years of experience in construction robotics and international expansion. [Read more…] about Partner Robotics raises $14 million funding to develop its construction robotics business

CNH’s New Holland unit unveils robot for ‘specialty crop farming’

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New Holland, a business unit of CNH Industrial which specializes in crops and alternative energy solutions, is previewing an advanced concept at the ongoing Agritechnica trade show.

The new R4 robot series is designed to help vineyard, orchard and specialty crop growers overcome sector challenges, including labour shortages and demands for more environmentally-friendly food production.

Thierry Le Briquer, global manager for grape, olive and coffee at New Holland, says: “High-value crops have huge market potential, but growers face production challenges including skilled labour shortages for highly repetitive work during seasonal peaks. [Read more…] about CNH’s New Holland unit unveils robot for ‘specialty crop farming’