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Nvidia opens robotics research lab in Seattle

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Nvidia is opening a new robotics research lab in Seattle near the University of Washington campus led by Professor Dieter Fox, senior director of robotics research at Nvidia and professor in the UW Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering. (See video below.)

The charter of the lab is to drive breakthrough robotics research to enable the next generation of robots that perform complex manipulation tasks to safely work alongside humans and transform industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more.

Professor Dieter Fox says: “In the past, robotics research has focused on small, independent projects rather than fully integrated systems.

“We’re bringing together a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of experts in robot control and perception, computer vision, human-robot interaction, and deep learning.”  [Read more…] about Nvidia opens robotics research lab in Seattle

Robotics specialist Sewtec completes ‘six-figure packaging machine’ to launch new Tetley product line

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Robotics specialist Sewtec has created a six-figure bespoke packaging machine for Tata Global Beverages, bringing a new Tetley fruit tea product line to market from its flagship UK plant.

Sewtec’s new technology has been installed in Tata Global Beverages’ largest factory across its global operations, located in Eaglescliffe, England. The plant operates 24 hours a day for five days a week, producing 260 million tea bags every week.

The Tetley brand – which operates across 40 countries worldwide and celebrates its 180th anniversary this year – is now able to pack 2,000 tea bags every minute with this new automated system. [Read more…] about Robotics specialist Sewtec completes ‘six-figure packaging machine’ to launch new Tetley product line

World Robot Summit: Challenging the possibilities for the future of robots

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There are only two years to go until the opening of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and preparations are in full swing.

There is also another big international event which will be held in Japan around the same time that should not be forgotten.

That is an international robotics event, the World Robot Summit (WRS) which is hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

[Read more…] about World Robot Summit: Challenging the possibilities for the future of robots

Hyundai develops exoskeletons for industry

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Hyundai Motor Group has ventured further into the high-value robotics industry of the future by beginning development of Hyundai Vest Exoskeleton (H-VEX) wearable industrial robots.

Following the Hyundai Chairless Exoskeleton (H-CEX) demonstration conducted in the Hyundai-KIA North American factory last August, the company plans to verify H-VEX’s success through extensive testing at the end of 2018.

In early 2018, Hyundai selected Robot-Artificial Intelligence as one of five areas of future innovation growth. The company established a designated robotics team in its strategic technology headquarters to focus on the development of related tech, and is expanding its cooperation with associated sectors.

[Read more…] about Hyundai develops exoskeletons for industry

ABB to build ‘world’s most advanced’ robotics factory in Shanghai

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ABB has announced a major, new $150 million investment in Shanghai, China, to build what it calls “the world’s most advanced, automated and flexible robotics factory – a cutting-edge centre where robots make robots, says the company”.

The new Kangqiao manufacturing centre, near ABB’s China robotics campus, will combine the company’s connected digital technologies, including ABB Ability solutions, collaborative robotics and artificial intelligence research to create an environmentally sustainable “factory of the future.” It is expected to begin operating by the end of 2020.

Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for ABB as China’s #1 robotics manufacturer as well as a critical global growth investment for the company in the world’s largest robotics market.

[Read more…] about ABB to build ‘world’s most advanced’ robotics factory in Shanghai

Schindler debuts robotic system for lifts

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Schindler has announced the debut of its Robotics Installation System for Elevators (R.I.S.E), which it claims will pave the way for greater automation and digitalisation in the lift/elevator industry.

With its autonomous and self-climbing robot, this prototype solution allows the safe and high-quality installation of lifts, and is ideally suited for use in high-rise buildings.

The innovative technology was recently used to install several elevators in commercial complexes and tall residential buildings in Europe.

[Read more…] about Schindler debuts robotic system for lifts

US Circular Wave Drive completes Hong Kong accelerator program

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Circular Wave Drive (CWD), a technology company that manufactures compact speed-reducing gears for robotics and applications, has completed the SIASUN x HKSTP Robotics Accelerator Program in Hong Kong, China.

The program teaches overseas startups how to thrive in Asia’s startup ecosystem and markets. CWD was the only United States-based company to have been admitted into the program this September; only five companies were accepted overall.

Following its participation in the program, CWD was invited by HKSTP to open its initial offices there this month.

[Read more…] about US Circular Wave Drive completes Hong Kong accelerator program

Robotics to aid people with disabilities at work

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Robots are well on the way to becoming ubiquitous in manufacturing, where they are having an impact on the work environment and on jobs themselves.

But what does this new world of work look like? How does it divide work up between humans and machines? And how might robots help create attractive jobs for people with disabilities so they can be participate in the workforce?

AQUIAS, a project conducted by Robert Bosch GmbH, the Fraunhofer Institutes for Industrial Engineering IAO and for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, and ISAK GmbH offers some answers.

[Read more…] about Robotics to aid people with disabilities at work

Toyota looking to give $2 million to robotics startups

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Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Toyota AI Ventures is participating in a series of events across the United States to meet promising entrepreneurs that are looking for funding.

As part of the “call for innovation” initiative that it unveiled this summer in partnership with the robotics group at the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), the Toyota AI Ventures team will go on the road beginning this week to take part in several startup events.

The series kicked off at RoboBusiness 2018 in Silicon Valley where the firm’s managing director Jim Adler gave a presentation on the main stage on 26 September.

[Read more…] about Toyota looking to give $2 million to robotics startups

Nidec looking to ‘buy five German robotics companies for $450 million’

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Nidec, the Japanese maker of industrial machinery components such as motors, is planning to buy five German robotics companies, according to a report on Nikkei. 

Nidec recently reported record profits for its most recent quarter and is apparently flush with cash, and looks to have decided to spend it on acquisitions.

According to Nikkei, the first of the five acquisition targets is MS-Graessner, which makes speed-reducing gearboxes which fit into the joints of robotic arms.  [Read more…] about Nidec looking to ‘buy five German robotics companies for $450 million’