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Canon to offer SoftBank’s robotic vacuum cleaner Whiz to offices

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Canon Solutions America has formed a new strategic collaboration with SoftBank Robotics America and will provide the Whiz robotic vacuum cleaner to offices as part of the agreement.

The alliance initiates a new focus on commercializing robotics and integrated automation as part of Canon Solutions America’s larger Workplace Health Solutions portfolio, starting with Whiz, which is described as “the commercial robot vacuum that works to elevate the health and safety of varying work environments”.

The Whiz offering brings together Canon Solutions America’s industry-leading solutions and exceptional professional services with SoftBank Robotics’ global leadership in collaborative robotics, or cobotics, and impactful automation. [Read more…] about Canon to offer SoftBank’s robotic vacuum cleaner Whiz to offices

Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

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Genesis Robotics has finally released its long-awaited and “revolutionary” LiveDrive direct drive actuators. (See video below.)

The relatively new startup company – now renamed as Genesis Robotics & Motion Technologies – says the new LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series Direct Drive Actuators are available in an extensive range of configurations and performance options.

Genesis says the LiveDrive direct-drive actuators “eliminate the need for gearing and are redefining the next generation of parallel robots and precision machinery”, unlocking capabilities beyond the reach of conventional drivetrains, across many applications. [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

NuPort Robotics selects Nvidia Drive platform for autonomous trucks

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NuPort Robotics, a Canada-based autonomous trucking company, has selected the Nvidia Drive platform to power its middle-mile semi-truck transportation solutions, which will be capable of safely operating in all weather conditions.

NuPort is defining next-generation transportation solutions for the Canadian trucking industry. Using state-of-the-art technology and a unique approach, NuPort is poised to change the middle-mile logistics.

NuPort will leverage the centralized compute capabilities of the Nvidia Drive platform-which is scalable to Level 4 autonomy-for processing a wide array of deep neural networks (DNNs) necessary for autonomous trucks to operate safely under various weather conditions. [Read more…] about NuPort Robotics selects Nvidia Drive platform for autonomous trucks

How Realistic is AI in Films?

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Hollywood loves Sci-Fi and artificial intelligence is one of the genre’s most popular themes. Robots, in particular, have played center stage in many Sci-Fi flicks. And they have not always been positioned in a positive light. On the contrary, many such films have depicted dystopias where robots take over the world.

Having virtually no knowledge of AI from any other sources, many have taken these inaccurate depictions of robotics as reality. In fact, according to research by a leading AI authority, Fountech, a quarter of adults in the UK believe that AI might lead to the end of humanity.

So what are the most and least plausible robots in fiction? Here are four depictions of robotics in films that sit at both ends of the scale. [Read more…] about How Realistic is AI in Films?

Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

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Realtime Robotics, a developer of motion planning software for industrial robots, has completed its $31.4 million Series A round.

New strategic investors including HAHN Automation and SAIC Capital Management, as well as new institutional investors Soundproof Ventures and Heroic Ventures, join existing investors SPARX Asset Management, Omron Ventures, Toyota AI Ventures, Scrum Ventures and Duke Angels in concluding this round.

Realtime Robotics says it was founded to transform automation with flexible robot control capabilities, built on its innovative, real-time collision-free motion planning technology. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics

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DHL Supply Chain, part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, has signed a framework agreement expanding its collaboration with Locus Robotics.

Initial investments in assisted picking robots have proven effective in commercially scaled operations, and this multi-million dollar agreement will enhance DHL’s wider Accelerated Digitalization Strategy.

By 2022, the supply chain specialist plans to take on up to 2,000 robots, then being by far the largest customer of Locus Robotics worldwide. [Read more…] about DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics

Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

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Castrol’s advanced lubricants for robotic applications are designed to reduce industrial robot downtime while having a positive effect on the quality, cost and efficiency of your production process.

Industrial robots have transformed manufacturing companies across every industry, helping to increase quality and efficiency while decrease costs.

However, the threat of unplanned downtime caused by robotic failure remains a challenge for factories looking to enhance levels of automation. A single minute of interruption can cost an automotive manufacturer dearly. [Read more…] about Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

automatica launches new platform for AI and robotics

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automatica, one of the world’s biggest industrial automation trade shows, has launched a new platform for artificial intelligence and robotics.

Called “munich_i”, the newly created platform will celebrate its premiere at automatica sprint from June 22 to 24, 2021.

In addition to the high-tech summit, munich_i also features the digital AI.Society exhibition as well as the Robothon developer competition and the robot driver’s license. All elements are presented in a digital format. [Read more…] about automatica launches new platform for AI and robotics

IQ Motion Control launches new range of servo motors

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IQ Motion Control has launched a new range of servo motors.

IQ Motion Control designs and delivers high performance motor modules for robotic and industrial applications.

The company’s proprietary technology was born out of the University of Pennsylvania’s robotics lab and combines unique hardware designs with innovative calibration and control software to achieve high end motor performance at an affordable cost. [Read more…] about IQ Motion Control launches new range of servo motors

Carnegie Mellon awarded $150 million to develop robotics research facility

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The Richard King Mellon Foundation has awarded Carnegie Mellon University $150 million to support science and robotics research through the building of a new facility. 

Farnam Jahanian, CMU president, says: “Pittsburgh’s future – and the future of US innovation and global competitiveness – are inextricably linked to scientific and technological advances, and how well organizations, communities, and industries can stay ahead of the rapid pace of change.

“Carnegie Mellon is positioned at the forefront of science and innovation’s great promise, and this visionary grant will fuel the research and activities that will build this exciting future. [Read more…] about Carnegie Mellon awarded $150 million to develop robotics research facility