Robotics & Automation News

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Automated electric truck points to the future of smart port logistics

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The integration of automated electric driving and hands-free charging systems took a major step forward this week, with a live demonstration at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, located at the Port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

The event, part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020-backed MAGPIE project, showcased how automation is poised to enhance efficiency, cut emissions, and future-proof port logistics.

The demonstration featured a heavy-duty electric truck autonomously connecting to a robotic charging system – a seamless operation designed to reduce downtime, optimize energy use, and boost the overall productivity of port infrastructure. [Read more…] about Automated electric truck points to the future of smart port logistics

Rocsys hands-free charging platform to be installed at Rotterdam port

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APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, one of the most advanced automated container terminals in the world, and Rocsys, a provider of hands-free charging solutions, have joined forces to deploy hands-free charging at Maasvlakte II in the Port of Rotterdam.

A critical component of the largest and most advanced container terminals will now be powered by Rocsys charging systems, enabling the seamless transportation of large volumes of goods distributed throughout the world.

This partnership aligns with the Port of Rotterdam’s commitment to electrification and sustainability, further advancing innovation in automated terminal operations. [Read more…] about Rocsys hands-free charging platform to be installed at Rotterdam port

Port of Rotterdam selects Airwayz as partner to develop prototype drone airspace

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Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoR), in the Netherlands, has selected Airwayz as the partner to build the U-Space Airspace prototype for the port industrial complex.

The partnership is set for a period of two years in which the U-Space services will be set up and the Airwayz unmanned traffic management (UTM) system will be configured to the ports’ needs and requirements.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority believes that monitoring the lower airspace and offering UAS traffic services will in future greatly support drone services and allow them to thrive. [Read more…] about Port of Rotterdam selects Airwayz as partner to develop prototype drone airspace

Fugro launches its new generation of uncrewed surface vessels in the Netherlands

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Fugro’s Blue Essence, an offshore certified uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with an electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV), will begin its first project in the Netherlands. 

During operations the vessel is controlled from an onshore remote operations centre (ROC) via a satellite connection and will be used for the inspection of offshore assets, construction support services, and hydrographic and geophysical surveys.

USVs play an important role in the future of the maritime sector by improving safety, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering data more efficiently. [Read more…] about Fugro launches its new generation of uncrewed surface vessels in the Netherlands

‘World’s first 3D printed fiber reinforced polymer footbridge paves way for circular composites’, say designers

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The world’s first lightweight 3D printed fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) footbridge will be installed at Kralingse Bos park – the green heart of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

Its designers say the construction will herald the transition towards “the next generation of bridges, offering high performance with extreme versatility, circularity and sustainability”.

Science and technology company DSM and the City of Rotterdam are to collaborate in the designing and building of the new “circular composite footbridge” – “circular” usually refers to recycled or recyclable. [Read more…] about ‘World’s first 3D printed fiber reinforced polymer footbridge paves way for circular composites’, say designers

City of Rotterdam and Lightwell launch multifunctional smart city units

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Smart city technologies are many and varied, and are generally initiated by the local authorities, whose main responsibilities tend to be street lighting, waste disposal, and traffic management, as well some crime.

In this example, the Netherlands city of City of Rotterdam has partnered with Lightwell, a supplier of street lighting equipment, to launch what they describe as “multifunctional smart city units”.

The two partners say the new units are “ready for smart city applications of the future”. [Read more…] about City of Rotterdam and Lightwell launch multifunctional smart city units