safety

Buyers don’t all know the potential of robots nor who can supply them, says Lux Research

July 9, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Potential buyers are not aware of the potential of robots, nor which companies can supply and integrate them into their business, according to a report by Lux Research.

The research company says businesses are “increasingly using robotics” across a wide variety of industries, but many companies still fail to understand what’s currently possible with today’s technology or which vendors can provide the solutions they need.

In its new report, Building Robotics Solutions, Lux Research attempts to create a framework for selecting robotics vendors based on the key capabilities and level of customization required. [Read more…] about Buyers don’t all know the potential of robots nor who can supply them, says Lux Research

ESOL real-time operating system supports Kalray’s Coolidge processor

July 8, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

ESOL’s real-time operating system, eMCOS POSIX Commercial OS, now supports Kalray’s Coolidge “intelligent processor”.

The partnership between the companies is said to pave the way for integration into robots and autonomous vehicles.

ESOL is a developer of real-time embedded software solutions, and describes the the eMCOS POSIX as a “high-performance, scalable real-time operating system”. [Read more…] about ESOL real-time operating system supports Kalray’s Coolidge processor

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

Autonomous cars and intelligent road systems improve road safety

June 22, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Last year, there was a 2 percent reduction in the number of road fatalities in the US. One of the reasons for this drop is the increasing use of automated driver assistance systems now fitted into most new vehicles.

By minimizing the effects of human error, these additions can help to reduce the number of crashes, and the development of fully self-driving cars could improve safety even more.

As the adoption of autonomous vehicles spreads, roads could be made even safer and more efficient with intelligent infrastructure and traffic management systems, such as smart traffic signals, and even robot traffic controllers. [Read more…] about Autonomous cars and intelligent road systems improve road safety

Hyundai launches technical training in collaborative robotics

June 15, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Newly created company Hyundai Robotics has launched technical training programmes to teach people about collaborative robotics.

The compnay held its first “collaborative robot technical training” recently for dealers and employees, and used Hyundai’s own new collaborative robot, the YL012 (main picture and below).

The training was led by researchers who are developing collaborative robots and focuses on the unique features of Hyundai cobots compared to third party products. [Read more…] about Hyundai launches technical training in collaborative robotics

Coronavirus pandemic causing grocers to invest in robotics, says report

June 12, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

The coronavirus pandemic is causing grocers to invest more in robotics, according to a study published by the Retail Analytics Council ahead of the Retail Robotics and AI Conference.

The RAC retail robotics research report, Emerging Trends in Retail Robotics, says the Covid-19 outbreak gives grocers an additional reason to use robots in retail – “to assist with customer and employee safety”.

However, the industry was already expanding its use of robots, notes the RAC in its report. [Read more…] about Coronavirus pandemic causing grocers to invest in robotics, says report

Five companies awarded $280,000 to develop mobility solutions in Michigan

May 29, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

PlanetM, the State of Michigan’s mobility initiative, is awarding a round of its technology activation grant program to companies addressing the challenges presented by the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

Five companies received more than $280,000 in funding to aid in the development and deployment of solutions that address the mobility challenges Covid-19 presents in Michigan.

The five companies are:

The mobility challenges include contactless automated delivery within the statewide retail supply chain, disinfecting technologies in West Michigan and barriers to protect transit workers in Detroit. [Read more…] about Five companies awarded $280,000 to develop mobility solutions in Michigan

5,000 deaths a year: A reminder of why safety systems matter

May 25, 2020 by Abdul Montaqim Leave a Comment

Special Report by Robotics and Automation News in association with SICK

It’s been almost 50 years since the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, was established in the United States after much pressure from labour unions seeking more protection for workers.

In the half-century since OSHA’s creation, it is estimated that many thousands of workers’ lives have been saved and countless more have been kept out of harm’s way.

Today, OSHA, an agency of the Department of Labour, is more important than ever as people start returning to work after months of lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused almost 350,000 deaths worldwide to date, and infected 5.5 million more. [Read more…] about 5,000 deaths a year: A reminder of why safety systems matter

6 River Systems strengthens capabilities of its warehouse robots

May 21, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

6 River Systems, now part of leading global commerce company Shopify, says it has strengthened the capabilities of its warehouse robots.

6RS also released recommendations to its customers to further protect employees from pathogens during the picking process in warehouses and fulfillment centers, as well as “dark stores” – retail centers or distribution centers solely used for online order fulfillment.

The company’s recommendations span operational modifications, improvements to the hardware and software for its collaborative robot, Chuck, and highlight the availability of new products for its fulfillment solution. [Read more…] about 6 River Systems strengthens capabilities of its warehouse robots

Coronavirus ‘exposes industry’s need to modernize operations’

May 21, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

The coronavirus pandemic has “exposed industry’s need to modernize operations”, according to Hitachi.

The industrial giant made the assertion as it launched an expanded set of digital services through its Hitachi Vantara subsidiary to help manufacturers accelerate “Manufacturing 4.0 initiatives” and to assist with safely restarting production in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For many manufacturers, the pandemic has not only affected worker health and safety, it has impacted demand, interrupted production, exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains, and driven an urgent need to modernize operations. [Read more…] about Coronavirus ‘exposes industry’s need to modernize operations’