Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

sales

Nidec to establish joint venture with Hon Hai and Foxtron

by

Nidec Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of drives, has agreed to start discussions on establishing a joint venture with Hon Hai Technology Group and Foxtron Vehicle Technologies.

The Hon Hai Technology Group in Taiwan has been the main manufacturer for Apple products in the past two decades.

Nidec signed a memorandum of understanding with Foxtron regarding its strategic alliance in the development of electric vehicle drive systems. [Read more…] about Nidec to establish joint venture with Hon Hai and Foxtron

Epson signs Advanced Industrial Products as distributor in Kentucky and West Virginia

by

Epson Robots has signed Advanced Industrial Products, a factory automation and robotics supplier, as an official distributor of Epson Robots automation solutions.

As manufacturers look to automate small, intricate processes as well as pick-and-place and assembly applications, this new partnership makes automation attainable, simple and affordable to AIP customers in the states of Kentucky and West Virginia.

Epson’s cost-efficient, easy-to-use solutions combined with AIP’s highly technical sales staff and engineers will help open the doors to build new relationships in automotive, food, beverage, and medical markets. [Read more…] about Epson signs Advanced Industrial Products as distributor in Kentucky and West Virginia

Epicor acquires KBMax

by

Epicor, a provider of enterprise resource planning software, has acquired KBMax, a configure-price-quote (CPQ) company.

The acquisition drives continued growth for Epicor with the ability to offer KBMax software as a stand-alone cloud first, low/no code toolset, or integrated into the Epicor productivity suite to generate new, cross-and-up sell potential.

Builds a bridge between Epicor’s customized ERP modules and the sales-to-order process, delivering better customer outcomes. [Read more…] about Epicor acquires KBMax

Rootstock Software partners with Xitricon to deliver Rootstock Cloud ERP to the Middle East

by

Rootstock Software, a leading provider of cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions built on the Salesforce platform, has agreed a partnership with Xitricon, a Dubai-headquartered company that specializes in planning, configuration, and implementation of enterprise solutions, such as ERP and customer relationship management (CRM).

Xitricon operates in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council. It also has a development and resource center in Sri Lanka.

Henk Bruinekreeft, regional vice president at Rootstock Asia Pacific, says: “With this partnership, we add six countries to our international ERP market, and we extend our presence in the Middle East. [Read more…] about Rootstock Software partners with Xitricon to deliver Rootstock Cloud ERP to the Middle East

SAE International launches 12-week robotics for autonomous vehicle systems training ‘Bootcamp’

by

Virtual 12-week experience provides career development opportunities for engineers entering the fast-growing autonomous vehicles industry

SAE International has announced the new 12-week Robotics for Autonomous Vehicle Systems Bootcamp for recent graduates and/or entry-level mechanical, electrical and computer science engineers joining the industry to support autonomous vehicle (AV) system development.

In partnership with Clemson University and Argo AI, SAE designed the rigorous, virtual-only workforce development experience to provide participants with an in-depth technical understanding of how to build autonomous systems.

“Companies can spend upwards of 10 months onboarding entry-level AV positions, which in this fast-moving industry can directly hinder the development and deployment cycles. The Robotics for Autonomous Vehicle Systems Bootcamp aims to support both employers and professionals by bridging the training gap through an accelerated 12-week bootcamp,” said Elizabeth Melville, director of learning at SAE International. [Read more…] about SAE International launches 12-week robotics for autonomous vehicle systems training ‘Bootcamp’

Ava says its telepresence robot ‘revolutionizing real estate industry’s digital capabilities’

by

Ava Robotics says its telepresence robot is “revolutionizing real estate industry’s digital capabilities”. (See video below.)

In response to the severe limitations created by Covid-19 lockdowns, Ava Robotics, a leader in creating intelligent robots for the workplace, partnered with Austrian real estate company SIGNA and Cisco partner FRINK Advanced Services to create a fully digital, remote sales experience powered by Ava’s telepresence robots.

Ava Telepresence assists realtors and clients in remote, contactless home tours that allow the customer to have more control and better access to viewing a property and interacting with a sales agent. [Read more…] about Ava says its telepresence robot ‘revolutionizing real estate industry’s digital capabilities’

Savioke says hotels turning to its room service robot

by

An increasing number of hotels are making enquiries to Savioke about its room service robots, according to the company.

As the hospitality industry struggles to adapt to changing consumer behavior during the coronavirus pandemic, many hotels are turning to room service robots to help wary travelers feel more at ease.

David Wang, director of sales and marketing at the Crowne Plaza San Jose – Silicon Valley hotel, in Milpitas, says: “Guests now think of it as a perk to not have a person come to their room. [Read more…] about Savioke says hotels turning to its room service robot

Automating the Costly RFQ Process

by

By Scott Heide, Founder and CEO, Engineering Intent

ETO automation success starts with clear communication of a customer’s requirements. Proposed solutions must meet those requirements. Automating engineering and design steps means simplified management of modifications and nuances to documents.

The automation must similarly extend to the customer. Disputes and disagreements arise when prospects fail to understand fully what is being proposed.

After a configuration is fully (and automatically) configured based on customer inputs, a realistically rendered 3D model, ready for inclusion in detailed proposal documents, eliminates costly mistakes attributable to poor communication. [Read more…] about Automating the Costly RFQ Process

Cheetah Mobile launches ‘smart vending robot’

by

Cheetah Mobile has launched its intelligent vending robot, FanBot, to international markets.

In contrast to traditional vending machines, the FanBot can autonomously identify and approach potential customers in complex and high-traffic environments, such as shopping malls, retail stores, gyms, cinemas, libraries, hotel lobbies and airport terminals.

Through this targeted and proactive customer engagement, FanBot is proven to achieve sales volume four times that of a traditional vending machine, selling one beverage every 110 seconds. [Read more…] about Cheetah Mobile launches ‘smart vending robot’

Central McGowan expands its highly automated distribution hub

by

Central McGowan is expanding its Fargo, North Dakota CO2 distribution hub, with the intention of turning it into a fully-stocked retail store and distribution site.

Central McGowan is a supplier of gases and technology for the manufacturing, welding, medical, and food and beverage industries in the upper Midwest. And the company is a Fanuc-authorized integrator of automation or robotic solutions

Central McGowan’s Fargo store is located at 1226 38th St N, Fargo, ND 58102 (next to the newly painted water tower). The store officially opens today. Central McGowan has had a presence in the area since 2017, when it acquired Pro-CO2. [Read more…] about Central McGowan expands its highly automated distribution hub