Robotics & Automation News

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Ambarella, Lumentum and ON Semiconductor collaborate on AI processing based 3D sensing for next-gen AIoT devices

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Ambarella, an AI vision silicon company, Lumentum, a designer and manufacturer of innovative optical and photonic products, and ON Semiconductor, a provider of CMOS image sensor solutions, have partnered to produce two new joint reference designs that they say will “accelerate artificial intelligence of things device deployment across verticals”.

The designs build on the companies’ previous joint solution for contactless access systems.

By combining the data from Lumentum’s high-performance VCSEL array illuminators and an ON Semiconductor image sensor using Ambarella’s AI SoC, higher levels of accuracy and more intelligent decision-making can be achieved in next-generation AIoT devices for biometric access control, 3D electronic locks and other intelligent sensing applications. [Read more…] about Ambarella, Lumentum and ON Semiconductor collaborate on AI processing based 3D sensing for next-gen AIoT devices

Artificial skin brings robots closer to ‘touching’ human lives

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Modern-day robots are often required to interact with humans intelligently and efficiently, which can be enabled by providing them the ability to perceive touch.

However, previous attempts at mimicking human skin have involved bulky and complex electronics, wiring, and a risk of damage.

In a recent study, researchers from Japan sidestep these difficulties by constructing a 3D vision-guided artificial skin that enables tactile sensing with high performance, opening doors to innumerable applications in medicine, healthcare, and industry. [Read more…] about Artificial skin brings robots closer to ‘touching’ human lives

SICK shrinks its PowerProx sensor to miniature size

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SICK has shrunk its versatile, high-performance PowerProx sensor into a space-saving miniature housing to reach the longest distances ever achieved with such a compact device.

The tiny SICK WTT4SL PowerProx Mini photoelectric sensor measures just 12.2 x 41.8 x 17.3 mm yet delivers outstanding performance to detect objects up to 1.3metres away. It is therefore ideal for high-speed production and logistics applications.

The PowerProx mini can be integrated into tight machine spaces such as the grippers of picking robots or for materials handling duties in AGVs, as well as for empty bay and clearance detection in high-bay warehouses. [Read more…] about SICK shrinks its PowerProx sensor to miniature size

STMicroelectronics unveils new vibration-monitoring solution for industrial applications

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STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor manufacturer, has launched a new vibration-sensing solution optimized to enable smart maintenance of factory equipment.

ST’s IIS3DWB vibration sensor and supporting STEVAL-STWINKT1 multi-sensor evaluation kit accelerate development of condition-monitoring systems that boost productivity by inferring equipment maintenance needs.

Analyzing the sensed vibration data locally or in the cloud helps owners create strategies that maximize uptime, minimize servicing costs, and avoid emergency repairs. [Read more…] about STMicroelectronics unveils new vibration-monitoring solution for industrial applications

Silicon Sensing to provide navigation technology for Mayflower autonomous ship

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Two Silicon Sensing Systems ultra-precise AMU30 inertial measurement units (IMUs) will provide critical navigation data to the autopilot capability for the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) throughout her milestone trans-Atlantic voyage this autumn.

Setting sail this September, the 15 meter-long, 5-ton MAS400 will repeat the Mayflower’s original epic voyage 400 years ago. Led by marine research organization ProMare and powered by IBM, she will sail from Plymouth, England to Plymouth Massachusetts, USA.

Instead of a captain and crew, she will use computer vision, machine learning, edge technologies and sensors to navigate and detect hazards.  [Read more…] about Silicon Sensing to provide navigation technology for Mayflower autonomous ship

Omron unveils ‘industry’s fastest’ 3D vision sensing technology for robot hands

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Omron has introduced what it claims is the “industry’s fastest” 3D vision sensing technology for robot hands.

The compact vision sensors can three-dimensionally recognize the position and orientation of target objects.

Incorporating this technology with robots will enable fast and accurate assembly of bulk parts by automating the conventional human-intensive process. [Read more…] about Omron unveils ‘industry’s fastest’ 3D vision sensing technology for robot hands

FLIR Systems partners with Veoneer to introduce ‘first’ thermal sensor-equipped production self-driving car with leading automaker

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FLIR says automaker to become the industry’s ‘first of many’ to feature thermal sensing to improve safety of autonomous vehicles

FLIR Systems says its Boson-based thermal sensing technology has been selected by Veoneer, a tier-one automotive supplier, for its “Level 4” autonomous vehicle production contract with a top global automaker, planned for 2021. 

FLIR says the Veoneer system will be “the first in the industry” to include multiple thermal sensing cameras that provide both narrow and wide field-of-view capabilities to enhance the safety of self-driving vehicles. [Read more…] about FLIR Systems partners with Veoneer to introduce ‘first’ thermal sensor-equipped production self-driving car with leading automaker

Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

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Omron has launched an updated ranges of optical sensors that the company says can better detect black, mirrored and transparent surfaces.

Omron Electronic Components Europe says the new series of optical sensors, also feature a longer detection distance.

Omron B5W sensors are particularly effective at identifying black, transparent, reflective and other hard to detect services, and the new range also features enhanced performance in this area. [Read more…] about Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

Omron releases full metal proximity sensor for auto industry

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Omron Corporation has launched the E2EW Series of Full Metal Proximity Sensors, which have the world’s longest sensing distances, the company claims.

The automotive industry needs lighter automobiles, for electric vehicles and low fuel consumption, encouraging the material change in automotive components from iron to aluminium.

This will increase mixed production lines containing iron and aluminium. Full metal proximity sensors are mainly used in welding processes. However, previous full metal proximity sensors have short sensing distances.

[Read more…] about Omron releases full metal proximity sensor for auto industry

Innovative sensors are empowering the smart factory robot, says AMS

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ams Industrial-Robotics

By Mark Donovan

The next industrial revolution is arriving on a shore near you. It’s called Industry 4.0, and like its three predecessors, it’s about to bring sweeping changes to manufacturing that will globally affect everyone.

Industry 4.0, and the resulting manufacturing changes that are coming with it, have spawned a new type of production plant called the smart factory.

Central to the smart factory is the prolific use of autonomous and collaborative robots that work symbiotically with each other and alongside human beings to yield a more productive and efficient manufacturing plant.  [Read more…] about Innovative sensors are empowering the smart factory robot, says AMS