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Industrial Internet Consortium launches series of challenges

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The Industrial Internet Consortium has launched a series of “IoT Challenges” aimed at solving real problems and advancing the validation of industrial internet applications and solutions.

The current Challenges are co-organized with the Trusted IoT Alliance.

In an interview with Robotics and Automation News, Dr Richard Soley, executive director of the IIC, provides an overview and some insights into what the IIC is and what it does. (See video below.)

In these Challenges, architects and solution providers will compete to design industrial internet solutions that address high-profile, real-world problems. [Read more…] about Industrial Internet Consortium launches series of challenges

UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

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United Technologies (UTC) has recently launched the advanced projects group within the company, which moves at speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators.

The group’s first product demonstrator is a hybrid-electric X-plane under the project name, Project 804.

The number “804” represents the straight-line mileage between the Pratt & Whitney facility in Longueuil, Québec, and the Collins Aerospace facility in Rockford, Illinois.

[Read more…] about UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment

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Supply chain automation startup Locus Robotics has raised $26 million in Series C funding.

The company says it will use the proceeds to scale production of its revolutionary multi-bot solution for warehouse fulfillment, as well as for expansion of its sales and marketing efforts, both in North America, and internationally.

Participants in the round include Zebra Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Zebra Technologies, and Scale Venture Partners, which led the Company’s Series B round in 2017. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment

SPX Flow claims technical breakthrough which saves 30 per cent energy

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spx flow

SPX Flow claims it has made a technological breakthrough with its new refrigerated air dryer which will enable electricity savings of 30 per cent for robotics and automation applications 

SPX Flow has launched a new refrigerated compressed air dryer which it claims can save up to 30 per cent on energy costs. 

The Flex Series lowers air system power costs and improves productivity by matching power consumption to compressed air demand. In a typical manufacturing facility utilizing automation and robotics, up to 30 per cent of electricity can be consumed for generating and treating compressed air.

To reduce total cost of operation and qualify for utility company incentive programs, proper air treatment equipment selection and application is required, says the company.

SPX says this is a breakthrough in compressed air drying technology.  [Read more…] about SPX Flow claims technical breakthrough which saves 30 per cent energy

Delta launches new PLC series enabling ‘easy and advanced programming’

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Delta Electronics has launched a new series of programmable logic controllers which it claims enables “easy and advanced programming” for sectors such as electronics manufacturing, labeling, food packaging and textile machines.

The AS300 PLC series covers most automation applications at a very attractive price, says Delta.

Delta adds that the AS300 series Compact Non-backplane Mid-range PLC is a “high performance multi-purpose controller designed for all kinds of automated equipment”.  [Read more…] about Delta launches new PLC series enabling ‘easy and advanced programming’