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Canonical releases new version of Ubuntu operating system

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Canonical has launched a new version of the Ubuntu computer operating system, which is increasingly popular in industrial devices and networks.

The company says the updated version, Ubuntu 19.04, provides the necessary tools for open infrastructure applications, includes a developer desktop, internet of things functionality, and cloud to edge software distribution.

Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical, says: “The open-source-first on Ubuntu movement in telco, finance, and media has spread to other sectors.

“From the public cloud to the private data center to the edge appliance or cluster, open source has become the reference for efficiency and innovation.

“Ubuntu 19.04 includes the leading projects to underpin that transition, and the developer tooling to accelerate the applications for those domains.”

Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

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Sensors supplier Sick showcased a new “smart logistics” system at the recent ProMAT Show, one of the world’s largest material handling exhibitions.

Sick says its system demonstrates how to obtain greater efficiency throughout supply chain operations.

Sick presented its new innovations under the banner of “Logistics Gets Smart”, and says they are designed to provide “highly efficient solutions for intralogistics applications”. [Read more…] about Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

Waypoint Robotics launches MAV3K omnidirectional autonomous mobile robot

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Waypoint Robotics has launched the MAV3K (pronounced May-vick) industrial grade autonomous mobile robot (AMR). It has a 3000lb carrying capacity and omnidirectional mobility.

MAV3K comes equipped with Waypoint’s Dispatcher software, allowing it to be set up and autonomously operating in under 15 minutes.

MAV3K’s batteries keep it moving through the longest workday and Waypoint’s EnZone wireless charging system enables MAV3K to charge itself.

Veo Robotics could make all industrial robots collaborative

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Traditional industrial robots tend to be very large and potentially dangerous, which is why they tend to be caged off and kept separate from human workers.

But a new company called Veo Robotics says it has the technology to transform traditional industrial robotic arms into safe machines that humans can work alongside, within close proximity.

Veo’s solution could make every industrial robot a collaborative robot. The term “collaborative” is recognized by international standards organizations and usually applies to much smaller, newer types of robots which are specifically designed to safe for humans to work with.  [Read more…] about Veo Robotics could make all industrial robots collaborative

Robotiq launches software for embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ e-Series

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Robotiq, a company which makes grippers for industrial robots, has launched new software for the embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ new e-Series of collaborative robots.

The company says utilizing the new sensor “makes force control easy” when used with Force Copilot, the related software application.

Robotiq says Force Copilot is an “intuitive” software application which operates Universal Robots e-Series’ embedded force torque sensor.  [Read more…] about Robotiq launches software for embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ e-Series

Denso in joint venture for automated driving software

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Denso Corporation is forming a new joint venture company to  to develop integrated electronic control unit (ECU) software for automated driving and vehicle dynamics control.

Denso will own 65% of the company with Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd taking a 25% stake, ADVICS Co., Ltd. taking 5% and  JTEKT Corporation taking 5%.

Details are still being discussed and the plan is for the new company to launch in March 2019.

[Read more…] about Denso in joint venture for automated driving software

Rockwell launches network operations and maintenance software

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Rockwell Automation has released new software designed to simplify network operations and maintenance and give  centralised visibility into networked assets.

The new FactoryTalk Network Manager software is designed for monitoring and maintaining a growing number of IoT devices on networks.

It allows monitoring of Allen-Bradley Stratix managed switches, troubleshooting switch issues and configuration of new managed switches from one software interface.

[Read more…] about Rockwell launches network operations and maintenance software

Opinion: How artificial intelligence can help the food industry

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By Stephanie Duvault-Alexandre, consultant at software provider FuturMaster

There’s a lot of talk about artificial intelligence as the best thing since sliced bread. But what does AI really mean for the food industry and what are the implications?

According to a report by Accenture, 85 per cent of organisations have planned to adopt digital or AI technologies in their supply chains during the last year. It’s clearly becoming big business across industries. The value of AI is estimated to be worth $36.8 billion globally by 2025 predicts US market intelligence firm Tractica.

AI is not necessarily a concept that’s all that new. Various names refer to more or less the same thing. For example, machine learning is used to steer self-driving cars. AI is proving instrumental in healthcare for identifying and diagnosing complicated ailments.  [Read more…] about Opinion: How artificial intelligence can help the food industry

New software from Silicon Mobility ‘drastically improves’ power flow and range of electric and hybrid vehicles

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Silicon Mobility has released new software for the industry’s first automotive field programmable controller unit which the company says “enables higher yield power conversion for electric and hybrid vehicles”. 

Silicon Mobility, a developer of control solutions for cleaner mobility, says its new software, OLEA LIB DC/DC, an addition to the Silicon Mobility OLEA FPCU, enables customers to design highly efficient DC/DC converters for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Electric and hybrid vehicle performance are mainly characterized by their energy usage efficiency.  [Read more…] about New software from Silicon Mobility ‘drastically improves’ power flow and range of electric and hybrid vehicles

Digitalisation and the greatest industrial show on Earth

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Hannover Messe is probably the largest and most important industrial technology show on Earth. 

The venue for the event spans an area the size of a small town and it takes several days to visit all of the most important areas you might be interested in.

Covering an event of that magnitude from a journalistic point of view can be difficult if you’re interested in too many things.  [Read more…] about Digitalisation and the greatest industrial show on Earth