Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

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US manufacturing output reaches ‘all-time high’

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Manufacturing output in the US has reached an “all-time high”, signaling the industry’s strength, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.

For the past two years, manufacturers have been setting new records when it comes to manufacturing output, and through the first quarter of 2019, the industry has continued to reach new heights.

Four out of five manufacturers remain positive about their company’s outlook, according to the National Association of Manufacturers’ latest Outlook Survey, and new Bureau of Economic Analysis data find that manufacturers’ level of output hit an all-time high once again. [Read more…] about US manufacturing output reaches ‘all-time high’

Oceaneering to perform first deepwater survey in Mexico using autonomous underwater vehicle

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Oceaneering International, Inc. has secured a contract to perform the first-ever deepwater (1,000-3,000 m) Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) survey in Mexican waters.

The geophysical survey will take place at the BHP-operated Trion block. Oceaneering will use the DP-2 Ocean Investigator, equipped with the OS-VI AUV and light geotechnical capabilities.

Work is currently under way and will continue for approximately 45 days. Oceaneering will also provide light geotechnical services by acquiring 6 m piston core soil samples.

Increased use of AI and robotics linked to brighter outlook for US business growth

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randstad people image

Business optimism may be fueling recent spike in number of executives reporting increased use of automation

The number of US companies reporting an increase in their use of automation doubled in the first quarter of 2017, fueled in part by a recent spike in business confidence, according to a report released by global talent solutions firm Randstad Sourceright.

Based on a global survey of C-suite and human capital leaders, Randstad Sourceright’s Talent Trends research finds that 36 percent of US companies have increased the use of artificial intelligence and robotics over the last 12 months, up from 18 percent during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Over the same period, the number of respondents indicating that they expect significant growth in the next 12 months soared from 10 percent to 28 percent.  [Read more…] about Increased use of AI and robotics linked to brighter outlook for US business growth

Survey suggests most drivers want telematics insurance

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telematics inforgraphic

New study suggests majority of people favour personalised insurance premiums based on telematics data

Many people believe autonomous cars will have fewer accidents than human drivers. But that’s just a prediction, and driverless cars may not be allowed on the roads for decades, so no one can know for sure at the moment. 

But even now, with all the advanced driver assistance systems – which is basically autonomous car technology – in today’s cars, human drivers are becoming safer.

However, those who drive safely are not always rewarded through lower insurance premiums, as they are calculated based on the behaviour of all drivers, good or bad.  [Read more…] about Survey suggests most drivers want telematics insurance

Old folks up in arms against autonomous technology, according to new survey

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Millions of elderly people are shaking their walking sticks at driverless cars and other autonomous machines, according to a new survey by MIT. 

The New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) and MIT AgeLab say the results of their joint survey of consumers on autonomous technology and transportation alternatives shows that older consumers are resistant to allowing artificially intelligent machines complete control.

Bryan Reimer, research scientist MIT AgeLab and associate director of the New England University Transportation Center, says: “Penetration of fully automated vehicles into the mobility space is going to take time and will vary greatly across different regions of the world.  [Read more…] about Old folks up in arms against autonomous technology, according to new survey

Japan providing springboard for robot takeover of the world

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Dr Masayuki Morikawa, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (Rieti), Japan
Dr Masayuki Morikawa, vice chairman and vice president, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (Rieti)

Inadvertent or not, Japan is providing a starting point for the relentless march of the robots toward total global domination. 

The government of the nation of 127 million humans has instituted the sinister- and ominous-sounding Robot Revolution Initiative Council.

The country’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said the launch of the Council was a “celebration to mark the start of the robot revolution”, adding: “Robots will dramatically change people’s lives and society.”

Abe may not be envisaging a world run by robot prime ministers, but he certainly has not stopped it going down that route. It’s inevitable that robots will rule, but how they get to that point is worth documenting, while they’re still at their planning stage.  [Read more…] about Japan providing springboard for robot takeover of the world