Robotics & Automation News

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ZF launches its ‘most advanced’ autonomous emergency braking system for commercial vehicles in China

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Automotive systems manufacturer ZF is preparing for volume production of its most advanced autonomous emergency braking assistance system in China. OnGuardMAX will be installed in new truck models by two leading Chinese manufacturers from this year.

Sophisticated data integration with state-of-the-art camera and radar sensor helps the system autonomously detect, classify and react on moving and stationary vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles.

The system warns the driver of imminent collisions and, if necessary, can autonomously bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This advanced object detection and autonomous braking capability further enables the new ZF system to help avoid or mitigate accidents involving pedestrians. [Read more…] about ZF launches its ‘most advanced’ autonomous emergency braking system for commercial vehicles in China

Kuka unveils new version of Cybertech nano industrial robot

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Kuka has unveiled the new generation of its KR Cybertech nano series of industrial robot. (See video below.)

Kuka says the robot is specialised for continuous-path applications such as arc welding, adhesive bonding or sealant application, and calls it the KR Cybertech nano Arc family.

The company adds that, in the low payload category, the robots deliver maximum performance at minimal costs. [Read more…] about Kuka unveils new version of Cybertech nano industrial robot

IDS cameras ensure quality of vaccine containers

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Coronavirus: Vaccine bottle manufacturers under pressure?

Combating the Covid-19 pandemic is at the top of the global agenda. Providing vaccine to populations around the globe means providing around 8 billion doses – with only one for every person in the world.

In addition to the availability of the vaccine, a decisive factor in the race against time is the disposability of the glass vials.

To ensure that the mass vaccination against the coronavirus does not fail because of the container, the producers of the vials are massively ramping up their production so as not to become the proverbial bottleneck in the supply chain. [Read more…] about IDS cameras ensure quality of vaccine containers

DFI’s Bridge Crane solution provides one-off customization and worry-free management

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Industrial computing specialist DFI has unveiled its Bridge Crane solution, which it says provides one-off customization and worry-free management

An overhead crane, commonly called a bridge crane, is a type of crane found in industrial environments. An overhead crane consists of parallel runways with a traveling bridge spanning the gap.

A hoist, the lifting component of the crane, travels along the bridge. Every year in the modern ports of the world, tens of thousands of containers and bulk goods come in and out through bridge cranes.

Unlike mobile or construction cranes, overhead cranes are typically used for either manufacturing or maintenance applications, where efficiency or downtime are critical factors. [Read more…] about DFI’s Bridge Crane solution provides one-off customization and worry-free management

ZF unveils ‘world’s most powerful automotive supercomputer’

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ZF has unveiled the next generation of its ZF ProAI Supercomputer, designed to make vehicles more intelligent.

The automotive parts giant showcased the new kit at the recent Auto Shanghai exhibition and describes as “the world’s most powerful automotive supercomputer”.

Dr Holger Klein, ZF board member for the Asia-Pacific region, says: “It is currently the most flexible, scalable, and powerful automotive-grade supercomputer in the world.” [Read more…] about ZF unveils ‘world’s most powerful automotive supercomputer’

Toyota launches new cars equipped with ‘Advanced Drive’

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Toyota has launched two new cars – the Lexus LS and Mirai – equipped with what it describes as “Advanced Drive”, which sounds somewhat similar to an advanced driver assistance system, or ADAS, a widely known term to mean a range of automated or autonomous driving functions.

Toyota says its Advanced Drive “enables drivers and cars to drive together”, and that the company is seeking to enrich people’s lives through mobility.

Advanced Drive has five technology characteristics: Intelligent, Reliable, Perceptive, Interactive, and Upgradeable. [Read more…] about Toyota launches new cars equipped with ‘Advanced Drive’

Denso develops advanced driver assistance system for new Lexus LS and Toyota Mirai

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Denso has developed products for Advanced Drive, an advanced driver assistance technology featured on the new Lexus LS and the new Toyota Mirai, which were both recently released in Japan. 

Denso’s newly developed products used in Advanced Drive include: [Read more…] about Denso develops advanced driver assistance system for new Lexus LS and Toyota Mirai

Kuka releases new operating system for its industrial robots

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Kuka has released a new operating system that the company says will “mark the beginning of a new era in robotics”.

Claiming it is “as easy to use as a smartphone”, Kuka launched the new operating system at Hannover Messe, the annual industrial trade show in Germany, where the company gave audiences the first look at the OS, called iiQKA.OS.

Kuka says iiQKA.OS will “significantly simplify robot use”. [Read more…] about Kuka releases new operating system for its industrial robots

Rockwell Automation and Comau partner to ‘simplify robot integration for manufacturers’

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Rockwell Automation and Comau are partnering to, as they say, “give businesses worldwide vital tools to maximize manufacturing efficiencies through unified robot control solutions”.

Blake Moret, chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, says: “Industrial companies are looking for efficient ways to integrate robotics into their operations for process optimization and agility.

“Rockwell Automation’s collaboration with Comau will simplify programming and lifecycle management, accelerating time to value for our customers.” [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation and Comau partner to ‘simplify robot integration for manufacturers’

SICK launches compact 2D vision camera with deep learning onboard

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SICK is launching its first vision camera with a pre-installed Deep Learning app onboard to make it simple to create custom quality inspections of complex or irregular-shaped goods, packaging and assemblies, especially where they may have previously defied automation using traditional systems. 

The SICK Intelligent Inspection Deep Learning App runs on SICK’s newly launched Inspector P621 2D programmable vision camera.

The all-in-one package enables machine builders and end-users to set up vision classifications using artificial intelligence in a fraction of the time and cost it would take to program challenging inspections based on recognising the pre-set rules and patterns of traditional vision systems. [Read more…] about SICK launches compact 2D vision camera with deep learning onboard