Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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Toyota develops fuel cell system for maritime applications

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The former racing catamaran turned ship of the future, Energy Observer, has made waves as it has been navigating its six-year odyssey around the world as the first energy-autonomous hydrogen vessel.

Today, Toyota, official partner of Energy Observer and an avid supporter of their project from the start, announces that it has developed a fuel cell system for maritime applications, with its first delivery destined for Energy Observer.

Embarking in June 2017 from Saint Malo Port in France, Energy Observer is an electrically propelled vessel of the future that is operated using a mix of renewable energies and an on-board system that produces carbon-free hydrogen from seawater. [Read more…] about Toyota develops fuel cell system for maritime applications

The critical role of hydraulic manifolds in robotics and automation

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By Nimit Patel, CEO, Hydraulic Manifolds USA

With increasing labor costs and technology becoming less expensive, the paradigm of manufacturing productivity will be forever changed. The need for increased productivity will be addressed by automation.

Recently, hydraulic manifolds have played a critical role in robotics, automation, and mobile applications.

Years of experience designing manifolds is critical to avoid the pitfalls of standardized off-the-shelf solutions. [Read more…] about The critical role of hydraulic manifolds in robotics and automation

Advanced driver assistance systems: Disrupting the global automotive safety landscape

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Automotive accidents and road mishaps and the subsequent injuries and fatalities present a significant global concern today.

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, nearly 1.25 million people succumb to road accidents every year, which equates to an average of almost 3,287 deaths a day.

Despite the alarming statistics however, strong technological evolution across the industrial landscape, particularly in the automotive domain, is ensuring that things take a turn for the better. [Read more…] about Advanced driver assistance systems: Disrupting the global automotive safety landscape

Mitsubishi Electric develops tech for controlling mobile robots

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Mitsubishi Electric says it has developed a technology for controlling “in-building” mobile robots used for cleaning, security, delivery and guidance, as well as next-generation electric wheelchairs.

The company says the software uses building dynamic maps to achieve cooperative interaction between the mobile machines and building facilities, such as elevators and access control systems.

Mitsubishi says that by supporting the safe, efficient movement of people and in-building mobilities in buildings, the new technology is expected to reduce the workloads of building-management personnel and help realize smart buildings in which people and robots coexist safely. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric develops tech for controlling mobile robots

Epson to showcase latest robotic solutions at ATX West

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Epson Robots will showcase its latest robotic solutions in simulated demos at the Automation Technology Expo, ATX West.

The latest entry-level robot is available at a cost of $13,900 – the VT6L All-in-One 6-Axis robot comes with a built-in controller, a 900mm reach and payload of up to 6kg, and offers 110 V and 220 V power.

This robot will show a simple pick-and-place operation illustrating how it can handle larger end-of-arm tooling for dual pick applications. [Read more…] about Epson to showcase latest robotic solutions at ATX West

Scania tests autonomous truck in complex manoeuvre in traffic

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Scania has conducted a test in which an autonomous made a complex manoeuvre on a relatively busy road.

Autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems need robust and precise positioning to enable reliable operations.

This is especially important in the early transitional phase of the technology, when other vehicles around it will not be automated. [Read more…] about Scania tests autonomous truck in complex manoeuvre in traffic

Universal Robots showcases new cobot-powered solutions at ATX West

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Universal Robots is to exhibit new collaborative robot-powered solutions for palletizing, metrology and machine tending at ATX West. 

Attendees at the largest automation technology trade show in the Western US will experience how collaborative robots from industry leader Universal Robots now automate some of the most sought-after tasks in a manufacturing industry facing severe labor shortages.

When manufacturers can’t staff tasks on their production lines it severely affects the bottom line resulting in drastic increases in overtime, cycle time and downtime. [Read more…] about Universal Robots showcases new cobot-powered solutions at ATX West

ForwardX Aiming to Deliver ‘Best-in-Class’ Autonomous Mobile Robots

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By Nic Temple, Vice President of Sales for the Americas at ForwardX Robotics

Given the proliferation of warehouses, distribution centers, direct to consumer (D2C) business models, fleets of AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), questioning the validity of innovation is worthy of examination.

Unlike in prior years when attendees would walk the show floor for days, many are using the MHI MODEX app and visiting for just a single day.

For that reason, a compelling innovation from ForwardX (Booth 1207) should be the first stop for serious AMR decision-makers. [Read more…] about ForwardX Aiming to Deliver ‘Best-in-Class’ Autonomous Mobile Robots

Cincoze launches new fanless embedded computer

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Cincoze, a manufacturer of embedded systems, has launched the P2100 Series, including P2102 and P2102E.

The P2102 is a slim, fanless, embedded computer with the P2102E offering greater expandability.

Supporting Cincoze’s innovative modular design, the P2100 Series can also work as a panel PC when combined with various Cincoze display modules. [Read more…] about Cincoze launches new fanless embedded computer

FLIR launches ‘industry’s first’ deep learning camera

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Imaging company FLIR Systems has launched what it says is “the industry’s first” deep learning camera for applications ranging from industrial inspection to autonomous driving and others.

FLIR says the Firefly DL enables systems designers to build neural networks that are capable of decision-making at the edge.

FLIR is believed to be the world’s largest commercial company specializing in the design and production of thermal imaging cameras, components and imaging sensors. [Read more…] about FLIR launches ‘industry’s first’ deep learning camera