Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

system

Avid Technology launches new predictive maintenance system for vehicle fleet operators

by

Giles Johnston (left), Avid business improvement consultant, with Avid managing director, Ryan Maughan
Giles Johnston (left), Avid business improvement consultant, with Avid managing director, Ryan Maughan

North East England based automotive cleantech firm Avid Technology has launched a new system for the fleet maintenance industry to help bus operators solve the ongoing quest for efficiency.

Avid says its three new fleet service products – Smart Speed, Smart Shield and Smart Spanner – are designed to reduce costs, boost productivity and improve service delivery and safety.

The entire system is based on the principles of what the company calls “Total Preventative Maintenance”, which it says is used widely to improve the effectiveness of manufacturing operations across the world.  [Read more…] about Avid Technology launches new predictive maintenance system for vehicle fleet operators

Software for smart beverage production

by

Software maker Copa-Data has demonstrated new solutions for smart breweries, comprehensive energy data management, flexible batch production and efficient filling lines.

Copa-Data also says the system has interoperability with the Weihenstephan and OMAC PackML standards, as a result of which machines and equipment can be more quickly integrated into existing manufacturing infrastructures.

Emilian Axinia, industry manager for food and beverage at Copa-Data, says: “Our software innovations for the smart production of beer and other drinks… demonstrate flexible batch production using an equipment model controlled by zenon. These are smart and field-tested software solutions from soft PLC, through ISA-88 Batch Control to mobile technologies.”  [Read more…] about Software for smart beverage production

The Construct launches Robot Operating System courses

by

the construct ros course

The Construct has launched its first Robot Operating System Navigation course. 

Beginning on February 13, the one-week training course includes direct, individualised guidance from experienced tutors.

The course can be undertaken online, through the web, or in Barcelona – if you’re lucky enough to live in Barcelona.

The Construct also said it has now opened enrolment to its ROS in a Single Week course, aimed at starters.

The company says the course is “entirely practical ROS training”, which integrates theory and practice. Participants learn by programming different simulated robots and full integrated development environment.

That course, too, can be done online or in person, if you fly over to Barcelona, Spain.

Johnson Controls launches ‘unique’ water and energy saving system

by

johnson controls bluestream
Johnson Controls says its BlueStream Hybrid Cooling System helps customers address water and energy challenges in their facilities

Johnson Controls says it has developed a “unique, innovative and industry-leading solution” to help customers address water and energy challenges in facilities through more efficient cooling tower operations.

The solution, called the BlueStream Hybrid Cooling System, will be featured at the 2017 Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Expo in Las Vegas (booth C3124).

Johnson says BlueStream features a groundbreaking technology – thermosyphon hybrid cooling – to reduce water consumption in traditional cooling tower systems by 25 to 80 percent compared to all-evaporative heat rejection systems. It also maintains peak process output and energy efficiency on the hottest summer days.  [Read more…] about Johnson Controls launches ‘unique’ water and energy saving system

That drug, man… it, like, uh, really ties the artificially intelligent, automated greenhouse together… you know?

by

“I’m the Dude, so that’s what you call me. That or, uh, His Dudeness, or, uh, Duder, or El Duderino, if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.”

Dope, weed, grass, cannabis, marijuana, or even pot – if, like Hollywood superstar Jeff Bridges, you live in the 1970s and make classic stoner films like The Big Lebowski.

There are hundreds of words for what is probably the most widely used recreational drug in the world. It’s still illegal in much of the world, but some states in the US have taken what many see as an enlightened view and decided they would rather not spoil someone else’s rug, or take it away.  [Read more…] about That drug, man… it, like, uh, really ties the artificially intelligent, automated greenhouse together… you know?

Equashield drug-compounding robot causes a stir at industry conference

by

The Equashield Pro drug-compounding robotic system
The Equashield Pro drug-compounding robotic system

Equashield’s high throughput robot unveiled at American Society of Health System Pharmacy Midyear Meeting in Las Vegas

Equashield says its new drug-dealing robot was “extremely well received” on its introduction at the American Society of Health System Pharmacy Midyear Meeting in Las Vegas, US.

Equashield, a provider of closed system transfer devices (CTSD) for the handling of hazardous drugs, formally unveiled what it claims is “the world’s first robot” with a closed system, the Equashield Pro, at the ASHP event this week.

The Equashield booth attracted a large number of visitors to see a novel way of compounding hazardous drugs, says the company.  [Read more…] about Equashield drug-compounding robot causes a stir at industry conference

Minority Report style highly personalised advertising moves one step closer

by

Cloudian, a provider of hybrid cloud object storage systems, has launched a system which recognises cars and displays advertising appropriate to the vehicle, and possibly its owner.

Cloudian says its HyperStore technology-enabled roadside digital advertising project in Tokyo has transitioned from a proof-of-concept to production use.

Spearheaded by Cloudian, Dentsu, and Intel, the project employs artificial intelligence-based vehicle recognition using HyperStore’s object storage and deep learning capabilities to present relevant display ads to drivers based on vehicle make and model.  [Read more…] about Minority Report style highly personalised advertising moves one step closer

Opinion: 5 reasons why a video intercom is a must for safety in the home

by

Five safety reasons for installing a video intercom in your home

In 2014 a charter school in Arizona took a big step towards bettering the security of their campuses: they implemented a video intercom system to help monitor entryways.

While there have never been any significant threats to AmeriSchool’s campuses, administrators elected to heighten security measures after the horrific events unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

The school brought in engineers to install remote-controlled mag locks on all of the doors and a video intercom system at the entrances of each AmeriSchool. Doors remain locked for 30 minutes after classes begin and the 30 minutes prior to the final bell.  [Read more…] about Opinion: 5 reasons why a video intercom is a must for safety in the home

Yusen Logistics awards Swisslog automated warehouse contract in Singapore

by

Yusen Logistics, a provider of contract logistics and air and ocean freight forwarding, has selected Swisslog warehouse and distribution Solutions to deliver the “innovative AutoStore Automated System” in Singapore.

The autonomous robots, which sit on the top of an aluminium grid as part of the innovative storage system, is expected to go into operation in 2017.

This light goods automatic storage and retrieval system (AutoStore) investment is a result of Yusen Logistics’ insight into the philosophy of the shared economy and the need to manage rising business costs in the current global, lower-growth economy. [Read more…] about Yusen Logistics awards Swisslog automated warehouse contract in Singapore

OR Laser launches new metal additive manufacturing system

by

OR Laser has launched a new direct metal additive manufacturing system which it says is “more accessible and more affordable for more companies”.

The company says the Orlas Creator metal additive manufacturing platform is “smarter, simpler, faster and more cost effective than any other metal additive manufacturing system currently available on the market”.

OR Laser says the system uses a “unique” circular build-platform design, which enables up to 30per cent faster production speeds compared with comparable platforms. These speeds are facilitated by a proprietary, rotation-led precision coater blade.  [Read more…] about OR Laser launches new metal additive manufacturing system