Robotics & Automation News

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Automation increases productivity in materials science by 384 times, say researchers

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An automated method of conducting materials science research can increase productivity by 384 times when compared to a human, according to researchers. 

The robot-plus-software system also makes it easier for people who are not expert researchers or scientists to create new materials.

A Rutgers-led team of engineers has developed an automated way to produce polymers, making it much easier to create advanced materials aimed at improving human health. [Read more…] about Automation increases productivity in materials science by 384 times, say researchers

IBM joins the Mayflower autonomous ship project

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IBM has joined a global consortium of partners, led by marine research organization ProMare, that are building an unmanned, fully-autonomous ship that will cross the Atlantic in September 2020, on the fourth centenary of the original Mayflower voyage 400 years ago.

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) will use IBM’s Power servers, AI, cloud and edge computing technologies to navigate autonomously and avoid ocean hazards as it makes its way from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts.

If successful, it will be one of the first self-navigating, full-sized vessels to cross the Atlantic Ocean and will open the door on a new era of autonomous research ships. [Read more…] about IBM joins the Mayflower autonomous ship project

Honeywell equips Middle East Airlines with new cockpit tech

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Honeywell has signed a selection agreement with Middle East Airlines, the national flag-carrier airline of Lebanon, to provide cockpit technologies to support the airline’s new fleet of 19 aircraft.

The deal, which includes four of Airbus’ latest variant, the A321XLR, will see Honeywell provide its latest full avionics suite to help Middle East Airlines maximize safety and ensure regulatory compliance.

Middle East Airlines’ (MEA) purchase of Airbus aircraft includes 11 A321NEOs, four A330NEOs and four A321XLRs, the latest evolution of the successful A321NEO aircraft. [Read more…] about Honeywell equips Middle East Airlines with new cockpit tech

Siemens and Qualcomm set up ‘first private standalone 5G network in an industrial environment’

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Siemens and Qualcomm Technologies have implemented what they say is the first private 5G standalone network in a real industrial environment using the 3.7-3.8GHz band.

Siemens is providing the actual industrial test conditions and end devices such as Simatic control systems and IO devices and Qualcomm Technologies is supplying the 5G test network and the relevant test equipment.

The 5G network was installed in Siemens’ Automotive Showroom and Test Center in Nuremberg (main picture). Automated guided vehicles are displayed here which are primarily used in the automotive industry. [Read more…] about Siemens and Qualcomm set up ‘first private standalone 5G network in an industrial environment’

Advanced Navigation raises $13 million to ‘transform’ robotics and self-driving cars

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Robotics and artificial intelligence sensor developer Advanced Navigation has raised $13 million in a Series A funding.

The investment round was led by Main Sequence Ventures’ CSIRO Innovation Fund, alongside US venture firms Brick & Mortar Ventures and In-Q-Tel.

The round will fund a significant global expansion for Advanced Navigation and accelerate research and development programs for what the company describes as “transformative new robotics, navigation and sensor technologies”. [Read more…] about Advanced Navigation raises $13 million to ‘transform’ robotics and self-driving cars

Autoware aims to make advanced AI available to small manufacturers

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Autoware says it aims to make advanced AI and related technologies available to small- and medium-sized enterprises that would otherwise not be able to afford or implement it.

The EU-funded project calls its offering “cognitive manufacturing”, which includes the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Basicaly, Autoware is a research and development project that helps manufacturing SMEs to integrate new digital technologies in their production processes. [Read more…] about Autoware aims to make advanced AI available to small manufacturers

Magna to develop ‘affordable’ electric motor

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Magna has been awarded a grant by the US Department of Energy to develop and “auto-qualify” advanced electric motor technologies for next-generation vehicle propulsion systems.

In partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison, Magna is applying its powertrain, electronics and full-vehicle expertise to deliver an automotive-grade, high-performance electric motor that aims to achieve increased power density and reduced cost compared to current e-motors.

The project objective is to develop an electric motor that is half the cost and eight times the power density, while delivering 125 kW of peak power – similar to packing a gallon of milk into a pint-size container. [Read more…] about Magna to develop ‘affordable’ electric motor

Lenovo and Intel provide advanced supercomputing infrastructure to Harvard University

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Lenovo and Intel are providing critical components for Harvard University’s first liquid-cooled supercomputer, while Lenovo is creating a ‘Visionary Council’ to drive broad adoption of exascale technology

The new supercomputing infrastructure will enable discoveries in earthquake forecasting, predictions on the spread of disease, and star formation.

Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences Research Computing’s newest supercomputing cluster performs three to four times faster with the upgrade. [Read more…] about Lenovo and Intel provide advanced supercomputing infrastructure to Harvard University

Rethink Robotics showcases its cobots at Saudi Emerging Technologies Forum

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Rethink Robotics has showcased its collaborative robotics at the recent Saudi Emerging Technologies Forum. 

Rethink’s parent company, HAHN Group, along with its digital business division, will also be exhibiting at the event.

In a statement, Rethink said taking part in the show will enable it to “learn about global technology trends and the future of automation and exchange ideas with other industry experts”. [Read more…] about Rethink Robotics showcases its cobots at Saudi Emerging Technologies Forum

The Impact of Cannabis Cultivation on Marijuana Farming

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Marijuana farming and the industry associated with the sale of the products made from it have been growing steadily ever since the prohibition has been lifted in most places in North America.

The newly legal cannabis industry might still taking its first baby steps, but its contribution to the advancement of farming technology is indelible.

This is especially true for greener and more environment-friendly agricultural practices around the world. [Read more…] about The Impact of Cannabis Cultivation on Marijuana Farming