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John Deere pilots new robotic welding solution

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John Deere is leveraging Intel’s artificial intelligence technology to help solve a costly, age-old problem in the manufacturing welding process.

Deere is piloting a solution that uses computer vision to automatically spot common defects in the automated welding process in its manufacturing facilities.

Andy Benko, quality director, John Deere construction and forestry division, says: “Welding is a complicated process. This AI solution has the potential to help us produce our high-quality machines more efficiently than before. [Read more…] about John Deere pilots new robotic welding solution

Universal Robots develops interface for Siemens engineering portal

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Universal Robots, the world’s largest collaborative robots manufacturer, has developed an interface for the engineering portal of Siemens, one of the world’s largest industrial technology companies.

The companies say that integrating Universal Robots’ collaborative robots into complex machines and manufacturing environments will soon be a process machine builders and systems integrators can “seamlessly handle” through the Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal.

The UR collaborative robots will become part of the Simatic Robot Library within Siemens’ TIA environment through an interpreter interface planned to be completed within the fourth quarter of 2021. [Read more…] about Universal Robots develops interface for Siemens engineering portal

Yaskawa Motoman has sold 500,000 industrial robots

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Yaskawa Motoman, one of the world’s largest industrial automation companies, has sold 500,000 industrial robots.

The company says cumulative shipments of Motoman Yaskawa’s industrial robots reach 500,000 units last month – February 2021.

Yaskawa has attracted a wide range of customers worldwide since its first all-electric industrial robot in Japan Motoman-L10 was shipped in 1977. [Read more…] about Yaskawa Motoman has sold 500,000 industrial robots

Key industry organisations partner to develop global standards for autonomous vehicles

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The Autonomous Vehicle Computing Consortium, a global group of automotive and technology industry organisations, has agreed what is described as a “key liaison” with SAE International, the association of more than 200,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.

The two organisations’ shared goal is to help expedite the development of autonomous and assisted driving solutions through shared technical references, recommendations, design benchmarks and marketing initiatives.

Jack Pokrzywa, ground vehicle standards director, SAE International, says: “For more than a century, SAE Standards have created the safe, reliable and consistent use and adoption of technologies to advance the mobility industry for the benefit of humanity. [Read more…] about Key industry organisations partner to develop global standards for autonomous vehicles

XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

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XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has embarked on a new autonomous forklift truck technology pilot program in collaboration with Balyo, a specialist developer of robotics for goods handling equipment.

XPO is the first logistics company in Europe to test Balyo’s latest robotic “reach truck” – referring to its higher reach – under real-life conditions. The pilot is underway at an XPO distribution center near Blois, France.

Malcolm Wilson, XPO’s chief executive officer – Europe, says: “We’re pleased that our on-site tests will help optimize intelligent reach trucks for the logistics environment. As we pilot the robotics in our operations, we’re also exploring these applications to increase efficiency for customers and to support our employees.” [Read more…] about XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

ANA and Toyota test autonomous towing vehicle at Tokyo airport

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All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest airline, is partnering with Toyota Industries to conduct a test of the latest autonomous towing tractor in the restricted area at Tokyo Haneda Airport from March 29 to April 2, 2021. These trials be the first to take place at Haneda Airport.

Masaki Yokai, senior vice president of ANA, says: “Our work with Toyota Industries has led to several successful autonomous towing tractor tests that we have continually learned from.

“We are excited about the opportunity to take this technology one step further by running trials at Haneda Airport. As we work with Toyota Industries to create the Simple & Smart airport of the future, ANA remains committed to integrating advanced technology in order to improve the travel experience.” [Read more…] about ANA and Toyota test autonomous towing vehicle at Tokyo airport

Driverless truck company TuSimple files for listing on Nasdaq

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TuSimple, a self-driving truck company, has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the US Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of shares of its Class A common stock.

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. TuSimple intends to list its common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “TSP”. Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and JP Morgan will act as lead book-running managers for the proposed offering. [Read more…] about Driverless truck company TuSimple files for listing on Nasdaq

Grenzebach launches new conveyor technologies

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Grenzebach says its new generation of conveyor technology makes it possible to further increase the availability of float glass plants.

Transporting glass gently, carefully and safely is tricky. Grenzebach says its specially developed drive train with direct drive represents a major step forward.

The number of components in the drive has been minimized and access to key components is now even easier. This enables companies to significantly reduce the cost of spare parts and maintenance. [Read more…] about Grenzebach launches new conveyor technologies

FORT Robotics raises $13 million in funding

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FORT Robotics, a technology company creating safety-and-security solutions for autonomous machines, has closed on $13 million in funding led by Prime Movers Lab, an investor in breakthrough scientific startups.

With the new investment, FORT will more than double the size of its workforce and expand its product offerings in key markets.

Samuel Reeves, founder and CEO, says: “We’re excited to partner with our new investors to help position FORT at the forefront of this rapidly evolving space. [Read more…] about FORT Robotics raises $13 million in funding

Mitsubishi Electric extends supervisory control and data acquisition range

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Mitsubishi Electric has extended its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) lineup for EMEA markets, now offering two additional types of software for system monitoring and process control under the series name “GENESIS64”, complementing the existing “MAPS” SCADA software.

The new lineup will meet the diversifying IoT needs, covering a wide variety of purposes from small production line monitoring and control to multi-site monitoring and business intelligence (BI) for plant-wide systems, process automation as well as utility and building automation.

The “GENESIS64 Basic SCADA” is an entry-level software with essential functions for small production lines, and the “GENESIS64 Advanced Application Server” is a full SCADA suite for large-scale monitoring of factories, buildings, and utilities. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric extends supervisory control and data acquisition range