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AutoStore unveils Innovation Hub to test and replicate variety of supply chain environments

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AutoStore unveils Innovation Hub to test and replicate supply chain environments including earthquakes and multi-climate simulations.

AutoStore, a robotic technology company, has unveiled its new Innovation Hub located in Karmøy, Norway, a pioneering new center for testing and replicating diverse in-store and warehouse environments.

As the suppliers of robotic storage and fulfilment technology for Puma, Gucci and Asda among many global brands, AutoStore is experiencing a continued growth in revenue and clients. [Read more…] about AutoStore unveils Innovation Hub to test and replicate variety of supply chain environments

May Mobility partners with umbrella group for trucking associations

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Autonomous vehicle developer May Mobility is working with an umbrella group for trucking associations, the Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity (PTIO).

The PTIO says that May Mobility has joined the coalition and its mission is to study the impact of autonomous vehicles on the workforce to ensure that the implementation of the technology will “improve quality of life and economic opportunity for all Americans”.

Rohit Bery, May Mobility vice president and chief of staff, says: “Planning for a workforce of the future is a critical component to May Mobility’s mission to support cities with safe, clean, and accessible autonomous shuttles. [Read more…] about May Mobility partners with umbrella group for trucking associations

Canadian Tire and NuPort Robotics to commercialize Canada’s first automated heavy duty trucks

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Canadian Tire Corporation and Toronto based start-up NuPort Robotics, Canada’s first autonomous trucking company, are partnering with the Ontario government to invest $3 million to undertake an automated heavy duty trucking project to test a “first-of-its-kind-in-the-world” technology. 

The breakthrough technology provides a transportation solution for the middle mile, the short-haul shuttle runs that semi-tractor trailers make between distribution centres, warehouses and terminals each day.

It is designed to enable next-generation automated trucks that are more fuel efficient, safer to operate, and provide an enhanced driver experience. [Read more…] about Canadian Tire and NuPort Robotics to commercialize Canada’s first automated heavy duty trucks

Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

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Merkle Schweissanlagen-Technik, or Merkle Welding Systems, will use 7-axis cobots from the Copenhagen-based collaborative robot company Kassow Robots as standard in its WeldROB complete robot welding systems from now on.

Dr Ulrich Prank, deputy managing director of the medium-sized company located in Koetz in Bavaria, Germany, says: “We have always focused on innovation. The lightweight robots from Kassow Robots are a new generation of particularly powerful and flexible cobots and offer our industrial customers real advantages.

“Instead of complex, elaborate robot technology with a high need for training and familiarization, welding with the WeldROB 7 is surprisingly simple.”  [Read more…] about Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

Mobileye, Transdev ATS and Lohr Group to develop autonomous shuttles

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Mobileye, an Intel Company, Transdev Autonomous Transport System (ATS), part of Transdev Group dedicated to autonomous mobility solutions, and Lohr Group, a mobility solutions manufacturer, have agreed a strategic collaboration to develop and utilize autonomous shuttles.

The companies are integrating Mobileye’s self-driving system into the i-Cristal electric shuttle, manufactured by Lohr Group, with plans to integrate it into public transportation services powered by fleets of self-driving shuttles across the globe, starting in Europe.

Johann Jungwirth, vice president of Mobility-as-a-Service at Mobileye, says: “Our collaboration with Transdev ATS and Lohr Group serves to grow Mobileye’s global footprint as the autonomous vehicle (AV) technology partner of choice for pioneers in the transportation industry. [Read more…] about Mobileye, Transdev ATS and Lohr Group to develop autonomous shuttles

New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

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The survey’s nearly 300 respondents indicate the pandemic accelerated the need and adoption of smart manufacturing technologies, outpacing earlier predictions

Plex Systems, a provider of cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, has released the results of its sixth annual study, the State of Smart Manufacturing.

This year’s study, which was conducted in collaboration with Hanover Research, highlights how manufacturers use smart technology to tackle today’s challenges and drive measurable return on investment, and are positioned to take advantage of future opportunities.

The findings demonstrate a need for smart manufacturing technology to address current challenges, including those heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, 83 percent of manufacturers say the pandemic has made adopting smart manufacturing technologies and processes a priority. [Read more…] about New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

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Okuma has unveiled a new machining center that it says can form and finishes large metal parts and components in one setup.

The company says its MCR-S double column machining center “combines cutting-edge technology and process improvements to reduce cycle time by 25 percent”.

Okuma is one of the largest manufacturers of CNC machine tools, and says its MCR-S roughs and finishes press dies in one setup and is designed for heavy duty machining of process-intensive press dies. [Read more…] about Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

Bosch produces its first semiconductor wafers through ‘fully automated’ fabrication process

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Bosch says it has produced the first semiconductor wafers through its “fully automated” fabrication process at its facility in Dresden, Germany.

The industrial giant describes it as “a milestone on the path to the chip factory of the future”.

Bosch says this is a key step toward the start of production operations at the factory, which is scheduled for late 2021. [Read more…] about Bosch produces its first semiconductor wafers through ‘fully automated’ fabrication process

Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million

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Refraction AI, the robotics startup and creator of the REV-1 autonomous delivery robot, has raised $4.2 million in new seed funding led by Pillar VC.

The company says the capital will be used for customer acquisition, geographic expansion and product development.

Founded in July 2019, Refraction AI solves last-mile delivery logistics with a practical, economical and sustainable application of mobile robot technology. [Read more…] about Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million

Internet of Things: 5 Predictions for 2025

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If you’ve not heard of or come across the Internet of Things (IoT), it’s time to immerse yourself in the future.

IoT has the potential to be limitless, and although that can be a scary prospect, it could open up a whole new world for us to experience. With technology advancing at such an exponential rate, where can we expect it to be in the next five years? [Read more…] about Internet of Things: 5 Predictions for 2025