Robotics & Automation News

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Motional and Via partner to launch platform for public, on-demand shared robotaxi rides

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Motional, a driverless technology developer, and Via, a public mobility solutions provider, have agreed a partnership that they say will “serve as a blueprint for the future of on-demand, shared robotaxis”.

Motional and Via seek to use learnings from the partnership to inform how driverless vehicles can be integrated into mass transit networks, and optimized for pooled rides.

The partnership’s first service – shared robotaxi rides, available to the public – is expected to launch in one of Motional’s existing US markets in the first half of 2021. The initial launch market will be announced at a later date. [Read more…] about Motional and Via partner to launch platform for public, on-demand shared robotaxi rides

Business Management: Using Current Tech to Your Advantage

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Technology is revolutionizing our personal and business lives. There is always new software emerging that can make your life easier, as well as solve problems you currently face.

If you are willing to make the investment, you can take advantage of current technology and upgrade your business. [Read more…] about Business Management: Using Current Tech to Your Advantage

What Role is AI and Technology Playing in the Fight Against Covid-19?

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With no effective antiviral therapy or vaccine currently available, the strategy for managing Covid-19 in October 2020 and into the foreseeable future; could be best described as “containment, tracking and mitigation”.

Digital technologies have been key in the management and ‘flattening of the curve’ in terms of infection rates across many countries. Surveillance, testing, contact tracing, quarantine and health care can all potentially benefit from the integration of digital technology. [Read more…] about What Role is AI and Technology Playing in the Fight Against Covid-19?

EasyMile launches autonomous tow tractor

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Autonomous shuttle manufacturer EasyMile has launched what it claims is the first autonomous tow tractor dedicated to material handling within a private site.

TractEasy is designed for use at a factory or a logistics center, and is able to operate both inside and outside in a complex urban-like environment.

EasyMile says it is building on its “successful experience in autonomous public transport”, and the applications for autonomous technology for industrial logistics are “numerous”. [Read more…] about EasyMile launches autonomous tow tractor

A Brand New Startup Has Managed to Raise $50 Million for Vehicle Holograms

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Envisics might be a little-known company, but what it lacks in recognition, it makes up for in funds that are backing a pioneering sector of the car manufacturing industry.

This small startup has raised $50 million from various investors, including General Motors Ventures and Hyundai Mobis, to use technology that it has developed in future vehicles.

The technology in question is called augmented reality, and it says that it can produce visuals that look like they’re right in front of the car. This technology could be used in future vehicles to see pedestrians, as well as stationary vehicles. It will also help self-driving cars point out specific obstacles and hazards so that a human driver can take control again. [Read more…] about A Brand New Startup Has Managed to Raise $50 Million for Vehicle Holograms

Are Robots After Your Job?

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With all the new technology being developed lately, it’s common to worry about job security, especially when we consider that robotics and automation are bound to eventually replace a lot of workers. In fact, it’s pretty common to find businesses automating tasks that we once performed by humans.

Not only are machines more reliable, they’re also unhindered by things like fatigue and stress, which essentially minimizes the margin of error.

Coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic and the migration of business to the online landscape, job security is now more important than ever. [Read more…] about Are Robots After Your Job?

Yaskawa and Phoenix Contact partner to develop new PLC platform

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Yaskawa, a manufacturer of motion control, robotics, and variable speed drives, and Phoenix Contact, a manufacturer of automation solutions, have agreed a partnership to develop a new programmable logic controller platform.

The companies say they will utilize PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact in the development of the “next generation machine controller and PLC platform”, realizing the i3-Mechatronics solution concept lead by Yaskawa.

The common goal of both companies is to offer an open and future-proof ecosystem for industrial automation. In this context, Phoenix Contact has licensed its PLCnext runtime environment to Yaskawa and agrees on further joint developments. [Read more…] about Yaskawa and Phoenix Contact partner to develop new PLC platform

Avnet poised to play key role in next-generation automotive technology

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The automotive industry is undergoing an historic transformation which will fundamentally shift the way vehicles are manufactured as well as change the way we look at and use cars, and possibly all road-going automobiles.

In-keeping with the widespread trend, Avnet, one of the world’s leading distributors of electronic components, is taking a leading position in developing the technologies required to make the future a reality.

A number of predictions are being made for the automotive industry, and many of them may have sounded outlandish in the past, but now that the public at large has accepted driverless cars as a realistic concept, anything is possible – even flying cars. [Read more…] about Avnet poised to play key role in next-generation automotive technology

Make Your Household Chores Easier With These 4 Gadgets

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A home is, by far, one of the biggest investments you can have. To ensure that it retains the utmost value, regular maintenance is key. A clean and organized atmosphere is also good for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

But household chores do not stop there. Every few days to a week, there is always laundry to take care of, dishes to be washed, and garbage to be managed. If you live in your own home or have a backyard, the lawn will also need to be attended to.

But one thing is for sure. Especially if you don’t have a Help, these tasks can prove to be overwhelming over time. This is why smart homeowners utilize technology to make their household tasks less of a losing uphill battle. With this having been said, here are four gadgets that can help make your household easier and probably more fun. [Read more…] about Make Your Household Chores Easier With These 4 Gadgets

IDS launches new ‘extremely high-resolution’ camera sensor

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IDS has launched its 20.35 MP IMX541 sensor from the Pregius S series.

IDS says the high-performance, extremely high-resolution sensor IMX541 from the Pregius S series is integrated into the versatile uEye SE camera family. Its compact 1.1″ format means the 20.35 MP CMOS sensor is compatible with C-mount lenses.

The industrial cameras feature a practical USB3 Vision interface, deliver 20 fps and will be available from September either as board-level models or with a robust metal housing. [Read more…] about IDS launches new ‘extremely high-resolution’ camera sensor