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UPS unveils new smart warehouse system which integrates AMRs from Locus Robotics

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UPS Supply Chain Solutions has unveiled new warehouse network technology designed to make distribution centers “smarter and more efficient”, and uses autonomous mobile robots from Locus Robotics.

UPS says the new Warehouse Execution System (WES) will enable faster order intake and fulfillment to ensure that customers, especially those with fluctuating order patterns, receive their products on time.

UPS and supply chain solutions provider Softeon created the WES to allow UPS to define specific customer requirements to ensure highest priority orders are worked first without manual intervention, resulting in “more than 50 percent productivity gains for some customers”. [Read more…] about UPS unveils new smart warehouse system which integrates AMRs from Locus Robotics

BMW reaffirms ongoing commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology

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Automotive giant BMW has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to petrol cars and electric vehicles. The company also unveiled images of the powertrain for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.

Developing alternative powertrain technologies is a top priority for the BMW Group. The premium carmaker offers first virtual insights into the powertrain system for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT and reaffirms its commitment to following a carefully considered and systematic route to emission-free mobility.

This approach also includes the careful consideration of differing market and customer requirements as part of the company’s Power of Choice strategy. Customer centricity and the flexibility needed for this are essential in facilitating the breakthrough for sustainable mobility on the global stage.

Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board of management of BMW, research and development: “We are convinced that various alternative powertrain systems will exist alongside one another in future, as there is no single solution that addresses the full spectrum of customers’ mobility requirements worldwide. [Read more…] about BMW reaffirms ongoing commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology

Visteon debuts new digital dashboard infotainment technology

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Visteon, the only global Tier 1 automotive supplier solely focused on the digital cockpit market, has contributed its technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities to provide the infotainment platform for Volkswagen’s new Nivus model for the Brazil market.

With its new coupe-style SUV, the automaker debuts VW Play – a pioneering infotainment system for enhanced in-car connectivity, streaming and other services – supported by Visteon.

Developed jointly by VW and Visteon in Brazil, VW Play was created with usability in mind. Delivering a premium user experience, the intuitive interface incorporates customizable control screens, offering a diverse range of connectivity elements, key vehicle information and application notifications. [Read more…] about Visteon debuts new digital dashboard infotainment technology

Peachtree Corners launches ‘world’s first fleet of self-driving e-scooters’ as part of styling itself as a smart city

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Peachtree Corners, a tiny city in the state of Georgia, USA, is launching what it believes is the “world’s first fleet of self-driving e-scooters” as part of styling itself out as a smart city.

Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners is on a mission to solve many of the technology issues facing cities and municipalities around the country. For many, the term “smart city” is an unclear concept.

For Peachtree Corners, Georgia, it’s about empowering the latest in emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. [Read more…] about Peachtree Corners launches ‘world’s first fleet of self-driving e-scooters’ as part of styling itself as a smart city

Facilities management leaders call for strategic partnerships to drive robotics and innovation

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With cleaning robots increasing in number and being installed in many types of buildings, a study about the future of facilities management has been published.

In the survey, it was found that the vast majority of facilities management leaders across the EMEA region believe that technology suppliers should offer performance-based contracts in order to improve the success rate of innovation projects within facility management and commercial cleaning.

New research from SoftBank Robotics EMEA, reveals that 89 percent of supply side and 78 percent of demand side facilities management leaders think that performance-based contracts are positive for the cleaning industry. [Read more…] about Facilities management leaders call for strategic partnerships to drive robotics and innovation

Locomation partners with Transport Research Centre to conduct driverless truck testing

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Locomation, the world’s first trucking technology platform to offer human-guided autonomous convoying, has agreed to conduct research project with the Transportation Research Center, a testing, research, and innovation center for the automotive industry located in East Liberty, Ohio.

Locomation will actively test at TRC to advance its autonomous truck platforms alongside TRC’s extensive research and development team in order to drive further innovation on the testing and validation of Locomation’s autonomy technology.

TRC has been an independent partner of the world’s leading automotive and technology companies for more than 45 years, helping them test and perfect their products. [Read more…] about Locomation partners with Transport Research Centre to conduct driverless truck testing

Laser interferometry: An enabling technology for optimized automated manufacturing

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By Tyler Steele, product manager – laser interferometers, Zygo

In this article, precision Beryllium mirror manufacturer Cambridge Technology explains how the use of interferometry hardware and software solutions has streamlined its manufacturing processes and added efficiencies as well as time and cost-savings across the company. 

Technological advances over recent years have elevated metrology from being a “necessary evil” in manufacturing scenarios to enabling technologies, allowing the measurement of previously impossible part characteristics and therefore driving innovation across numerous industry sectors.

It is arguable that best-in-class metrology solutions are the catalyst that drive the trend towards miniaturization, higher precision, faster throughput, and fewer rejects.

As the old adage goes, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t make it”, but if you can measure to the required accuracy repeatably, then the sky is the limit in terms of producing cutting-edge parts and components. [Read more…] about Laser interferometry: An enabling technology for optimized automated manufacturing

Automatic Passenger Counters for Improving Public Transport

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Fleet companies that operate cabs, buses, and coaches and companies that manage public trains and trams need to keep data on the number of passengers boarding and alighting for accountability. Earlier, manual counting was the only way to record such data.

But today, technology has really changed how things are done. These public transport vehicles are fitted with automatic passenger counting (APC) devices that will actually transmit the tally in real time to a remote location.

The availability of such technology is a big invention in the public transport sector that has brought numerous positive changes. Let us dive deeper into how the sector has changed through using APC devices. [Read more…] about Automatic Passenger Counters for Improving Public Transport

Realtime Robotics unveils new robot controller computer

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Realtime Robotics, which specialises in motion planning for industrial robots and autonomous vehicles, has launched what a robot controller solution it calls “Realtime Controller”.

The solution dramatically reduces and simplifies the programming required to safely integrate robotic workcells, speeding up the time to deployment.

As the pressure intensifies to improve margins it will accelerate the adoption of robotic automation. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics unveils new robot controller computer

Denso invests in automated greenhouse provider Certhon Group

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Denso, one of the world’s largest advanced automotive technology suppliers, has invested in Certhon Group, a developer and builder of automated greenshouses.

Certhon operated mainly in Europe and the United States and will collaborate with Denso to expand its horticulture business in the global market, specifically by developing and providing automated greenhouse solutions.

While food demand increases as the global population continues to grow, the number of the agricultural population is decreasing due to demographic aging, unstable wages, and strict work environment. [Read more…] about Denso invests in automated greenhouse provider Certhon Group