Robotics & Automation News

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Kawasaki demonstrates unmanned cargo transport system which combines an aircraft and a mobile wheeled robot

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Kawasaki Heavy Industries says it has successfully completed proof-of-concept (PoC) testing for an unmanned cargo transport system. (See video below.)

The system combines Kawasaki’s K-Racer-X1 prototype unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and what is commonly described in the industry as an autonomous mobile robot, and which the company describes as a “delivery robot”.

Kawasaki says the PoC testing was conducted with the aim of helping to solve societal issues such as labor shortages in the logistics industry. [Read more…] about Kawasaki demonstrates unmanned cargo transport system which combines an aircraft and a mobile wheeled robot

Using IDS cameras in fully automated wood parts inspection process

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You always need and see them everywhere: in metalworking, on the construction site, in almost every toolbox… the good old hand brush.

Whether classic all-purpose brushes or brushes for special applications, the German-based company Lessmann GmbH has virtually all of them in its range.

The shape is varied, from straight to ergonomic. But they all have one thing in common: The wooden bodies are made exclusively from untreated red beech. Depending on the model, they also have two hanging holes at the end of the handle.

Production is fully automatic and highly rational. In order to ensure its own claim to the excellent quality of the hand brush woods, Lessmann has been relying on classic image processing for many years. [Read more…] about Using IDS cameras in fully automated wood parts inspection process

Comau unveils new software for ‘easy programming of complex robotic applications’

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Comau has unveiled what it describes as a “powerful software program” based on artificial intelligence algorithms that makes man-machine communication easier while optimizing industrial operations.

The industrial automation company says its MI.RA/Dexter reflects Comau’s “commitment to simplified automation”.

MI.RA/Dexter is a metalanguage that makes aims to make robotics more accessible for companies of all sizes by translating human language syntax into robot syntax. [Read more…] about Comau unveils new software for ‘easy programming of complex robotic applications’

Flexiv gains ‘world’s first’ CE and ETL certification for ‘force-controlled robot’

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Flexiv, a maker of “general-purpose” robotics, has received CE and ETL approval for their Rizon 4 robot, making it the “first-ever” seven-axis force-controlled adaptive robot to achieve both certifications at the same time, according to the company.

Demonstrating the “intrinsic safety” of the Rizon 4 robot, the CE and ETL approval was awarded by the world’s foremost testing, inspection, certification and assurance provider, Intertek. Accepted in the EU and Northern America, the approval enables Flexiv to distribute the Rizon 4 in the European Union, Canada, and the USA.

Meeting or exceeding the strict CE and ETL requirements, the Rizon 4 was subjected to hundreds of individual testing, evaluations, and assessments focused on machinery safety, electrical safety, functional safety, environmental reliability, electromagnetic compatibility, and collision detection. [Read more…] about Flexiv gains ‘world’s first’ CE and ETL certification for ‘force-controlled robot’

Micropsi Industries automates ‘fridge sniffing’ with AI-supported robot control system

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Micropsi Industries’ artificial intelligence-supported robot control system MIRAI now automates previously manual leak detection for leading global household appliance manufacturers such as BSH Hausgeräte GmbH.

In conjunction with Atec GmbH Automatisierungssoftware, Micropsi offers this leak testing as a complete solution that provides a “quick, reliable, and cost-effective” remedy to manual leak detection tasks and other complex industrial processes, lowering ongoing operating costs and reducing maintenance.

Ronnie Vuine, CEO, Micropsi Industries, says: “AI-driven systems such as MIRAI independently derive solutions in the event of variances such as changing lighting conditions or workpieces whose position or composition deviates. [Read more…] about Micropsi Industries automates ‘fridge sniffing’ with AI-supported robot control system

aiMotive opens Munich office

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aiMotive, a supplier of automated driving technologies, has opened a new office in Munich, Germany.

Beyond supporting business operations, the new office will include a workshop to enable testing and data collection in Germany.

László Kishonti, founder and CEO of aiMotive, says: “Munich is an important center of the European automotive industry and a transportation hub in the middle of the continent. A perfect location for our second European office.” [Read more…] about aiMotive opens Munich office

Developers Using AI to Automate Custom Software Engineering Processes

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Developers around the world are using advanced artificial intelligence to effectively automate custom software engineering processes.

There are several distinct use cases for AI in manufacturing, software programming, and technological innovation. In fact, more then 50 percent of tech professionals are already using these solutions to streamline repetitive tasks, minimize human error, and reduce workforce expenses.

When properly integrated into the custom software development life cycle (SDLC), programmers can make faster decisions, operate 24/7, and accelerate product releases. As a programmer yourself, this may even help you solve complex problems and maximize operational efficiency. Read on to learn about the developers using AI to automate custom software engineering processes. [Read more…] about Developers Using AI to Automate Custom Software Engineering Processes

Automated COVID Testing Thanks to a Tireless Robot developed by item America

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The sheer scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous innovative developments in industry to provide efficient solutions to meet the multitude of new challenges.

item America has played a part in several automation projects in the age of COVID – the manufacture of face masks and a workstation for analyzing coronavirus tests.

Now, item has played a role in the world’s first automated coronavirus testing station. Developed by Munich-based Franka Emika GmbH, a test station housing the “SR-NOCS” (“Swab Robot for Naso- and Oropharyngeal COVID-19 Screening”) swab robot. [Read more…] about Automated COVID Testing Thanks to a Tireless Robot developed by item America

Motional invests in its Las Vegas operations with expanded testing and R&D capabilities

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Autonomous vehicle technology developer Motional has further invested in its Las Vegas operations with expanded testing and research and development capabilities.

Las Vegas has played an important role in Motional’s growth as a global driverless technology leader. It’s home to the company’s public robotaxi fleet, a service that has safely conducted over 100,000 public rides, and is also an important hub for its testing and research.

Motional is now significantly expanding its Las Vegas footprint as it continues to scale up ahead of its 2023 commercial robotaxi deployment. The company is tripling the size of its Las Vegas closed-course testing facility, doubling its operations center, and growing its Las Vegas team by over 100 new employees. This represents Motional’s largest operations investment in the Las Vegas area to date. [Read more…] about Motional invests in its Las Vegas operations with expanded testing and R&D capabilities

Ocean engineers optimize design and performance of autonomous underwater vehicle

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Almost two years ago, Dive Technologies, a subsea robotics designer and manufacturer based in Boston, began a multiyear partnership with researchers and students at the Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics to develop a novel commercial autonomous underwater vehicle.

In April 2021, Dive Technologies delivered the DIVE-LD to market, a design they see as the most capable large-displacement autonomous underwater vehicle, in terms of the reliability, endurance, and navigational accuracy it brings to global commercial and defense customers.

With the first round of sea trials of their craft complete, the DIVE-LD’s performance has already exceeded expectations, but the team behind the self-propelled, unmanned, untethered underwater vehicle is driven to take it even further. They’re now back in the lab, working diligently to refine the vehicle’s software systems and optimize hydrodynamic performance. [Read more…] about Ocean engineers optimize design and performance of autonomous underwater vehicle