Robotics & Automation News

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Toyota partners with Ready Robotics on robotic programming

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Ready Robotics, a provider of operating systems for automation and robotics, is collaborating with Toyota Motor Corporation and Nvidia to bring a “significant leap forward” in industrial robotics.

Toyota will employ Ready ForgeOS in tandem with Nvidia Isaac Sim, a robotics simulator developed on Nvidia Omniverse, to build a “state-of-the-art simulated robotic programming environment” for its aluminum hot forging production lines.

This groundbreaking collaboration is set to enhance safety and efficiency in Toyota’s manufacturing processes. [Read more…] about Toyota partners with Ready Robotics on robotic programming

Toyota Research Institute showcases latest AI-assisted driving technology

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Last month, Toyota Research Institute (TRI) invited reporters for a deep dive into its new Accelerated Concepts program in active safety.

The international media event at Thunderhill Raceway, Willows, California, marked a first for TRI, offering journalists from the US and Europe an opportunity to ride inside its research vehicles and simulators and experience firsthand how TRI is approaching autonomy.

TRI’s Human Interactive Driving (HID) team aims their research not at self-driving robotaxis but rather at active safety, incorporating both high autonomy AND high driver engagement. This approach makes driving both safer and more fun – keeping the driver engaged and working with the car as a truly intelligent partner. [Read more…] about Toyota Research Institute showcases latest AI-assisted driving technology

Toyota Research Institute unveils ‘breakthrough’ in teaching robots new behaviors

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Toyota Research Institute (TRI) says it has achieved a “breakthrough generative AI approach” based on Diffusion Policy to quickly and confidently teach robots new, dexterous skills.

This advancement significantly improves robot utility and is a step towards building “Large Behavior Models (LBMs)” for robots, analogous to the Large Language Models (LLMs) that have recently revolutionized conversational AI.

Gill Pratt, CEO of TRI and chief scientist for Toyota Motor Corporation, says: “Our research in robotics is aimed at amplifying people rather than replacing them. [Read more…] about Toyota Research Institute unveils ‘breakthrough’ in teaching robots new behaviors

Toyota and Daimler partner to advance autonomous truck technologies in Japan

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Following the news that Daimler Truck and Toyota have entered into a partnership to combine their truck businesses in Japan, Varshini Shetty, automotive analyst at GlobalData, offers her view.

Shetty says: “To accelerate the development and manufacture of CASE (Connected / Autonomous & Automated / Shared / Electric) technology and hydrogen vehicles, many businesses are forming alliances with other automakers, start-ups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“Aligning with this trend is the deal between Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd. and Daimler-owned Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. to combine their truck businesses in Japan. [Read more…] about Toyota and Daimler partner to advance autonomous truck technologies in Japan

Udelv autonomous vehicle provides services for nonprofit organizations

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Udelv, a maker of autonomous delivery vehicles, has teamed up with Toyota Mobility Foundation and Energy Systems Network to provide services to two non-profit organizations in central Indiana under TMF’s Together in Motion initiative.

The delivery vehicle – which was launched in Indianapolis on November 5th, 2021 – and has enabled HATCH for Hunger and Southeast Community Services to provide essential goods to community members and food pantry partners.

The rising necessity of contactless delivery throughout the coronavirus pandemic led TMF to explore implementation of advanced goods delivery methodologies. The service will end at the beginning of May 2022. [Read more…] about Udelv autonomous vehicle provides services for nonprofit organizations

Toyota Ventures invites innovative ideas for the ‘Factory of the Future’

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Toyota Ventures has launched its third global “call for innovation” to search for early-stage companies that can help make the factory of the future a reality sooner.

In partnership with Toyota’s Manufacturing Project Innovation Center and Toyota Research Institute (TRI), the 2022 call focuses on finding scalable solutions to modernize manufacturing and advance sustainable production.

Through May 31, 2022, qualified entrepreneurs are invited to apply to the call for an opportunity to receive between $500,000 and $2 million in venture capital funding from Toyota Ventures. [Read more…] about Toyota Ventures invites innovative ideas for the ‘Factory of the Future’

Symbio Robotics reveals details of its work with Toyota

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Symbio Robotics, a provider of software that automatically powers AI-controlled industrial robots for flexible auto manufacturing, has revealed some details about its latest work with Toyota Motor North America.

SymbioDCS software enables robots to automate assembly processes and allows robots to learn, adapt and execute tasks on Toyota’s highest volume production lines, including both traditional and hybrid electric Camry, RAV4, Sequoia, and Tundra models.

Symbio says its automation technologies are designed to solve car manufacturing pain points and “outperforms” conventional robotic systems. [Read more…] about Symbio Robotics reveals details of its work with Toyota

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

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Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is moving to the next stage in testing and implementing connected vehicle technology in Tampa with four auto manufacturers on board.

THEA is recruiting volunteer drivers who drive a Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia or Toyota for the THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot. This research project has the potential to improve driving safety in downtown Tampa and beyond. Eligible participating drivers receive up to a 30 percent rebate for tolls on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

In this phase, THEA expects to equip approximately 300 privately owned automobiles with connected vehicle technology by late 2022. Volunteers’ automobiles will be outfitted with devices that “talk” to other connected vehicles and to roadway infrastructure to help prevent crashes. [Read more…] about Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

Toyota Research Institute reaches ‘new technical milestones in robotics’

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Toyota Research Institute (TRI) says it has reached “new technical milestones in robotics”. The company has unveiled new robotics capabilities aimed at solving complex tasks in home environments.

Specifically, TRI roboticists were able to train robots to understand and operate in complicated situations that confuse most other robots, including recognizing and responding to transparent and reflective surfaces in a variety of circumstances.

As TRI demonstrates in a new video (see below), this robust system allows robots to make generalizations in a range of scenarios, including in different homes. [Read more…] about Toyota Research Institute reaches ‘new technical milestones in robotics’

Toyota’s Woven Capital invests in autonomous vehicle fleet platform Ridecell

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Woven Capital, a venture capital unit of Toyota, has made an investment in Ridecell, a platform powering digital transformations and IoT automation for fleet-driven businesses.

Woven Capital is an $800 million global investment fund that supports innovative, growth-stage companies in mobility, automation, artificial intelligence, data and analytics, connectivity, and smart cities.

It is the investment arm of the Woven Planet Group, a Toyota subsidiary which says it is “dedicated to building the safest mobility in the world”. [Read more…] about Toyota’s Woven Capital invests in autonomous vehicle fleet platform Ridecell