Market trends and business perspectives
Yaskawa Electric, one of the largest industrial robot manufacturers in the world, has begun sales of its new collaborative robot.
The Motoman HC20 DT is said to be anti-dust and drip-proof, with a payload capacity of 20kg and a maximum reach of 1,700 mm.
Yaskawa launches its new cobot against the background of a labor shortage that is worsening due to a decline in the working-age population. [Read more…] about Yaskawa begins sales of its new collaborative robot
BP Ventures is investing €10 million in MaaS Global, a provider of digital mobility software designed to make transport easier and smarter.
The company’s innovative Whim app allows customers to access and connect on a single platform all available transport options in a city – from taxis, buses, bikes and rental cars, to ride-hailing services, shared e-scooters and e-bikes.
The investment in the Finland-based start-up supports BP’s strategy of developing and providing mobility and transportation options in an increasingly smarter, digital world. [Read more…] about BP invests €10 million in mobility-as-a-service startup
Industrial automation giant Omron has started selling a new autonomous mobile robot for logistics, called the LD-250, with a payload capacity of 250 kg.
Omron says the LD-250 is the strongest and newest addition to the company’s LD series of mobile robots.
The robot’s integrated Fleet Manager software enables the control of multiple mobile robots with different payloads through one system, “for the first time in the industry”, according to Omron. [Read more…] about Omron launches its highest-payload autonomous mobile robot
Scania says its partnership with the Combient Foundry is intended to tap into the “huge potential” of automation and artificial intelligence in the transportation industry.
The Combient network, which Scania is part of, is a cross-Nordic industry collaboration that aims to accelerate transformation in areas like automation, artificial intelligence, analytics and open innovation.
A part of Combient is the Foundry which connects startups with Nordic industry leaders, enabling the co-creation of new services and solutions. [Read more…] about Scania teams up with Combient network to tap into ‘huge potential’ of automation and AI
Volvo Trucks has started the sales of its Volvo FL and Volvo FE electric trucks in selected markets within Europe, meeting what the company says is “the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions in city environments”.
In the absence of exhaust emissions and with reduced noise levels from electric trucks offer huge potential in urban areas.
First, the reduced noise levels make it possible to carry out deliveries and refuse collection in early mornings, late evenings or even at night, helping to improve transport logistics and reduce congestion during peak hours. [Read more…] about Volvo launches sales of electric trucks for urban transport
The automotive components and systems supplier ZF has become the first major automotive supplier to participate in the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Alliance.
The objective of this special interest group that spans Europe is to bring about a paradigm shift in urban mobility, promote networked mobility concepts, and create uniform standards for technologies and legislation.
ZF says traffic jams, lack of parking, and air pollution mean that better mobility concepts are needed to avert the threat of complete gridlock in many city centers. [Read more…] about ZF joins Mobility as a Service Alliance group
Logistics technology provider TRAPO says its new transport shuttle brings “new flexibility” to the palletising zone and warehouse.
The TRAPO Transport Shuttle, part of the company’s TTS series, transports loads of up to 2,000 kilograms, with higher load capacity available on request.
TRAPO says the TTS is based on a modular principle and can be flexibly configured: size, energy transmission and storage, drive and navigation. [Read more…] about TRAPO’s new transport shuttle brings ‘new flexibility’ to palletising
by Mai Tao
Volvo has created a new business unit for its growing range of autonomous transport solutions.
The new business area, Volvo Autonomous Solutions, will accelerate the development, commercialization and sales of autonomous transport solutions.
Volvo says this will enable the company to meet “a growing demand” and to offer “the best possible solutions” to customers in such segments as mining, ports and transport between logistics centers, as a complement to today’s products and services. [Read more…] about Volvo creates new business unit for autonomous truck solutions
by Sam Francis
Teradyne is again strengthening its position in the robotics and automation market with another acquisition after already buying Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots.
Teradyne and AutoGuide Mobile Robots have entered into a definitive agreement under which Teradyne will acquire privately held AutoGuide for $165 million – $58 million net of cash acquired plus $107 million if certain performance targets are met extending potentially through 2022.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. [Read more…] about Teradyne to acquire AutoGuide Mobile Robots for $165 million
DMG MORI and Jungheinrich have formed a partnership to develop driverless transport systems – and have already demonstrated a first product.
The company says the DMG MORI PH-AGV 50 (main picture) “heralds a new era of flexible automation solutions in intralogistics”.
Because the driverless transport system enables the fully automated loading and unloading of workpiece pallets on machine tools. [Read more…] about DMG MORI and Jungheinrich partner to develop driverless transport technologies
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