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SICK completes microScan3 portfolio with industry-leading functionality in Pro I/O variant

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SICK’s newest safety laser scanner, the microScan3 Pro I/O, features an everything-in-one design for seamless, versatile use.

Universal I/O integration works with any safety controls, and the intelligent host/guest functionality makes it possible to connect up to three guest scanners to the microScan3 Pro I/O.

Additionally, the microScan3 Pro I/O does the work of four standard safety laser scanners with an industry-leading four pairs of OSSD outputs. [Read more…] about SICK completes microScan3 portfolio with industry-leading functionality in Pro I/O variant

BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

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Autonomous navigation systems developer BlueBotics, which was recently acquired by ZAPI, is heading to Modex 2022 to showcase a unique multi-brand fleet demo of vehicles driven by its ANT technology.

The company’s booth will feature several different brands of vehicles, spanning automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from across the ANT navigation ecosystem.

This example fleet operation will be the main draw of the company’s show stand. The vehicles will run a small pallet-moving operation, all controlled by one ANT server software project. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

How to Handle Failing Car Parts

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Nobody wants car parts to fail, but vehicle owners don’t always have control over what happens with their cars. They can keep the rides properly maintained to prevent some issues, but car parts can still break down.

Therefore, the question you should probably be asking yourself is, “How will you handle failing car parts when they creep into the picture?”

Unfortunately, these incidents typically happen at the most inopportune times. For instance, if you plan a road trip with your significant other, don’t be surprised if an engine component decides to go kaput. The point is that you need to try and be prepared for dilemmas, and that is where these tips can be of assistance. [Read more…] about How to Handle Failing Car Parts

How Important is Technology in Automation?

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Manufacturers face a variety of challenges in today’s evolving world. With security in mind, it is important to create processes to incorporate security into your operations and productivity.

When everyone is looking for ways to maintain social distance and monitor activity on the operating system, it can be difficult to promote and improve safety while maintaining productivity as well.

Automated systems not only reduce the risk of accidents but also help prevent occupational accidents, resulting in a safer workplace for all. By making your workplace safer, you also improve quality and productivity. [Read more…] about How Important is Technology in Automation?

BMW invests in HeyCharge to increase electric vehicle charging points at residential locations

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BMW i Ventures took a lead investment in HeyCharge, the German start-up providing electric vehicle charging stations in apartment complexes, office buildings and other infrastructure locations.

HeyCharge was in Y Combinator’s Summer 2021 batch of start-ups.

Kasper Sage, managing partner, BMW i Ventures, says: “The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market in coming years will necessitate greater infrastructure build-out of charging solutions around the globe. [Read more…] about BMW invests in HeyCharge to increase electric vehicle charging points at residential locations

ZF partners with Embotech to develop freight yard automation systems

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ZF, one of the world’s largest automotive systems suppliers, has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Embotech, a developer of autonomous vehicle software.

The companies have agreed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly develop fully autonomous systems for commercial vehicle yard operations.

The partnership aims to enhance the operational safety and productivity of distribution hubs and yards. [Read more…] about ZF partners with Embotech to develop freight yard automation systems

ZF and VinFast to launch autonomous driving systems scalable to higher levels

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VinFast, a fast-growing vehicle manufacturer in Vietnam, says it will launch vehicle platforms that feature “higher level automated functions” in the near future, utilizing automotive systems maker ZF’s expertise in hardware, software and system integration.

Le Thi Thu Thuy, VinFast Global CEO, says: “Our companies are an outstanding match as our goals for mobility are perfectly aligned.

“The future is both electric and automated as we seek to help protect our environment while providing transportation that enhances safety, convenience and efficiency. We will work together to achieve this vision for VinFast customers as we expand our sales around the world.” [Read more…] about ZF and VinFast to launch autonomous driving systems scalable to higher levels

Autonomous vehicle simulation startup MorAI raises $20 million funding

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MorAI, a developer of autonomous vehicle simulation technology, has secured a $20 million Series B funding round.

The round includes investment from new investors Korea Investment Partners, KB Investment, and the state-run Korea Development Bank, as well as from existing investors Naver’s D2 Startup Factory, Hyundai Motor Group’s Zero1ne, Kakao Ventures, and Atinum Investment, bringing MorAI’s total funding to date to $25 million.

MorAI was co-founded in 2018 by three autonomous driving researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Ever since, the company has established itself as South Korea’s sole provider of full-stack autonomous vehicle simulation solutions. [Read more…] about Autonomous vehicle simulation startup MorAI raises $20 million funding

Startup awarded $5 million to build autonomous car that ‘runs on light’

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Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), an agency of the US military akin to Darpa, is funding a $4.8 million project spearheaded by Boston University College of Engineering, the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Lightmatter, a startup developing “photonic supercomputing” chips.

Electro-photonic computing, or optical computing, is thought to hold the promise of solving one of the biggest technical hurdles that self-driving cars face today – delivering high performance, low latency computing power that is also energy efficient.

At the end of the IARPA-funded experiment, the scientists hope to have “a fully functioning prototype of a self-driving car that runs on light”. [Read more…] about Startup awarded $5 million to build autonomous car that ‘runs on light’

Kollmorgen performs 5G tests with Ericsson to explore autonomous mobile robot capabilities

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Motion control solutions provider Kollmorgen is currently performing 5G tests with Ericsson to explore the future capabilities of autonomous mobile robot of the type used in an increasing number of warehouses around the world.

5G can enable new levels of AI and Machine Learning, simplify requirements for infrastructure, and increase network stability – which could dramatically increase performance and cost efficiency for Kollmorgen’s partners, that today include six out of the top 10 global players in material handling, such as Toyota Material Handling, Jungheinrich, and Mitsubishi Logisnext (Rocla).

Peter Bladh, director research and development, Kollmorgen, says: “We want to continue to push the boundaries of mobile robot applications with our NDC Solutions platform. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen performs 5G tests with Ericsson to explore autonomous mobile robot capabilities