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FireFly Automatix launches ‘first’ commercially available autonomous electric mower

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FireFly Automatix has showcased its M100-AV mower at the recent Turfgrass Producers International convention at DeBuck’s New Lawn Sod Farm, Belleville, Michigan.

This commercial reel mower cuts a 100-inch width, adding to FireFly’s line of autonomous mowers. The M100-AV is FireFly’s first all-electric vehicle (EV), promising energy savings and environmental benefits.

Scott DeBuck, owner of this summer’s TPI’s host farm, says: “I am highly impressed by the innovative FireFly reel automatic mower. Its cutting performance produces truly beautiful results, and the capability to program various mowing angles is truly astonishing. [Read more…] about FireFly Automatix launches ‘first’ commercially available autonomous electric mower

BlueBotics takes indoor robots outside

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Swiss autonomous robot navigation company BlueBotics has launched ANT everywhere, a new product extension for its ANT navigation products that widen the scope of AGV and AMR operations by enabling outdoor operations.

Outdoor use has traditionally been a challenge for producers of automated vehicles. This is because there are typically few permanent “features” visible outdoors, which are required for modern mobile robots to calculate their exact position.

Up to now, vehicle producers have addressed this challenge either by using ad-hoc navigation add-ons, such as patching a GPS system on top of an existing navigation product or by adding additional outdoor infrastructure, such as custom poles featuring reflectors. [Read more…] about BlueBotics takes indoor robots outside

California certifies Mercedes semi-autonomous drive system

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Mercedes‑Benz says its Drive Pilot system for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving received certification from California state authorities.

With this significant milestone Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer with authorization to introduce such a SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle for use on public freeways in the most populous state in the United States.

Drive Pilot will be available in the US market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes‑Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in late 2023. [Read more…] about California certifies Mercedes semi-autonomous drive system

In the future, buying cars will ‘feel more like buying a laptop computer’

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By Dr James Jeffs, senior technology analyst at IDTechEx

Computer chips have been part of cars for a long time, but no one really cares about them until they stop working or they are late to the production line, grinding manufacturing to an industry-shaking halt.

However, the research within IDTechEx’s “Semiconductors for Autonomous and Electric Vehicles 2023-2033” report shows that trends within the automotive industry mean consumers will soon be caring far more about what chips are in their cars.

IDTechEx expects that purchasing a new vehicle will soon feel like shopping for a new laptop. [Read more…] about In the future, buying cars will ‘feel more like buying a laptop computer’

Green Luxury on Lease: Elevating Your Ride with the Tesla Model 3

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Whether you’re a total petrolhead and are constantly staying up-to-date on every major automotive brand’s new model launch, or you simply have a taste for the finer things in life, we’re all guilty of envying the flashiest, most modern cars we see being driven down the street.

You may have even looked into brands like Tesla before. The mind-blowing tech features and futuristic style of their vehicles dancing before your eyes like some prize that will always remain just beyond your grasp.

Well, if you’re someone who has always merely assumed that Tesla vehicles are reserved for the exorbitantly wealthy, you might want to read more into car leasing. [Read more…] about Green Luxury on Lease: Elevating Your Ride with the Tesla Model 3

Financial Considerations to Make When Buying a New Car

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Buying a new car isn’t always the most straightforward endeavour. More often than not, shopping around for a new or used car ends up being a lengthy, back-and-forth process which requires plenty of key considerations.

The most important thing, however, is that you handle your car shopping process with careful financial planning. But sadly, with hidden costs aplenty and car dealerships acquiring an infamous reputation as places that are likely to try and swindle you, making sure that you practice tactful spending when buying a new car is easier said than done.

Thankfully, however, being aware of the costs that you can expect from your car purchasing process can help you plan accordingly. This means budgeting for your car registration, roadworthy testing, and comparing car insurance quotes, amongst other financial considerations. [Read more…] about Financial Considerations to Make When Buying a New Car

BlueBotics to showcase interoperability tech for mobile robots at Automate Show

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At this year’s Automate Show, AGV/AMR navigation specialist BlueBotics will highlight how its ANT server management software enables the creation of multi-brand fleets.

Its team will also join forces with partner Oceaneering Mobile Robotics to host a seminar dedicated to building the business case for automated vehicle technology.

BlueBotics CEO Nicolas Tomatis, says: “As the AGV market grows and continues to mature, more businesses are realizing the need for scalable custom fleets, which can incorporate different types and even brands of vehicle. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase interoperability tech for mobile robots at Automate Show

5 Challenges Involved in Owning an Electric Vehicle

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It seems inevitable that electric vehicles are the future of automotive transport. However, many consumers have understandable concerns about the viability and ease of owning these types of cars in 2023.

Here are 5 general challenges to consider before diving into your electric vehicle purchase. [Read more…] about 5 Challenges Involved in Owning an Electric Vehicle

Improving industrial mobile robots with multiScan 3D LiDAR

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SICK’s newest multiScan100 family uses time of flight (TOF) measurement to create a 3D perception of its surroundings. To begin, SICK is launching the multiScan136, with a planned launch in the future for more products in the multiScan product family.  [Read more…] about Improving industrial mobile robots with multiScan 3D LiDAR

Kollmorgen and Otto Motors begin strategic technical collaboration

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Kollmorgen and Otto Motors have agreed a strategic technical collaboration. The cooperation is described as a “major milestone for the autonomous material handling industry” by the two companies.

Kollmorgen and Otto Motors share a common goal to deliver exceptional self-driving vehicle applications to OEMs and System Integrators that strive to streamline material handling to end-users in all industries globally.

Together, the two leaders are exploring their joint capabilities to provide innovative solutions for their growing combined customer base. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen and Otto Motors begin strategic technical collaboration