Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Samsung rolls out new spherical robot at CES

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Samsung has made a keynote presentation at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show which featured a number of robotic developments.

Samsung Consumer Electronics President and CEO, H.S. Kim, unveiled the company’s vision of robots as “life companions”, and introduced Ballie, a small, rolling robot that “understands you, supports you, and reacts to your needs to be actively helpful around the house”, according to Samsung.

Sebastian Seung, executive vice president and chief research scientist at Samsung Electronics elaborated on Ballie, explaining that its on-device artificial intelligence capabilities enable it to be a fitness assistant and a mobile interface that seeks solutions for people’s changing needs. [Read more…] about Samsung rolls out new spherical robot at CES

iRobot begins manufacturing operations in Malaysia

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iRobot, a maker of consumer robots – most famously a robotic vacuum cleaner, has officially commenced production in Malaysia ahead of schedule.

Working with Jabil Inc, a manufacturing solutions provider based in St Petersburg, Florida, iRobot has expanded its manufacturing capabilities into Malaysia as part of its strategic supply chain diversification initiative.

Jabil has served as one of iRobot’s trusted manufacturing and supply chain partners in China since 2010. [Read more…] about iRobot begins manufacturing operations in Malaysia

Hitachi completes acquisition of JR Automation

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Hitachi has completed the acquisition of the robotic system integration business mainly operated by JR Automation from funds managed by Crestview Partners.

The agreement to acquire JR Automation was announced on April 23, 2019 and the companies have now brought this deal to a successful conclusion.

JR Automation and Hitachi have been closely engaged throughout the integration process leading to the closing, working together to ensure a “seamless transition” for their customers. [Read more…] about Hitachi completes acquisition of JR Automation

SAIC showcases first autonomous truck at Shanghai port

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A 5G-based “intelligent” – meaning autonomous – heavy duty truck developed by Chinese auto giant SAIC Motor made its debut at Shanghai Yangshan Deepwater Port, the largest cargo port in the world.

The demonstration was conducted as part of SAIC exhibition at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, which took place in Shanghai, China recently.

The SAIC 5G truck completed a task through the use of 5G and artificial intelligence technologies, which is the first time such an operation was successfully conducted in the world. [Read more…] about SAIC showcases first autonomous truck at Shanghai port

Geek Plus sells 10,000 warehouse robots

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Warehouse automation company Geek+ Robotics says it has sold more than 10,000 units of its autonomous mobile robots.

The company has seen a dramatic increase in demand for warehouse robots from sectors such as e-commerce and automotive supply chains.

Geek+ revealed the new sales figure in an update about its activity during Singles Day in China, occurring annually on November 11th, traditionally one of the busiest in the e-commerce calendar. [Read more…] about Geek Plus sells 10,000 warehouse robots

Panasonic obtains international certification for robotic mobility chair

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Panasonic has obtained the international safety standard IEC 62061 certification for its safety control system designed for robotic mobility chair.

The IEC standard is required by the international safety standard ISO 13482 applicable to personal care robots.

This certification means that the Japan Quality Assurance Organization has recognized that Panasonic’s safety control system for personal care robots conforms to the IEC 62061 standard: “Safety of machinery – functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic systems”. [Read more…] about Panasonic obtains international certification for robotic mobility chair

Omron launches 237 new factory automation control devices

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Omron has launched the sixth wave of its factory automation control devices built on a common design platform for further innovation in control panel building.

The new products include 237 models in six categories low voltage switch gear: J7KC, J7TC, J7MC, J7KCA and J7KCR series low voltage switching gears (LVSG), S8V-CP series DC electronic circuit protectors, and PTF-XX-PU socket for LY relays with Push-In Plus technology.

With its Value Design products, Omron’s goal is to provide a complete solution to panel builders, while saving space and reducing the workload and total cost of ownership. [Read more…] about Omron launches 237 new factory automation control devices

Kia and Hyundai debut virtual reality system for design evaluation

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Kia Motors and Hyundai have debuted a new virtual reality design evaluation system at the brands’ global design headquarters.

The new system, introduced to the Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea, demonstrates a heightened focus on enhancing vehicle development processes through the implementation of VR technology.

Kia and Hyundai displayed how new VR technology will be utilised by both brands in future. [Read more…] about Kia and Hyundai debut virtual reality system for design evaluation

ZF establishes third research and development center in China

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Automotive technology supplier ZF Friedrichshafen is establishing a third Chinese research and development center in Guangzhou southern China.

Representatives of ZF and the local authorities have signed an agreement and ZF plans to invest approximately €90 million in the new development center.

ZF already has two development centers in China, both located in Shanghai. With their respective focus on the development of active and passive safety technology as well as driveline and chassis technology, the two centers support ZF customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. [Read more…] about ZF establishes third research and development center in China

Techman Robot unveils AI vision and TMmanager at 2019 iREX

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Techman Robot has returning to iREX (International Robot Exhibition), taking place in Japan from today, unveiling its new technologies for smart manufacturing.

From human-computer collaboration in the production line, to a quick solution for smart palletizing, and also AI-integration with vision which greatly improves inspection efficiency.

Techman Robot also grows further into software-based solution, TMmanager, a smart factory management system that can connect manufacturing data with management decisions. [Read more…] about Techman Robot unveils AI vision and TMmanager at 2019 iREX