Robotics & Automation News

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Nidec showcases its technologies of the future at CES

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Although electric motors have been around since the first half of the 19th century, their function has largely remained unchanged. By converting electricity to mechanical energy they act as the muscles that power the world’s machines and devices and give them the ability to spin and move.

Accordingly, the bulk of the innovations that the technology has undergone since its inception have ultimately been aimed at improving its performance in this regard.

But what if, in addition to these improvements, the very function of motors could evolve as well? What new possibilities would emerge if electric motors started acting not only like muscles, but also like the neurons in our brains or even like our vocal chords?  [Read more…] about Nidec showcases its technologies of the future at CES

Automotive electronics control unit market to grow to $95 billion by 2024, says report

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The automotive electronics control unit market is forecast to grow to $95 billion by 2024, according to a report by GM Insights. 

The market has already witnessed “incredible growth over the last two decades”, says GM Insights, owing to “unparalleled expansion of the global automobile production sector and the influx of technology within vehicles”.

Continuously evolving knowledge and skills have enabled the integration of advanced electronic elements within automobiles such as fuel injection control and exclusive infotainment systems.  [Read more…] about Automotive electronics control unit market to grow to $95 billion by 2024, says report

Infographic: Collaborative robots market continues to grow

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The ever-increasing automation in industry has led to the collaborative robots market to experience a recent increase in popularity, according to Interact Analysis. (See infographic below.)

Further tied to the rising cost and lack of labour needed to complete menial and monotonous tasks, it is easy to foresee why cobots could become a relevant addition to the future workforce.

But is this hype, or will cobots become a common-sight next to human workers? And how will they complement or affect the traditional industrial robot market? These are just some of the questions that remain to be answered.  [Read more…] about Infographic: Collaborative robots market continues to grow

Surgical robotics market forecast to reach almost $100 billion by 2024

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The global market for surgical robotics is set to reach almost $100 billion by 2024, according to KBV Research.

According to a new report, Surgical Robotics Market, published by KBV Research, the Surgical Robotics market is expected to attain a market size of $98 billion by 2024, growing at an annual growth rate of 8.4 percent during the forecast period.

Robotics based surgery is at the cutting edge of precision in the realm of surgery. This is attributed to the phenomenal advancement in the medical devices made since few decades.  [Read more…] about Surgical robotics market forecast to reach almost $100 billion by 2024

Smart Parks uses advanced sensors to save endangered black rhinos. Fewer than 900 left

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“Rhinos, people, vehicles and gates at a glance. Now that is useful!”

Over the past few months, Smart Parks has improved and expanded its current installation at the eastern black rhino sanctuary based in Mkomazi, Tanzania. (See video below.)

With a zero poaching track record and an increasing population, this sanctuary runs one of the most successful eastern black rhino breeding programs.

Since 2016 Smart Parks has been working on improving the security of this vulnerable species.  [Read more…] about Smart Parks uses advanced sensors to save endangered black rhinos. Fewer than 900 left

China’s GAC partners with Aisin to construct new $700 million factory to build autonomous cars

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One of China’s largest automakers, GAC, has partnered with smart vehicle developer Aisin to establish a massive new factory.

GAC says the first phase of its “new energy intelligent and ecological factory” has been completed.

Representing a RMB 4.7 billion ($680 million) investment, the factory will start production in May 2019, aiming to achieve an annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles.  [Read more…] about China’s GAC partners with Aisin to construct new $700 million factory to build autonomous cars

Sick introduces new motor feedback systems for direct drives in robotics

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Sensor manufacturer Sick has introduced a range of new motor feedback systems for direct drives in robotics.

Direct drives in robotics applications and handling systems are two of the key applications that are ideal for the new SEM70 and SEM90 motor feedback systems from Sick, featuring HiperFace interfaces.  [Read more…] about Sick introduces new motor feedback systems for direct drives in robotics

FarmWise launches autonomous weeding robot

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San Francisco-based startup FarmWise has started production of its first generation of autonomous weeding robots after successful tests in 2018 and has already secured bookings for 2019.

The company says the robot can help farmers reduce their reliance on chemical weedkillers. (See video below.)

FarmWise says that farmers today are facing the need to use fewer chemical inputs to match current consumer expectations and preserve the integrity of our soil.  [Read more…] about FarmWise launches autonomous weeding robot

Naver Labs to showcase robotics and artificial intelligence technologies at CES

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Naver Labs is planning the global debut and demonstrations of the artificial intelligence, robotics, computer-aided vision, mapping and other core technologies of its “breakthrough xDM platform” at CES and the Pepcom Digital Experience.

Naver Labs, which is part of Naver Corporation, is inviting CES attendees to see the future of location-based services and information at the Pepcom Digital Experience today at the Mirage Hotel, and at its CES Tech East Booth: LVCC, Central Plaza – CP-14, between January 8th and 11th.  [Read more…] about Naver Labs to showcase robotics and artificial intelligence technologies at CES

Investments in digital engineering expected to grow

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Investments in digital engineering are expected to account for 37 percent of the engineering research and design (ER&D) market by 2023, according to a report by Zinnov.

Global corporate engineering and R&D spend is in excess of $1.2 trillion in 2018
Z1000 organizations account for $812 billion of the global R&D spend.

Digital engineering spend is estimated at $293 billion and accounts for 24 percent of overall global corporate engineering spend.  [Read more…] about Investments in digital engineering expected to grow