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Robot Operating System market forecast to expand almost 9 per cent a year because of its ‘user friendly nature’

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The global market based on the Robot Operating System is likely to grow at an “exponential rate”, according to the report by Transparency Market Research, which estimates the expansion to be almost 9 percent to more than $400 million by 2026. 

The researcher says the success will be because of ROS’ “user-friendly nature”, which may or may not have accounted for the success of open-source software in general.

ROS, which itself is open source, is not actually an operating system, it’s what’s called “middleware”, which acts as a bridge between the actual operating system and the applications.  [Read more…] about Robot Operating System market forecast to expand almost 9 per cent a year because of its ‘user friendly nature’

Denso shifts strategy to craft the core technologies for the future of mobility

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Denso, the world’s second largest mobility supplier, has made recent changes that represent one of the largest shifts in business strategy in its 70-year history – expanding into software-based solutions in addition to its hardware expertise.

The company says that the strategy pushes the company beyond a vehicle-centric focus in order to help create an new mobility paradigm for society.

The global auto industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century shift that will fundamentally reshape transportation.

[Read more…] about Denso shifts strategy to craft the core technologies for the future of mobility

MSNBC’s Michael Rogers to join Intelligent Automation Week Austin

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Intelligent Automation Week Austin has announced Michael Rogers from MSNBC as its keynote speaker.

His address, titled “Taking the Fear out of Man and Machine”, will discuss how new technology is impacting the workforce and the employee change management initiatives that should be developed in order to avoid any fear or disruption.

Rogers’ address will take place on main conference day one, December 4th, at 9am.  [Read more…] about MSNBC’s Michael Rogers to join Intelligent Automation Week Austin

Nvidia says its deep learning research is putting robotic picking within reach

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Picking the right items from a disparate range of objects is a difficult challenge for a robot, but Nvidia says it is making progress. 

As another step toward enabling robots to work effectively in complex environments, robotics researchers from Nvidia says it has developed a novel deep learning-based system that allows a robot to perceive household objects in its environment for the purpose of grasping the objects and interacting with them.

With this technique, the robot is able to perform simple pick-and-place operations on known household objects, such as handing an object to a person or grasping an object out of a person’s hand. 
[Read more…] about Nvidia says its deep learning research is putting robotic picking within reach

Omron launches lighting solution to ‘improve defect detection’

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Automation solutions provider Omron Automation Americas has developed a unique technology that can automatically detect small defects and subtle changes in color with great sensitivity.

It can also simultaneously detect defects with different characteristics, says the company.

One of the key technologies in the Omron vision solution is an advanced lighting technology that changes illumination angles, directions, and colors depending on the specific characteristics of the object under inspection.  [Read more…] about Omron launches lighting solution to ‘improve defect detection’

UL International establishes headquarters in Singapore as part of Asian expansion

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Global safety science organization UL International is expanding its presence in the Asian region through additional investment and by establishing Singapore as its international headquarters.

Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Keith Williams, CEO, UL, witnessed the signing ceremony at the inaugural Industrial Transformation Asia Pacific held at Singapore Expo.

The regional focus will strengthen UL capabilities in cybersecurity, inter-operability and connectivity, and sustainability management, aligning closely with the Singapore government’s vision of a “Smart Nation”.  [Read more…] about UL International establishes headquarters in Singapore as part of Asian expansion

Fast-growing exoskeleton market set to exceed $5 billion in annual revenue, says report

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The fast-growing exoskeleton market is forecast to exceed $5 billion in annual revenue over the next 10 years, according to consultants at ABI Research.

Across a range of applications, exoskeletons are increasingly being introduced to augment human capability; for assistive purposes in the workplace, and for enabling and rehabilitative purposes for the healthcare market.

Though a technology that has been talked about since the Sixties, exoskeletons are only now beginning to demonstrate their practical value. As of 2018, global shipments stand at 7 thousand units with a global hardware revenue of $192 million.  [Read more…] about Fast-growing exoskeleton market set to exceed $5 billion in annual revenue, says report

Insight: Building the future-proofed robot

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By Kyle Fazzari, software engineer and roboticist at Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu operating system

There’s no such thing as an overnight success. Time and again, it’s the desire to tweak, modify and update which separates a great idea from real-world achievements.

With Apple as the first business to cross the $1 trillion threshold, there’s no better example of this than the iPhone. As a singular product it still doesn’t boast the best camera, the most storage, or fastest processor on the market. So where does the secret to longevity lie? And what can robotics learn from Apple’s flagship product?  [Read more…] about Insight: Building the future-proofed robot

Mobile Robots Improve Material Handling Efficiencies

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By Rob Sullivan, President and CEO, AutoGuide Mobile Robots

The growth of the autonomous mobile robots market is unstoppable.

warehouse robotics market revenue 2015-2020

Mobile robots utilize lean manufacturing to eliminate waste and ensure continuous process improvement. Mobile robots reduce walk time, improve safety, and guarantee zero-defect production.

global agv market share

Flexibility and Reliability Ensures Continuous Process Improvement
Whether named autonomous mobile robots or AGVs (automated guided vehicles), Industry 4.0 initiatives all include the requirement of flexible programming and a modular design.

Different vehicle and load handling frame configurations accommodate specific handling needs including the driver platform trail frame and tiller handle controls, straddle, or counterbalance fork attachments and various unit-load attachments such as conveyors and lift decks.

warehouse logistics agv rev and ship

The unique value proposition of mobile robot solutions is revealed best in the guidance system. The SurePath guidance system, for example, is extremely accurate and reliable in both manufacturing and warehouse environments.

SurePath natural feature system is easy and affordable to install and modify; it requires no physical guide path system.

Users simply drive a vehicle through the facility to map the environment and teach it the anticipated routes. The mapping data is automatically uploaded wirelessly to a single PC or server where it can be modified and integrated for the precise operation including pick-drop points, intersection control, and the preferred routing logic.

The system controls traffic and monitors the status and exact location of each vehicle in real-time. It can also be connected to wearables, line-side pushbuttons, sensors and a WMS (Warehouse Management System) for automatic dispatching and order functions.

Routes are easily modified by simply drawing a different path on a user interface and sending it to the vehicles. To expand the system into other parts of the facility, users simply map the new area with one of the vehicles and add the desired path.

The vehicle travels up to 4 MPH and performs precise reversing maneuvers to accommodate automatic trailer hitching and unhitching functions, loads up to 10,000 pounds seamlessly with no magnetic tape or RFID tags required, making installation and modifications more flexible and at a lower cost.

Ready to Deliver

One of the frequent complaints heard about AGVs and mobile robots is a slow and long delivery time. Few mobile robot manufacturers maintain rapid delivery models, causing customers delivery time of vehicles often in excess of 180 days.

The lost productivity and improved throughput data will fall short if the product cannot be delivered in a timely manner: 30 days maximum. Furthermore, delays will detrimentally impact the realization of a rapid ROI (return on investment).

AutoGuide’s mobile robots are manufactured at a vertically integrated assembly plant in Georgetown, KY allowing the vehicle to be delivered in weeks instead of many months.

Rob Sullivan, President and CEO, AutoGuide Mobile Robots
Rob Sullivan, President and CEO, AutoGuide Mobile Robots

Author Profile: Rob Sullivan, AutoGuide Mobile Robots’ President and CEO, is a proven robotics and automation leader with a solid track record of pioneering innovative products. With over 30 years of career advancement in high technology companies ranging from burgeoning start-ups to established multinational corporations, he offers a rare combination of business leadership and engineering expertise that resulted in the development and commercialization of numerous cutting-edge products. Sullivan has built and fostered high performing teams and outsource partnerships that delivered quality products faster than industry norms. He holds 46 patents pertaining to robotics and automation utilized in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. Sullivan can be reached at rsullivan@autoguideagv.com.

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Geek Plus Robotics to showcase ‘smart logistics automation solutions’ at CeMAT Asia

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Geek Plus, a robotics and supply chain automation start-up based in Beijing, China, is preparing to showcase its unmanned warehouse solutions at Booth W3-C3 CeMAT Asia in Shanghai China, from November 6th to 9th, 2018.

CeMAT Asia, which is regarded as a high-level international exhibition where the newest technologies of material handling, automation, transport are displayed, is an excellent platform for Geek Plus Robotics to present the turnkey automation solutions for intralogistics and to discuss with potential clients worldwide about the prospects of implementing robots for business growth.

Geek Plus Robotics has been recognized as the top robot maker in China and has grown rapidly over the past three years, from four co-founders to a professional team of over 600 employees.  [Read more…] about Geek Plus Robotics to showcase ‘smart logistics automation solutions’ at CeMAT Asia