Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Features

Media is a tough business. But we’re surviving

by

Some readers might imagine that we make a lot of money with this website, RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com. But, unfortunately, that is not true. 

We want to make money. We don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Several people work long hours putting the website, magazine, and newsletter together, and then there’s the many contributors and supporters – to whom we give our thanks – and it’s only fair that we all want to make a living, like everyone else.

However, this website happens to be running at a loss – despite our best efforts.  [Read more…] about Media is a tough business. But we’re surviving

Mercedes-Benz tests autonomous driving on five continents

by

A Mercedes-Benz test vehicle based on the current S‑Class has completed a challenging study trip on five continents in order to “learn” in automated test drives in real traffic.

From zebra crossings on Chinese motorways, turning right from the left-hand lane in Melbourne, Australia, pedestrian traffic on all kinds of roads in South Africa or a temporary driving ban in the immediate vicinity of stopping school buses in the USA – on every continent the S‑Class faced challenges which will have an influence on the driving characteristics of future autonomous vehicles.

Automated and autonomous vehicles have to know about these country-specific particularities and understand them in their respective context in order to be able to make the correct driving decisions.

[Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz tests autonomous driving on five continents

Volkswagen Design focuses on working digitally

by

Light-emitting diode screens, interactive design, collaboration in virtual reality: Volkswagen Design is forging ahead with the process of digital transformation and has completely changed its working methods over the past two years.

And with success: from the creation of new products right up to the point of their acceptance, work is now consistently carried out digitally, which significantly increases the efficiency of individual work steps and facilitates collaboration across locations.

The new processes also give employees much more room for personal and professional development.  [Read more…] about Volkswagen Design focuses on working digitally

ABB Ability opens ‘marketplace’ for its electrical and industrial apps

by

ABB has launched an app store, or marketplace, in which the company now includes its Electrical Distribution Control System and other industrial apps.

The ABB Ability Marketplace has a European version and a US counterpart, Ability being ABB’s industrial internet of things platform.

The company says that, with the unveiling of the ABB Ability Marketplace, in a primary release, ABB is making available its software services in one central online location, offering customers full flexibility to purchase and tailor their digital solutions portfolio.  [Read more…] about ABB Ability opens ‘marketplace’ for its electrical and industrial apps

How deep learning enables autonomous vehicles to understand their environment

by

Humans are constantly taking in data from the world around them using five primary senses. You hear your phone ring, see a notification on your computer screen or touch something hot.

However, without perception, there’s no way to decipher those inputs and determine what’s relevant. That you should answer the call, know there’s an email to respond to or pull away your hand before it’s burned.

Now imagine driving on a highway, where a constant stream of information surrounds you. From lane markings and street signs to lane-splitting motorcyclists, merging trucks and traffic jams – the ability to make instant, informed decisions is not just a skill, it’s an imperative.  [Read more…] about How deep learning enables autonomous vehicles to understand their environment

IBM and Synopsys accelerate 3 nanometer process for chip development

by

IBM and Synopsys are working together within the so-called “DTCO methodology” to accelerate the development of 3 nanometer chips.

Microchips these days tend to have transistors of around 10 nanometers, with 7 nanometer and smaller processes being developed.

Any smaller could cause problems of making things work properly.  [Read more…] about IBM and Synopsys accelerate 3 nanometer process for chip development

Space scientists are building ‘robotoids’ because ‘humans never went to the moon’, says researcher

by

Space scientists are developing humanoid robots that they can send to the moon and other celestial bodies because human beings are biologically incapable of leaving Earth’s protective layers without dying, according to an alternative historian.

Michael Tsarion, who is a well-known conspiracy buff and has a massive following, shares an opinion that, in fact, is held by many millions of people around the world.

That view is that the Apollo moon landing in 1969, led by Neil Armstrong, was a hoax and the filming for it was done by Stanley Kubrick, the famous director who made classic sci-fi films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey.  [Read more…] about Space scientists are building ‘robotoids’ because ‘humans never went to the moon’, says researcher

IMTS exhibitors to display full range of CNC technologies

by

CNCs and Beyond: IMTS 2018 Metal Cutting Pavilion exhibitors to emphasize connectivity, controls, process integration and automation

First came smartphones, then intelligent cars and houses. Now, visitors to the Metal Cutting Pavilion at IMTS 2018 – the International Manufacturing Technology Show, can experience the explosive productivity growth possible with smart, connected machining centers.

“The conversations at IMTS have changed from spindle speeds and traverse rates to how to deliver pertinent information so job shops and manufacturers can better manage their assets,” says Marlow Knabach, executive VP, national engineering, DMG Mori USA.

“To start the conversation, exhibitors in the Metal Cutting Pavilion at IMTS will demonstrate smart machines with the ability to monitor critical elements, such as spindle bearing temperature, spindle vibration, ball screw temperature, coolant level and tool wear to identify potential sources of downtime before they occur.”  [Read more…] about IMTS exhibitors to display full range of CNC technologies

Apple launches new $300 million clean energy fund in China

by

Apple claims its company runs on 100 percent clean energy, and now, the tech giant has agreed a partnership with 10 suppliers to jointly invest in climate change solutions in China.

Apple says this is a “new, first-of-its-kind investment fund in China” to connect suppliers with renewable energy sources.

The company says that, as part of its “commitment to address climate change and increase the use of renewable energy” within its supply chain, 10 initial suppliers and Apple will jointly invest nearly $300 million over the next four years into the China Clean Energy Fund.  [Read more…] about Apple launches new $300 million clean energy fund in China

Kuka generates $1.8 billion in revenues in first half of 2018

by

Kuka has published an interim report of its financial results for the first half of 2018, and sales revenues are just over $1.8 billion.

This is less than the sales revenue Kuka generated in the first half of last year, which was $2 billion, and that seems to be the case for orders received and orders backlog – all slight below figures from last year’s first half.

Kuka’s order backlog has risen to €2.3 billion as at June 30, 2018. The order backlog for the first half of 2017 was €2.2 billion.  [Read more…] about Kuka generates $1.8 billion in revenues in first half of 2018