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Pioneering renewable energy project benefits from precision motion control

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Heason Technology delivers EtherCAT motion solution for Swift TG’s novel WindSurf vertical axis wind turbine

Swift TG Energy Scotland, the renewables technology division of the Swift TG Group, has developed an innovative active-pitch Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) called WindSurf – where multi-axis EtherCAT motion control executes CFD derived algorithms to dynamically position aerofoil blades in real-time – offering increased efficiency and operability over similar technologies, as well as challenging the location siting limitations of the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT).

Heason Technology, the leading motion systems designer and manufacturer, has worked closely with STGES’s engineers from the initial WindSurf design concept and through the project’s development stages – providing prototype systems and application support for a tightly synchronised six-axis EtherCAT system that manages all of the motion control, maths functions and I/O interfacing as a single stand-alone solution.

The basics for the WindSurf VAWT comprises five individual 6 metre high vertical aerofoils that are arranged and supported on upper and lower “spider arms” that drive the generator.  [Read more…] about Pioneering renewable energy project benefits from precision motion control

Automotive industry could gain $160 billion through smart factory adoption, says report

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Capgemini has announced a new report by its Digital Transformation Institute which reveals that the automotive industry can expect to achieve $160 billion in productivity gains annually from smart factory adoption from 2023 onwards.

The report, Automotive Smart Factories: How Auto Manufacturers can Benefit from the Digital Industrial Revolution, which surveyed more than 320 automotive manufacturers, demonstrates that the automotive sector has set more aggressive targets for smart factory initiatives compared to other sectors.

A global top 102 automotive manufacturer can expect to realize an additional $4.6 billion or a 50 percent growth in operational profits annually within five years of a full smart factory implementation.  [Read more…] about Automotive industry could gain $160 billion through smart factory adoption, says report

Comau takes ‘Humanufacturing’ to Automatica 2018

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Comau will take part in Automatica 2018 in Munich, Germany, 19-22 June, by presenting a new robotics solutions, a product in the field of wearable technologies along with its comprehensive approach to the digital factory.

The key concept will be Humanufacturing – people and robots working safely in close proximity, and ‘intelligent’ industrial machines that interact within a networked production system.

At the stand, visitors will be offered a real “Humanufacturing Tech” experience during which they can learn about and experience some of the most advanced technologies that Comau has designed for the factory 4.0.

[Read more…] about Comau takes ‘Humanufacturing’ to Automatica 2018

First-ever luxury space hotel to offer discount holidays for less than $10 million

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The first-ever luxury space hotel was introduced recently during the Space 2.0 Summit in San Jose, California.

Named after the magical light phenomenon that illuminates the Earth’s polar skies, Aurora Station is being developed by Orion Span and the company’s team of space industry veterans, who have over 140 years of human space experience.

The first fully modular space station to ever debut, Aurora Station will operate as the first luxury hotel in space. The exclusive hotel will host six people at a time – including two crew members.  [Read more…] about First-ever luxury space hotel to offer discount holidays for less than $10 million

Cobots as cheerleaders for Indian cricket team

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As cricket fever is spreading across India, VIVO Indian Premier League 2018 is taking the game and excitement to the next level by introducing collaborative robots to cheer Team RCB.

The Universal Robots cobots are engineered and programmed by MAC Machine Tools and Automation, a 27-year-old Bangalore-based firm.

Being synonymous with technological advancements and innovations, Bangalore has yet again proved that it is leading the technology space by integrating robots and entertainment seamlessly.

[Read more…] about Cobots as cheerleaders for Indian cricket team

Huawei woos industrial sector with new networking technologies

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Huawei has been trying to woo the industrial sector with new networking technologies and a significant presence at the recent Hannover Messe event

Huawei has been showcasing its solutions and best practices for digital industrial transformation under the theme of “Leading New ICT, Connecting Bits & Gears”.

Focusing on connectivity, Huawei and industry partners are jointly showcasing products and solutions based on new information and communications technology such as the internet of things, cloud computing, eLTE, and 5G, and demonstrating how they can be applied in a wide range of digital industrial scenarios such as:

  • internet of vehicles;
  • internet of elevators and escalators;
  • connected factories;
  • smart logistics; and
  • predictive maintenance.

Huawei is also announcing new collaborations with leading industry partners including Groupe PSA, Telefónica, Munich Airport, Alliance of Industrial Internet, Avnu Alliance, and Schneider Electric.  [Read more…] about Huawei woos industrial sector with new networking technologies

Printed books have ‘positive future’, says Stora Enso survey

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There is a bright future for printed books, a recent survey by Stora Enso has found.

According to the results, printed books will continue to be important, relevant, interesting and still very much appreciated compared to e-books and audiobooks.

As one of the leading book paper and cover providers, Stora Enso conducted a study with 80 in-depth interviews in 13 countries across Europe, Asia and North America together with research company Opticom International.  [Read more…] about Printed books have ‘positive future’, says Stora Enso survey

Trends: The meteoric rise of unattended retail – the next multi-billion-dollar industry

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Article contributed by MarketNewsUpdates.com

“Unattended cashless retail” may sound futuristic, like a driverless car, but in reality, it is a thriving segment of the economy that is forecasted by ResearchAndMarkets.com to grow to $34 billion by 2023.

What used to be dominated by simple coin-based laundromats and vending machines selling candy bars is now a high-growth, multi-layered and profitable segment retailing items like frozen yogurt, electronics, makeup, school supplies and over-the-counter medicines.  [Read more…] about Trends: The meteoric rise of unattended retail – the next multi-billion-dollar industry

The evolution of robots: From single-task machines to backflipping robots

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By Dennis Spaeth, CTEMag.com

The history of robots combines the best of science fiction and real-life technology. From Isaac Asimov to modern industrial robots, keep reading to explore the fascinating history of robotics.

When many Americans think of the word “robot”, years of science fiction portrayals and action movies immediately come to mind. And while science fiction often misses the mark, the history of robots actually owes quite a debt to science fiction masters like Isaac Asimov.

However, to truly understand the history and evolution of robotics, we have to define the term. That’s surprisingly difficult to do.

For our purposes, we’re going to define a robot as a machine that’s capable of carrying out routine or complex actions that are programmed by engineers.  [Read more…] about The evolution of robots: From single-task machines to backflipping robots

Camille Bauer says it’s strengthening Switzerland’s manufacturing base through digitisation

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People and digitisation work together in a new manufacturing environment, says industrial measurement technology provider Camille Bauer

Swiss industry contributes significantly to the country’s innovation, full employment and competitiveness, according to Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann.

The company says Switzerland’s manufacturing base is “indispensable”, but adds that industry must seize on the opportunities of digitisation.

Camille Bauer Metrawatt, based in Wohlen in the Swiss canton of Aargau, says it is following precisely this objective, by building on its strength, namely the competence of company’s internal workforce.  [Read more…] about Camille Bauer says it’s strengthening Switzerland’s manufacturing base through digitisation