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Hydro-Québec unveils LineRanger robot for checking live electric power lines

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Hydro-Québec has launched what the company describes as “a new milestone in the development of power line inspection robots”. (See video below.)

The company has unveiled a functional prototype of its new robotic platform, the LineRanger, for the checking of overhead power lines.

The robot, developed by Hydro-Québec’s research institute (IREQ) in Varennes, is a new technological solution for the inspection of conductor bundles on high-voltage transmission lines.  [Read more…] about Hydro-Québec unveils LineRanger robot for checking live electric power lines

Beckhoff, IAConnects and Arkessa taking IoT to facilities management

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Beckhoff Automation has partnered with IAConnects and Arkessa to integrate internet of things technologies to facilities management. 

Global mass urbanisation seems to be an unstoppable trend which brings with it significant challenges for municipal authorities, insurance companies and facilities management.

Beckhoff says its partnership with Arkessa and IAConnects will help address these challenges.  [Read more…] about Beckhoff, IAConnects and Arkessa taking IoT to facilities management

Landis+Gyr adds cellular option to line sensor products

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Intelligent sensor gives utilities more choices as part of a connected data acquisition platform

Landis+Gyr is expanding its distribution sensor product portfolio by adding a cellular communication option to its S610 Line Sensor.

The S610 is used for detecting and locating faults quickly, monitoring power flows, and improving grid reliability.

The new cellular model provides the same line monitoring functions as the RF Mesh S610 Line Sensor, but uses a cellular radio to communicate directly with utility Scada or other types of grid management systems.  [Read more…] about Landis+Gyr adds cellular option to line sensor products

Rockwell Automation launches infrastructure-as-a-service to simplify setting up industrial networks

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Rockwell Automation has launched an infrastructure-as-a-service which the company says simplifies and accelerates networks.

The new service bundles networking products and remote-monitoring support into one contract.

Rockwell says a secure and robust network infrastructure is essential to improving overall competitiveness in a connected enterprise, but designing, deploying and maintaining this infrastructure can be complex and time consuming for many companies, and is often too costly for their capital budgets.  [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation launches infrastructure-as-a-service to simplify setting up industrial networks

Chinese companies planning to bid for German industrial giant FFT, says Reuters

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Chinese firms including the Jiangsu Hagong Intelligent Robot Company are planning to make a bid to buy German industrial giant FFT, according to a report on Reuters.com. 

Other companies said to be interested include state-owned Shanghai Electric and equity firm AGIC Capital, says Reuters.

FFT, which builds manufacturing facilities for automakers and other industrial companies, is said to be valued at around $712 million.

FFT is owned by an equity investment company called Aton, and any deal is not likely to cause any political controversies, according to people Reuters quotes.  [Read more…] about Chinese companies planning to bid for German industrial giant FFT, says Reuters

Google’s new products intensify competition in home automation market, says IHS Markit

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New Google Home Mini and Max deepen battle with Amazon at both ends of smart speaker market while Apple’s HomePod faces increasingly competitive environment 

Two new smart speakers were announced at Google’s Pixel 2 smartphone launch event, closing the gap with Amazon in terms of market-penetrating low-end affordability of its smart speakers. 

The first speaker, the $49 Google Home Mini, features a small, rounded, design-neutral form factor, and three color choices.

The device incorporates far-field voice recognition, and inherits the same slate of Google Assistant, Chromecast Built-in, and calling capabilities as its larger Google Home stablemate.  [Read more…] about Google’s new products intensify competition in home automation market, says IHS Markit

Telit and Husqvarna collaborate on robots for urban park sustainability program

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Telit, a provider of internet of things technologies, is supplying appliance maker Husqvarna with a wireless sensor device for its city robotic mower pilot program. 

The sensor was co-developed by Telit and Wireless System Integration, a Sweden-based design house developing wireless products and systems.

The sensor will be used by Husqvarna mowers to collect data about the environment, the quality of air, water, and levels of light and sound, while maintaining the cities’ green spaces.  [Read more…] about Telit and Husqvarna collaborate on robots for urban park sustainability program

Vorwerk’s acquisition of Neato Robotics adds spark to exponentially growing robotic appliance market, says IHS Markit

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Germany-based home appliances manufacturer Vorwerk recently acquired Neato Robotics, a Silicon Valley maker of domestic robots.

Vorwerk is known for its premium products in the household appliances market and Neato Robotics is known for its innovation and technological know-how, mainly in robotic vacuum cleaners.

Vorwerk first invested in Neato Robotics in 2010. Both companies are eager to maximize the exponential growth of the robotic appliance market, individually and collectively, with ‘cross-over’ benefits.  [Read more…] about Vorwerk’s acquisition of Neato Robotics adds spark to exponentially growing robotic appliance market, says IHS Markit

Renesas Electronics India unveils latest automotive and smart city solutions

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Renesas Electronics India, a subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Singapore, has showcased its latest solutions for the automotive and smart cities segments at Electronica India.

Sunil Dhar, president, Renesas Electronics India, says: “The Indian market is rapidly adopting new technologies and we will be unveiling exciting additions to our portfolio at electronica India.

“Our solutions reduce the time spent on developing embedded systems software and accelerate the development process, allowing internet of things and automotive system developers to focus on creating differentiated products.”  [Read more…] about Renesas Electronics India unveils latest automotive and smart city solutions

Analysis: New Nest Labs security products face stiff competition, says IHS Markit

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By Blake Kozak, principal analyst, security technology at IHS Markit

Nest Labs has expanded into the home security market with a range of products which includes the Nest Secure alarm system, Nest Hello video doorbell, Nest Cam IQ outdoor security camera, and corresponding software and services. 

The video doorbell uses Google’s facial recognition technology.

Nest Labs is one of the first big movers in the home automation market, and the company is thought to be one of the leaders.

Nest currently offers a range of products including thermostats, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and video doorbells.  [Read more…] about Analysis: New Nest Labs security products face stiff competition, says IHS Markit