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European Union advocates for ‘responsible robotics development’

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The European Union says it is aiming to support, develop, and benefit from advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve the lives of its citizens, businesses, and scientific communities, including the wider use of responsible robots.

However, the EU says that, for robots to be widely accepted in society, it’s “crucial to ensure they adhere to responsible robotics principles”.

In the context of the Robotics4EU project, responsible robotics means designing robots that reflect the values and expectations of society. [Read more…] about European Union advocates for ‘responsible robotics development’

Tennant releases full specs of its first purpose-built robotic floor scrubber

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Tennant, a designer and manufacturer of floor cleaning robots, has unveiled the full specification and capabilities of the X4 ROVR autonomous floor scrubber, its first purpose-built autonomous floor cleaning machine and fourth robotic scrubber in its product line.

Engineered from the ground up for autonomous operation and powered by the next generation BrainOS Robotics Platform from autonomous technology partner Brain Corp, the X4 ROVR robotic scrubber delivers unparalleled cleaning performance and adaptability across numerous commercial environments, including retail, healthcare, education, as well as multiple Building Service Contractor (BSC) applications where optimized productivity is crucial to success.

Its state-of-the-art computer vision technology and compact dimensions gives the X4 ROVR the ability to intelligently navigate narrow and congested spaces. [Read more…] about Tennant releases full specs of its first purpose-built robotic floor scrubber

ABB opens refitted, ‘state-of-the-art’ US robotics facility

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ABB has opened its refitted US robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, which will support ABB Robotics’ global leadership in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge robotic solutions in the US, for the US and the Americas.

The expanded facility reflects ABB’s commitment to long-term growth in the US market, which is predicted to follow global growth rates for robotics of 8 per cent compound annual growth rate, as well as the company’s global investment to build Robotics and Automation capacity and create new, highly skilled jobs.

This is ABB’s third global robotics factory expansion in three years across China, Europe and the Americas and is part of its efforts to further strengthen its local-for-local footprint.

[Read more…] about ABB opens refitted, ‘state-of-the-art’ US robotics facility

AkzoNobel completes capacity expansion at Vietnam multi-site

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A major investment project has been completed at AkzoNobel’s production plant in Bac Ninh province near Hanoi in Vietnam, which will help to strengthen the company’s position in Asia and sharpen its focus on more sustainable manufacturing.

Five new powder coating lines have been added at the multi-site, along with a line for producing water-based products for the consumer electronics market (IT, wireless and home appliances). The total investment amounts to €18.5 million.

[Read more…] about AkzoNobel completes capacity expansion at Vietnam multi-site

ABB invests $20 million into upgrading its US robotics headquarters

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ABB has opened its refitted US robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, which will support ABB Robotics’ global operations in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge robotic solutions in the US, for the US and the Americas.

The expanded facility reflects ABB’s commitment to long-term growth in the US market, which is predicted to follow global growth rates for robotics of 8 percent compound annual growth rate, as well as the company’s global investment to build Robotics and Automation capacity and create new, highly skilled jobs.

This is ABB’s third global robotics factory expansion in three years across China, Europe and the Americas and is part of its efforts to further strengthen its local-for-local footprint. [Read more…] about ABB invests $20 million into upgrading its US robotics headquarters

AkzoNobel targets growth in Pakistan as new site takes root

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A new €26 million manufacturing plant with its own forest has been opened by AkzoNobel in Faisalabad – the company’s largest investment in Pakistan to date.

The 25-acre site, which has facilities for making decorative paint, wood finishes, automotive and specialty coatings, coil coatings and protective coatings, will help to meet increasing customer demand across a variety of markets.

Also incorporated into the Faisalabad location is a forest spanning an area of 5,450 square feet. More than 1,400 native trees and shrubs – planted using the Japanese Miyawaki gardening technique – are expected to grow into a flourishing self-sustaining ecosystem over the next two years. [Read more…] about AkzoNobel targets growth in Pakistan as new site takes root

Backflow Prevention Devices: How They Work and Who Needs Them

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A backflow occurs in a home or business when the normal flow of water reverses and flows back into the main water supply.

It can happen due to pressure changes, such as when a fire hydrant is opened or during a water main break.

Professional drain clearing can help to fix and prevent backflow through regular maintenance and repairs. [Read more…] about Backflow Prevention Devices: How They Work and Who Needs Them

GM-Honda begin commercial production at ‘industry’s first’ hydrogen fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture

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In what is being described as “a pivotal moment” in the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell systems, GM and Honda have started production at their 50-50 joint venture production facility, FCSM.

FCSM is claimed to be “the first large-scale manufacturing joint venture to build fuel cells”.

FCSM was established in Brownstown, Michigan, in January 2017 based on a joint investment of $85 million. The 70,000-square-foot facility has already created 80 jobs. [Read more…] about GM-Honda begin commercial production at ‘industry’s first’ hydrogen fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture

ZF opens new factories in India and the USA

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ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division is leveraging global growth opportunities brought by increasing trends towards decarbonizing commercial vehicles.

Yesterday, the division opened a plant in Oragadam, India (Tamil Nadu Province), where electric components will also be produced for the Indian and Asian markets.

A week earlier, ZF’s US plant in Gray Court started local production of the efficient and hybrid-capable PowerLine transmission for light commercial vehicles for the North American market. With both locations, the CVS division is continuing its global growth and sustainability strategy. [Read more…] about ZF opens new factories in India and the USA