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Increased use of AI and robotics linked to brighter outlook for US business growth

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Business optimism may be fueling recent spike in number of executives reporting increased use of automation

The number of US companies reporting an increase in their use of automation doubled in the first quarter of 2017, fueled in part by a recent spike in business confidence, according to a report released by global talent solutions firm Randstad Sourceright.

Based on a global survey of C-suite and human capital leaders, Randstad Sourceright’s Talent Trends research finds that 36 percent of US companies have increased the use of artificial intelligence and robotics over the last 12 months, up from 18 percent during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Over the same period, the number of respondents indicating that they expect significant growth in the next 12 months soared from 10 percent to 28 percent.  [Read more…] about Increased use of AI and robotics linked to brighter outlook for US business growth

Exclusive interviews: Genesis Robotics bosses claim their LiveDrive could ‘change everything’

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A company called Genesis Robotics is claiming that its new innovation could change the world of robotics, as well as the whole area of motion control in general. 

The company’s LiveDrive is a component which could replace traditional gears in everything from industrial robots to cars and even bicycles.

In an interview with RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com, Genesis Robotics’ president, Michael Gibney, and James Klassen, CTO, both of whom we met at Hannover Messe, provide some background about how the company was formed as well as some insight into the new technology.  [Read more…] about Exclusive interviews: Genesis Robotics bosses claim their LiveDrive could ‘change everything’

TI unveils ‘world’s most precise’ single-chip millimeter wave sensor portfolio available today

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Texas Instruments is bringing what it calls “an unprecedented degree of precision and intelligence” to a range of applications spanning the automotive, factory and building automation, and medical markets.

TI’s new millimeter wave (mmWave) single-chip complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) portfolio includes five solutions across two families of 76- to 81-GHz sensors with a complete end-to-end development platform.

Available for sampling today, the AWR1x and IWR1x sensor portfolio delivers up to three times more accurate sensing than current mmWave solutions on the market.

The combination of sophisticated analog design techniques paired with digital signal processing enables designers to implement intelligent and contactless sensing in their systems.

Robotic co-pilot autonomously flies and lands a simulated Boeing 737

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Aurora Flight Sciences
Aurora’s Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (Alias) program (Picture: Aurora Flight Sciences)

Aurora’s Alias system performs various flight scenarios, further demonstrates capabilities

Aurora Flight Sciences’ work on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (Alias) program has further demonstrated its automated flight capabilities with various successful flight scenarios in a Boeing 737 simulator.

These accomplishments build on Aurora’s successful installation and testing of Alias components on a Diamond DA42, Cessna 208 Caravan, UH-1 Iroquois, and DHC-2 Beaver aircraft.

Aurora’s Alias technology demonstration system is designed to function as a second pilot in a two-crew aircraft, enabling reduced crew operations while ensuring that aircraft performance and mission success are maintained or improved.  [Read more…] about Robotic co-pilot autonomously flies and lands a simulated Boeing 737

Miniature 700-watt servo motor drive with integrated motion controller

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Granite Devices, a Finnish servo drive manufacturer, has released a new industrial servo motor drive contributing high degree of time and cost saving features to the machine automation market.

A “Swiss-army knife of motion control”, Ioni starts a new era of servo drives by bringing snap-on installation, built-in SIL2 safety functions and unforeseen compactness in 700 W class in just 70 x 37 x 7 mm form factor.

Ioni implements industry standard, torque, velocity and position controls for AC, brushless DC, brushed DC, linear servo motors and stepping motors between 2 W and 700 W power.  [Read more…] about Miniature 700-watt servo motor drive with integrated motion controller

Acorn shortens supply chain with Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer

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Acorn Sales, a specialist in customized, handmade rubber stamps and embossing seals, says it has significantly shortened its supply chain by deploying Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer at its facility in Richmond, Virginia.

Family-owned and operated for over three generations, Acorn is a self-described “small business operating in an Amazon world”.

With Sawyer, the company says it has maintained throughput, improved quality and reduced its reliance on outside suppliers, results that even five years ago would have been nearly impossible for a company of its size to attain affordably.  [Read more…] about Acorn shortens supply chain with Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer

Video: Stäubli Robotics investing in software for the future

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One of the first industrial automation companies in the world, Stäubli, is investing in the next generation of technology for the future. 

In an exclusive interview with Robotics and Automation News (video above), Stäubli Robotics group division manager Gerald Vogt says the company is “investing and developing in the software side”.

A range of Stäubli robots
A range of Stäubli robots

However, he added that hardware remains fundamental to the company’s business. “I think mechanics will still be the basis on which software is built, meaning that if you don’t have good mechanics, the software will not help.”

Vogt says this is an exciting time for the robotics and automation sector because “we have the technology” to see what the applications of Industry 4.0 technologies are going to be.

Micro-Measurements introduces superfast production program

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Micro-Measurements – a brand of the Vishay Precision Group – says it has introduced a superfast production program for its products.

The company has launched its Quick-Turn program, offering R&D quality strain gage samples to its worldwide customer base, with deliveries in as few as seven working days, depending on pattern complexity.

As longtime industry experts, Micro-Measurements understands that the proper integration of strain gages into any application is an iterative process.  [Read more…] about Micro-Measurements introduces superfast production program

Pepperl+Fuchs launches high-end surge protection system

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Pepperl M-LB-5000 surge protection

Diagnostics and modularity with an installation width of just 6.2 mm: These features are combined in the new M-LB-5000 surge protection system from Pepperl+Fuchs.

By offering these features, the single-channel modules support increased plant availability and optimize total operating costs.M-LB-5000 surge protection system: protection modules with diagnostics and traffic-light display as well as a separate control interface

The patented diagnostics of the M-LB-5000 with its intuitive and easy-to-read traffic-light display minimizes testing costs in accordance with EN 62305-3 and allows condition monitoring.  [Read more…] about Pepperl+Fuchs launches high-end surge protection system

Denso unveils collaborative robot prototype it calls ‘Cobotta’

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Denso, one of the world’s largest robotics and automation companies, has unveiled a video of the new collaborative robot it calls “Cobotta”.

The tiny six-axis prototype will be officially released towards the end of 2017 but the company has released a short video showing how it operates.

Denso, which is owned by Toyota, says Cobotta is ideal for research, testing, and learning purposes at universities, scientific institutes, laboratories, and more.  [Read more…] about Denso unveils collaborative robot prototype it calls ‘Cobotta’