Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

News

Genome surgery with CRISPR-Cas9 to prevent blindness

by

IBS study proves that CRISPR-Cas9 can be delivered directly into the eye of living animals to treat age-related macular degeneration efficiently and safely

It is estimated that almost one in every ten people over 65 has some signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and its prevalence is likely to increase as a consequence of the aging population. AMD is a form of blindness, common in Caucasians, which causes distorted vision and blind spots.

Scientists at the Center for Genome Engineering, within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) report the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in performing “gene surgery” in the layer of tissue that supports the retina of living mice. Published in Genome Research, this study combines basic research and mouse model applications.

The most common retinopathies causing blindness are “retinopathy of prematurity” in children, “diabetic retinopathy” and “AMD” in older adults. In these diseases, abnormally high levels of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) are secreted. [Read more…] about Genome surgery with CRISPR-Cas9 to prevent blindness

Digital chemistry to be performed in space

by

chemistry
Picture credit: MaxPixel

Cronin Group, the AIM listed company with a business activity of the digitization of chemical space is pleased to note that an experiment designed by its scientific founder is to be carried out on a DIDO2 nano-satellite, successfully launched yesterday on an Indian Space Research Organisation rocket.

Prof Lee Cronin, the University of Glasgow Regius Chair of Chemistry and Founding Scientific Director of the Company, designed the experiment in partnership with SpacePharma, a company which specialises in providing scientists with access to microgravity environments.

The Company owns the commercial rights to intellectual property from the University of Glasgow to develop the Chemputer, which intends to open up chemistry to a wide user-base via digitization. [Read more…] about Digital chemistry to be performed in space

Flexpoint and noDNA agree partnership on sensors

by

flexpoint bendsensor

Flexpoint Sensor Systems says it has received new purchase orders from major European distributor

Flexpoint Sensor Systems and one of Germany’s best known robotics component specialists noDNA, have agreed a new reseller-distributor relationship.

noDNA is said to be one of the biggest sources for robotics and robotics components, as well as 3D printing and electronics in Europe.

More than an e-commerce powerhouse, noDNA supports their customers with tremendous access to products and educational materials.  [Read more…] about Flexpoint and noDNA agree partnership on sensors

Comau agrees new distribution partnership with South Korean company

by

comau snj robotics deal

​Comau has selected SNJ Robotics as an official distributor in South Korea.

SNJ will offer the full robotics portfolio, representing the Comau brand and providing local customers with top level services.

In a joint statement, the three key people involved in the deal say they are looking forward to “this important step for both companies”.  [Read more…] about Comau agrees new distribution partnership with South Korean company

Kuka plans to open TechCenter knowledge facilities worldwide

by

kuka TechCenter

Kuka has opened the first of its so-called “TechCenter” facilities in Augsberg, Germany.

The company says the centres are designed to provide consultation and support services for customers and partners worldwide.

In particular, the TechCenter is aimed at the development of joint solutions or the performance of feasibility studies with and for Kuka, its customers, integrators and system partners.  [Read more…] about Kuka plans to open TechCenter knowledge facilities worldwide

Audi obsessively improving its logistics robot

by

Audi is continuously obsessing about how to improve its Ray autonomous logistics robot, which is used to lift and move cars, and park them in specified places. 

The company says the Ray driverless transport system is “continuously being developed further – their weather resistance, for example” and in other ways.

Developed in partnership with Serva Transport Systems, Audi currently has a total of 18 of the parking robots.  [Read more…] about Audi obsessively improving its logistics robot

Worldwide sales of Toyota hybrids surpass 10 million units

by

toyota china motor show

In the footsteps of the iconic Prius that started it all, Toyota now sells 34 different hybrid models in more than 90 countries and regions across the globe

Toyota says it has reached cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales of 10.05 million units as of January 31, surpassing the 10 million unit mark.

More than a numerical milestone, Toyota says this demonstrates the staying power of a technology that is now emerging as a mainstream solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

Helping to mitigate the environmental effects of automobiles has long been a priority for Toyota, claims the company in a statement.  [Read more…] about Worldwide sales of Toyota hybrids surpass 10 million units

‘Innovative’ Škoda factory introduces human-robot collaboration with Kuka LBR iiwa

by

Škoda Auto, Matador Group and Kuka have come together in the town of Vrchlabí, Czech Republic, for what they say is “a manufacturing initiative without borders or fences”.

The project is being undertaken in an automobile factory which produces direct-shift-gearbox automatic transmissions.

There, an industrial robot does what industrial robots do best: grow productivity, reduce costs and improve output quality.  [Read more…] about ‘Innovative’ Škoda factory introduces human-robot collaboration with Kuka LBR iiwa

MassRobotics opens shared robotics innovation space

by

Emerging robotics startups now have a space to call their own in Massachusetts.

MassRobotics, an independent, non-profit hub serving to inspire and bring robotics startups, initiatives and investments to life, is opening its initial office, laboratory and test space.

The collaborative workspace includes the labs and equipment needed to help young robotics companies develop and scale their concepts and prototypes.  [Read more…] about MassRobotics opens shared robotics innovation space

Chinese robot maker CloudMinds creates robots based on cloud intelligence

by

cloud-computing

Company backed by SoftBank says it has switched from artificial intelligence to cloud intelligence

A Chinese company called CloudMinds says it has created what it says is a “cloud intelligence ecosystem” for robotics. 

CloudMinds specialises in the research, development and manufacturing of cloud intelligence-based applications.

It has several investors, including SoftBank Group, the Japanese multinational telecommunications and Internet firm.  [Read more…] about Chinese robot maker CloudMinds creates robots based on cloud intelligence