Robotics & Automation News

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Autonomous trucks: Addressing the industry’s structural challenges

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The automotive industry is experiencing a difficult time due to the coronavirus pandemic, with severe shocks both to the supply and demand. Nonetheless, the industry will need to retain its focus on key transformation trends such as autonomy.

Making a business case out of autonomous however, is not always straightforward, as IDTechEx finds in its research into the sector.

Some original equipment manufacturers and tier-one suppliers are already suggesting that there is no business case for level 3 autonomy – referring to SAE’s levels of autonomy in automotive. [Read more…] about Autonomous trucks: Addressing the industry’s structural challenges

The future of AI in cars and personal car leasing

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In the world we live in there are many ways to access a car, from buying one outright to personal car leasing, renting and a variety of other ways.

Of course, while the ways to get hold of a car are almost endless, the options available to you are just as big, if not bigger.

And, while you may have your eye on a specific car, have you ever stopped to think about the type of car you’ll be driving, or not driving, in the very near future? [Read more…] about The future of AI in cars and personal car leasing

Porsche selects DB Schenker to operate Canada distribution centre

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Porsche Cars Canada has selected DB Schenker to operate its new Mississauga, Ontario parts distribution centre.

Expected to ship about 282,000 orders during its first year in operation, the new facility joins two other DB Schenker-Porsche parts distribution centres that are already operating in China and Korea.

Known for making some of the world’s best-known sports cars, sedans, and SUVs, Porsche Cars Canada, has selected DB Schenker Canada to operate its new parts distribution centre in Mississauga, Ontario. [Read more…] about Porsche selects DB Schenker to operate Canada distribution centre

BMW unveils one of the strangest cars ever designed

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BMW has unveiled what could be described as one of the strangest cars ever designed.

The “BMW i Interaction EASE”, as it’s called, looks from the side to be shaped like a rectangular block with absolutely no aerodynamics integrated into it. But the front and back end do have some aerodynamic contours.

The autonomous weirdo was showcased at this year’s CES, with BMW saying that it “offers a glimpse into a future where autonomous driving has become commonplace”. [Read more…] about BMW unveils one of the strangest cars ever designed

Buying a Used Ford: VIN Search Is a Must

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Henry Ford was a great industrialist and businessman. He reinvented the notion of the American automobile industry by his Ford Motor Company.

This brand has become popular not only in the United States but also all around the world.

Purchasing a new Ford from a salon might be expensive and simply unnecessary. [Read more…] about Buying a Used Ford: VIN Search Is a Must

NXP unveils new chip to turn smartphones into car keys

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NXP Semiconductors, the world’s largest provider of automotive semiconductors, has added to its UWB portfolio with a new automotive UWB integrated circuit, or chip.

UWB provides precise, secure, real-time localization capabilities unrivaled by other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

The technology is designed to give spatial awareness to UWB-equipped cars, mobiles, and other smart devices, to enable cars to know exactly where the users are. [Read more…] about NXP unveils new chip to turn smartphones into car keys

Factories yet to realise full potential of robotics

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Download our new white paper, Smart Factory: Material Handing in the Factory of the Future

The way manufacturers set up their production lines hasn’t fundamentally changed much in decades. For example, automakers use a linear assembly line where the bodies of cars are sometimes suspended above a linear production line and moved along slowly as robots or workers perform various tasks all the way along the line.

This method has been the main method of assembly for around a century, but autonomous mobile robots are now challenging this status quo.

Instead of using what could be described as an ground-based or overhead conveyor to move the cars along the assembly line, autonomous mobile robots could carry them along instead. [Read more…] about Factories yet to realise full potential of robotics

The Future of Auto Transportation

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We live in a world of automation. Our worlds are in the palm of our hands, thanks to mobile technology. We have more access to everything, faster, and drones are already delivering parcels. Self-driving cars are fast approaching the next stage after experimentation.

But what does this mean for the future of the auto transportation industry?

Freight demand continues to grow, placing significant strain on freeways. In fact, the Department of Transport estimates that “… by 2040, nearly 30,000 miles of our busiest highways will be clogged on a daily basis. Truck congestion will waste $27 billion in time and fuel economy annually”. [Read more…] about The Future of Auto Transportation

ABB to supply high power charging for new era of e-mobility in Scandinavia

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ABB is to equip new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Denmark, Norway and Swede, starting with a first station now open in Fredericia, Denmark.

The station, a joint venture with E.ON Drive & Clever, and is part of ABB’s plan to roll out 48 high-power charging stations across the motorways of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

The pilot station, which will be one of eight stations to launch in Denmark by the end of 2020, features ABB Ability-enabled high-power chargers, which are capable of adding up to 200 km of range in just eight minutes.

[Read more…] about ABB to supply high power charging for new era of e-mobility in Scandinavia

Volvo Cars and Varjo launch ‘world-first’ mixed-reality application for car development

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Volvo Cars and Varjo, the Finnish maker of high-end augmented-reality headsets, have created what they say is a “world-first” mixed-reality approach to evaluating prototypes, designs and active safety technologies.

The collaboration will be further strengthened by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund’s decision to invest in Varjo. The Tech Fund is Volvo’s venture capital fund, which invests in high-potential technology start-ups.

Volvo Cars and Varjo have made it possible for the first time to drive a real car while wearing a mixed-reality headset, seamlessly adding virtual elements or complete features that seem real to both the driver and the car’s sensors, for development purposes. [Read more…] about Volvo Cars and Varjo launch ‘world-first’ mixed-reality application for car development