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Mitsubishi Electric to acquire US software company Iconics

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Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is to acquire the remaining shares of Iconics, Inc., a U.S. software company focused on SCADA, IoT, mobile, analytics and cloud software products for the manufacturing, industrial and building-automation markets.

The acquisition makes the company a 100% subsidiary within the Mitsubishi Electric Group.

Mitsubishi Electric aims to enhance its software product lineup to realise e-F@ctory, including edge-computing, by combining Iconics’ software-developing capabilities and Mitsubishi Electric’s factory-automation technology.

e-F@ctory is an integrated solution based on factory automation (FA) and information technologies to reduce the total cost of developing, producing and maintaining products.

[Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to acquire US software company Iconics

Tests reveal potential of truck ‘platooning’ in Germany

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A pilot project on truck platooning has been successfully completed by DB Schenker, MAN Truck & Bus and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

‘Platooning’ is when two or more trucks drive in a tight convoy on a motorway, benefiting from reduced air drag. All vehicles driving in the platoon are electronically linked to each other

Operating electronically linked trucks on German motorways is safe, technically reliable and easily applicable in the routine of a logistics company.

[Read more…] about Tests reveal potential of truck ‘platooning’ in Germany

Omron robotics boss envisages cars building themselves

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A senior executive at industrial giant Omron foresees a time in which cars virtually build themselves in factories. (See interview below.)

Bruno Adam, director of Omron’s mobile robot business director in Europe, says that in the future, factories will operate completely differently.

The current process sees car bodies moved along a linear, straight production line where different robots and people work on their assembly.

[Read more…] about Omron robotics boss envisages cars building themselves

Europe continues to build 5G networks with Huawei despite US ban

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Europe is continuing to construct 5G networking infrastructure using Huawei equipment, according to Nikkei, despite the Chinese company being effectively banned from doing business in the US.

The administration of President Donald Trump has been vocal in its criticism of what it sees as Chinese companies using communications technology as a way to potentially spy on the US.

After days of speculation, Trump signed an executive order which, although does not name Huawei, effectively prevents the company from selling its products in the US, and even buying components from the US.

[Read more…] about Europe continues to build 5G networks with Huawei despite US ban

XPO Logistics expands XPO Connect into last mile

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XPO Logistics, the largest last-mile provider for heavy goods in North America, has announced the launch of extensive last mile capabilities on its XPO Connect digital freight marketplace.

The company’s last mile business unit specialises in the delivery of heavy goods, many of which require assembly and installation inside the home.

In 2018, XPO arranged approximately 40,000 last mile deliveries per day on average.

[Read more…] about XPO Logistics expands XPO Connect into last mile

Mass customization platform KBMax named ‘visual configuration leader’

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KBMax, a company which provides mass customization services to the manufacturing sector, says it has been named “visual configuration leader” by G2 Crowd, a website which collates and presents reviews from users of software.

KBMax mainly offers its services through its website, and primarily categorizes itself as a “CPQ” platform, a well-known term in sales and marketing which stands for configure, price, quote.

Traditionally, CPQ platforms have not included visual configurators, which enable the customization of a product using online 3D computer-aided design software.

[Read more…] about Mass customization platform KBMax named ‘visual configuration leader’

Universal Robots looks for opportunities created by Malaysia’s Industry4WRD program

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Universal Robots, a collaborative robots maker, has identified Malaysia as a key growth market in line with the country’s increased focus on automation and robotics, as outlined in its national policy on Industry 4.0, called “Industry4WRD”, to transform its manufacturing sector.

The manufacturing sector, comprising 98.5 percent of Malaysian SMEs, serves as a major contributor to the country’s economy. In 2018, the sector contributed 22.4 percent of GDP, roughly RM 325 billion.

Sakari Kuikka, general manager, Southeast Asia and Oceania at UR, says: “Malaysia deployed just 45 units of industrial robots per 10,000 employees in 2017, almost 50 percent below the global average of 85 units. [Read more…] about Universal Robots looks for opportunities created by Malaysia’s Industry4WRD program

Sensors supplier Sick selected as Top 50 robotics company

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Sick, the sensor specialist, has been named a Top 50 Robotics Company by the Robotics Business Review.

The RBR50 is an annual list of the 50 most innovative and transformative robotics companies that have achieved commercial success in the past year.

Sick provides sensor technology for a number of robotics applications, including navigation for mobile platforms. [Read more…] about Sensors supplier Sick selected as Top 50 robotics company

Electrified Mercedes EQC goes into production

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The Mercedes-Benz of electric vehicles is ready for launch. The EQC is produced at the company’s Bremen plant and can be ordered now.

The first EQC will roll off the production line at the company’s plant in Bremen. There it is being produced on the same line as the C-Class Saloon and Estate as well as the GLC and GLC Coupé.

Production of vehicles with various drive systems can be adapted variably and efficiently in line with market demand. This approach ensures the best use of capacity at the plant.

[Read more…] about Electrified Mercedes EQC goes into production

ZF unveils electric truck prototype for Japan

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ZF has developed an electric light commercial vehicle specifically for the Japanese market.

The company has been electrifying a wide range of systems not only for passenger cars and commercial vehicles but also for industrial machines.

This prototype vehicle has been developed by ZF Japan’s engineering team at their Tech Centre in Yokohama, collaborating with a team in ZF HQ in Germany in order to satisfy Japan’s unique requirements.

[Read more…] about ZF unveils electric truck prototype for Japan