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Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

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Mitsubishi Electric has launched what is believed to be its first series of collaborative robots, which the company has named “Melfa Assista” (main picture).

The “RV-5AS-D” model of the cobot has a 5 kg load capacity and 6-axis movement.

The company says the robots can work collaboratively with humans based on safety features such as collision detection and strict compliance with the international safety and robotic standards ISO 10218-1 and ISO/TS15066.

The series also will introduce an intuitive engineering software, RT VisualBox, for “quick, easy system deployment”, says Mitsubishi. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

GM and LG Chem prepare ground at new electric vehicle battery cell facility in Lordstown

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General Motors and LG Chem have started to prepare the ground at their new electric vehicle battery cell facility in Lordstown. 

The two companies have established a joint venture called “Ultium Cells” for the battery cell manufacturing business.

Construction has started with ground prep activities for the future site of the Ultium battery cell manufacturing facility in Lordstown. [Read more…] about GM and LG Chem prepare ground at new electric vehicle battery cell facility in Lordstown

Kuka to supply 50 robots for production lines for e-mobility provider

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Industrial automation specialist Kuka is to supply approximately 50 robots for the production lines of an e-mobility provider.

Kuka system partner SAR Elektronic is building five fully-automated production and inspection lines for a leading German automotive supplier.

The lines will be equipped with the 50 Kuka robots for “fully-automated handling, plasma cleaning and bonding processes, and an integrated functional inspection”, says the company. [Read more…] about Kuka to supply 50 robots for production lines for e-mobility provider

FedEx and Chanje to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure

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FedEx has now started on the “next phase” of its electric vehicle rollout after initially launching construction on electronic direct current charging stations back in January.

One of the biggest logistics companies in the US, Federal Express has been using all-electric vehicles as part of its pickup-and-delivery fleet for more than 10 years.

Through a new agreement with Chanje Energy, the company plans to electrify 42 FedEx stations in California, making it one of the largest deployments of integrated charging infrastructure by a single commercial fleet to date. [Read more…] about FedEx and Chanje to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Vitesco Technologies to open new R&D center in China

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Vitesco Technologies, the powertrain business of Continental, will build a research and development center in the Chinese port metropolis of Tianjin.

The company has now signed a corresponding agreement with the Administration Committee of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area.

Vitesco Technologies will develop technologies for hybrid and electric powertrains in the new R&D center, which is scheduled for completion in 2021. [Read more…] about Vitesco Technologies to open new R&D center in China

GM and Honda to jointly develop new electric vehicles

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General Motors and Honda have agreed to jointly develop next-generation Honda electric vehicles powered by GM’s Ultium Batteries.

The move builds on GM’s already established advanced technology relationship with Honda.

Honda will develop the “unique” interior and exterior designs for Honda customers. [Read more…] about GM and Honda to jointly develop new electric vehicles

Lidl and Einride partner to electrify supply chain in Sweden

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Einride will supply electric trucks to grocery chain Lidl this year as the next step in a long-term partnership to transform Lidl’s supply chain to be emissions-free.

Lidl and Einride have been ambitious, since the start of their partnership in 2017, to electrify and automate deliveries to Lidl locations in Sweden.

The transformation to a zero-emissions transport network will take place in stages and focus mainly on electrification in the short term, with automation coming in the next phase. [Read more…] about Lidl and Einride partner to electrify supply chain in Sweden

Xpeng Motor build new autonomous e-car on Nvidia computing platform

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Xpeng Motors, a Chinese electric vehicle and technology company, says its P7 smart electric sports sedan officially rolls out in China on April 27.

The Xpeng P7 features the Nvidia Drive AGX Xavier platform for its XPilot3.0.

Signaling the EV maker’s confidence in Nvidia’s AI compute platform, Xpeng also announced it will leverage the Drive platform for its next production model. [Read more…] about Xpeng Motor build new autonomous e-car on Nvidia computing platform

IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

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A new online application configuration tool, which allows engineers to specify their required actuator easily and quickly, has been launched by IMI Precision Engineering. 

The traditional manual specification of electric actuators often prove a “time consuming and complex task” for engineers, says IMI.

The new configurator, which compliments the IMI Norgren Elion Electrical Actuation Rodstyle and Rodless range, has become an “essential tool”, simplifying the process and allowing users to benefit from a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure they select the most efficient and accurate actuator, says the company. [Read more…] about IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

InoBat Auto secures funding from Slovakian government to build €1 billion ‘Gigafactory’

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InoBat Auto, a battery production company providing new energy solutions for electric vehicles, has secured funding to build a research and development centre to support the construction of a 10 GWh Gigafactory in Slovakia – the world’s biggest car producer per capita.

The investment from the Slovakian Government has contributed to the €100 million first-phase fund raising to deliver the Gigafactory, which will deploy state-of-the-art battery technology with the potential to provide an estimated 240,000 electric vehicles with cutting edge batteries by 2024.

InoBat Auto says its planned Gigafactory will catapult Europe to become a leading global force in the electric vehicle battery industry. [Read more…] about InoBat Auto secures funding from Slovakian government to build €1 billion ‘Gigafactory’