Robotics & Automation News

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Will a robot take my job? Notre Dame researcher says this view is overly pessimistic

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With the impact of industrial robots on the US labor markets in the past two decades, and an ever-increasing presence of machine-driven technology (such as artificial intelligence and ChatGPT), many employees have feared that one day robots will take their jobs.

Not necessarily so, according to research recently published by Yong Suk Lee, an assistant professor in the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs.

He and his co-author, Auburn University’s John Chung, found that industrial robots, particularly those used within the automotive industry, complemented human workers rather than replaced them – some even working collaboratively, side-by-side. [Read more…] about Will a robot take my job? Notre Dame researcher says this view is overly pessimistic

ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

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A new competitive ranking by technology research firm ABI Research provides “an in-depth and unbiased examination” of the autonomous forklift solutions offered by 16 autonomous forklift suppliers, according to the company.

A total of eight criteria were chosen for the analysis and segmented across innovation and implementation clusters. These include the vehicle solutions across three major categories of autonomous forklifts, namely reach truck, counterbalance stacker, and pallet truck, the level of maturity in navigation solutions, fleet management and orchestration, as well as the vendors’ integration and optimization capability.

The report further evaluates the vendors’ revenue and funding, customer reference, regional presence, the company’s distribution networks, and technology partners. [Read more…] about ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

euroTECH’s Vacuum Lifter System Increases Efficiency and Ergonomics in Wood Processing

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A long-standing wood processing company in the Black Forest, Germany, is facing challenges in maintaining efficiency and ergonomics in a tight labor market.

To tackle this issue, the company has implemented partial automation through the use of euroTECH’s vacuum lifter solution for loading the crosscut saw.

This system reduces the workload of employees, making the company a more attractive employer in a physically demanding industry. [Read more…] about euroTECH’s Vacuum Lifter System Increases Efficiency and Ergonomics in Wood Processing

The Role of Technology in the Evolution of Partial Truckload Shipping

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Partial truckload shipping continues to evolve with technology, and it’s become much more popular over the last few years. This freight movement method allows shippers to combine their PTL freight with other shipments to fill a truckload.

Both dry van and reefer trucks containing meat, dairy, and produce can benefit most from shipping multiple loads together. Partial truckload shipping is a great option because it is a much more cost-effective and efficient way to ship a wide range of items nationwide.

Technology only continues to evolve and play a key role in the trucking industry. Automated load matching systems, real-time tracking, and predictive analytics are just a few examples of how shipping continues to change. [Read more…] about The Role of Technology in the Evolution of Partial Truckload Shipping

Hengbot unveils ‘world’s first robotic dog with musculoskeletal limbs’

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A startup company called Hengbot has unveiled what it claims is “the world’s first robotic dog with musculoskeletal limbs”.

Named “Sparky”, the canine robot is described as a “breakthrough innovation”, with Hengbot saying that its mission is to “blur the line between technology and life” by developing machines that are agile, nimble, and warm to the touch.

With its musculoskeletal limbs and advanced artificial intelligence, Sparky is a “groundbreaking innovation” that closely resembles a live animal. It can run, jump, and perform tricks just like a real dog, says Hengbot. [Read more…] about Hengbot unveils ‘world’s first robotic dog with musculoskeletal limbs’

RoboUP launches ‘the most intelligent and precise robotic lawn mower ever created’

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RoboUP has launched what it describes as “the most intelligent and precise robot lawn mower ever created” – one that delivers “the perfect lawn” with a hands-free experience.

Using cutting edge technology, AI intelligent design, and convenient app control, RoboUP revolutionizes lawn care for busy people. Now, maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn is automatic and effortless.

RoboUP is available now on Kickstarter: https://bit.ly/3XsGe0P [Read more…] about RoboUP launches ‘the most intelligent and precise robotic lawn mower ever created’

Security robots ‘deter crime and minimize risk’, says Knightscope

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The concept of automated policing began as a science fiction concept years ago, but today it is “real and impactful”, according to security robotics specialist Knightscope.

The sophistication of robot-powered security is even more interesting than sci-fi to Stacy Stephens, the co-founder and chief client officer of Knightscope.

Launched in 2013, the Mountain View, California, public safety technology services company was the first in the world to deploy mobile, fully autonomous security robots (ASRs) in public spaces such as malls, parking lots and neighborhood parks. [Read more…] about Security robots ‘deter crime and minimize risk’, says Knightscope

MasterMover partners with BlueBotics for AGV Navigation

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MasterMover, a manufacturer of electric tug and tow solutions, has agreed a new partnership with vehicle automation company BlueBotics to provide ANT navigation technologies for MasterMover’s range of automated guided vehicles.

Known for its broad portfolio of pedestrian operated electric tugs and electric tows, used across Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics, and Retail, MasterMover also offers a range of advanced solutions, spanning remote control operation, line follow navigation, and fully autonomous solutions.

MasterMover says its AGV products now include BlueBotics’ ANT natural navigation technology as standard, ensuring customers benefit from the “advanced features and functionality available from the vehicle navigation market leader”. [Read more…] about MasterMover partners with BlueBotics for AGV Navigation

MobileDrive builds next generation ADAS with Siemens’ digital twin technology

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MobileDrive has adopted a model-based systems engineering approach to support its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems development, using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and its comprehensive digital twin technology.

By leveraging Siemens’ robust expertise in the digital thread, MobileDrive has accelerated its progress to build the next-generation autonomous driving systems and helped to achieve the industry-leading quality of the products.

Founded in 2021 as a joint venture between two mobility technology leaders, FIH Mobile and Stellantis, MobileDrive is focused on developing infotainment, telematics and a cloud service platform, together with ancillary hardware and software. [Read more…] about MobileDrive builds next generation ADAS with Siemens’ digital twin technology

Seegrid releases software to enable its warehouse robots to work together

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Seegrid, a provider in autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has expanded the capabilities of its Palion AMRs.

To fulfill more applications for more customers and foster AMR interoperability, Seegrid Palion Lift and Palion Tow Tractor now work in combination to load and unload carts with no human intervention.

Seegrid’s newest AMR, Palion Lift, brings together Seegrid’s breakthrough 3D vision-based navigation technology with best-in-class situational awareness capabilities to automate pallet movement. [Read more…] about Seegrid releases software to enable its warehouse robots to work together