Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.51
…aware of the different types of technology available for infrastructure inspection, it’s time to focus on some of the environments in which they can be applied. Contrary to what we have discussed, not all GPS-denied environments involve confined space entry (CSE), which means they’re accessible to humans. However, despite their accessibility, even non-CSE areas of high-value assets can still be dangerous for humans. And for many, if not all, organizations, safety is the No. 1 concern, so keeping human beings out of harm’s way is essential. Tank floors One of the non-CSE, GPS-denied areas where robotics can come in handy…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.51
…country’s transportation system is only as good as its infrastructure, and the report makes clear that logistics operations will pay a price for long-delayed improvements to modernization of the U.S. network of roads, bridges, ports and airports. That lack of any expansion of infrastructure spending is also expected to be a drag on productivity in the United States. The World Economic Forum’s “Global Competitiveness” report recently graded the United States a score of 5.9 on overall infrastructure quality—behind the Netherlands at 6.2, but ahead of Spain at 5.5. “Logistics providers should not expect a sweeping modernization of U.S. infrastructure,” say…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.51
…and saw the race as a good testbed for infrastructure. How did you choose component technology providers? Mitchell: We chose one OEM, but not using its full stack. We chose components to have diverse partners and sponsors. For example, Luminar is a poster child for how the IAC can harmonize perfectly with a company bringing new technology to market. In our use case, lidar is the most essential component, especially as we move into the passing challenge. Luminar was a brand-new company that was not public yet. Its solid-state lidar technology had lots of prototyeps, but was not yet in…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.47
…decisions based on its surroundings, without prior programming or infrastructure,” the company stated. This next-generation AMR technology supports new levels of flexibility for production, logistics, and fulfillment through to retail and healthcare environments, said ABB. PixelPaint System for two-tone, decorative, and decal painting PixelPaint “revolutionizes vehicle painting technology, with 100% transfer efficiency that eliminates the need for masking and de-masking,” said ABB. The guided paint system can efficiently address the increasing demand for personalized paint designs, it noted. PixelPaint also eliminates paint wastage and cuts cycle times by approximately 50%, enhancing sustainability and driving down costs, ABB said. ABB offers…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.42
…average speed. Did OTTO have to change the charging infrastructure for its new AMR, or are the power enhancements purely onboard? The OTTO 1200 takes 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 90%. The recently launched OTTO 600 and the new 1200 both utilize an updated charge contact configuration, which customers may appreciate as quite similar to AGV deployments. They also use the same battery, so facility space is maximized by only needing one automatic charger location for both vehicle types. This, combined with the high speed of charge, optimizes the entire charging experience for end users. What feedback did…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.37
…Vecna Robotics, among others. “The balance between existing, fixed infrastructure and flexible automation and ROI [return on investment] is based on the customer,” said Gary Allen, vice president of supply chain excellence at Ryder Supply Chain. “AMRs [autonomous mobile robots] need one and a half years, while an ASRS may take one to two years, depending on volume.” MMH's Bob Trebilcock moderated a session with Drew Bailey, vice president of design engineering at Geodis; Zac Boehm, vice president of innovative systems at Hy-Tek Intralogistics; and Stanislas Normand, managing director for North America at Exotec. Credit: Eugene Demaitre RaaS helps manage…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.37
…go there.” “There's a tremendous opportunity for robots in infrastructure,” she said. “I don't think of robots as replacing people but as getting into corners we've painted ourselves into. There are substructures that are impossible or unsafe for people to climb in. Robots are good for sewer pipes, cable trays, and pipe racks.” “There's a lot of work being done in categorizing extreme environments. I've been talking a lot lately with the International Association of Emergency Managers about what's needed,” Murphy said. “A lot of inspection robots could have multiple uses, but companies don't need to oversell them. If they're…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.36
…provides the flexibility of modular hardware design, flexible software infrastructure, and the company's reputation for safety and support. Yaskawa will also show its iCube Engineer software, which it said gives developers the freedom to program function modules in the language of their choice. New food-grade and hygienic stainless motors Yaskawa now offers a range of white epoxy-painted food-grade and hygienic stainless servo motors for use with its Sigma Series servo amplifiers. On display will be an FDA-approved high-performance motor (600W to 4.5kW, 200V, or 400V) designed specifically for the food and baking industries. Capable of withstanding repeated high-pressure washdown, this…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.35
…increases reliability, safety, and productivity without significant changes in infrastructure,” said David Griffin, chief sales officer at Seegrid. “Furthermore, given the flexibility of AMRs, fleets can fit into inbound, inter-facility, and outbound workflows seamlessly.” AMRs have all the right moves An example of the value that fleets of collaborative AMRs bring to industrial operations can be seen in the upgrades that apparel manufacturer Bespoke Manufacturing Co. (BMC) began last fall. In this case, BMC selected Zebra’s end-to-end industrial automation with an eye toward enhancing the load-leveling in its facility. In previous workflows, BMC used conveyor belts, but these proved to…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.34
…outside partners, said MassTech. This includes 10 projects that have supported innovative industry/academic collaborations and investment in novel R&D infrastructure. Emerging industries supported under through the grant program include cloud computing, marine robotics, printed electronics, cybersecurity and data science, and nanomaterials and smart sensors. These investments have led to the formation of 79 new industry partnerships, as well as 54 intellectual property and licensing agreements in the past two years, according to MassTech. Organizations interested in applying for a Collaborative R&D Matching Grant learn more at the program's website.
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.33
…Institute. The company worked with Pfizer and Ghana's drone infrastructure to demonstrate how technology firms and policy makers can collaborate to improve the health of a region or nation. Supply chains enter a new age Robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles are rapidly addressing the complexities of the modern supply chain. Fortunately, technology advances have coincided with a labor drought and global supply chain strains. The global market for logistics automation could expand from $48.4 billion in 2020 to $88.9 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%, according to Markets and Markets. It attributed that growth…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.31
…continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) testing and verification infrastructure. And of course, with over 1 million developers, 6,000+ customers, and 150 ecosystem partners worldwide, we’re continuing to build momentum behind the NVIDIA Jetson platform. We're launching a full range of Orin-based developer kits and production modules for companies to scale their edge AI and robotics applications. Looking ahead, where do you think robotics applications will grow the most? Andrews: From an application area, I am really excited to see the continued growth and innovation of robotics technology in the agtech industry. What better problem could automation address than helping…