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From the Editor
5 Big Robotics Trends We Learned at Automate 2022
Sometimes you need to take a step back from individual news items and product announcements to get a bigger picture of the robotics space, and that’s what we did at last week’s Automate 2022 event in Detroit. With a larger view and several great interviews with the major robotics leaders (thanks for chatting with me!), I was able to compile a list of the major trends in automation coming out of the show. Some are obvious, some aren’t - check out the article below and let me know if you agree! In the meantime, robotics companies and others continued to make more news away from the show – LG, for example, has a new mobile robot that can act as a tour guide at museums, or escort you around a movie theater, and Badger’s spill detection/inventory robot hits another grocery store chain.
– Keith Shaw, Managing Editor. |
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LUCID’s 47MP 10GigE Camera Enters Series Production
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LUCID Vision Labs, which designs and manufactures industrial vision cameras, has announced that its 47 megapixel Atlas10 camera has entered series production. The ATX470S model is now available. The Atlas10 camera features Sony’s IMX492 rolling shutter CMOS sensor, which offers 8,240 by 5,628 pixel resolution, and 4/3-inch sensor size, running at 22.6 frames per second at 10-bit ADC. It uses a TFL lens mount allowing for better illumination on the edges of larger sensors, along with Active Sensor Alignment to help maximize the optical performance of large format sensors. It is aimed at vision applications that require a high level of camera accuracy. |
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Kitov Launches CAD-based Automated Inspection Tool
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Israel-based Kitov.ai, which develops smart visual inspection technologies, has announced CAD2SCAN, a CAD-based automated inspection planning tool. The latest feature of the Kitov Smart Planner, CAD2SCAN combines with Kitov’s Smart Visual Inspection and Review Station to automate inspection solutions that are too difficult or time-consuming to manually program and deploy. “CAD2SCAN represents a leap forward in the planning of visual inspection, especially for parts with complex 3D geometry and intricate inspection requirements,” said Yossi Rubner, founder and CTO of Kitov.ai. |
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QYSEA Launches New AI Vision For Underwater Drones
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QYSEA Technology has announced an AI-based vision platform that allows its FIFISH Underwater Robots to achieve precise underwater active visual locking capabilities. The new capabilities aim to improve tasks such as 4K filming, operational work, and deep-sea inspections for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The QYSEA AI Platform includes several adaptive position and vision locking systems for all FIFISH ROVs, the company said. Among the new features, the system can visually secure onto selected targets across any underwater environment with ease and precision. Users just need to press on the area of interest on their app screen, and the ROV intuitively adjusts its position, locking the target at the screen's center. |
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Teledyne FLIR Debuts Multi-Mission, Modular Robot
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Teledyne FLIR Defense has announced the launch of its Kobra 725 modular robot, a tracked multi-mission platform that includes new features and technology upgrades to the Kobra 710 unmanned ground system. The Kobra 725 combines power and payload support in an easy-to-operate package, Teledyne FLIR said. The robot includes an advanced manipulator arm that can lift heavy loads, and stretches to a height of nearly four meters to access hard-to-reach places. Weighing less than 250 kg, the Kobra 725 can maneuver in rough terrain, climb stairs, and even surmount jersey barriers. New technology includes full-HD cameras, wide angle visual and thermal mobility cameras, field-swappable radio modules, and AES-256 encryption. |
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DOBOT Expands Cobot Line with Increased Reach System
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DOBOT, which manufacturers intelligent collaborative robots, has announced the launch of the CR3L Collaborative Robot, an ultra-long cobot with a reach of 1700 mm, 11.5% longer than the previous CR10 model, which had a maximum reach of 1525 mm. The robotic body of the CR3L enables the robot to perform in small spaces, for applications that include loading and unloading, sorting, and wide-range inspection of small parts in consumer electronics and semiconductor industries. DOBOT offers six different versions of its cobots, with payloads of 3 kg, 5 kg, 7 kg, 10 kg, 12 kg and 16 kg. The cobots offer automated solutions for several scenarios and markets, including automotive, consumer electronics, semiconductors, food, garments, hardware, plastics and chemicals. Additional applications including handling, gluing, testing, screwdriving and packaging applications. |
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Vue Robotics Launches Camera-Enabled Weather, Security Station
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New Hampshire-based Vue Robotics has announced it finished product development on its new weather security product, ARC1. The ARC1 is a solar-powered camera that includes integrated environmental sensors to provide real-time insights on site conditions. The OmniVue software platform also provides persistent visual verification and environmental condition analysis of key infrastructure, business sites, and mission-critical facilities. Unforeseen environmental disruptions often require site-by-site, in-person inspections, which can often take several days or weeks to complete. The Vue product and service improves how state and local governments, businesses and real estate owners can respond and mitigate weather and environmental risks and emergencies. |
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In Case You Missed It
China’s JIDU Unveils Concept Robocar for Autonomous Driving
JIDU, a China-based electric vehicle company backed by Baidu and Geely, has announced its first concept production robocar, the ROBO-01. The design integrates intelligent driving powered by Baidu and a “cutting-edge futuristic design” aimed to revolutionize the automobile industry that leads to cars driven by AI. Highlights of the concept car include an active deformable structure design, 3D borderless one-piece large screen, zero-gravity seating, AI pixel lights and dual max-computing chips, the company said. The capabilities of the car are based on a unique ‘trainable’ functionality and JIDU robocar neural JET (JIDU Evolving Technology) supports high-level autonomous driving with full redundancy, SOA-based intelligent cabin and millisecond-level offline intelligent voice assistant. Read More |
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Featured Article
5 Key Robotics Trends Seen at Automate 2022
One of the great things about attending trade shows and conferences in person is being able to see “the big picture” and larger trends within a market based on conversations with several companies and attendees, rather than individual news announcements or meetings. Such was the case for us at this week’s Automate 2022 event in Detroit, where robot manufacturers, component makers and systems integrators gathered to meet with customers and potential customers looking to automate their organizations. After our meetings and visits with companies on the show floor, we emerged with five key themes and thoughts that show where the robotics space is heading over the next few months and years. These are not presented in any particular order of importance. Read More |
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Industry News
- OTTO Motors Upgrades Software to Give More Visibility for AMR Fleets
Canadian-based OTTO Motors, which develops autonomous mobile robots, has announced new software that gives customers better visibility and depth into their fleet’s performance. The new tools include ways for customers to analyze their system, identify risks, and optimize an AMR-driven material flow. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen facilities test AMRs for automated material handling,” said Jay Judkowitz, vice president of product at OTTO Motors. “Today, they are no longer testing, they are operationalizing. As a result, our customers’ needs are evolving and we are with them. This software release is about giving operators better visibility and depth of their fleet’s performance including dashboards, analytics, video playbacks, and troubleshooting capabilities that are unmatched in the market.”
- Kodiak Robotics Demonstrates Ease of Maintaining Autonomous Truck SensorPods
Kodiak Robotics, which is developing self-driving truck technology, has announced a technical partnership with Southern Tire Mart / Southern Tire Mart at Pilot, demonstrating that its pre-calibrated, pre-built SensorPods can be completely removed and replaced by a mechanic without specialized training. The goal is to eliminate the need for a specialized technician to replace AV sensors, especially when long-haul trucks may need service in remote areas. Kodiak said this kind of deployment environment makes it crucial that hardware be easily serviceable and maintainable in order to create a viable path toward scalability.
- Teleo Raises $12M to Add Semi-Autonomy to Construction, Mining Equipment
Teleo, a construction robotics company that retrofits existing construction and mining heavy equipment to turn them into semi-autonomous robots, has announced raising $12 million in Series A funding. The funding will be used to scale the deployment of their product and further invest in research and development in Teleo Supervised Autonomy technology, to address critical industry challenges around the skilled operator shortage and low productivity. The company’s technology allows contractors to operate existing heavy equipment without an operator in the cab, letting a single operator control multiple pieces of equipment from a remote desk. The company said this increases productivity, safety, and operator satisfaction for the construction and mining industries.
- ICYMI: Highlights from Xponential 2022
Over the past few weeks, we've been detailing individual booth visits of companies exhibiting unmanned products and components at the recent Xponential 2022 event in Orlando. Here is a roundup of links that includes site visit reports of nine firms notable for their innovative technology, impressive management and likely staying power. These companies have plentiful resources that are truly changing the world in commercial and military markets, and are among the brightest stars of the more than 500 technology firms specializing in robotics, artificial intelligence, and supporting systems that exhibited at Xponential 2022.
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Robotics in Retail
LG Adds Tour Guide Functions for Autonomous CLOi Robot
LG Business Solutions USA has announced a multi-purpose customer service robot, the LG CLOi GuideBot, designed to provide wayfinding, enhanced security, advertising opportunities and data on interaction times and usage. The robot includes a friendly digital face, responsive voice activation and two large touch-screens designed to improve customer experiences in places such as museums, convention centers, movie theaters, and hotels. The GuideBot stands just under five feet tall, and greets everyone with “a friendly smile” on a unique 9.2-inch LG LCD “face” display. The system includes a microphone, 3D camera and 18 sensors to let the robot navigate busy spaces and react to approaching users with visual and auditory effects. Read More |
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Vallarta Supermarkets Test Badger’s Autonomous Robots for Analytics
Badger Technologies, which develops retail automation solutions, has announced a pilot program with Vallarta Supermarkets, a chain of 53 full-service markets throughout California. The grocery chain will test Badger’s multipurpose autonomous robots to identify hazards at five Vallarta Supermarkets in Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, as well as testing the robot’s inventory management at a sixth location in order to improve on-shelf product availability. Founded in 1985, the Sylmar, Calif.-based Vallarta Supermarkets is one of the largest Latino supermarket chains in the state. It is also known for a highly trained staff eager to assist customers in selecting fresh produce, quality meats and bakery items, along with traditional and specialty food items from Mexico, Central and South America. Read More |
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Aerial Robotics
ZeroEyes, Asylon Robotics Partner to Develop Drone-Enabled Response to Active Shooter Scenarios
ZeroEyes, which has created an artificial intelligence-based gun detection video analytics platform, has announced a partnership with Asylon Robotics, which automates security operations by leveraging aerial and ground robotics for perimeter and drone security and intelligence services. The partnership will integrate ZeroEyes’ human-verified AI gun detection software with Asylon’s aerial drone and robot dog video feeds, giving end users an autonomous response capability in active shooter situations. Read More |
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Volocopter Achieves First Flight of 4-Seater Unmanned Aircraft
Volocopter, which is developing urban air mobility systems, announced that its fixed-wing passenger aircraft, the VoloConnect, completed its first flight in May 2022. The company said it is the only electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer worldwide to have an entire fleet of distinct aircraft configurations undergoing flight tests. The VoloConnect is the company’s third product solution, and offers further and faster journeys than other Volocopter aircraft. It features a range of more than 60 miles, and flight speeds above 155 mph. The plane’s extended range and higher payload aims to bring business travelers and commuters beyond the city center on routes such as Burbank to Huntington Beach, Calif., in order to fill demands for metropolitan flights and suburban connections in densely populated regions. Volocopter said it is targeting a 2026 entry into service for VoloConnect, with VoloCity (air taxi that serves intracity routes) targeting a commercial launch in 2024. Read More |
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