Robotics World

Aeva Adds 4D Lidar Sensors to NVIDIA DRIVE Simulation Platform

Aeva, which develops next-generation sensing and perception systems, has announced that its Aeries 4D lidar sensors are now supported on NVIDIA’s DRIVE simulation platform. Aeva’s Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) 4D lidar sensors detect 3D position, in addition to instant velocity for each point at distances up to 500 meters, bringing an added dimension to sensing and perception for safe autonomous driving. The NVIDIA DRIVE Sim is an end-to-end platform designed to run large-scale, physically based, multi-sensor autonomous vehicle simulation in order to improve developer productivity and accelerate time to market.

Trimble has announced the latest addition to its portfolio of robotic total stations – the Trimble Ri. The new instrument’s flexibility and upgradeability makes high-end total station technology more accessible and sets a new scalability standard for use across the construction industry, the company said. Offered in multiple configurations to meet several workflows, the Trimble Ri is aimed at MEP, concrete, steel and general contractors. The base units can be scaled remotely via annual subscription licensing packages and software customization.

Ouster, which develops high-resolution digital lidar sensors, has announced a 3D industrial lidar sensor suite aimed at high-volume material handling applications. The line of high-resolution OS0 and OS1 sensors is configured to meet unique requirements of forklift, port equipment and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturers, with price points that enable adoption on high-volume production fleets, the company said. Built for ruggedness, robustness, and reliability in all-weather conditions, Ouster said the industrial sensors can be used both indoors and outdoors, particularly for applications that require short range detection and an ultra-wide field-of-view for maneuvering in narrow spaces and dynamic environments.

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Aerobotix, FerRobotics Develop End-of-Arm-Tool Sander for Flammable Dust

Aerobotix and FerRobotics have announced a partnership to create the first Class II, Division 1 (C2D1) end of arm tool (EAOT) automated sander. Meeting a demand for a hazardous-environment solution that achieves time and cost efficiencies along with enabling safer work environments, the special orbital sander lessens human involvement in hazardous tasks. According to the International Labour Organization, tens of millions of workers globally are afflicted with silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by crystalline silica dust inhalation, which leads to thousands of deaths. Many jobs in the aerospace and defense industries involve combustible, dangerous dust created by sanding. The companies said the invention of a force-compliant C2D1-rated automated sander, with integral dust collection, can virtually eliminate the risk of occupationally acquired respiratory infections.

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Attabotics Commercializes its Warehouse Mobile Robot

Attabotics, which develops a 3D robotics supply chain system for warehouses and e-commerce, has revealed the Attabot 2022, the first commercialized version of its proprietary robot. Built stronger and smarter than its predecessor, the Attabot 2022 includes a simplified mechatronic design that reduces operational costs while also increasing the efficiency of automated picking and packing of goods. The Attabot 2022 began customer operations in August 2022, the company said, equipped with a flexible payload to accommodate larger bins up to 16-inches tall at 100 lbs., an increase of 25% from Attabotics’ previous robot release.

Geek+ has created a one-stop automated forklift solution that performs storage, access and pallet-handling tasks. The forklift is designed for use in warehouse scenarios in the e-commerce, retail and raw materials storage industries. Able to navigate work spaces that have narrow passages, limited space or varied working height, the system is designed to improve work efficiency, reduce labor intensity and improve safety. The Geek+ Automated Forklift Robot employs navigation and safety radar, and supports laser and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) navigation.

Argo Unveils Autonomy Suite to Serve Rideshare, Delivery Companies
Argo AI, which develops autonomous vehicle technologies, has announced a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to enable businesses of any size to use autonomous vehicles to enhance ridesharing or goods delivery operations. The Argo product ecosystem can be customized to fit a business’s needs, bringing together self-driving technology, vehicle and fleet management, and data and analytics software to help companies achieve scalable autonomous operations.
ICE Cobotics Chooses T-Mobile for Connectivity for Floor-Cleaning Robots
T-Mobile has announced that ICE Cobotics, a developer of cleaning technologies and equipment, has chosen the T IoT connectivity solution to help their customers more easily manage fleets of floor-cleaning robots. As part of the long-term agreement, T IoT – a solution for global IoT connectivity, platform management and support – will deliver cellular connectivity to more than 7,500 new and existing ICE Cobotics autonomous cleaning units around the world. This includes the company’s newest product, Cobit 18, a compact autonomous floor scrubber that is designed to clean 5,000 to 7,000 square feet per our (at less than $20 per day).
CIMC Deploys Driverless Boarding Bridge at China Airport
A driverless boarding bridge has been officially put into operation at China’s Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, which was made by Shenzhen-based CIMC Tianda Holding Co Ltd. The intelligent equipment features an advanced cabin door recognition and positioning system, which can transmit information instantly to the artificial intelligence-based autonomous control system. The new bridge takes just over 50 seconds to finish the entire process of docking between the boarding bridge and an aircraft, which is significantly shorter than the traditional way, which normally takes three minutes on average. Manual docking processes completed by humans, who work on the operating floor of boarding bridges, can result in high error rates that affect flight safety and operating efficiency at airports.
Survey: More than 3 in 4 Americans Feel Less Safe in Self-Driving Cars
A new survey from insurance technology company Policygenius found widespread apprehension about self-driving cars, despite an increase in the use of the technology. The survey found a majority of Americans (76%) said they would feel less safe driving or riding in cars with self-driving features. Similarly, 73% of those surveyed said they would feel less safe knowing others on the road are traveling in cars with self-driving features.