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From the Editor
Flying Cars May Not Be What We Think, But They’re Still Pretty Cool
Whether you experienced the idea of flying cars from cartoons as a kid (‘The Jetsons’ is 60-years-old this year), or in movies like “Back to the Future Part II” or “The Fifth Element”, this technology always symbolized what “the future” would look like. We keep getting closer and closer to such a future, but the early versions of “flying cars” will not approach what we imagined they would be. More like helicopters, the eVTOL machines being developed, both manned and unmanned, aim to provide urban air mobility services, similar to what some helicopters do in major cities. Yet these new vehicles run on electricity, making them somewhat better for the environment. There’s bene a lot of news recently in the space - the FAA began offering guidelines on building vertiports (get used to that term); a contest named some winners in a recent urban air mobility challenge; and a Japan-based VTOL company plans to offer ‘air taxi’ service in 2025, which is a lot sooner than you think. Regardless of how “flying cars” eventually look like, it will still be cool to say that we are “living in the future”, even if the devices doesn’t have a flux capacitor.
– Keith Shaw, Managing Editor.
(Image via Frinkiac, world’s coolest Simpsons screen shot finder) |
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Leopard Imaging Integrates GMSL3 Tech Into Embedded Vision System
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Leopard Imaging, which develops embedded cameras, has announced it integrated Analog Devices’ new GMSL3 technology into its embedded vision solutions to support global customers. Leopard Imaging said it is one of the earliest camera providers to integrate GMSL and GMSL2, and now GMSL3 into its imaging solutions. Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL) serializer and deserializers (SerDes) are high-speed communications integrated circuits (ICs) developed by Analog devices that provide multi-stream support over a single cable. |
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Thomson Launches Precision Ball Spines for Motion Integration
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Thomson Industries, which manufactures linear motion control solutions, has announced a line of precision ball splines that enable the delivery of rotary and linear motion on a single shaft. The new components give designers more flexibility to compress an assembly, extend a stroke, distribute a load or otherwise meet modern automation demands. Thomson said ball splines exploit the low-friction torque transmission capabilities of rolling balls, and augment that by adding one or more axial grooves (also known as splines) along the assembly shaft. This opens a low-friction path through which the balls move to facilitate low-friction axial displacement, while also transmitting torque. |
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GeoCue Debuts New 3D Imaging Sensor, Point Cloud Sensor
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GeoCue has announced that its new TrueView 655/660 will be exhibiting at the upcoming Intergeo 2022 event in Europe. The 655/660 is GeoCue’s third-generation RIEGL integration built with the miniVUX-3UAV and triple mapping cameras (right, left, nadir) for high-accuracy mapping with vegetation penetration and wire detection in a light payload package. The company said its TrueView 3D Imaging Systems are known for dual-oblique cameras that maximize mapping and coverage. The new 655/660 adds a third Nadir camera, allowing users to capture images directly below the sensor. |
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ROEQ Debuts Cart System for OMRON AMRs to Double Payload Capacity
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Denmark-based ROEQ, which develops top modules and cart systems for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has announced new options for owners of the OMRON LD-250. The new TMC500 top module and Cart500 doubles the payload capacity of the AMR from 250 kg (550 lbs.) to 500 kg (1,100 lbs.), but also provides a standardized, safe and flexible solution for internal logistics tasks. ROEQ said its new products and partnership with OMRON is part of a company strategy to expand its mobile robotic equipment to more AMR brands. Initially, the company developed its equipment for Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). |
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eLoop Offers Flat Screen Recycling Through Robotics Application
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Electronics recycler eLoop has announced it can offer the industry a safer and more efficient process to recover valuable commodities found inside end-of-life (EOL) flat-panel television and monitors (sometimes known as Flat Panel Displays or FPDs). By using a fully automated and artificial intelligence-based robotic processing system, the eLoop FPD Pro Technology enhances safety and efficiency while also increasing the volume being processed. Located in eLoop’s State College, Pa., facility, the FPD Pro also provides a safer solution for workers and the environment, as it can securely contain hazardous materials found in FPDs. |
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Product Profile: Performance Motion Devices Prodigy/CME Machine-Controller
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The Prodigy/CME Machine-Controller boards provide high-performance motion control for medical, scientific, automation, industrial, and robotic applications. Available in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-axis configurations, these boards support DC Brush, Brushless DC, and step motors and allow user-written C-language code to be downloaded and run directly on the board. The Prodigy/CME Machine-Controller has on-board Atlas amplifiers that eliminate the need for external amplifiers. To build a fully functioning system, users only need a power supply, motors, and cabling. |
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In Case You Missed It
Accenture and Mars, Inc., to Develop ‘Factory of the Future’
Accenture has announced it is working with Mars, Inc. (maker of Snickers, M&M’s, etc.), to transform and modernize its global manufacturing operations with a combination of artificial intelligence, cloud, edge technology and digital twins. The two companies have been trialing digital twins – virtual representations of machines, products and processes – for Mars’ manufacturing operations since late 2020. Fed with real-time data, the digital twins can predict and optimize production processes and equipment performance, from reliability to quality to energy efficiency. When applied to its manufacturing plants, digital twins will enable Mars to simulate and validate the results of product and factory adjustments before allocating time and resources in the physical space. Read More |
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Sponsored Content
Modular Automation Enables Flexible Production Line Layout
Modular automation is the next phase of factory automation where the same production line is separated into modules and can be quickly reconfigured to adapt to different needs. Modular automation compatible products by Oriental Motor include the compact and lightweight DC-powered products, such as the AZ Series mini driver and the BLV Series R Type. See Compatible Products, Applications, Case Studies, Videos |
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Featured Article
Q&A: Cobalt Robotics’ Mike LeBlanc on the Growth of Security Robots
Founded in 2016, Cobalt Robotics develops mobile security robots that work alongside human security professionals to monitor indoor corporate office locations with services such as patrolling, leak and spill detection, alert monitoring, and other security guard tasks. A unique feature of their robots is a two-way video interaction system that connects the robots to human security officials who can speak with employees or other people to react to potential security incidents. Robotics-World recently spoke with Mike LeBlanc, Cobalt’s Chief Operations Officer, about the growth of the company and the importance of partnerships with other companies in the security and office building management space. Read More Demo Cobalt |
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Industry News
- Velodyne Lidar Signs Multi-Year Agreement with Stanley Robotics
Velodyne Lidar has announced a multi-year agreement to provide its lidar sensors to Stanley Robotics, which develops an automated valet parking solution. The system uses autonomous handling robots to help parking lots improve the customer experience and increase the number of vehicles that can be stored. Stanley Robotics uses Velodyne’s Puck and Velarray M1600 lidar sensors to provide perception and navigation capabilities that enable its all-electric Stan robot to operate autonomously and safely. View Video
- UNFI, Symbotic Partner for Robot Deployment in Distribution Centers
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) and Symbotic have announced a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s artificial intelligence-enabled robotics and software automation in five of UNFI’s distribution centers over the next four years. The agreement also gives UNFI the option to implement Symbotic’s warehouse automation systems in additional distribution centers. Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, which includes robotic case pick capabilities, is designed to enable UNFI to transform its distribution centers to improve efficiency, order accuracy, and increase storage capacity within its facilities.
- Badger, BRdata Team to Offer Better Data for Grocery Retailers
Badger Technologies, which develops retail automation systems, has partnered with BRdata Software Solutions to assist grocers in attaining actionable data and aggregated analytics to help improve store profitability, operational efficiencies and shopping experiences. Badger said real-time inventory, pricing and trend data collected through autonomous robots can be ingested by BRdata’s cloud-based retail software to support identifying discrepancies and resolving on-shelf product and pricing problems with increased agility and accuracy. ROI Calculator
- Kodiak Robotics, Werner Enterprises to Run 24/7 Autonomous Freight Operations
Kodiak Robotics, which develops self-driving trucking technology, has announced a collaboration with Werner Enterprises, a large transportation and logistics provider, to establish an autonomous trucking lane and showcase how efficiently autonomous trucks can be used with a transfer hub model at truckports. The relationship began in August 2022 with a week-long pilot program in which a Kodiak truck, accompanied by a human safety driver, completed four tours involving eight unique trips between Dallas and Lake City, Fla.
- 5 Winners Reveal Innovation in Urban Air Mobility
Five winners in the urban air mobility space will share a total of $50,000 in cash prizes as part of the 2022 Urban Air Mobility Innovation Challenge, sponsored by Advanced Technology International (ATI), TechConnect and The Vertical Lift Consortium (VLC). The winners were announced at the Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit & Expo in Washington, D.C. The winners were chosen from a group of 18 finalists (originally 19), presenting their innovation in a “Shark Tank”-style pitching event; finalists were given eight minutes to present to industry and government leaders in the air mobility space.
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Aerial Robots
FAA Releases Interim Vertiport Guidelines for eVTOL Aircraft
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an engineering brief (#105) that provides initial guidelines for advanced electric-powered air mobility (AAM) aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) capabilities. As noted by the FAA, the guidelines "serve as the initial step to provide key information for airport owners, operators and infrastructure developers to begin development of facilities that will support operations of AAM aircraft that are electrically powered and take-off and land vertically." In addition, the FAA said the Engineering Brief "provides interim guidance for the design of vertiports for aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. Note that this interim guidance will be subject to update as data, analysis, and VTOL aircraft and operations develop." Read More |
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SkyDrive Unveils Flying Car Design, Expects Service in 2025
Japan-based SkyDrive has unveiled the design of its commercial model flying car – the SkyDrive SD-05. The company said it will use the SD-05, currently in development, to launch air taxi service in the Osaka Bay area in 2025, during the world exposition in Osaka. The SD-05 is a two-seat, electric-powered aircraft that includes vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. Operated by a driver-pilot, the flight stability is secured with the assistance of a computer-controlled flight system. SkyDrive said it is developing flying cars with an eye toward realizing a world where they are used in daily life for air mobility, much as automobiles are used today for daily ground transportation. Read More |
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Robotics Funding
Tombot Launches New Funding Round for Emotional Support Robot Dog
Tombot, which is developing a hyper-realistic emotion-support robot that looks, feels and behaves much like a real puppy, has announced a limited-time opportunity for U.S. and international individuals to invest in the company as part of a community raise. The crowdfunding campaign will be held on Republic, a platform for investors seeking high growth potential. Scientifically engineered to treat symptoms of mental illness, Tombot has a mission of creating robotic animals that aim to transform the daily lives of individuals, families and communities facing mental health adversities. Launched in 2017, Tombot seeks to be the first robotic animal classified as an FDA medical device and safety and health monitoring platform to treat the behavioral, emotional and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, autism, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Read More |
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Skyline Robotics Earns Investment to Expand Window-Washing Robot
Skyline Robotics, which develops the Ozmo high-rise window-cleaning robot, has announced a key investment from commercial and residential real estate company Durst Ventures. The venture company is an affiliate of The Durst Organization, which owns some of New York City’s most notable skyscrapers, including One Bryant Park, One World Trade Center and 151 West 42nd Street. The new investment will further Skyline’s development and deployment of Ozomo, while The Durst Organization plans to utilize Ozmo to enhance the quality of service to its tenants and residents. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. Read More |
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