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From the Editor
Should Robots Solve Big Problems or Small Ones?
In looking over several robotics news announcements over recent weeks (including many of the innovations announced at CES 2023), I’m left wondering whether robots should be solving big problems (or multiple ones), or just focusing on smaller, individual tasks. For example, many robot companies show off their robots handling a single task, such as opening or closing a door to a CNC machine, or picking items from a bin. Other companies, such as humanoid robotics companies seen at CES, are tackling larger issues, such as helping elders with different tasks around the homes, or adding multiple tasks in a single package. I think both of these examples are beneficial – as a robot company you don’t want to over-promise the world in terms of the tasks and have a customer base that is disappointed if the product can’t deliver on those promises. But on the other hand, it’s sometimes nice to see big picture types of announcements that enable us to imagine what the future could look like. – Keith Shaw, Managing Editor.
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Agilox Launches Autonomous Dolly Mover for Small Loads
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Agilox North America, which manufactures automated material handling solutions, has announced adding an autonomous dolly mover to its range of intelligent transport systems controlled by its X-Swarm intelligence. The company said it has expanded its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) series with the Omnidirectional Dolly Mover (ODM). The ODM can accept loads up to 300 kg (661 lbs) to a maximum lifting height of 250 mm (10 inches) and transport them to their destination. The ability to automate this equipment opens up new areas of applications and other industry segments where small load carriers (such as totes) are widely used, especially in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries.
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ResGreen’s PullBuddy AGV Can Move Up and Down Slopes of 5 Degrees or Less
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ResGreen Group International, Inc., which develops mobile robot and software solutions, has announced that its PullBuddy Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) can transport loads up to 450 pounds (including load handling frames) up and down inclines of five degrees or less. Slopes are a challenge for most AGVs due to the power required to overcome the weight of the load and vehicle, position of the drive wheel(s) and ground clearance designed for the task. PullBuddy features an exceptionally strong drive that can power a loaded vehicle up ramps. It has been specifically engineered to clear ramp entry, exit and cresting. In addition, if an object enters its path on a slope, PullBuddy is able to come to a safe stop and resume travel once the obstacle is cleared.
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AutoStore Launches Pio, an AS/RS Aimed at SMBs
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Automation warehouse company AutoStore has announced the North American launch of Pio (Product In/Out), a plug-and-play version of its AutoStore cube storage technology specifically geared for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). Based on a pay-per-pick service model, Pio allows retailers of apparel, sporting goods, crafts and cosmetics to deploy robotic automation for a relatively low investment. AutoStore said retailers pay a fee per individual item picked, with the robots, ports and softwares owned and maintained by Pio. Users only need to purchase product bins and the frames that the robots run on.
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Orbbec Launches 2 New 3D Sensor Cameras
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Orbbec, which develops 3D cameras, has announced two new models of 3D sensor cameras. The Gemini 2 and Astra 2 models were developed with Orbbeck’s new generation ASIC chip MX6600, which enables high quality depth processing and supports depth/color image registration in different resolutions. The new cameras also include a software development kit, on-board IMU and multi-camera sync support to provide new possibilities in 3D for several industries. The integration-ready Gemini 2 is based on active stereo IR technology, and has a sensing range of 0.12 to 10 meters, along with a field of view of up to 100 degrees diagonal (89 degrees horizontal by 65 degrees vertical, +/- 3 degrees.
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Immervision Launches 190-Degree Lens to Address Low-Light In-Cabin Challenges
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Immervision, which develops advanced vision systems that combine optics, image processing and sensor fusion, has announced an off-the-shelf 190-degree lens that addresses specific low-light in-cabin requirements for the automotive industry. The company said it designed wide-angle Panamorph lens technology into an ultra-wide field of view (FoV) lens, offering complete coverage inside the cabin to meet the needs of both driver and occupant-monitoring applications. The lens distortion profile is designed to generate image quality and a pixel density targeted for crucial applications to enhance gaze tracking, passenger identification, and hands-on-wheel tracking.
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Kautex Announces Pentatonic Battery System at CES 2023
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Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG (Kautex), a Textron Inc. company, announced a customized version of its Pentatonic Battery System at CES 2023. The Kautex Pentatonic battery system is a lightweight, customizable solution produced from thermoplastic or composite metal hybrid. The system offers OEMs several advantages versus its steel and aluminum counterparts, including improved thermal management and insulation, resistance to corrosion, up to 40% reduction in CO2 footprint and up to a 60% reduction in weight. The one-shot production process decreases downline complexity, eliminates welding and reduces the system’s bill of material.
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In Case You Missed It
PoliMOVE Wins CES 2023 Autonomous Challenge, Sets New Racetrack World Speed Record
The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) team PoliMOVE from Politecnico di Milano (Italy), and the University of Alabama (Alabama) won the second annual Autonomous Challenge @ CES, reaching max speeds of 180 mph, a new autonomous speed world record for a racetrack. Pushing boundaries of head-to-head autonomous racing, PoliMOVE competed at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway against a field of nine teams from 17 universities spanning six countries all seeking to break autonomous racing records. TUM Autonomous Motorsport from Technische Universität München (Germany) took second place in the heated battle.
The Rules of the IAC Competition consist of a single elimination tournament with multiple rounds of head-to-head passing matches culminating in a championship round. The world’s fastest autonomous race cars, Dallara AV-21s, took turns playing the role of Leader (Defender) and Passer/Follower (Attacker) in front of a global crowd of CES attendees. Passes were attempted at ever-increasing speeds until one or both cars were unable to successfully complete a pass. The rules of the IAC competition required each team to qualify in a high-speed autonomous race car time trial competition determining their seed in the head-to-head passing competition. Six of the nine teams seeking to compete went head-to-head on Saturday.
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SPONSORED VIDEO
Oriental Motor's AZ Series mini Driver
The AZ Series mini Driver from Oriental Motor works with a variety of AlphaStep AZ Series, DC input products. This driver can be controlled using EtherCAT or RS-485 communication and daisy chained to maximize design, space and improve installation time. The mini Driver is also designed to be close to the motor, making it ideal for robotic applications. The elimination of switches and I/O connectors allows for a compact and lightweight design. Utilizes the MEXE02 Support Software, available for free download.
Watch the video HERE.
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Featured Article
Case Study: Czech Automotive Factory Improves Productivity with MiR Fleet
FORVIA, a Czech-based provider of automotive technology, has announced that it increased its logistics productivity, strengthened the stability of production processes and decreased safety risks following a deployment of a fleet of robots from Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). The company said it got a return on investment (ROI) from the 14 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) working in its Faurecia Clean Mobility plant in Pisek, Czech Republic, in less than two years. Seven of the company’s heavy duty MiR robots, mainly MiR600s, work in finished goods, bringing empty pallets to the assembly lines and picking up full pallets to transport to the logistics area. The second area, where MiR250 robots operate, moves components from the warehouse to assembly lines. FORVIA said the robots in the plant work 24 hours a day seven days a week, covering all three operation shifts.
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Industry News
- Faulhaber Launches Calculator to Help Developers Find Drives for Specific Applications
Faulhaber, which develops high-precision miniaturized drive systems, servo components and drive electronics, has announced Drive Calculator, a tool for developers to help them find a suitable drive system for a specific application. The tool comes with global presets that have common average values, but these default settings can be adjusted to individual needs, such as taking into account the ambient temperature, supply voltage or available space. Results are then shown to the user with a list of results, which can then be narrowed down as needed with additional filters. Faulhaber said the Drive Calculator enables the calculation of seven drive types and two operating modes.
- OPEX adds RFID Scanning to Automated Warehouse Sorting Solution
OPEX Corporation, a global automation provider, has announced expanding the capabilities of its Sure Sort Warehouse Automation technology to incorporate radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning to increase operational speed and efficiency. Sure Sort is a scalable warehouse automation solution for distribution centers, retail stores, and third-party logistics. Its operational functions include order handling, cross-docking, and reverse logistics. RFID scanning is also popular in pharmaceuticals processing. OPEX said it added RFID scanning capabilities to meet the growing needs of apparel manufacturers and retailers.
- Ottopia Raises $14.5M to Advance Teleoperation Technology
Israel-based Ottopia has announced it raised $14.5 million in a Series A funding round. The company’s mission is to enable autonomy in multiple industries, including mobility, logistics, freight, last-mile delivery, agriculture and construction. The company’s teleoperation software enables autonomous vehicles and machines to do things they otherwise cannot, while also allowing developers to cut their research and development costs, commercialize faster and comply with regulatory requirements for deployment.
- Cyngn, Jtec Partner on Material Handling Cart Automation
Cyngn Inc. has announced that it is working with Jtec Industries, a manufacturer of material handling carts. The collaboration will bring a sophisticated cart system to end users’ autonomous vehicle deployments. Jtec’s CarryMore Cart consists of two parts. The “mother” remains attached to the autonomous vehicle, while the “daughter” can be moved around and loaded with goods. Once loaded, workers lock the daughter cart into the mother and send the vehicle on its way.
- Air Force Research Lab Selects BAE Systems for Air-Launched Seeker for Maritime Targets
BAE Systems has received a $12 million Phase 2 contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to further develop a low cost, all-weather, multi-mode (radar/infrared) open architecture seeker under the Maritime Weapon Innovation Program (MWIP) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (aka QUICKSINK). The QUICKSINK munitions concept provides air-delivered maritime surface vessel defeat capability for the warfighter via a precision-guided munitions kit.
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Industry News
Activ Surgical Announces Completion of First AI-Enabled Case Using its ActivSight Intelligent Light
Activ Surgical, which develops digital surgery systems, announced that it has completed its first artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled case using its ActivSight Intelligent Light (ActivSight), which is designed to provide enhanced visualization and real-time, on-demand surgical insights in the operating room. ActivSight is a module that attaches to today’s laparoscopic and robotic systems and integrates with standard monitors.
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OrionStar Robotics Unveils Lucki Pro Service Robot
China’s OrionStar Robotics has announced the next generation of its delivery robot. The Lucki PRO service robot includes features such as a dish recognition camera, 360-degree smart ambient lamp, 14.1-inch high-definition screen, and torsion bar damping suspension. The dish recognition camera can automatically identify and broadcast dishes, enabling real-time data analysis and standardization for chain restaurants, the company said. The 360-degree ambient lamp can automatically illuminate the tray where the dishes are to be picked up, making meal-picking more convenient.
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John Deere Launches Electric Excavator, Precision Planter
John Deere recently announced two new technologies aimed at helping agricultural operations and construction crews become more productive, profitable, and sustainable. The ExactShot planter and electric excavator were announced recently at CES 2023. ExactShot lets farmers reduce the amount of starter fertilizer needed during planting by more than 60%, John Deere said. The technology uses sensors and robotics to place starter fertilizer precisely onto seeds as they are planted in the soil, rather than applying a continuous flow of fertilizer to an entire row of seeds. The electric excavator, powered by a Kreisel battery, aims to provide construction workers and road builders with lower daily operating costs, reduced jobsite noise, enhanced machine reliability, and zero emissions without sacrificing performance and power.
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Halodi Robotics Using Ansys Simulation Software to Develop Humanoid Robots to Safely Work Among People
Halodi Robotics has announced it is using Ansys simulation software to develop its humanoid robots designed to work among humans in everyday environments. These robots will perform jobs such as patrolling buildings at night, stocking grocery shelves, and executing logistical tasks at hospitals. Humanoid robots can help alleviate the growing labor shortage, and free personnel to focus on tasks requiring high-level skills. Robots have typically been seen in factories performing repetitive, precise tasks. The most significant difference with humanoid robots is that they are intended to interact with the world like humans do. Safety is the most important factor for ensuring successful deployment. Halodi Robotics said its engineers used Ansys to develop motors with enough power to lift heavy packages in a warehouse while simultaneously being gentle enough to retrieve a laptop and hand it to a human colleague.
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