Robotics World

Quanergy Debuts Smart Lidar for Industrial Automation Uses

Quanergy Energy Systems, which develops OPA-based solid-state lidar sensors for automotive and IoT use cases, has announced the M1 Edge 2D lidar sensors paired with Quanergy’s QORTEX Aware perception software. The M1 Edge is an integrated software and hardware solution designed to collect, analyze and interpret lidar point cloud data for several industrial applications without requiring additional programming. The M1 Edge includes compact, lightweight lidar sensors with accurate sensing capabilities up to 200 meters away, broad 360-degree coverage, and angular resolution of 0.033 degrees for best-in-class measurement.

LattePanda has launched the LattePanda 3 Delta, “the world’s thinnest pocket-sized hackable computer,” with use cases that include IoT edge, robotics, AI camera-based applications, handheld devices, and Industry 4.0. The company reached its Kickstarter goal of $39,881 within the first four hours, but other options are available. The LattePanda 3 Delta uses the latest Intel 11th-generation mobile quad-core processor N5015, with up to 2.9 GHz burst frequency, and offering CPU speeds up to 2x faster and GPU speeds up to 3x faster than previous LattePanda PCs.

OnRobot has announced its software debut with the launch of WebLytics, a production monitoring, device diagnostics, and data analytics solution designed to enhance productivity and minimize downtime. Capable of monitoring the performance of multiple collaborative applications simultaneously and in real time, WebLytics gathers equipment data from both robots and tools and displays the data in easy-to-understand, visualized device and application-level intelligence. For end users and integrators, WebLytics not only eliminates manual data collection, but also provides actionable insights into how well a collaborative application is performing, offering live device diagnostics, alerts and preventive maintenance measures to keep costly robot cell downtime to a minimum.

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OhmniLabs Launches Lightweight Autonomous UV-Cleaning Robot

OhmniLabs, which develops autonomous mobile robotics, has announced the launch of OhmniClean, a fully autonomous robot that disinfects areas using UV-C light. At just 58 pounds, the OhmniClean is designed for use in hospitals, schools, hotels and other environments that require deep cleaning in high-touch, hard-to-reach places. The company said OhmniClean aims to eliminate the risk of bacteria and viral transmission, and can disinfect a 3,000-square-foot space in less than 15 minutes.

FANUC America, which supplies CNCs and robotics offerings for manufacturers and warehouse operations, has announced the new LR-10iA/10 robot, designed for machine tending and picking applications found in warehousing and logistics markets. The compact robot weighs just 46 kg, and can mount to a floor, upside down, or on an angle, the company said. The system can also be mounted to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or other mobile platform to accommodate a variety of repetitive tasks or automate machines that are standing idle. The LR-10iA/10 has a 10 kg payload and a large work envelope with a long reach of 1101 mm.

China’s XAG, which develops agricultural robots and artificial intelligence, has announced it will launch its V40 and P40 agricultural drones globally to bring digital agriculture to more rural areas that include aging populations and weak infrastructure. The XAG V40 and P40 are fully autonomous drones that can conduct mapping, spraying, and broadcast on farms. They are designed to support farmers’ transition to climate smart practices, driving growth with lower carbon footprints and less chemical usage, the company said. The V40 is the company’s flagship model, featuring a tilting twin-rotor unmanned flying platform to find the right balance between precision, performance, and efficiency. As an upgraded model of the P Series drone, the XAG P40 is more compact, flexible, and easy to transport with four arms.

Honda Tests Autonomous Work Vehicle at Solar Construction Site
Honda and Black & Veatch have announced a successful test of the prototype Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at a Black & Veatch construction site in New Mexico. During the month-long field test, the second-generation of the fully electric Honda AWV was able to perform several tasks at a large-scale solar energy construction project, including towing activities and transporting construction materials, water, and other supplies to pre-set destinations within the work site. While Honda said it previously performed testing with an earlier generation of the AWV, this field test was the first one to deploy multiple units working collaboratively to support construction use cases. View Video
Bealls Deploys Berkshire Grey’s Robotics to Speed Fulfillment Operations
Berkshire Grey has announced that Florida-based home goods and apparel retailer Bealls, Inc., has chosen BG’s robotic automation systems to handle expanding merchandise categories and fulfill orders quicker. The artificial-intelligence systems will be used to help increase the processing capacity and throughput needed to meet surging customer demand. The company also announced it has secured new orders of $36 million, representing $25 million in repeat orders from a blue-chip anchor customer, and $11 million from new companies, including Bealls. The orders increase Berkshire Grey’s total orders to date to $184 million, increasing its backlog to $113 million, its highest level yet.
DHL Deploys First Autonomous Forklifts in North America
DHL Supply Chain, which offers contract logistics operations and is part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, has announced the first U.S. deployment of autonomous forklifts in the warehouse. The implementation is the result of a strategic collaboration between DHL, Crown Equipment and JBT Corporation to integrate automation technology into a fast-paced third-party logistics (3PL) environment. The installation of indoor robotic transport is part of DHL’s Accelerated Digitalization strategy, and focuses on using autonomous forklifts for the most difficult and high value use cases in a pallet warehouse environment. The company said the installation aims to increase warehouse efficiency, workplace safety, and employee satisfaction.
Wisk to Display eVTOL Self-Flying Aircraft in U.S. This Week
Wisk, which is developing autonomous air mobility (AAM) technologies, will be displaying its fifth generation, self-flying, electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi during this week’s CoMotion LA event, November 16 through 18. The company said CoMotion LA will be the first time the company has displayed its eVTOL air taxi in the U.S. The company’s fleet of fifth-generation aircraft has been reserved exclusively for testing purposes, and has been accessible to the broader public only through flight videos and photos.