Automation, Controls and Technology News

While the prices of electric vehicles (EVs) have fallen, most remain unprofitable, according to a report by Lux Research. Facing pressure to reduce emissions from consumers and government, the automotive industry is turning to solutions such as electrified powertrains to reduce or even eliminate vehicle emissions. The Electric Vehicle Inflection Tracker: 2020 Edition, a recent report by Lux Research, argues that the attention of automotive manufacturers has been largely focused on producing profitable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that address issues of charging speed and range. According to senior Lux research analyst Christopher Robinson, “Consumers want to know, how far can...

The fast spread of coronavirus has made the urgent need for a vaccine undeniable. While vaccine development depends on many different factors, manufacturers can take anywhere from days to weeks to produce a single batch. As COVID-19 continues to spread, it's vital to find solutions to scaling up vaccine production. Automation technologies can assist in this process by making the production of vaccines quicker, safer and more efficient via reduction of manual errors. Digitizing Data Huge amounts of data are necessary to create new vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Honeywell's director of offering management, Joe Bastone, notes that “Not only is it...

Traditionally, robots used for industrial applications have been wheeled mobile robots or manipulators. Over the last few decades, self driving cars as well as robots inspired by the natural world (termed "bioinspired") have been making waves in robotics. While self-driving technologies face many hurdles to widespread adoption, bioinspired quadrupedal robots are revolutionizing a variety of industries. Bioninspired bots include humanoids, flying robots, bipedal bots, robots that mimic insects, and the four legged bots known as quadrupeds - the most successful type of bioinspired bot to date. Biologically inspired robotics offer solutions for many of the limitations of traditional robots, mimicking...

Italian 3D printing company Wasp has unveiled a new printer designed for concrete mortar extrusion. Having previously created printers designed to work with polymer/plastic, clay and massive mortar printers designed for structures, the new Delta Wasp 3MT can be used in industrial applications to produce smaller, concrete items. In addition to their line of printers, Wasp also produces a concrete replacement material called Gaia, a natural mortar made from rice waste and earth. According to Wasp, the 3MT's precision, repeatability and accuracy will aid users in creating complicated geometric designs. By replacing the time it takes for a concrete mold...

"WeAreCobots," the collaborative virtual exhibition and conference created by Universal Robots, will be held from June 16-18, 2020. The event will target a European audience, offering keynotes on automation trends, product news, and demonstrations hosted in five languages. The company says it is breaking new ground by offering a virtual event as Europe’s trade fairs are drastically altered by the coronavirus epidemic. From 10am-4pm CET on June 16-18, visitors can attend WeAreCobots free of charge.   Attendees across all industries are invited to learn, browse the online vendor booths and participate in talks with leading experts of collaborative robotics. In...