Category Archives: Robotics

Volkswagen is accelerating the pace to automate its electric vehicles for Chinese customers. CARIAD, a wholly owned automotive software company of the German auto behemoth, intends to set up a joint venture with Horizon Robotics, one of Chinas most serious auto chip developers, the company said on Thursday.

The German automaker plans to deploy around 2.4 billion to its cooperation with Horizon Robotics, a transaction thats expected to be completed by 2023 and is subject to regulatory approval.Following the deal, CARIAD will hold a majority stake of 60% in the JV. It wasnt until 2020 that China moved to ease the rules that had previously barred foreign companies from owning majority stakes in local auto firms.

The tie-up comes at a time of global chip shortage and surging semiconductor costs. A handful of automakers are already moving some of their chip production in-house to counter supply chain uncertainties. Chinas electric vehicle upstarts Xpeng and Nio have both assembled sizable teams to develop auto-grade chips, according to Chinese tech business publication LatePost.

The deal came just weeks after Horizon announced it had received a strategic investment from Chinas state-owned automaker Chery Automobile.

Together with Horizon Robotics, Volkswagen will be working on full-stack advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving solutions for the Chinese market. The goal is to drive forward the integration of numerous functions on one chip, increasing the stability of the system, saving costs, and reducing energy consumption.

The vision is reminiscent of Nvidias recently announced next-generation auto-grade chip thats designed to unify autonomous driving and in-car technologies. Its interesting to see Volkswagen forming close ties with a Chinese startup, while Nvidias state-of-the-art auto chip is widely recognized as the most cutting-edge in the industry. Given the escalation of U.S. chip limits on China, it wont be surprising that supply chain diversification is on the mind of VW executives. The question is whether Horizon can deliver something thats up to par with its American counterpart.

In any case, having an on-the-ground partner will likely help VW create more customized solutions for the worlds largest auto market. As Ralf Brandsttter, member of the management board of Volkswagen AG for China, remarks in a statement:

Localized technology development grants the region more autonomy to further expand its position in the dynamic automotive market. Cutting-edge technology comprising the full software and hardware stack, which the new joint venture will develop, will enable us to tailor our products and services even faster and more consistently to the needs of our Chinese customers. Teaming up with Horizon Robotics will allow Volkswagen to accelerate the development of automated driving solutions as part of our NEW AUTO strategy and drive the repositioning of our China business.

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Volkswagen to plough 2.4B into vehicle automation in China and form JV with Horizon Robotics - TechCrunch

In this weeks episode, we check in on some of our No. 1 picks. Our Big Three climate tech, space, and robotics remain our favorite sectors for 2023. In fact, if we were bullish on climate tech before, were ultra-bullish now.

While the summers skyrocketing gas prices are finally normalizing, OPEC+ is threatening to cut production and push energy costs higher again! Consequently, an OPEC+ production cut could inspire governments, businesses, and consumers across North America and Europe to hastily adopt alternative energy sources.

Indeed, there will be a massive shift toward clean energy adoption. That will provide enormous investment opportunities in solar, hydrogen, and battery energy storage (ESS) stocks. Thats especially true for energy storage.

Of course, there have been some developments in the robotics space that make us bullish as well. Tesla (TSLA) introduced its Optimus bot a few weeks ago. It isnt super-impressive, but it shows that the tech titan is all-in on robotics. And its not the only Big Tech company betting on automation. Amazon (AMZN) is automating its warehouses, buying robotics companies, creating at-home bots to monitor security This revolution has kicked into high gear, folks.

Speaking of spaces were excited about the space economy is expanding! Many of the space-tech companies were following are hitting milestone after milestone. Business and demand appears to be very strong.

Stay long and strong on the Big Three!

On the date of publication, Luke Lango did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.

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Energy Storage, Robotics, and Space Kick Into High Gear - InvestorPlace

October 13, 2022

UWMadison alumna Jo Ann Oravec is the author of a new book that explores how robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human lives, but also their unsettling dark sides.

Oravec earned her masters and PhD in educational administration from the School of Education, and holds degrees from UWMadisons La Follette School of Public Affairs and the School of Business. Currently, she is a professor in the College of Business and Economics at UWWhitewater in the Department of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management.

Drawing from science fiction, as well as dramaturgical, ethical, and legal literatures and corporate research agendas, Oravecs book, titled Good Robot, Bad Robot: Dark and Creepy Sides of Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, and AI, focuses on the impacts of initiatives to make robot interactions more human-like, and explores efforts by computer designers and software developers to consider the ethical implications of these technologies.

The book is a valuable resource for developers and STEM educators, as well as curious readers who want to play proactive roles in shaping future technologies.

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Alumna Oravec's new book explores the good and bad of robots - UW-Madison

Oct. 11With the help of a donation of Yaskawa manufacturing robots from Subaru of Indiana Automobiles, there will be a new course offering for the region. The partnership, which is made up of the Delphi Community School Corporation and Indian Trails Career Co-op, will be launching the new robotics and advanced manufacturing class in Delphi. The course work is part of a Next Level Pathways curriculum that will be established to serve the 6-county region.

Indian Trails Career Cooperative provides administrative and logistical support to the 11 schools, which include Benton Central, Carroll, Delphi, Frontier, North Newton, North White, Rensselaer Central, South Newton, Tri-County, Twin Lakes, and West Central.

"We are excited about the donations for the Robotics and Adv. Manufacturing career pathways," said James Stradling, director of Indian Trails. "While Delphi will be the host school for the program, if there are seats available, other schools in the coop may start sending students to Delphi for the program."

Indian Trails works to help schools to prepare students for a variety of careers; entry level right after high school, technical training or post-secondary education.

With the help of grants, Delphi Community High School will have the use of several Mitsubishi trainers that will help students with programming skills that are used in today's advanced manufacturing fields.

Additionally, students will be working on electrical, hydraulics, and pneumatics learning skills trainers. They will have the opportunity to learn among other areas, as well.

"I am excited to incorporate manufacturing into our curriculum," said Ann-Marie Circle, Delphi Community High School superintendent. "Through our manufacturing program at Delphi Community School Corporation, students will have the opportunities to learn about the field of manufacturing, learn skills to prepare them for jobs, and walk out of our school corporation prepared to transition into current manufacturing jobs in the community."

Other funding partners include the Carroll County Community Foundation and the Carroll County Redevelopment Commission. Once fully built, the class will offer a host of training opportunities to include coding, computer diagnostics, programing, and maintenance troubleshooting, as well as future curriculum implementation in Megatronics and micro-electronics.

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Robotics and advanced manufacturing classes launching in Carroll County - Yahoo News

JACKSON, Mich.The American 1 Events Center was buzzing in Jackson today with its biggest networking event of the year, the JAXPO Business Showcase.

With games and food, it had a little bit of everything.

Dozens of businesses and organizations were on hand today to showcase what they have to offer ranging from a school robotics team, nonprofits and local media.

FOX 47s sales team and Chief Meteorologist Brad Sugden were here for a meet and greet as well.

JAXPO is hosted by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce each year to showcase different companys insight, talent, expertise, products and service.

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Robotics, food and prizes were part of Jackson's annual JAXPO Business Showcase - FOX 47 News Lansing - Jackson

Advances in machine vision and learning made robots even more valuable at the end of the line, according to PMMI Business Intelligences 2022 report Robots and Cobots: An Automated Future.

These emerging technologies enable more efficient pallet stacking that does not require extensive reprogramming to change product type or configuration, for example. Cobots are also being deployed in transport packaging, especially as cobot payload capacities increase. These stronger cobots enable SMEs to more readily adopt robotics for applications at the end of the line.

PMMI Business Intelligences 2022 report Robots and Cobots - An Automated Future.

The result: a majority of CPGs now use robots at the end of line. The technology is especially useful for larger operations.

"We could not operate without our robots and cobots due to the numerous products and packaging patterns," according to a process and automation engineer at a leading beverage company quoted in the report.

However, participating CPGs in the PMMI survey predict that growth will flatten in the near future. Currently, 53% of surveyed CPGs use robots in end-of-line packaging, but those CPGs expect no change in that number in the next five years.

For cobots specifically, participating CPGs expect a decline over the same timeframe, from the current 18% usage down to 16% in the next five years. Two surveyed CPGs are currently using cobots but plan to discontinue use.

An engineering director at another large beverage company noted a full commitment to robots, saying all our lines across the U.S. are using robotics for palletizing; we arent using any cobots at this time.

Robots and cobots are currently used in palletizing to build efficient pack patterns, reduce palletizing time, minimize carton gap, and offer measurable productivity, reconfigurability and increased line flexibility.Other applications for these technologies include case/tray handling, labeling, inspection and material loading.

Getty ImagesRobot-based solutions are being applied to labeling operations in industries where labeling is of the utmost importance, such as pharmaceutical production.

Robot-based visual inspection of incoming bottles is analyzed, an appropriate label is printed, and that label is then applied by a robot to the bottle. The label is then inspected again to verify it matches the bottle when exiting the process.

By using this completely automated and robotic system, pharmaceutical manufacturers are able to accurately label products and efficiently verify that accuracy. This is an essential process that must be error-free at pharmaceutical manufacturers required to comply with DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain Security Act) regulations.

While autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) have been in manufacturing facilities for years now, businesses are increasingly turning to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for internal transport solutions. 82,000 AMRs shipped in 2021, with shipments predicted to reach over 600,000 by 2025, according to an article by Mobile Industrial Robots.

More adaptable, flexible and cost efficient than AGVs, AMRs are being used to navigate dynamic environments and transport a variety of items, from raw materials to finished products.

The newest generation of sensors and AI-driven data are making AMRs flexible enough to be easily redeployed and smart enough to navigate a facility without the need for guided wiring or magnets.

Source: PMMI Business Intelligence, "2022 Robots and Cobots: An Automated Future"

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Uses and Growth Predictions for Robots in Packaging - Healthcare Packaging

By Gopal Mitra, industrial segment leader at ABB Power Conversion

The modern warehouse runs on robots. The past few decades have seen significant advancements in robotics and logistics, allowing futuristic warehouses to take shape. Within the walls of these facilities, robots automate nearly every functionfrom shelving and packing to distribution, cleaning and more. These robots have improved efficiency despite ever-rising customer demand, helping businesses not only meet their goals but grow and improve.

Although robots streamline operations, they do not eliminate every logistical challenge from warehouses. When imagining an automated facility, one might assume it can run at full capacity around the clock. However, robots are not without their own set of needs. Just as human workers must sleep and eat, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AVGs) must charge. As such, optimizing when, how and where they draw energy for their batteries presents a significant obstacle for operators and engineers.

The wire problem

While industry is driven primarily by the ongoing pursuit of operational efficiency, the overwhelming majority of todays AMRs and AGVs in manufacturing and warehouses continue to rely on contact-based charging. Tethering robots to chargers presents more than one paradoxical challenge; while this method is effective and yields highly efficient charges, the prolonged downtime and need for human intervention associated with the practice are less than ideal for operators.

First, wired charging in automated facilities runs contrary to the purpose of the robots. While they do increase efficiency, AMRs and AGVs using contact-based charging are far from fully autonomous. They need a human technician to oversee the charging process. That technician must also maintain charging ports and cords, replace high-current contacts, and install new connectors as these elements degrade over time.

Furthermore, mobile warehouse robots can take as much as 30% of their service time to full charge. And that is often the best-case scenarioa scenario in which engineers have perfectly optimized the battery capacity and its power demands. The larger the power demands of the robot, the larger the batteries needed. While larger batteries allow higher charging capacities, their use results in heavier robots that require more power and take longer to charge. Its a vicious cycle, and its one without an easy resolution save for adjusting the overall approach.

Another option

Despite the widespread use of wireless charging for consumer devices like cell phones, the practice has yet to become commonplace in the world of warehouse robotics due to limitations with the technology. However, advancements in wireless-charging technologies may be bringing us closer to a wireless future.

Close-coupled resonant-induction technologies can offer highly efficient power transfers without cables, eliminating the primary obstacle to implementing wireless charging at scale. With close-coupled resonant induction, wireless chargers can deliver energy with 90% efficiency at distances up to a quarter inch away from the battery. Still, though, alignment will be a challenge. If improperly aligned, the energy lost during the process could be significant. While wired charging has lower energy-transfer losses than wireless options, this innovation helps drastically close the efficiency gap and represents a move in the right direction for those hoping to reap the other benefits of wireless charging.

This advancement opens the door for reimagined charging schedules that enable robots with high-duty-cycle batteries to charge while performing stationary tasks or during natural downtime in their routines. Once wireless charging is enabled at scale, robotic workforces can draw power to top up their batteries as they do tasks. This effectively eliminates the need for prolonged downtime due to charging needs, boosting overall productivity.

Additionally, the reduced need for precise docking makes human intervention in the robots processes less crucial to operations. At the same time, it improves safety for those human workers who need to interact with the robots, as wireless charging eliminates exposed electrical contacts. The result is a more efficient and safer warehouse. Close-coupled resonant inductions more flexible charging alignment may help bring the prospect of fully automated and intelligent facilities into clearer focus.

Whats standing in the way?

While mitigating hours-long charge times presents a significant opportunity for warehouse automation and efficiency, operators may not be making plans to go fully wireless. Even with close-coupled resonant induction, fully wireless warehouses still face some significant challenges. To make this vision a reality, power specialists will need to develop new infrastructure, and operators will need to retrofit their facilities to support top-up charging. Charging contacts will need to be strategically placed throughout the floor to enable robots of different sizes and with varied energy needs to draw power as they complete daily tasks.

Its no small logistical feat.

Meanwhile, robotics engineers will need to reevaluate their approach to robots power supplies. With top-up charging, batteries demands differ from those of batteries intended to charge to capacity on a regular schedule. While this approach will mean engineers may be able to use smaller, lighter batteries in some robots, there is always a learning curve to understanding the capabilities, demands and drawbacks of new technologies.

Finally, power engineers will need to continue to improve the efficiency of close-coupled resonant-induction chargers to better match that of wired connections. And it wont be easy. With the air gap in resonant-induction-coupling-based charging designs, localized heating due to stray currents, electromagnetic interference, and associated audible noise may prove difficult obstacles to overcome. Its a challenge that power engineers pursuing wireless-energy transfer are working on ardently, but have not yet achieved.

Still, the dream of highly efficient, automated, intelligent warehouses and manufacturing facilities is alive and thriving. The progress weve made is significant, and the great minds working behind the scenes to deliver this future show no signs of quitting. Every day, these robotics, power and logistics specialists are pursuing innovations that will get us closer to an efficient wireless world.

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Powering the next generation of robotic workerswithout wires - Smart Industry

This years International Manufacturing Technology Showmarked the first time that three of the largest robotics clusters from around the nation exhibited together as part of the United States Alliance of Robotics Clusters, (USARC).

The shared goal of all three clusters is to amplify the solutions that the emerging industries of robotics, automation and AI are providing to the US, with critical industries facing labor shortages, aging infrastructure and supply chain problems.

We want to help US SMEs reshore manufacturing, while showcasing our world leading technology innovations, says a statement from USARC.

During the six-day conference, robotics cluster organizations Silicon Valley Robotics, MassRobotics, and SATX Robotix, will showcase their respective cities globally recognized startups whose robotics and similar technologies are revolutionizing the automation, manufacturing, logistics and an array of other industries within the US.

Many of the technologies being showcased are solving global challenges and have gained international recognition.

Featured startups and related organizations:

The special USARC booth at IMTS 2022 was made possible thanks to AMT who recognizes and supports the advancement of robotics, AI and other applied technologies for the automation and manufacturing industries.

The USARC supports the development, commercialization and scaling of robotics for global good, working together as robotics cluster organizations, with our stakeholders and startups.

The USARC was founded by Silicon Valley Robotics, MassRobotics and Pittsburgh Robotics to enhance collaboration, communication and advocacy of US robotics clusters in an effort to strengthen global competitiveness.

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US Alliance of Robotics Clusters showcases at IMTS for first time - Robotics and Automation News

Robots have become so mainstream that theyre poised to become a driving force of future economies. Mordor Intelligence research shows that the global robotics industry will exceed $74 billion by 2026. Thats a CAGR of more than 17% over six years. Its also an indication that robotic disruption in the workplace is just a matter of time.

Disruption doesnt have to mean employee or consumer dismay, though. Against all the sci-fi warnings, robots have proven their worth as helpers and assistants. Far from being a menace to society, theyve brought us plenty of opportunities to do things fasterand safer. For instance, in the tourist town of Pompeii, a four-legged robot roams and protects. In major cities, last-mile delivery robots make getting goods more efficient and cost-effective.

Robots may be taking over the world, but in the best way possible. Robotic technology is sparking ... [+] innovation in several industries, including three you might not have considered.

So should we let go of our generations-long fear of robots? Experts like Jeff Wong say yes.

Wong, the global chief innovator of EY, sees the folding of robots into everyday life as a natural, welcome phenomenon.Im of the mind that robots will enjoy an increasingly symbiotic relationship with humans worldwide in the years to come, he explains on LinkedIn. Theyll work alongside us and will perform jobs independently that are becoming increasingly hard to fill, allowing employees and consumers to be more creative, strategic and productive, and less task-oriented.

Already, Wongs predictions are starting to come true. Robots are popping up in a variety of industries, and not always where youd expect. Below are some of the places where robots are adding value and opening doors to innovation.

Robots arent exactly fresh faces in medicinetheyve been around for more than three decades. Now, though, more healthcare systems and providers are exploring ways to leverage robots for surgical procedures. For example, American Hip Institute uses robots in their hip replacement surgeries.

But robots arent only getting a seat in the operating theatre. Theyre doing other tasks for healthcare workers and patients.

If you visit a larger hospital, you may see a robot delivering medications, equipment, and other items. These types of robots aim to take away busy work responsibilities for nurses and staff. As the maker of Moxi, a medical delivery robot, explains, up to 30% of nurses duties are just hunting and gathering. Having a robot deliver and fetch supplies allows frontline workers to spend time on more patient-centric concerns.

Another exciting use for robotics in medicine is the exoskeleton. An exoskeleton robot can be wrapped around a persons limb. The exoskeleton then gives the limb added strength. This offers opportunities for faster limb healing for patients. However, exoskeletons are being looked at as supportive devices for healthcare team members, too. When wearing an exoskeleton device, healthcare workers may reduce their chances of musculoskeletal disorders, according to the CDC. Fewer on-the-job injuries for nurses equate to better care for everyone.

Farming and agribusiness are physically demanding sectors. Many producers depend upon high-tech inventions to ensure higher crop yields and reduce pests. Take AI: Its starting to become a bigger player in farming. AI systems have the capacity to make reliable harvest predictions based on everything from drone images to unstructured data. And AI is only the beginning now that robots are becoming increasingly available.

Consider swarm farm robots. Theyre small, autonomous vehicles that can traverse fields rapidly. Though most iterations of swarm farm robots can only do a specific task, the possibilities for future adaptability are endless. And entrepreneurs around the world know it. SwarmFarm, a startup from Australia, nabbed $4.5 million in funding to promote the development of ag-bots.

Farmbots may wind up staving off international food instability by dependably locating weeds or planting seeds. As noted in The New York Times, the worlds population will nearly top 10 billion by 2050. Using robots may be one of the most practical ways to get the most out of the land in any given spot.

Robots may be peaceful in nature, but theyre affecting combat. Military drones, though not exactly robots per se, have been popping up for years. Drones can go places that military personnel cantor shouldnt. Theyre perfectly suited for reconnaissance missions and transporting materials. Underwater versions, like the Orca, can serve as unmanned scouts underneath the waves.

In training situations, robots allow military personnel to learn protocols. Combat robots move along the ground and can be programmed to go just about anywhere. After one successful training exercise, Major Cory Wallace noted the vast possibilities for these kinds of advanced robots: This validated the notion that if we assign the dumb, dirty, dangerous missions to the robots, we can re-assign our Soldiers to the high-priority complex missions and tasks..

Of course, military-based robots dont necessarily have to be on the offense or defense in a battlefield setting. It may be possible for robots to rescue injured soldiers or civilians in a real-world situation. A robot doesnt have worries when entering an active combat zone to pull someone to safety. The robot merely follows orders and serves, ensuring its a reliable companion for its team.

Healthcare, agriculture, and the military are just three of the countless industries where robots could have a positive, lasting effect. We just have to look beyond what we learned about robot intentions from film, TV, and horror books. After all, its turned out that robots may be important assets in leading humanity forward.

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3 Unexpected Industries Robots Will Improve - Forbes

BERLIN, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Volkswagen's software unit Cariad (VOWG_p.DE) will spend more than $2 billion and take a 60% stake in a new venture with Chinese technology firm Horizon Robotics, it said on Thursday, tackling two big challenges: software and the Chinese market.

The carmaker will invest $1 billion in Horizon Robotics and a further 1.3 billion euros ($1.26 billion) in the joint venture, with the transaction to be completed in the first half of 2023.

Together the companies will develop technology that can integrate numerous functions for autonomous driving onto a single chip that will be available only in China.

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The venture will mean Volkswagen has a supplier in each major region - North America, Europe and China - given its existing supply relationships with U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm and Franco-Italian STMicrolectronics(STM.BN).

In contrast to the partnership with Qualcomm, Volkswagen's software unit Cariad will play an active role in developing the chip technology with Horizon Robotics, and the know-how will be shared across the Volkswagen Group, the carmaker's China chief Ralf Brandstaetter said.

"That's why this cooperation with Horizon Robotics is deeper," he added.

Its part of a wider push by Volkswagen to strengthen its software offering and make its mark on the Chinese electric vehicle market, where it lags domestic competitors - notably BYD (002594.SZ) - and Tesla (TSLA.O).

Horizon Robotics, founded in Beijing in 2015, has supplied customers including BYD, Volkswagen's Audi, Continental (CONG.DE), Li Auto and SAIC, according to its website.

Investors include carmakers like BYD and Great Wall Motors as well as Intel.

($1 = 1.0283 euros)

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Reporting by Victoria WalderseeEditing by Madeline Chambers, Miranda Murray and Barbara Lewis

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Volkswagen to take 60% stake in $2 bln tech JV with China's Horizon Robotics - Reuters