Event-Based Vision Approaches Commercialization, Says IDTechEx
The Future of Lawn Care: All About Robotic Lawn Mowers from Husqvarna
Rescue robot developed for disaster recovery in hazardous environments
SMPTE Webcast on On-Set Virtual Production Initiative to Showcase First Rapid Industry Solution (RIS)
Robotics innovator Createc to provide custom sensor integrations for Boston Dynamics Spot
PulPac reveals world’s first standardized Dry Molded Fiber Production Unit
Detection Technology expands the X-Scan T camera family
PulPac and TechTribe partners in industrial automation to develop standardized solutions for Dry Molded Fiber
Film Development Machinery Becomes Fully Operational at Toray’s Mishima Plant
Digital Twin Factory : tri-party technology agreement creates new dawn for architecture and infrastructure
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Japanese Manufacturers Cooperate on Development of Hydrogen Fueled Marine Engines
On April 27th, 2021, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., and Japan Engine Corporation formed a consortium of Japanese engine manufacturers to pursue joint development of hydrogen fueled marine engines for ocean-going and coastal vessels towards establishing a world-leading position in hydrogen engine technologies. With the growing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, marine engines are expected to transition to various alternative fuels in the coming years. Among the many alternatives, hydrogen is attracting global interest for its application in a wide range of energy and mobility industrial sectors as a fuel that offers zero-emissions. The companies are looking to develop technologies in the hydrogen value chain towards global expansion of this important alternative fuel. By cooperating on common fundamental technologies such as basic experiments and analysis on hydrogen combustion, materials, and sealing techniques, as well as classification society requirements, each company aims to bring hydrogen-fueled engines to the market by 2025. Kawasaki Heavy Industries will develop medium-speed 4-stroke engines, Yanmar Power Technology will focus on medium- and high-speed 4-stroke engines, and Japan Engine Corporation will embark on the development of low-speed 2-stroke engines. All three simultaneous developments will enhance the product lineup of propulsion and auxiliary (generator) engines for a wide range of vessels. In addition, a hydrogen fuel storage and supply system will be developed as part of the integrated hydrogen fuel system. By developing advanced hydrogen marine engine technologies based on the distinctive engines and quickly launching in the market, the consortium will contribute to the Japanese shipbuilding industry. Furthermore, the companies aim to revitalize the Japanese maritime industry and realize a sustainable society by promoting the uptake of hydrogen fueled engine technology for marine vessels.
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Allen Plastic Offering One-Stop Packaging Solutions With Its Horizontal Shrink Sleeving Machines
Allen Plastic Industries Co., Ltd, the total solution provider of shrink sleeve packaging offers shrink sleeve materials and applicators to the world. Allen Plastic will be showcasing its new product, Horizontal Shrink Sleeving Machine at upcoming industry events, including Taipei Pack 2021 in Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from Jun 23 to Jun 26. Inspired by the market gap of automatic machines for small containers such as lipstick, eyebrow, and pen, Horizontal Shrink Sleeving Machine with smooth setting shift is designed for these small-diameter containers and high–response electric components. It can also be customized to satisfy every client’s needs and PLC controlling system in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, stationery, and food industries. The machine is stable, durable and responsive, and is easy to operate and maintain, saving valuable manpower and improving overall production efficiency, which is especially critical in sustaining operation during the pandemic. Competitive Advantages: • Fully automated machine system • Programmable logic control • Suitable for various width range and label position application • Patented design and quality assurance (ISO 9001:2015, TÜV Rheinland and SGS certified)
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Toray’s Advanced High-Surface-Area Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane Modules Selected at Large-Scale Water Treatment Facilities Worldwide
Toray Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce that a large-scale wastewater treatment facility has started purifying water with Toray's latest UF membrane technology. The wastewater facility located in Wuxi New District, an industrial park in Wuxi, China, was built by GreenTech Environmental Co., Ltd., a leading provider of advanced membrane treatment solutions. GreenTech selected Toray's advanced high-surface-area HFUG-2020AN UF mode (hereinafter referred to as HFUG) for its unparalleled performance to meet China's stringent Class III surface water quality requirement and to offer significant cost reductions for the 34,000 metric ton facility. Keeping capital and operating expenses low by not drastically modifying existing configurations and increasing throughput is a goal of water treatment technologies today. On its durable Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane layer, the HFUG has a pore size of 0.01 micron, equivalent to one-fifth thousandth the diameter of a human hair, effectively removing suspended solids and microorganisms in the wastewater. Using the same proven membrane layer, Toray has applied proprietary fabrication methods to produce thinner hollow fibers while maintaining integrity and permeability. The thinner hollow-fibers in the HFUG result in an active membrane area of 90 square meters, a 25 percent increase than models with similar dimensions. Furthermore, the high-surface-area module requires less piping and valve components and an overall reduction of system real estate by 20 percent, significantly reducing capital costs. Since its commercialization in 2019, water and wastewater treatment facilities worldwide have adopted the new UF technology. In Idaho, United States, a water district selected the HFUG to treat up to 10,000 metric tons of sewage daily. In Poland, a industrial water treatment facility uses the HFUG to supply 7,500 metric tons of water every day. The HFUG is recognized for its superior operational stability, compact offering, and economic performance. As part of the Toray Group's Sustainability Vision and long-term corporate vision, Toray Vision 2030, Toray aims to use the HFUG and membrane technologies in RO, NF, UF, and MBR resolve global water challenges.
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What Brings Us Happiness? Panasonic Answered Through "Robotics for Well-Being" Webinar
▲ Panasonic's panel session with a theme of "Robotics for Well-Being" was held as a webinar due to the cancellation of SXSW 2020. (Image from Panasonic website) Due to COVID-19, the world's largest content festival, SXSW 2020, which was scheduled to be held in Austin, Texas, from March 13 to 22, has been canceled. However, as everything is being digitalized, on the morning of April 9, the "Robotics for Well-Being" Panel Session hosted by Panasonic was held as a webinar through the video conferencing service Zoom. The speakers of the session were Takeshi Ando, Head of the Panasonic Aug Lab, Ann Greenberg, CEO of Entertainment AI, and Harold E. Puthoff, CEO of EarthTech International. Each speaker commented on how technology can help business, science, and entertainment combine and create new solutions to make human's lives happier. They discussed how to understand reality and enrich experiences through "human-centered storytelling" and technical solutions. The session also presented how AI, robots, and human assist devices can bring happiness at the physical, emotional, and social levels. ▲ Takeshi Ando, Head of the Panasonic Aug Lab ▲ "Babypapa" for families with babies (Image from Panasonic website) Panasonic Aug Lab, which Takeshi Ando belongs to, is a division that researches ways to improve the quality of life using AI and technology. He introduced the works going on in this lab. First, Tomato Harvesting Robots and Delivery Robots that deliver goods while avoiding obstacles safely in hospitals, etc., were mentioned to explain that it is possible to improve productivity and efficiency through automation. Also, he showed a wheelchair for patients with cerebral palsy, which was conducted at Waseda University in 2010 by him. He said that it brought great happiness to patients and their families.Ando showed the graphs of GDP and life satisfaction in Japan and the US. In the graphs, GDP continues to rise, but life satisfaction remains the same or gets worse in both Japan and the US. So, "It is not just Japan's problem. It is a global problem. We need augmentation through automation with robots," he said. The word 'Augmentation' in the Panasonic Aug Lab is an effort to enrich life and add happiness. He also stated that well-being requires efforts in physical, emotional, and social levels.As a prototype that can bring well-being from all those aspects, Babypapa, was introduced. Babypapa is a robot developed for families with babies. It helps children who are alone to be bored, to observe facial expressions, take pictures of the most beautiful and precious moments, and improve social experiences. Ando explained that Babypapa makes it possible to share sincere and steady emotional sympathy without forcing communication. He also added that it is okay to use only one, but if three units are used, they can work together to create a better synergy effect."More than 700 ideas are coming out of the Panasonic Aug Lab, and about 20 projects are in progress. Panasonic strives not only for social well-being but also for individuals'. As COVID-19 isolated people and we are all in a physically and mentally debilitating state, it is time to develop new technologies using AI, 5G, and robots," said Takeshi Ando. ▲ Ann Greenberg, CEO of Entertainment AI ▲ Ann Nonymous™ advocates for a high tech-future as a virtual human. A pioneer of digital media who developed the democratization of media, Ann Greenberg first introduced her company, Entertainment AI (or Sceneplay Inc.). Entertainment AI is a smart content company that enables users to appear in content along with their friends and favorite creators and gets all participants paid through the automation of media creation. The automation could be done by using Smart Script, which is a tool that generates smart content. The smart content can be personalized according to the needs of users after micronizing the content and making every element cryptographically secure. Ann emphasized Hyper-personalization' and Human-centered Storytelling. Hyper-personalization can be realized through the smart content provided by Entertainment AI, and it changes depending on who the user is and what they want with any media such as live actions, animations, puppets, and even robots. And when it comes to Human-centered Storytelling, she explained that it corresponds to the ultimate goal of Entertainment AI and said: "We are all protagonists in the story of our lives, and anyone can be a creator." Ann introduced the prototype, Ann Nonymous, which is currently being studied at the company. She explained that Ann Nonymous is the world's first collaborative virtual human and influencer based on Entertainment AI's "Big Sister" platform. The Big Sister platform is contrary to the term "Big Brother," which originated in British novelist George Orwell's "1984." Moreover, she added that it advocates for a high tech-future with a human heart. "Technology will help overcome the limitations of social distance and communication caused by COVID-19. As the age of co-creation is approaching, it will be possible to create a society of more advanced technology by harmonizing robots and various creativity that humans can create," said Ann Greenberg. ▲ Harold E. Puthoff, CEO of EarthTech International ▲ To The Stars Academy (TTSA) is working on a lot of research to improve social well-being. (Image from TTSA website) Founder of EarthTech International and physicist of Stanford Research Institute, Harold E. Puthoff introduced himself as "a someone who always stands at the intersection of Biology, Physics, and Technology with passion for searching for solutions to impossible problems and opportunities where others see difficulties." Then, he cited the Casimir Effect, which is caused by the quantum-theoretic effect of vacuum, to explain that any new kind of energy source with potential will power micro-devices that assist humans in achieving harmony with nature and with each other, like Casimir force. Moreover, Puthoff explained Secure Communication as a technique that can be explained through quantum physics theory. The electromagnetic field that we are currently using in Wi-Fi or radio is affected by geophysical factors, plasma, water, etc., but as for Electromagnetic Potential of quantum physics, even electromagnetic shielding cannot be a barrier. He said that this new form of secure and private communication could provide stability in our lives.He then referred to the Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) developed by Stanford University as an example of the micro-devices mentioned above. This interface is a device that translates neuronal information into commands capable of controlling external software or hardware such as a computer or robotic arm. "Tapping, understanding, and manipulating brain waves and synaptic energy will enhance emotional, physical, and social human well-being," said Puthoff.Lastly, Puthoff introduced To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science (TTSA). He co-founded TTSA with Tom DeLonge, and many scientists are working to create a more advanced society and open new paths at TTSA. It focuses on collecting and researching anomalous data to develop technologies. In particular, its entertainment division aims to tell people complex and challenging scientific theories and techniques with easy and fun stories.
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Liebherr Container Cranes secures further megamax cranes orders for German Ports
Killarney (Ireland), October 2019 - Liebherr Container Cranes are pleased to announce that they have received an order for two megamax ship to shore (STS) container cranes for the MSC Gate Terminal Bremerhaven. The cranes which are due for handover before the end of 2020 have an outreach of 73 m (25 container rows), a backreach of 25 m, a span of 30.48 m and a lift height over rail of 51.2 m which makes them amongst the largest cranes sold by Liebherr and easily able to handle the world’s largest container vessels. MSC Gate Bremerhaven is a joint venture between EUROGATE and TIL Terminal Investments Limited, a related company of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, and which operates the berths and terminal facilities exclusively for MSC vessels. Earlier this year, EUROGATE placed an order with Liebherr for 6 megamax STS Cranes for their container terminal in Hamburg. The cranes will be delivered and handed over by the summer of 2020. In 2018, Liebherr delivered six similar ultra large STS cranes to the North Sea Terminal, Bremerhaven and have received an order for an additional four cranes, due for handover next year. The cranes for MSC Gate Bremerhaven will be the latest in a long line of STS cranes delivered to the Hamburg/Bremerhaven region and will mark the 22nd and 23rd large ship to shore crane delivered since the start of 2017 when the first two of five STS cranes were delivered to HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort in Hamburg. “Recent years have seen Liebherr establish and grow our presence at a number of different ports and terminals in the North Sea.” Says Gerry Bunyan, Sales and Marketing Manager with Liebherr Container Cranes. He continues, “We are delighted to be part of our customers’ success stories as they drive business at some of Europe’s largest ports. Liebherr Container Cranes takes great pride in building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with our customers and we look forward to building on our recent successes in the region.”
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CAM Strategies From OPEN MIND Make Ultra-Smooth Surfaces a Reality
Wessling (Germany), 16 September 2019 – OPEN MIND offers a number of strategies for high-precision processing as standard functions within it hyperMILL® CAD/CAM suite. hyperMILL® allows tolerances in the µm range and ultra-smooth surfaces to be created. This often makes reworking processes like secondary polishing or hand finishing obsolete. The “Surface Precision Mode” option achieves higher quality surface finish on machined surfaces compared to traditional methods. This capability is a standard feature within hyperMILL CAM software. Toolpaths are calculated using the actual part surface model (and not an approximated calculation model). This allows tolerances in the µm range and ultra-smooth surfaces to be produced. Indiscernible transitions A further component for high-precision surface processing is the “Smooth Overlap” function to improve blending between tool path regions. The cutter path has been optimized to generate a perfect, barely perceptible transition between adjacent surfaces or tool path regions. The user can easily control the smooth overlap parameters, if needed. Precise edges In order to improve the machining result for component edges, the boundary of selected milling surfaces can be extended during programming by using the “Automatic Face Extension” function. These adjustments are made with a selection within the CAM strategy. It greatly simplifies programming since users no longer have to switch to the CAD system to make these adjustments. As a modern and flexible CAM solution, hyperMILL® features options for highly precise processing in many of its standard strategies. This concept is being further expanded. Future strategies will enable increased manufacturing precision and improved surfaces with options for high-precision milling.
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RoboCup WM 2019: B-Human aims to regain the title
This summer, the football robots of B-Human are also playing for the World Cup. In Sydney, the team supported by CONTACT Software is now competing against the world's best teams to win the RoboCup World Championship again. B-Human - the team of the University of Bremen and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) - is the most successful one in the RoboCup Standard Platform League. In Australia, the reigning German Champion and Vice World Champion will fight from 2 to 8 July 2019 to bring the World Cup in robot football back home again. DEEP LEARNING This year a new robot version is being used for the first time: the NAO V6. Its computing power is many times higher than that of its predecessor and enables the execution of particularly sophisticated algorithms. However, the software that each team develops itself is decisive for victory. The declared goal of the RoboCup is to get closer and closer to the rules of human football. The game processes are becoming more and more demanding and require new algorithms adapted to the complexity. For example, the tournaments no longer take place in exhibition halls under constant artificial light, but preferably near large window fronts and thus under changing lighting conditions. In order to master these difficult conditions for machine image processing, B-Human is increasingly using deep learning methods. The Bremen team will present its scientific work on this topic at the RoboCup Symposium following the World Championships. TECHNICAL CHALLENGE In addition to the competition games, B-Human also takes part in the so-called Technical Challenge. This year's challenge is to locate the referee whistle correctly and as quickly as possible. In addition, the Bremen team will show how two NAOs lead a team colleague with "blindfolded eyes" - i.e. concealed cameras. "B-Human has been playing at a consistently high level for years and has already become world champion six times," says Dr. Roland Drewinski, Head of Marketing at CONTACT Software. "We keep our fingers crossed that this will also work in 2019."
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James Watt engine steams back to life with 3D-printed model
A team of University of Glasgow students have used cutting-edge construction technology to build a model of one of James Watt’s pioneering steam engines, two centuries after his death. Members of the School of Engineering’s JetX student society spent five months putting together a 3D-printed scale model of a Boulton-Watt steam engine. Their model, which is about a metre in length, uses more than 800 parts. The design builds upon the earlier adaptation of Oliver Smith’s drawing for a model-sized beam engine by John Fall. The result is the largest additively manufactured working model of this design which features over 150 3D-printed parts - a process which took 845 hours of printing in total, consuming more than 2.2km of printing filament in the process. While the original model was run on steam, the model uses an additional gear to move itself and demonstrate the engine’s range of motion at the touch of a button. The model will be on display at the University Library from Thursday 6 June as part of a public exhibition which explores Watt’s life, achievements and legacy. Watt was working as an instrument-maker at the University of Glasgow when, in 1765, he made improvements to a Newcomen steam engine, adding a separate condenser which made it vastly more efficient. His insight helped kickstart the industrial revolution and create the modern world. The library exhibition the latest in a year-long series of events at the University to mark the 200th anniversary of Watt’s death, which include a symposium and public lecture on the University campus today (Wednesday June 5). Also kicking off on Thursday is the 13th annual Glasgow Science Festival, which this year is themed ‘Glasgow STEAMS ahead’ in honour of Watt and will feature numerous Watt-related events during its run until June 16. Chris Triantafyllou, president of JetX, led on the design and construction of the model. He said: “The past five months have been very busy but we’re really pleased with the final model. The whole building process utilised a lot of design and prototyping practices we've learned throughout the years of developing jet engine models. “The University of Glasgow is rightly proud of its association with James Watt, and his legacy helps make it an inspiring place to study. We’re glad we’ve had the chance to contribute to the University’s 200th anniversary celebrations, and we hope that visitors to the exhibition in the library get as much enjoyment out of it as we do.” Professor Colin McInnes is the University’s James Watt Chair, Professor of Engineering Science. He said: “The JetX team have achieved something remarkable with the construction of this model, which is a fitting tribute to the vision of James Watt in this bicentenary year. “The engine is stunning, and credit to JetX for their imagination, dedication and diligence, not just in this project but also in their self-directed jet engine designs. The School of Engineering is keen to instil in students the importance of creative thinking in engineering, and JetX are a prime example of how creativity can inspire exciting new projects.” The award-winning JetX Engineering society is a club for jet engine enthusiasts, and provides engineering students with the chance to design, develop and build models of the types of engines used in the modern aerospace industry. Since the society was established in 2014, its members have successfully completed two sub-scale testing models which include real-time monitoring systems and formed a partnership with the University of Sheffield’s Control, Monitoring & Systems Engineering University Technology Centre. The Jet-X team’s model will be on display in the University of Glasgow Library on Hillhead Street from Thursday 6 June until the end of the year.
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Bucket manufacturer Lennéers chooses Hardox wear plate from SSAB for increased wear resistance and reduced weight
Swedish bucket manufacturer Lennéers uses Hardox wear plate from SSAB in all its products. Hardox abrasion-resistant steel enables Lennéers to deliver top-quality construction and agricultural equipment that is strong, light, and long lasting. Founded in 2015, Lennéers is a Swedish producer of construction equipment and, more specifically, buckets, for use in construction projects. While Hardox wear plate from SSAB is used in all Lennéers’ buckets, some 80 percent of its products also carry the Hardox In My Body certification. When a product is branded with Hardox In My Body, this certifies that it is made from Hardox wear plate and will therefore deliver unsurpassed wear resistance and impact strength, saving time and money down the road. Lennéers manufactures a total of 31 different Hardox In My Body-branded excavator, VA, sorting, cable and planning buckets. “Our customers demand equipment that will stand the test of time,” says Lennéers’ founder and managing director, Dennis Lennéer. “They also want it to weigh less to optimize fuel efficiency.” When products are exposed to tough conditions in the field, it is crucial that they are made from the best material. Lennéer believes Hardox wear plate from SSAB makes sense for customers from the point of view of both quality and cost. “A cheap product often doesn’t end up being cheaper down the line,” he says. “With this material we can guarantee that our products will last longer than competitor products that aren’t made from Hardox.” Habib Asgari has been working as a welder at Lennéers for about a year. He is responsible for welding and assembling the buckets. “Hardox is different to other materials because it’s so easy to weld. From a production perspective it’s a good material to work with,” he says. So far, the market has been positive to Lennéers’ products and business is good. Dennis Lennéer says the main success factors are his company’s ability to listen to customers and respond to their demands, along with the strength of the Hardox brand. “The customers didn’t choose us at first. It wasn’t until we implemented Hardox that business started booming. I would go so far and say that the sales have increased with 200-300 percent,” he admits. “Working with SSAB is a no-brainer,” he continues. “Partly because it’s what our customers want but also due to the product development support we receive from SSAB. This helps us select the right material and design the best possible products for the future.”
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CONTACT Software becomes partner of Smart Electronic Factory
CONTACT Software is a new partner of the Smart Electronic Factory initiative. In this network, renowned companies and research institutes develop solutions for Industry 4.0 and test them in a real electronics factory. The SEF Smart Electronic Factory initiative develops sample solutions for Industry 4.0. The members of the non-profit association design new applications for intelligently networked production and validate them under real conditions. The practical tests are running in the electronics factory of Limtronik GmbH and at Lenze SE. CONTACT Software is now contributing its expertise in digital twin, industrial analytics and product lifecycle management (PLM). "The Smart Electronic Factory offers ideal conditions for closed-loop engineering," says Ian Altmann, project engineer in CONTACT's Engineering Transformation Team. "Smart systems generate a lot of data that enables companies to draw concrete conclusions about product improvements." With the Smart Electronic Factory, AWS, Dürr, Limtronik, Lenze, Bosch Rexroth and many other partners have built up a networked machine park in which standards and solutions for Industry 4.0 are created. CONTACT Software will use this environment to enable a continuous innovation process based on its Elements platform. The Digital Twin Dashboard is the pivotal point for users. It combines all data of a plant or machine and is the starting point for performance and product improvements through visual analysis of the relevant operating parameters. Interested companies can inform themselves about SEF in the test factories or at the Hannover Messe 2019 (hall 7, booth D26) and be supported by the SEF’s members in their own digitization projects.
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Aerospace contract Manufacturer reduces cycle time with hyperMILL MAXX Machining
OPEN MIND Technologies AG, reported that its customer Concept Reality Inc. (Vancouver, WA U.S.A.) is increasing productivity and improving part accuracy using the hyperMILL® MAXX Machining finishing module for aerospace part manufacture. hyperMILL® CAM software from OPEN MIND enables revolutionary 5-axis strategies for fast, easy-to-use programming, resulting in reduced cycle times and high quality surface finishes. The integrated hyperMILL® MAXX Machining finishing module, a performance package of the hyperMILL® CAM software suite, is the CAM programming source enabling the use of conical barrel cutter technology to reduce cycle times over 90%. It is ideal for planar, ruled and curved surfaces often found in complex 5-axis components. hyperMILL® MAXX Machining offers three powerful modules for finishing, roughing and drilling. "On a recent aerospace project, the hyperMILL® MAXX Machining finishing process allowed us to increase our step down between tool paths by 12x when compared with traditional machining methods using ball nose cutting tools. This saved us 5 hours per part in finishing operations while reducing cusp height," said Mr. Chris Nunn, President of Concept Reality Inc. "We were able to deliver a higher quality part in less time ‒ a great benefit to our customer." The hyperMILL® MAXX Machining finishing module makes efficient use of machine and tool options in relation to surface quality and speed, by applying an innovative 5-axis tangent plane machining strategy and conical barrel cutters that use the functions of a barrel cutter and a ball mill simultaneously. A conical barrel cutter features a very large radius ‒ ranging from 250 mm to 1,500 mm. The large radius of the conical barrel cutter makes step-over distances of 6 mm and 8 mm a reality. It does not require switching cutters in order to finish adjacent areas such as rounded interior corners, and hard-to-reach areas can be machined in a highly efficient, secure manner. In addition to superb surface quality, the hyperMILL® MAXX Machining finishing process enables short production times, increased tool life, the use of fewer tools and it offers the highest degree of process reliability.
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NAVER and LG Electronics Agree on Joint R&D for Robotics to Apply NAVER LABS’ Location & Mobility Platform “xDM” to LG’s Guide Robot
NAVER today announced an agreement with LG Electronics (LG) to cooperate on R&D to apply NAVER LABS’ integrated location and mobility platform “xDM” (eXtended Definition & Dimension Map) to LG’s Guide Robot. The partnership between NAVER LABS — which is developing numerous future technologies, including indoor autonomous mapping robot M1 and Hybrid HD Map — and LG Electronics was initiated during CES 2019. xDM was first revealed at DEVIEW 2018, the largest developer conference in Korea. It combines the NAVER LABS portfolio of robot and AI-based technologies such as high definition (HD) mapping, localization and navigation with high-precision spatial data. Key features are self-updating 3D/HD mapping, precise indoor and outdoor positioning and context-aware location information based on real-time spatial data. It supports the development of future location-based services such as augmented reality (AR) walking navigation and autonomous mobility services that include autonomous vehicles, service robots and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The partnership aims at creating synergy by merging the xDM platform with LG’s Guide Robot in part because xDM can realize precise indoor autonomous driving using low-cost sensors and low processing power, allowing LG Electronics to enhance the operation quality of its robot. At the same time, NAVER LABS can further enhance xDM capabilities with data collected by LG’s Guide Robot. “NAVER LABS’ xDM platform is marked by the potential to be widely used for various future technologies such as autonomous driving and robotics,” said Senior Vice President Jinseo Roh, head of LG Electronics’ Robot Business Center. “With NAVER LABS, LG will not only continue to enrich the consumer experience, but will also contribute to the development of robotics. LG Electronics and NAVER LABS are discussing a larger partnership opportunity going forward.” “Reaching a synergistic agreement with LG Electronics on joint R&D at CES is one of the greatest accomplishments of NAVER LABS,” said Sangok Seok, the head of Autonomous Machine Group at NAVER LABS. “LG Electronics is launching various robots to generate innovation of daily life and, together with LG Electronics, NAVER LABS will continue to realize NAVER LABS’ vision to develop ambient intelligence technologies.”
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Mouser Electronics and Grant Imahara Explore Forefront of Cybernetics in New “Generation Robot” Video
Mouser Electronics Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest semiconductors and electronic components, along with celebrity engineer Grant Imahara, today released the fourth video episode in the Generation Robot series, part of Mouser’s award-winning Empowering Innovation Together™ program. In the newest video, Imahara tours the Cyberdyne Studio just outside of Tokyo to learn more about the company’s Hybrid Assistive Limb® (HAL®) — a robotic medical suit that combines human, machine, and information functionalities to restore or improve mobility. The Generation Robot series is sponsored by Mouser’s valued suppliers Analog Devices, Intel®, Microchip Technology and Molex. During the in-depth interview with Cyberdyne CEO Dr. Yoshiyuki Sankai, Mouser and Imahara explore the different uses for human-robot, or cybernetic, implementations. The video features a demonstration of how the HAL system supports and enhances a wearer’s mobility. Imahara also interviews a HAL patient to see and learn more about training in the HAL suit and relearning motor functions, as well as how the technology is improving the patient’s life. “The melding of human and robotic systems is the pinnacle of innovation,” said Glenn Smith, President and CEO of Mouser Electronics. “The technology we see at Cyberdyne Studio could forever change humanity, providing lasting solutions to physical impairments.” “This is us moving beyond working next to machines — instead, we’re becoming one with machines. HAL’s technology is tied to our own cerebral nerves so simply thinking about an action allows the technology to carry out the response,” added Imahara. Since 2015, Mouser’s Empowering Innovation Together™ program has been one of the most visible and recognized programs in the electronic component industry, featuring projects ranging from 3D printing objects in space to the amazing benefits of technologies that are Shaping Smarter Cities. For 2018, Mouser’s goal is to reach even more innovators around the globe with the Empowering Innovation Together™ program through the focus of how robots impact humanity.
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VisiConsult becomes a member of the NDTMA Management Association
VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions GmbH becomes a member of the Nondestructive Testing Management Association. The goal is, to provide insights about automation and digitization in X-ray inspection in the field of non-destructive testing, especially in North America. The Nondestructive Testing Management Association (NDTMA) has been around for 50 years. It offers members the possibility of open exchange about management, technical and regulatory information. Due to the relevance of these things for successful NDT management, members benefit from this communication. The north German family business VisiConsult is also part of the NDTMA recently and will present itself at the NDTMA Annual Conference 2019, which takes place in February in Las Vegas. A special focus will be on the explaining the “industry 4.0” concept and the potential of digital radiography. As a customized systems manufacturer, VisiConsult can bring in its experiences with high-end systems in the field of robotics, computed tomography and automation. VisiConsult has been represented in Atlanta since 2016 with its own branch. VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions GmbH is a leading manufacturer of high-quality digital X-ray systems and solutions. The family business is known for highest production quality (ISO 9001 certified) and reliable customer service. The main focus of the company are high-quality customer solutions, like automatic row control systems, computed tomography systems and roof mounted systems. Furthermore, the company is a leader in the field of public safety X-ray equipment, the mobile systems mobile check suspect luggage and defuse bombs worldwide. VisiConsult is proud to contribute to a safe world with its solutions. - The specialist for customized X-ray inspection solutions and automation VisiConsult is a family owned company located in Northern Germany and the leading specialist for customized X-ray inspection systems. To ensure the renown premium quality all products are developed and produced locally in Germany as turnkey solutions. This leads to cutting edge technology and a high flexibility. Being active in several fields like Non Destructive Testing (NDT), public Security and the electronics manufacturing industries VisiConsult offers a sophisticated product portfolio. The company philosophy is to solve the customer's inspection problems with tailored solutions combined with a premium post-installation service and support. More than 25 years of expertise in Automatic Defect Recognition (ADR) and image enhancement for a broad variety of industries combined with experienced engineers result in solutions that set new industry standards. VisiConsult is always looking forward to new challenges and is proud to be known as a reliable partner with sustainable products. Through an international network of trained representatives all around the world a reliable first-line sales and service network is spanning the globe.
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HGH Infrared Systems just manufactured the largest collimator ever built to test very long focal length cameras
HGH Infrared Systems presents IRCOL600/6000, the largest collimator ever built to test very long focal length IR and visible cameras. The French company developed and manufactured this collimator, which integrates high quality optical parts assembled into an autonomous and robust mechanical structure, in its Igny headquarters close to Paris. HGH Infrared Systems designs and provides IR test equipment, to universities, research labs, camera manufacturers and test centers around the world. The HGH’s IRCOL collimators series are used for the characterization and the performance validation of visible cameras, night vision cameras, goggles, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR imagers or even laser rangefinders. The company recently manufactured the IRCOL600/6000, a collimator of unprecedented performances, bearing witness to their innovation spirit. With a true optical aperture of 600 millimeters and a focal length of six meters, the IRCOL600/6000 is designed to test very long focal length visible & infrared systems, through the simulation of spatial frequencies up to 50 cy/mrad, and to assess the most demanding electro-optical systems with the highest resolution. Driven by the INFRATEST software, the IRCOL600/6000 collimator includes a DCN1000 blackbody and an ISV integrating sphere to cover a wavelength range from infrared to visible. Catherine Barrat, Head of the Test & Measurement department at HGH Infrared Systems, said: “The collimator is made of very high quality optical components, with exceptional sizes and weights: our technical team has successfully completed the challenge of integrating them, conferring excellent optical properties to a rather compact structure. The pioneering spirit of HGH’s team is once again demonstrated in this outstanding achievement in the domain of electro-optical test bench for IR equipment characterization.” HGH is exhibiting at QIRT (Berlin) next week, where they will showcase a new generation of blackbodies and their advanced electronic controllers. Meet them booth No. 14 for more information.
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VisiConsult digitizes X-ray inspection at a leading aerospace maintenance company with automated system
The XRHGantry is a roof mounted system with seven programmable axes. Throughput and running costs have been significantly reduced through the use of the digital technology. The flexible system design enables the XRHGantry to fulfill the most demanding test requirements. A special highlight is the tilting axis, which enables elliptical inspection of double wall welds to achieve a direct film replacement. Due to the extensive axes and a small focal spot a strong magnification is possible. The ultra-precise motors can be used to automate existing techniques into CNC sequences. Heavy parts can be moved in the inspection room with the mobile turntable or through the overhead crane. The newest customer, a so-called MRO operation, reconditions and repairs aircrafts after a certain amount of flight hours. This always includes a nondestructive testing of all safety relevant components. Smallest cracks or other defects inside the component can be detected and repaired. Aviation is the industry with the highest safety and quality standards. Therefore, the high-end X-ray systems from VisiConsult are used in those cases to ensure the integrity of parts like the high-critical turbine components. The Xplus image enhancement system ensures brilliant images with its proven certified image quality. VisiConsult is proud that the software meets the demanding standards of NADCAP, Boeing or Airbus. In addition to this installation, the system has already been installed in large quantities worldwide and is particularly well-known in the aerospace industry for the testing of composites and tube welds. Layout and dimensions are always adapted to customer requirements. VisiConsult as a solution provider has the philosophy that customers should not adapt their process to the system, but the other way around. Even in existing X-ray rooms, the roof mounted system can be easily installed as a retro fit. VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions is with 65 employees the leading manufacturer of high-quality digital X-ray inspections systems and is based in Stockelsdorf. The family owned company is known for highest quality (ISO 9001 certified) and reliable customer service. The company’s main focus is on high end solutions, such as automated evaluation software, image enhancement, computed tomography and robotics. The specialist for customized X-ray inspection solutions and automation VisiConsult is a family owned company located in Northern Germany and the leading specialist for customized X-ray inspection systems. To ensure the renown premium quality all products are developed and produced locally in Germany as turnkey solutions. This leads to cutting edge technology and a high flexibility. Being active in several fields like Non Destructive Testing (NDT), public Security and the electronics manufacturing industries VisiConsult offers a sophisticated product portfolio. The company philosophy is to solve the customer's inspection problems with tailored solutions combined with a premium post-installation service and support. More than 25 years of expertise in Automatic Defect Recognition (ADR) and image enhancement for a broad variety of industries combined with experienced engineers result in solutions that set new industry standards. VisiConsult is always looking forward to new challenges and is proud to be known as a reliable partner with sustainable products. Through an international network of trained representatives all around the world a reliable first-line sales and service network is spanning the globe.
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SecondHands project members present first robot prototype for warehouse maintenance work
Today the SecondHands project is presenting the first prototype of its collaborative robot (cobot) which will act as the main platform for testing and developing new technologies related to the maintenance and repair of automation equipment in Ocado’s highly automated warehouses. Ocado is a UK-based company and the world's largest online-only supermarket, delivering over 260,000 customer orders per week using a network of automated facilities called Customer Fulfilment Centers (CFCs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iogFXDWqDak SecondHands (https://secondhands.eu) is an EU-funded Horizon 2020 project aiming to design a cobot that can proactively offer support to maintenance technicians working in Ocado’s CFCs. This robot will be a second pair of hands that will assist technicians when they are in need of help. The robot will learn through observation and will augment the humans' capabilities by completing tasks that require a level of precision or physical strength that are not available to human workers. The SecondHands project combines the skills of world class researchers focusing on a real-world industrial use case to deliver: the design of a new robotic assistant a knowledge base to facilitate proactive help a high degree of human-robot interaction advanced perception skills to function in a highly dynamic industrial environment Together with its research partners École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Sapienza Università di Roma, and University College London (UCL), Ocado Technology is working to advance the technology readiness of areas such as computer vision and cognition, human-robot interaction, mechatronics, and perception and ultimately demonstrate how versatile and productive human-robot collaboration can be in practice. Here is a summary of the research contributions for each of the project partners: EPFL: human-robot physical interaction with bi-manipulation, including action skills learning KIT (H²T): Development of the ARMAR-6 robot including its entire mechatronics, software operating system and control as well as robot grasping and manipulation skills. KIT (Interactive Systems Lab, ISL): the spoken dialog management system Sapienza University of Rome: visual scene perception with human action recognition, cognitive decision making, task planning and execution with continuous monitoring UCL: computer vision techniques for 3D human pose estimation and semantic 3D reconstruction of dynamic scenes Ocado Technology: integration of researched functionality on the robot platform and evaluation in real-world demonstrations
