It seems an unlikely thing that after decades of control technology advancements we are still confused about the nature of PLCs, PACs and IPCs. In one of the preeminent control magazines this month’s issue is consumed with the subject and presents multiple perspectives on the selection process and merits of the respective vendors. There are […]
October/November fundings and acquisitions
Ten more fundings of robotic companies (47 so far in 2015); three more acquisitions (bringing the 2015 total to 28); and an important strategic partnership all took place in October and November and are recapped below. UPDATED 11/30/2015: Adds the November acquisition of Blue Belt Technologies by Smith & Nephew for $275 million. Blue Belt has been working on,…
Locus Robotics Enters Warehouse Automation Race
Online retailers are increasingly relying on industrial automation to speed order fulfillment. Locus Robotics provides a mobile platform to aid warehouse workers.
Nearly 100M Consumer Robots Will be Sold in Next 5 Years
The next 5 years will set the stage for how robots could fundamentally transform our homes and daily lives.
Drone Registration ‘Will be Really Bad:’ Task Force Member
Future versions of the drone registration system will need a “reasonably sophisticated way of connecting a drone to its operator.”
Omnicell Buys Automated Pharmacy Firm Aesynt for $275M
Omnicell continued its string of acquisitions, buying automated medicine dispensary company Aesynt.
Drone registration Task Force makes 11 key recommendations
After the Task Force agreed that it was outside the scope of the Task Force’s objectives to debate or discuss the DOT Secretary’s decision to require registration, they undertook to develop and recommend a registration process that ensures accountability and encourages a maximum level of compliance. Here are their recommendations: Drones between 250 grams (.55…
CyPhy Works Takes to Skies Over Japan, the U.S.
CyPhy Works plans to open an office in Japan, which it believes will be the largest market for commercial drones.
The New Product Challenge
Large industrial product suppliers sell what they make. These companies became large because they provided equipment that many customers found useful. But as manufacturers become large, they also become bureaucratic. Ironically, new product development, the source of the company’s success in the beginning, becomes overwhelmed with complexity that causes lead time to market to […]
‘Rise of the Robots’ receives Book of the Year award
One of our choices for your summer reading, Martin Ford's 'Rise of the Robots,' won the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year award at a ceremony held last week in New York. Ford received a $45,500 check and gave a brief acceptance talk at the event. Media has been paying a lot of…
Tesla Autopilot Shut Down in Hong Kong
Tesla reportedly didn’t apply for regulatory approval of its Autopilot semi-self-driving system in Hong Kong.
Drone Task Force to Deliver Registration Report on Nov. 21
The registration system “will likely be released next month and go into effect shortly thereafter.”
Podcast: Talking Drone Safety with AirMap CEO Ben Marcus
AirMap is looking to build the air traffic management system of the future.
Robotics Startups Need Space to Grow, Says MassRobotics Chief
Massachusetts has the key ingredients for a successful robotics sector, but there are challenges, says Tom Ryden, executive director at MassRobotics.
More than 180,000 robotic cleaners sold on a single day
On Singles Day 2015, a holiday for the Chinese singles and youth market, Ecovacs Robotics sold $47 million worth of robotic products. Ecovacs only has three robotic products: a line of vacuum cleaners, a window cleaner, and a security and air purification device. Ecovacs Robotic’s Deebot robotic vacuum cleaners sell for between $180Â and $500 in…
Drone Registration Should be Tied to Operator: Task Force
The task force reportedly doesn’t see the need for unique registration numbers for individual drones. Instead, operators should fill out a one-time registration form, regardless of how many drones they own.
Marine Robotics Goes Under, Salvaged by Kraken Sonar
Newfoundland-based Marine Robotics has sunk, but Kraken Sonar Systems picked up its staff and a drone, and other AUV companies are doing well.
Hasbro’s Robot Cat Reminds Us to Visit Our Grandparents
The $99 Companion Pet Cat has motion and light sensors to respond to touch. It even has “VibraPurr” technology to replicate a “realistic cat purr.”
3D Robotics, DJI Add Geofencing to Keep Drones Out of Restricted Airspace
The two most popular consumer drone manufacturers have partnered with AirMap to add real-time flight restrictions to their drones.
DJI Drone Store Opening in China
The flagship retail store will be about 8,611 square feet, DJI’s biggest retail investment to date.
Parrot Bebop 2 Drone Doubles Flight Time to 25 Minutes
Parrot’s new Bebop 2 drone can also fly 37 MPH, up from the 24 MPH of the first Bebop drone.
Largest ABB robot ever 25% faster than high-payload arms
ABB now sells its highest-payload multipurpose industrial robot ever — the largest ABB robot ever — the IRB 8700. The robot has a reach of 3.5 meters and is capable of handling a payload of up to 800 kg (1000 kg with the wrist down; 630 kg with LeanID). Designed for the ultimate in uptime, reliability and reduced maintenance, the […]