Robots - Current State of Use and Production - December 2013

Google plus post  by Koen De Paus

https://plus.google.com/108487783243149848473/posts/HixYFP1ZZSc


yesterday (21 December 2013 we saw NASAs Valkyrie and many other bots compete at the DARPA Robotics Challenge! The challenge was a phenomenal success and was won by SCHAFT, which you can see in action in the video given in the above Google+ post.



In 2011, there are 1.15 million industrial robots.
Sale in 2012 160,000 industrial robots
Robotics industry : Market value$8.7 billion + $26 billion software, service and peripherals
View the presentation   http://www.dis.uniroma1.it/~deluca/rob1_en/01_IndustrialRobots.pdf



> Apple, Amazon & Google getting into robotics
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/industrial-robots/apple-amazon-and-now-google-an-exciting-time-for-robotics
> Google adds to its menagerie of robots
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/technology/google-adds-to-its-menagerie-of-robots.html
> Boston Dynamic showcase
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/dec/17/google-boston-dynamics-robots-atlas-bigdog-cheetah
> Meet the DRC teams
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/video-friday-darpa-robotics-challenge-trials-meet-the-teams
> DRC trials wrap-up
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/darpa-robotics-challenge-trials-results
> Matternet's package delivery drones
http://spectrum.ieee.org/podcast/aerospace/aviation/matternets-package-delivery-drones
> Amazon Testing Drone Delivery System
> Gaia Space Telescope Soon to Map the Milky Way [HD]
> Swarm; orbiting magnetism to light converter maps earths magnetic field
http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/at-work/test-and-measurement/orbiting-magnetism-to-light-converter-maps-earths-magnetic-field
> China's Jade Rabbit Moon rover sends back first photos
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25393826
> Astronaut chats with Kirobo
http://www.universetoday.com/107382/this-hilarious-conversation-with-a-space-robot-makes-kirobo-seem-almost-human/
> Robot dragonfly DelFly Explorer flies autonomously 
> NASA Unveils Valkyrie
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/military-robots/nasa-jsc-unveils-valkyrie-drc-robot
> Robonaut Legs In Motion
> The Cubli: a cube that can jump up, balance, and 'walk'
> BBC/NHK docu; Robot Revolution, will machines surpass humans (2013-05-04) Full HD 1080P

CNC Machines - 2012

The complete nano control enables all processing in
nanometers, from NC operation to servo processing.
This advanced machining control technology supports
next-generation ultra-precision machining.

http://wwwf8.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/cnc/english/product/pdfs/cnc_general-eng.pdf

Heavy Duty Presses

Since its establishment in 1948, Chin Fong Machine Industrial Co., Ltd., the largest maker of mechanical power presses in Taiwan, has developed a reputation for innovative R&D capability.

Chin Fong’s product portfolio includes servo presses, straight side presses, C-type presses, transfer presses, automated tandem press lines and heavy stamping presses along with a range of associated automation.


NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES
Since 2011, Chin Fong has released four new press models:
■ The new single point servo presses in the iLS/DLS series ranging from 80~300 tons
■ The compound link LF1 series for sheet metal forming and KW1/KW2 series for stamping-forging
composite processes
■ The knuckle joint long stroke KL1/KL2 cold forging presses ranging from 630 tons to 2500 tons
■ Warm-hot forging WF1 and WF2 series ranging from 400 tons up to 3000 tons.
The straight-sided, double point servo SDS series (from 400 up to 1000 tons) is due to debut in November 2012.
http://www.chinfong.com.tw/english/hotnews/2012ISMR.pdf



Sutherland Presses
http://sutherlandpresses.com/products/sp1-series/

Toyota Motors - Research and Development and Product Initiatives - 2013

Toyota and Lexus,  have 12 hybrid models here in the U.S., that’s helped us sell more than two million hybrid vehicles in this country, 70% of the hybrid market, and over five million hybrids worldwide.

As a result of our hybrids alone... approximately 34 million tons of CO2 emissions have been kept out of the air…and consumers have saved a lot of money at gas pumps.



Currently, the entire industry features 51 hybrids, 14 clean diesels and 11 electric vehicles.

automakers are collaborating daily with engineers, regulators and research institutions to offer more models with higher miles-per-gallon ratings, more hybrid and electric models, and developing plans to quickly increase their lineups of fuel efficient and sustainable vehicles.


In USA, 8 million workers and their families depend on the auto industry.  Each year, the industry generates 500-Billion Dollars in paychecks, and 70- Billion in tax revenues. (Source: autoalliance.org "Auto Jobs & Economics" section).

In 2011, automakers increased their R&D expenditures 15 percent, to 97-Billion Dollars. (Source: autoalliance.org "Auto Innovation" section).


 Toyota spends on average One-Million Dollars per hour on R & D



 the auto industry isworking for the continued development of “high-level assist technologies.”

These technologies actively manage the vehicle and help create a safer travel experience for drivers, passengers and pedestrians…and many have been around for a while.

Some of the first driver assist technologies include cruise control, anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control.

More recent features include:

Sensors to detect pedestrians
Radar to measure the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you
“Lane Keep Assist,” to help prevent drivers from straying from their lane

Even vehicles that can park themselves... with some help from its human occupant.


Source:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2013+society+automobile+engineers+lentz.htm