Manufacturing Technology
Rockwell Automation | November 08, 2023
Rockwell Automation invests strategically in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund, focused on resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations.
The Industry 5.0 Fund promotes a transition from shareholder to stakeholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering individuals with technology to make informed decisions.
This partnership positions Rockwell Automation to gain early access to innovative technologies that have the potential to disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability while supporting startups at the forefront of digital transformation in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains.
Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has made a strategic investment in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund. The Industry 5.0 Fund, with an initial capital of $100 million, supports startups dedicated to advancing resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations. Switzerland-based Momenta launched the fund in cooperation with the EU Commission to promote research and innovation in line with the Commission's Industry 5.0 initiative. The fund aims to transition industries to focus on stakeholder value over shareholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering people with information and technology for decision-making. Targeting entrepreneurs in Europe and North America who are at the early stages of development and are at the forefront of the digital revolution in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains, the Industry 5.0 Fund will provide them with venture capital funding and direct value creation.
Rockwell Automation is an anchor investor in the fund, allowing the company early access to cutting-edge technologies that can disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability. The investment aligns with Rockwell's strategy for inorganic growth and provides valuable insights into next-generation technologies driving digital transformation.
Cyril Perducat, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Rockwell, expressed excitement about partnering with Momenta to support startups poised to disrupt the industry while expanding human potential. He emphasized the intrinsic benefits of adopting technology that benefits all stakeholders.
Ken Forster, a founding partner at Momenta, expressed his appreciation for Rockwell Automation's investment in their Industry 5.0 fund. He acknowledged that Rockwell Automation played a defining role in industrial automation and digital transformation within North America. Under the leadership of an impressive team, they had also been extending their global influence. Ken noted that Momenta's primary focus for the past decade had been investing in companies that drive industrial impact. He further mentioned that they couldn't have found a better partner for the Industry 5.0 fund than Rockwell Automation.
Read More
Pitney Bowes | October 11, 2023
Ambi Robotics and Pitney Bowes deploy AI-powered AmbiSort B-Series for efficient parcel sorting.
The collaborative innovation streamlines ecommerce logistics to meet evolving demands quickly.
The AmbiSort B-Series offers automation, reduced operating costs, and adaptability to various sorting use cases across the U.S.
Ambi Robotics, an AI-powered robotic sorting solutions leader for supply chain operations, and Pitney Bowes, a leader in shipping and mailing providing logistics, technology, and financial services, announced the deployment of the new AmbiSort B-Series sorting solution for middle-mile operations, enhancing productivity, accuracy, and worker safety in the logistics industry.
This AmbiSort B-Series is designed to reduce operating costs, automate sorting operations, and adapt to various use cases, including interfacility sortation, zone-skipping, and more. Ryan Hannon, VP at Industrial Engineering and Collaborative Innovation at Pitney Bowes, discussed the impact of automation on working conditions and the creation of new roles in the logistics sector.
Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, remarked,
The successful deployment of the AmbiSort B-Series is the result of strategic and collaborative innovation between the two companies. Pitney Bowes is the pioneer of the smart logistics future and has been at the forefront of transforming warehouse work to align with demands of constant ecommerce. This partnership serves as a model of collaborative innovation and sets a high bar for future of supply chain modernization.
[Source – Business Wire]
Building on their partnership that initially focused on last-mile operations, the AmbiSort B-Series accelerates parcel sorting in Pitney Bowes ecommerce hubs, addressing the evolving demands of ecommerce logistics.
This deployment spans Pitney Bowes ecommerce hubs across the U.S., reflecting the demand for enhanced automation in the logistics industry. As global parcel volume surpasses 161 billion annually, the adoption of automated solutions like the AmbiSort B-Series allows logistics and delivery companies to meet the growing demands of e-commerce quickly.
Stephanie Cannon, Senior Vice President of Operations Excellence and Collaborative Innovation at Pitney Bowes, emphasized the need to meet the demands of the current ecommerce. She mentioned the necessity to scale technological solutions rapidly to address these demands. Stephanie stated that Pitney Bowes collaborated with some of the most innovative companies in the industry to simplify B2C ecommerce logistics for their clients. She further explained that their partnership with Ambi Robotics enabled them to create a sortation system that addressed a specific requirement and swiftly implemented it across their ecommerce hubs, thereby increasing capacity for their clients in preparation for the peak season.
Read More
Manufacturing Technology
Honeywell | September 13, 2023
In 2022, 10 million EVs were sold with a growth prediction of about 35% for 2023.
The company is developing sensors to detect thermal runaway, through a partnership with Nexceris.
Honeywell provides the gear needed to fire and emergency services department to combat Li-ion battery fires.
Honeywell, a leading technology company, has created a range of ready-now solutions, addressing safety challenges across the EV ecosystem, from manufacturing to driving, designed to protect individuals and assets while detecting battery fire risks earlier.
As global electric vehicle sales continue to surge, with 10 million sold in 2022 and a 35% growth prediction for this year, safety concerns associated with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in EVs are on the rise. These batteries can pose risks of ‘thermal runaway’ incidents leading to severe electrical fires.
In situations where Li-ion battery fires occur despite detection efforts, first responders should be equipped to fight the fast-burning, incredibly hot flames. Honeywell equips fire and emergency services departments with the necessary gear to combat these fast-burning and intense fires effectively. This ensures that first responders are prepared to handle the unique challenges posed by Li-ion battery fires.
The safety focus extends to workers in Gigafactories, which are expanding with the growing demand for EVs. Battery assembly processes in these factories pose risks such as hand and eye injuries, exposure to toxic chemicals, electrocution, and arc flash events. Honeywell provides comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE), electrical safety gear, and gas detection technology for high-risk areas such as electrode mixing, drying, coating, and cell finishing within these facilities, ensuring the safety of the workforce.
The company’s battery safety sensors, integrated into EV battery packs, identify thermal runaway risks, enabling early warnings for passengers and compliance with international battery fire safety standards. In collaboration with Nexceris, the developer of Li-ion Tamer lithium-ion gas detection solutions, Honeywell is working on sensors to detect early indicators of thermal runaway in EV batteries. This proactive approach can help prevent property damage and driver injuries.
General Manager of Electrification, Honeywell Sensing and Safety Technologies, Victor Verissimo, remarked,
Electric vehicles are pivotal for a sustainable future of transportation, however, sustainability can’t compromise safety. Honeywell’s portfolio of solutions helps make the production and operation of EVs safer for all involved, helping to play a crucial role in making sustainable travel a reality.
[Source: Honeywell]
With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, safety measures across the entire EV ecosystem are essential. Honeywell's contributions in detecting and addressing battery-related risks are vital for the continued growth of the EV industry while ensuring the well-being of those involved.
Read More