Rheinmetall and PolyCharge Form a Joint Venture in Europe to Commercialize Innovative Capacitor Technology

Innovation

PR Newswire | October 20, 2023

Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the launch of the FactoryTalk® Optix™ portfolio to enable industrial organizations to build versatile human machine interface (HMI) solutions that meet diverse customer requirements and adapt to evolving needs and technologies. Industrial organizations can now benefit from components designed for the development and programming of intuitive, easy-to-use industrial applications. The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio provides an open architecture along with options for design, deployment, connectivity and extensibility that empower users to create innovative applications. The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio is a gamechanger, said Guy Lopes, vice president of operations at Wulftec International. It is an open solution that offers flexibility with a future-ready approach, and it allows us to design more innovative equipment faster through multi-user collaboration, web-based design and testing, as well as integrated version control. The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio is a big plus for us and we are very excited to have it standard on our machines. The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio includes Rockwell Automation's HMI platform and remote access software, as well as Embedded Edge Compute Modules and a wide range of deployment options. FactoryTalk Optix software provides unlimited flexibility and efficiencies with object-oriented design, wizard-based workflows and pre-built libraries. Rockwell Automation is continuing to introduce cloud-based solutions that will dramatically increase productivity by providing customers with new capabilities that overcome limitations and improve multi-user collaboration and support evolving workflows, said Brian Shepherd, senior vice president, Software & Control at Rockwell Automation. In a world that's changing faster than ever, the best technology is designed for agility and the FactoryTalk Optix portfolio gives users choices and flexibility across the HMI solution lifecycle. The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio allows users to choose their own technology mix. For the first time, Rockwell Automation customers can use visualization software to design HMI applications that can natively work with both Rockwell Automation and third-party controllers and run it on their choice of hardware. Users can connect to a variety of third-party software, devices or systems using software designed for interoperability and full OPC UA support. Users also only pay for the features they need, reducing unnecessary spend on unused features. "Cloud infrastructure and software-as-a-service offerings are unlocking tremendous value in nearly every corner of the business world, and manufacturing is no different," said Craig Resnick, Vice President, ARC Advisory Group. "Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk Optix portfolio provides this value by helping to unlock new possibilities in the world of HMI through the cloud and on-premises. The portfolio is designed to help enable users to create more innovative designs and scale through seamless access to physically distant sites while also offering more flexible deployment choices, including dedicated graphic terminals and industrial PCs to support a wide array of applications." The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio includes five core solutions: FactoryTalk® Optix™ Software FactoryTalk Optix software is an HMI visualization platform that users can access from their browser or download to their computer. It delivers flexibility, scalability and interoperability and enables users to design and deploy an HMI that meets their needs. This new platform includes features such as multi-user collaboration, web-based design and test and integrated version control. OptixPanel™ OptixPanel graphic terminals are sealed HMI appliances that come pre-loaded with FactoryTalk Optix and FactoryTalk Remote Access software licenses. This means that the device is an all-in-one solution that's ready to run at first power-up. The pre-installed, closed OS reduces risk in implementation and maintenance. FactoryTalk® Remote Access™ Solutions FactoryTalk Remote Access provides secure remote connectivity, so users can view, assist, manage and troubleshoot from anywhere in the world. This allows teams to respond to needs faster and rapidly resolve production issues. FactoryTalk Remote Access quickly connects domain experts to critical issues, no matter the physical location of either, increasing responsiveness and reducing the costs associated with travel and asset downtime. ASEM™ 6300 Industrial PC ASEM 6300 Industrial PCs are available in box and panel form and allow for greater customization. Innovate with FactoryTalk Optix software and seamlessly deploy HMI solutions to the ASEM 6300 device that best fits customer needs. Embedded Edge Compute Module The Embedded Edge Compute Module provides a packaged solution for users to process visual data locally and remotely while maintaining the capability to grow and scale your system as their needs change.

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Robotics and Automation

Continental | September 11, 2023

Google Cloud and Continental collaborate to transform the automotive industry with cutting-edge AI-driven solutions. Integration of Conversational AI redefines in-car voice assistants for enhanced user experiences. The partnership promises accelerated innovation and cost reductions for Automotive OEMs as well as a safer, more efficient, and highly connected future. Google Cloud and Continental have joined forces to revolutionize the automotive industry. By merging Continental's automotive expertise with Google's data and AI capabilities, the two companies aim to create cutting-edge, user-centric automotive solutions. Their initial focus is redefining automotive voice assistants by integrating Google Cloud's Conversational AI into Continental's Smart Cockpit High-Performance Computer (HPC) with Android Automotive OS. Philipp von Hirschheydt, Head of the Automotive Group Sector and Executive Board Member of Continental, said, "By working with Google Cloud, we can accelerate our innovation and enhance our solutions for the software-defined vehicle. This collaboration will help our customers to reduce costs, improve efficiency, flexibility, and increase value for all." [Source – Cision PR Newswire] The solutions were showcased at IAA MOBILITY 2023 in Munich, introducing innovative ways for passengers to communicate with their vehicles using natural language powered by generative AI. Continental's Smart Cockpit HPC ensures efficient system performance and reduced costs for automakers, paving the way for enhanced in-car connectivity and user experiences. Behshad Behzadi, VP of Engineering at Google Cloud GenAI, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Continental, highlighting its significant potential. He also mentioned that the collaboration with Continental would enable the integration of Conversational AI technologies into vehicles, streamlining the process for automotive companies to harness Generative AI and develop innovative passenger experiences in cars. This partnership promises accelerated innovation, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and highly connected automotive solutions. Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) stand to gain significant cost reductions through streamlined processes, reduced complexity, and shorter development timelines, ultimately expediting the introduction of cutting-edge products. Furthermore, this collaboration is poised to enhance the overall user experience, benefiting drivers and passengers as they embrace the future of automotive technology and connectivity.

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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.

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