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The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on healthcare systems globally, including the availability of rapid and accurate testing. The mobile lab is an ideal solution for borders, airports and hospitals - all important checkpoints to detect infections with the virus. It makes it easy to implement the best medical precautionary measures to provide highly effective, flexible and standard testing labs, meeting the public’s requirements for safe and fast testing.

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This highly intelligent process of artificial intelligence is supported by general purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) technology. AI-enabled, GPGPU-based high performance embedded computing systems are essential to pilot vehicles, ensuring greater safety for military personnel by placing more distance between them and the target.

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In the segment of pneumatically controlled actuators, the modular systems contain the industrially proven, multi-tooth guided parallel grippers PGN-plus-P and centric grippers PZN-plus, the price-performance-optimized universal gripper JGP as well as the long-stroke grippers KGG and PSH. Micro valves for actuating the pneumatic modules are already integrated into the Plug & Work adapters. In addition, there is the electric small components gripper EGP, the electric gripper Co-act EGP-C, certified for collaborative applications, as well as the flexibly usable SCHUNK EGH with a freely programmable overall stroke of 80 mm, a virtually ideal entry level gripper for cobot-supported automation.

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The role of AI in drone systems

Long gone are the days when armies would line up their soldiers in trenches as happened during World War I. Modern warfare is fought in the air, under the water and using advanced technologies that limit the need for “boots on the ground”.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming crucial in military technologies and it has in recent years revolutionised the use of drones. In this article, Martin Frederiksen, managing director at military embedded systems specialist Recab UK, explains the usefulness of AI in military drone systems. The latest operational intelligence is essential for the success and safety of modern defence missions. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, AI in military is projected to grow from USD 5.42 billion in 2016 to USD 8.70 billion by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.75 per cent. Unsurprisingly then, governments are speeding their investment in AI for the defence sector. One example is the US Department of Defence, which is financing a robotic submarine system that will aid in the detection of underwater mines. However, on land and in air, drones can prove highly useful for detecting and recognising targets, making military operations more accurate. Compared with conventional systems, AI-based military drones provide increased self-control, self-regulation and self-actuation of combat systems and are able to process larger amounts of data. Not only can drones process this data, but they are increasingly equipped with machine learning (ML) algorithms that can accelerate identification and recognition of objects, obstacles and personnel. This highly intelligent process of artificial intelligence is supported by general purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) technology. AI-enabled, GPGPU-based high performance embedded computing systems are essential to pilot vehicles, ensuring greater safety for military personnel by placing more distance between them and the target. GPGPU accelerated technology is also crucial in image processing applications, such as enemy detection, vehicle detection or missile guidance. The drone captures the real-time data during the flight, processes it with an on-board intelligence system in real-time, and makes a human-independent decision based on the processed data.

To ensure the drones operate at their highest capacity, they need to be equipped with strong computing capabilities. Recab UK distributes high standard rugged computing systems, developed by military market leader Aitech. One such product is the rugged Aitech A178 Thunder, which is a small form factor (SFF) GPGPU AI supercomputer that combines a rugged infrastructure with a SWaP-optimised design. Due to its compact dimensions, weighing only 5.5 lbs and measuring only 8.5” x 3.2” x 6.8”, the A178 is ideal for artificial intelligence applications in military and defence environments. The A178 Thunder is available with the powerful NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier System-on-Module that provides 512 CUDA cores and 64 Tensor cores, reaching 32 TOPS (INT8) and 11 TFLOPS (FP16) at a remarkable level of energy efficiency. The system combines the Volta GPU with an ARM 8-Core CPU, memory and many other processing elements and focuses on Deep-learning inference, which makes it ideal for AI applications. The product is also currently one of the smallest and most powerful Rugged-GPGPU AI supercomputer, providing the most advanced solution for AI, deep learning, video and signal processing. These features allow for better intelligence, more intuitive computing capabilities and increased system performance and help elevate AI into new depths of learned intelligence. Of course, a key consideration in the development of embedded computing systems on drones is the capacity for the GPGPU to work with a wide range of data inputs and outputs. It’s here that Recab UK’s expertise in military baseboard design and system development is imperative. The company has worked closely with many military and defence companies to develop increasingly effective systems to push the boundaries of defence technology. New technologies based on AI and strong GPGPU processing revolutionise the way we view warfare and defence. Enabling effective computing capabilities ensures that intelligence and defence operations are carried out in a safer and more efficient manner. From piloting vehicles to processing images and managing large amounts of data, AI-enabled drone systems are the future of modern computing. VIEW SOURCE:-  https://www.industryemea.com/news/34704-the-role-of-ai-in-drone-systems

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ROLLS-ROYCE INTRODUCES NEW MTU GAS ENGINE SERIES 500 FOR POWER GENERATION

Rolls-Royce is launching a new MTU Series 500 for power generation. With a power range of 250 to 550 kilowatts and peak efficiencies of up to 42.6 percent in this power class, the gas gensets offer a climate-friendly and economical solution for the industrial and utility sector in addition to other applications.

Top efficiency: Gas units enable efficiencies of up to 42.6%

Wide range of variants: 6R, 8V, 12V versions deliver outputs from 250 to 550 kilowatts

Sustainable: Aggregates and combined heat and power plants offer climate-friendly, economical solutions for utilities and industrial companies

Flexible: Products will initially be available for natural gas, and from end 2021 also for biogas

H2-ready: Gas units can be converted to hydrogen operation

Gas gensets and cogeneration plants can be ordered on the basis of 6-cylinder in-line engines as well as 8 and 12-cylinder V-engines for the 50 Hz market. In cogeneration, when electricity and heat are generated, efficiencies of around 90 percent can be achieved. In the 60 Hz market, the units will be introduced from mid 2021. "With the 500 series, we are offering our customers state-of-the-art products with which they are equipped for the future in terms of efficiency and environmental friendliness," explains Andreas Görtz, Vice President Power Generation at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “With efficiencies of up to 42.6 percent, low life-cycle costs and high availability, plant operators benefit from low fuel consumption and thus high yields”, says Görtz. The products will initially be offered for operation with natural gas, and from end 2021 also for biogas. In addition, the 500 series is H2-ready, which means that the engines can be converted to hydrogen operation at a later date.

Optimally controlled by MTU Module Control System

All gensets are equipped as standard with the flexible MTU Module Control System (MMC), a control system that can be customized to perform all important functions required for continuous monitoring and control of a complete customer solution. The MMC is located in a separate panel next to the genset. This allows the gensets to be integrated into complex systems such as microgrids and provides access to the global MTU service network. Ideal component for microgrids With their MMC control system, the 500 series gensets are ideally suited for use in a wide range of applications, such as in combined heat and power plants and also in complex industrial applications. Rolls-Royce offers its customers a comprehensive portfolio of energy systems that contribute to decarbonization - from simple storage solutions to complex microgrids that intelligently combine battery storage with renewable energies and diesel or gas gensets. A microgrid solution that combines heat and power from a gas genset such as the new MTU Series 500 with photovoltaics and a battery storage system can cut energy costs by over 40 percent compared to a conventional system, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Series 500 replaces Series 400 with more power and efficiency The new genset series replaces the previous MTU Series 400 products and, with the new gensets based on the Series 500, increases efficiency by about three percent and available power by over 30 percent. Spare parts and service will be maintained for Series 400 customers in accordance with contractually agreed terms. Series 400 products can be ordered until mid 2021 and series production will end in late 2021. View Source:- https://www.industryemea.com/news/34497-rolls-royce-introduces-new-mtu-gas-engine-series-500-for-power-generation

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This is time consuming, but often well worth it as larger companies have influence and can take advantage of economies of scale and can call on a variety of engineering expertise and organisational resources. However, when a smaller company engages with this corporate machinery, it’s often just as easy to be chewed up than it is to be successful.

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The Mireo is the new, eco-friendly and economical regional and commuter train from Siemens Mobility, which offers a comfortable and inspiring riding experience. The first fleet has been in operation since June 2020 in the Rhine Valley in Baden-Württemberg and over 180 trains have already been ordered in the meantime.

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Toshiba to Launch Subscription Service "Toshiba VPP as a Service"

Forecasting Service for Solar Power Generation and Electricity Demand.

Image of Electricity Demand Forecasts by “Toshiba VPP as a Service”

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (hereafter “Toshiba ESS”) has launched a subscription service related to virtual power plant technology (VPP*) that provides solar PV power generation and electricity demand forecasting as a service (hereafter “Toshiba VPP as a Service”) to electric utility companies and independent power producers in Japan. These services are applied to Toshiba’s weather forecast technology and use generation and demand data acquired in the past for highly precise forecasts, where it can be provided in a suitable way based on customer demand. The solar power generation and electricity demand forecasting in this service is realized by using an AI algorithm based on our business experience.

These services are provided as either a user interface (hereafter “UI model”) or application interface model (hereafter “API model”). The monthly subscription fees for solar power generation forecasting start at 200,000 JPY (approximately 1900 US$) per month, while electricity demand forecasting is from 400,000 JPY (approximately 3,800 US$) per month, excluding tax, with the initial setup costs varying according to the forecasting method. The UI model can be accessed and used by logging into the Toshiba ESS server using an ordinary web browser, and the API model can be integrated easily into existing electricity demand management systems. These highly accurate forecast services can be provided easily to our customers in a suitable way based on client needs.

Noriaki Kozono, Vice President and head of the energy aggregation business, Grid Aggregation Division, at Toshiba ESS, said, “We are honored to launch ‘Toshiba VPP as a Service.’ This subscription service can predict PV power generation and demand precisely and easily using AI. We would like to fulfil customer demands under an FIP**.”

By combining our know-how as an established energy equipment manufacturer with digital technology, Toshiba ESS strives to provide greater and higher value service as an “Infrastructure Services Company.”

Background of the “Toshiba VPP as a Service” Launch

Japan has been introducing renewable energy under an FIT (Feed-in Tariff); however, it is planned that the FIT will be replaced by an FIP in April 2022 with the assumption that renewable energy will become the main power source.

The power generator will be responsible for a planned value balancing system*** based on accurate predictions of power generation under the circumstances of the FIP after the FIT; therefore, they need to improve their prediction accuracy of solar power. On the other hand, accurate predictions of power generation are also necessary for retailers because it is expected that the imbalance cost**** will increase under an FIP system. In the past, these predictions have been performed by manual operation to input huge amounts of information based on the data of weather and power consumption, so it must become more efficient. Based on these situations, to fulfill customer needs, Toshiba ESS decided to launch a service which can predict PV power generation and demand precisely and easily using AI.

(*) A business model in which a customer must pay a recurring price at regular intervals for access to a product.

(**) Feed-in Premium: a method used when a power generator sells electricity at the market price with an added premium.

(***) In this system, power generation companies and electricity retailers adjust their power generation electricity consumption plans and results every 30 minutes.

(****) The retailer’s additional cost of electricity when the electricity power supply is short because of the shortage planned value at the time.

VIEW SOURCE:-  https://www.industryemea.com/news/34538-toshiba-to-launch-subscription-service-toshiba-vpp-as-a-service

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Sabine Erlinghagen CEO Digital Grid at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, stated: “A secure, efficient and reliable power supply is essential to our everyday life. This new control center will enable Egypt’s power grid to tick these boxes today, but will also adapt to future changes when incorporating new technology and energy sources. We are looking forward to supporting the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy’s vision to further digitalize the energy sector.”

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Advanced materials research has long been a critical piece of GE Research’s technology portfolio, responsible for countless innovation breakthroughs over many decades to improve turbomachinery efficiency and performance in both the power generation and aviation industries.

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The combination of Green Hills Software’s µ-velOSity RTOS, middleware, hardware JTAG probe, and world-class MULTI® development tools provides a single integrated development environment that is purpose-built for debug and optimization of heterogeneous processor

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Industry EMEA is the english-language technical portal for engineers. It presents the latest product and company news for the industrial market. takes the greatest care in preparing this website. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information given here. The user should also be aware that this information may be changed without prior notice.

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Comau has also integrated the lines with advanced vision systems to control the quality of the adhesive dispensing system, both during processing and at the end of the cycle. In order to optimize and speed-up inline tool changes, an articulated magazine system was designed to provide the robots with the different types of tools required to perform each application in a fast and easy way. For More Info Visit:- https://www.industryemea.com

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SINK HANDLING BECOMES A ONE-MAN SHOW

Duravit not only attaches great importance to visual perfection, but also to ergonomic handling solutions during production. Duravit relies on vacuum tube lifters from vacuum specialist Schmalz to pack its beautifully designed ceramic sinks, which weigh up to 35 kilograms, into cardboard boxes after production. This reduces physically strenuous work as well as illness-related absences.

“The well-being of our employees is very important to us. That’s why we constantly try to improve work processes in order to optimize them and make them more ergonomic,” says Andreas Lotz, Head of Final Production at Duravit AG in Hornberg located in the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemberg. The company works with renowned designers to produce custom bathrooms with the aim of improving the quality of living for users in a lasting way. The leading international manufacturer is active in over 130 countries worldwide and has around 6,200 employees. 600 of them work at the headquarters in Hornberg. Their product portfolio includes bathroom furniture, showers and bath tubs, wellness systems, shower-toilets and fittings, as well as accessories and installation systems. Their primary business area is sanitary ceramics. “We produce about 250 models in numerous variations of ceramic sinks, which can vary considerably in size and shape,” explains Lotz. During packaging for dispatch, an employee drives the sinks, which have been sorted and stacked, on pallet trucks to the packaging area. Previously, two employees removed the large sinks, which weigh between 20 and 35 kilograms, manually from the pallet without any aids and then packed them into cardboard boxes and placed them onto a pallet for further transport. Employees often manually lifted more than three tons by the end of each shift – “real heavy labor,” comments Lotz. Managers at the Hornberg site saw a need for action and focused on making work processes as ergonomic as possible. That was back in spring 2018. Learning from Experience “We already use vacuum handling devices from Schmalz in the grinding shop and for quality control, which allow heavy ceramic parts to be lifted, transported, and lowered ergonomically,” reports the head of final production. “We had no other choice since there was simply no room for a second employee.” And that turned out to be a good thing since both managers and, above all, operators were extremely satisfied with this solution. “We also decided to use a vacuum handling solution from Schmalz for packaging,” says Lotz. The Glatten-based vacuum experts located in the Black Forest recommended two vacuum tube lifters from the JumboFlex 50 series for this task. These lifters can handle loads of up to 50 kilograms ergonomically and at a high cycle frequency. The production manager first goes to one of the vacuum tube lifters and then picks up the control handle. “The employee can effortlessly lift and lower the heavy ceramic sinks using central two-finger control and then release the load intuitively,” he explains. “It’s very easy.” Depending on the shape of the workpiece to be handled, the vacuum suction cup can be exchanged using a quick-change system as standard. Duravit has a total of three different suction cups available for this purpose. The work instructions tell the operator which gripper is needed for which model. Since the workpieces are always delivered sorted by type, it is rarely necessary to change grippers. “The double suction cups are currently equipped with two bellows suction cups each,” describes Lotz. “The bellows suction cups adapt ideally to the surface properties and geometry of the sinks.” Smooth-Running Crane System Schmalz combined the two vacuum tube lifters JumboFlex with an aluminum crane system. This two-beam overhead crane system is also designed for loads of up to 50 kilograms and has a working area of 13 x 4 meters. It is designed so that the two jibs can meet the vacuum tube lifters in the middle of the crane system. The aluminum lowers the weight and the ease of movement allows the operator to work fatigue-free for an extended period of time. This ensures both a high working speed and high positioning accuracy. To make the working atmosphere more pleasant, Schmalz also installed the vacuum generator in a silencer box. This not only reduces the noise level, but also protects the vacuum pump from external contamination. Ideal for the Complete Line When employees move the different models, which are sorted by type and per pallet, to the packer, they pick up the sink with the first JumboFlex and then carefully place it in the appropriate cardboard box. “We can now handle around 90 percent of large ceramic sinks with the vacuum tube lifter from Schmalz,” says Lotz with satisfaction. For models with asymmetrical shapes, the employees still have to work by hand. Once they are packaged and sealed, the goods are then transported on a roller conveyor to the end of the packaging line. The employee then picks up the package using the second vacuum tube lifter and places it on a pallet. Depending on the sink model, the workpieces can have unwieldy formats of up to 50 x 140 centimeters. “The packager handles more than 100 sinks in one shift, i.e. eight hours, with the vacuum tube lifters,” says Lotz. A colleague picks up the pallet with a pallet truck and transports it either to the high-rack storage area or to the shipping department in the central warehouse. Duravit set a clear goal: To improve the ergonomics of the packaging process and thus protect the health of its employees. “Thanks to the vacuum tube lifters and crane system from Schmalz, we achieved an optimal result,” says the production manager with delight. The improved ergonomics have a positive effect on both the health and motivation of employees. Andreas Lotz is also enthusiastic about the cooperation with Schmalz: “Our trust was effective. We will definitely reach out to Schmalz again when it comes to ergonomic solutions for our employees.” View Source:- https://www.industryemea.com/news/33963-sink-handling-becomes-a-one-man-show

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The organization uses two container types, for letters and parcels, each worth a few hundred euros. Buffering only one roller container more than necessary in its 2,000 sites, has a drastic impact in investment of roller containers. The main issues Austrian Post faced during its search were the cost of trackers, typically at €100 - €200 each, and the lack of existing network infrastructure.