System Integrators News

Related Automation Industry News

• February 2024: Spark New Zealand, a telecommunications firm, is set to construct a data center in North Shore, Auckland. This initiative is part of a broader expansion strategy, where the company is not only building three 'large-scale' data center campuses in Auckland but also establishing a network of regional data centers nationwide. The total investment for this expansion is estimated to range between NZD 156-189 million (USD 95-115m).
• April 2023: The government of New Zealand announced the building of a data center worth USD 188 million in its Auckland air force base and is expecting to complete construction by 2025. Such initiatives are expected to provide more opportunities for the vendors studied in the market.

• May 2024: ABB announced the launch of an innovative new package, consisting of an AMXE250 motor and HES580 inverter, tailored for electric buses. The new propulsion package, designed to work harmoniously for a more efficient, reliable, and readily available solution for the industry, marked a significant leap forward in cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
• April 2024: Rockwell Automation Inc., the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, launched the FLEXLINE 3500, a new low-voltage motor control center (MCC) for IEC markets globally.
• April 2024: WEG launched its most efficient industrial motor, driving the energy transition. The W23 Sync+Ultra significantly avoids carbon emissions and moves the energy transition.

• July 2024: SATS, a Singapore-based food service caterer catering to the airline industry and airport lounges, forged a new partnership with Japan's Mitsui & Co. Both companies emphasized that this collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the parties’ food-value chain footprints across Asia. Building on a prior memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SATS and Mitsui, the newly proposed partnership seeks to "develop and grow their respective food and retail solutions businesses.
• February 2024: Conrad Maintenance, a cleaning firm based in Singapore, welcomed SoftBank Robotics Singapore (SBRSG) as a new shareholder. SBRSG serves as the Asia-Pacific headquarters for SoftBank Robotics Group Corp. This partnership marked one of the initial collaborations in Singapore, aiming to revolutionize cleaning services into a sophisticated facility management service branded as Smart Business Transformation (SmartBX TM). SBRSG is set to bolster Conrad Maintenance's efforts to digitize cleaning services. By harnessing robotics solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, it aims to provide efficient, on-demand cleaning services, driving innovation in the cleaning industry.

• September 2024: OrionStar Robotics introduced CarryBot, a logistics robot for microfulfillment centers (MFCs). CarryBot is meticulously designed to address the unique requirements of these compact and efficient logistics settings. Its transport capabilities, adaptability, and safety features represent a notable progression in warehouse automation, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in logistics and delivery.
• April 2024: Dematic announced the inauguration of its new office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic move reinforces Dematic's commitment to the Middle East and demonstrates its dedication to offering innovative solutions that cater to the specific needs of the local market.
• January 2024: Giant Eagle announced the opening of its first automated micro fulfillment center in Pittsburgh. This facility will stock various items, including center store goods and chilled and frozen products, to serve curbside pickup orders. To support the operation of the MFC, Giant Eagle is seeking candidates for several positions and will host an open house for interested individuals at the facility.

• July 2024: Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd and Ascendent Capital Partners ("Ascendent") announced the successful completion of their merger. This merger, involving Hollysys and entities affiliated with Ascendent, was executed by the agreement and merger plan dated December 11, 2023. The agreement was made between the company, Superior Technologies Holding Limited, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Superior Technologies Merger Sub Limited.
• May 2024: ABB Ltd won an order from Södra Cell to implement optimization control for the pulp and paper manufacturer's mill in Värö, Sweden. The project builds on the strategic partnership between ABB and SödraCell, with the ambition to develop new levels of efficiency, engagement and digitalization for the producer's operations. Södra Cell currently owns some of the world's most modern and high-tech pulp mills, and the ambition is to operate the mills even more efficiently and sustainably.

• July 2024: Vitro, a subsidiary of ePLDT and the data center arm of telco PLDT Inc., completed construction on its data center in Santa Rosa, located in the Laguna province of the Philippines. This 50 MW facility marked the country's pioneering hyperscale data center. Initially, Vitro plans to activate 10 MW, with the capacity set to scale up to 36 MW, spanning over 13,000 sq. m (139,931 sq. ft) of white space. The data center is slated to commence operations imminently.
• March 2024: Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) announced that it aims to commence construction on a data center in the near future, following up on a partnership established with US-based technology firm EdgeConneX (ECX) just under two years ago. The firms are currently in the process of determining the center's location and data capacity. The center is specifically tailored to support essential servers and IT networks.

• July 2024: Cubicure partnered with HARTING AG, a specialist in 3D Mechatronic Integrated Device (MID) solutions, to pioneer the 3D printing of Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) materials. The companies noted that previous attempts at 3D printing MID prototypes faced challenges related to resolution and material compatibility. However, this new technology promises direct 3D printing of LDS materials, boasting superior resolution and smooth surfaces. Furthermore, the printed materials can be effortlessly integrated into HARTING's existing LDS process, leading to notable time savings in producing prototypes and small series runs.
• April 2024: Formlabs unveiled Form 4, the pinnacle of speed and reliability in 3D printing. With its proprietary Low Force Display (LFD) print engine, Formlabs set a new standard in professional resin 3D printing. Boasting print speeds up to five times faster, the Form 4 enhances productivity, empowering professionals to embrace design risks and expedite their market entry.

• April 2024: Eureka, a leading innovator in home cleaning technology, announced the launch of its latest robot vacuum, the Eureka J12 Ultra, in Europe. With features including 5,000 Pa suction power, user-friendly cleaning modes, advanced obstacle navigation, and a convenient all-in-one docking station, the J12 Ultra is designed to provide efficient and convenient cleaning for households in Europe. The vacuum's dual side brushes have been improved from the E10s model to enhance edge cleaning effectiveness, along with an upgraded anti-tangling roller brush specifically designed for pet owners.
• February 2024: Roborock, a leader in home cleaning technology, introduced its newest robotic cleaners, the P10S and P10S Pro. These models represent a major step forward in automated home cleaning solutions. The standout feature of the flagship P10S Pro is its dual telescopic mechanical arms, which allow the robot to effectively clean edges and corners, achieving an impressive 98.8% coverage. This innovative design addresses a common issue faced by robotic vacuum cleaners, ensuring thorough cleaning in every corner of the home.

• July 2024: Chiaravalli Group Spa signed a distribution agreement with Wippermann jr GmbH for roller chains in the European market. This partnership allows Wippermann to enhance Chiaravalli's offerings with a broader selection of premium solutions. Chiaravalli will oversee the integration of Wippermann's roller chains catalog into its operations.
• June 2024: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, issued a directive concerning Precision Roller and Bush Chains, Attachments, and Associated Chains Sprockets. This new directive enforces the mandatory use of the Standard Mark on certain goods that meet Indian Standards. The directive outlines penalties for non-compliance and sets implementation dates tailored to different categories of enterprises.
• June 2024: CHAIN & Conveyor Ltd (manufacturer of Leaf Chain) partnered with Hoverdale UK Ltd to leverage its combined engineering expertise and global stockholding capabilities. This strategic collaboration aims to maximize benefits for its respective customer bases. By deploying joint engineering teams, both organizations will streamline the installation and servicing of customer assets. This partnership will enhance Chain & Conveyor’s extensive inventory of parts and ancillary components, expanding it to all Hoverdale locations both nationally and internationally.
• July 2023: TIDC India designs and supplies high-performance Leaf Chains to global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the Material Handling sector. These chains strictly adhere to international standards, including ANSI, BS, and DIN. TIDC India's Leaf Chains are considered to be a trusted chain in Europe and the USA. TIDC India continually enhances the performance of its leaf chains by emphasizing key design elements.

• August 2024: Leica Geosystems, a division of Hexagon, teamed up with Inova to deliver a diverse array of solutions tailored for contractors throughout Brazil. This partnership enriches Inova's offerings by integrating Leica Geosystems' cutting-edge machine control solutions, specifically targeting the heavy construction sector. With a strong presence in key Brazilian states like Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo, Inova is strategically positioned to distribute and provide robust support for Leica Geosystems' pioneering solutions, guaranteeing that clients in these areas benefit from the forefront of construction technology.
• January 2024: Sokkia unveiled its latest robotic total stations, the iX-1200 and iX-600, aimed at enhancing productivity on job sites. These professional-grade tools cater to surveying and layout needs in building construction and infrastructure sectors. Designed for seamless integration with field controllers, software, and GNSS receivers, these total stations form a comprehensive workflow solution. In addition, the system boasts the RC-PR5A remote controller, allowing users to swiftly reconnect the prism and total station directly from the prism pole.