June 01, 2005
VideoRay Underwater Robot Aids United Nations in Tsunami Cleanup
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) rushed to Phuket, Thailand with Expert Training
(PRWEB) June 2, 2005 -- After the devastating Tsunami of December 26, 2004, it was clear that the destruction of human homes and lives was accompanied by significant damage to many of the region's natural resources, including coral reefs. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS - www.unops.org ) is coordinating the UNDP Reef Recovery and Rehabilitation Project in Thailand, along with the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC - http://www.pmbc.go.th/English/English.asp).
With the hazards and difficulties of extended human diving in this environment, a public tender was prepared to locate the best portable Remotely Operated Vehicle to assist divers and document the condition of reefs before and after reconstructions and to survey wreckage and debris in the water. UNOPS selected the VideoRay Pro III from VideoRay LLC, as the most proven, feature rich and cost-efficient ROV, and on April 15th an urgent purchase ordered was issued for one unit and training. Less than two weeks later the unit was in Bangkok, and within a month the training was completed.
Scott Bentley, the President of VideoRay LLC, and Steve Van Meter, the Hazardous Duty Robotics Specialist on leave from NASA, Kennedy Space Center, traveled to Phuket to train VideoRay operators including Niphon Phongsuwan, the primary Marine (coral reef) Biologist of PMBC, Lynsey Hill, the Technical Coordinator, Reef Recovery and Rehabilitation, Thailand, of UNOPS and David Marsden, a Professional diver for UNOPS. The three day training sessions included basic operations, maintenance including disassembly and reassembly of the unit, and operations from both piers and a large diving support vessel. "It is important for us to have the best scientific tools available to observe underwater specimens and activity" said Mr. Phongsuwan, describing the importance of the VideoRay to PMBC. "The video record and stills we capture with VideoRay let us document the status, growth, and change of living coral reefs."
"We need to get the tonnes of debris from houses, boats, and other man-made material which fell on the reefs removed as quickly and efficiently as we can, using mainly volunteer labor." Said Ms. Hill. "We're very excited about the use of VideoRay - a device that has no limits on depth, dive time, or the other physiological constraints we must live with when we dive. The VideoRay will check out sites before we dive them, and work alongside of divers during cleanups - saving us time and making us far safer and more efficient. And, with the ability to capture video and stills to our laptop computer, we'll have better documentation of our project."
Since the cost of the VideoRay was lower than anticipated for this capability, the UNOPS is considering purchasing additional accessories including a larger monitor, a water quality sensor and scanning sonar to make the underwater robot even more valuable to the project.
Pictures are available for download at www.videoray.com/Press_Room/UNOPS_photos.htm
or by calling 610-458-3000, ask for Chris Gibson.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:47 AM | Comments (0)
May 28, 2005
StarVision Technologies Secures Exclusive License to Star Identification Software
StarVision signs exclusive licensing agreement with Texas A&M University for star identification software.
College Station, TX (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) May 26, 2005 -- StarVision Technologies has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Texas A&M University for star identification software that enables satellites to autonomously determine their orientation with only the stars as their guide. The same software will allow those of us on earth to identify stars in the night sky with the simple click of a high tech pointing device; no star maps or telescopes required.
"This is a huge step for StarVision," explains StarVision Technologies President Michael Jacox. "Even as we worked to secure the license from A&M, StarVision was investing in development of autonomous navigation and star identification products. It feels great knowing that we've secured the exclusive rights to put this software to work and we intend to do so right away."
Already, StarVision has two products developed that employ the algorithms and ingenuity of the three pieces of star identification software. StarVision's advanced Star Tracker concepts will support more responsive deployment of spacecraft, and allow for more autonomous on-board calibration and adjustment to the space environment.
Dr. John Junkins, Distinguished Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, led the development the concepts behind the star identification software.
"This software is the result of collaboration between me and my colleague, Dr. Daniele Mortari. Dr. Mortari's contributions were instrumental. Along with our students, we have developed and tested a suite of software that rapidly identifies stars in the 'lost in space mode,' without any prior navigation information," Junkins explains. "The software operates on images from a star camera and within a fraction of a second identifies star patterns reliably, and automatically re-calibrates the camera if any changes occur due to long term exposure in the harsh space environment. This algorithm represents a significant breakthrough, because sorting through the tens of millions of possibilities makes brute force methods unattractive."
The same suite of software can be used for commercial applications on Earth to accurately identify stars even within our atmosphere. StarTagger, StarVision's handheld star identifier, let's anyone who can point at a star in the night sky identify constellations and find out just what star they're looking at. This invention makes it possible for anyone to immediately become a proficient amateur astronomer; the entire sky feels like a graphical user interface to access astronomy and space science information. The software that makes it all possible was developed by Dr. Junkins and Daniele Mortari, associate professor of engineering at Texas A&M.
StarVision Technologies is a high-tech spin-off from technologies developed at Texas A&M University. Housed in Texas A&M's Research Park, StarVision Technologies is engineering innovative new intelligent vision technologies that are extending the reach of our soldiers and improving commercial inspection. StarVision products support a broad range of applications, including defense unmanned systems, space systems, robotics, and consumer products.
Media Contact:
Joan Tatge
979-324-2247
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:14 AM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2005
VideoRay Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Purchased by Monterey Bay Aquarium
Underwater Robot to assist in Aquatic Husbandry and Specimen Collection / Environmental Monitoring at Monterey Bay Aquarium
(PRWEB) May 18, 2005 -- VideoRay announced that its VideoRay Pro III, has been delivered to Monterey Bay Aquarium, and has been hard at work! It has already been used for removing a 160 pound tuna from one of the exhibit tanks - with a giant green sea turtle that had attached itself to the fish.
After the VideoRay was delivered, VideoRay President Scott Bentley stopped by with Bill Martin, another VideoRay expert, to explain demonstrate usage and maintenance of the unit and some future directions, including the use of the unit with a scanning sonar, driven by a laptop computer, and internet operation. The VideoRay was flown in a huge exhibit tank that was closed for renovations, and a group of Monterey Bay Aquarium employees and volunteers took turns learning techniques for observing and collecting fish and other aquatic creatures.
The VideoRay ROV will allow the aquarium to react more rapidly when items need to be removed from exhibit tanks, without the delay and expense of mobilizing divers. It will also be used in the open waters outside the aquarium for observation and specimen retrieval, inspection work, and field investigation. Initial tests confirm that the VideoRay does not seem to bother or repel aquatic life, and its low cost and long "bottom time" makes it an ideal tool for scientific study.
Chris Gibson e-mail protected from spam bots
VideoRay LLC Director, Marketing
Phone: 610.458.3000
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:39 AM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2005
re2, Inc. Wins Sub-Contract to Investigate the Feasibility of Establishing an Experimentation Center for Electro-Optic Sensors in Western Pennsylvania
re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence) announced that The National Center for Defense Robotics, an initiative of The Technology Collaborative, in conjunction with The Pennsylvania State University's Electro-Optics Center, has selected re2, Inc. to conduct a six-month research study to determine the feasibility of establishing an indoor and/or outdoor Experimentation Center for Electro-Optic Sensors in Western Pennsylvania to assess the performance of various sensors on unmanned vehicles and other applications.
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 16, 2005 -- re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics, announced today that The National Center for Defense Robotics, an initiative of The Technology Collaborative, in conjunction with The Pennsylvania State University's Electro-Optics Center, has selected re2, Inc. to conduct a six-month research study to determine the feasibility of establishing an indoor and/or outdoor Experimentation Center for Electro-Optic Sensors in Western Pennsylvania to assess the performance of various sensors on unmanned vehicles and other applications.
re2, Inc. was selected to conduct this research due to the Company's extensive experience with teleoperated and autonomous unmanned systems, which require a multitude of sensors for automation. Such sensors include LADAR, RADAR, CCD Cameras, SONAR and FLIR cameras. The main advantage of having re2, Inc. perform the requirements study for an Experimentation Center is that the Company is not vested in any one sensing modality. A requirements study must remain unbiased, and re2, Inc. can provide the talent, experience and objectivity needed to conduct a successful research study.
"Not only are we proud to have been selected to lead this important research project, we are also excited about the potential addition of an electro-optics experimentation center in Western Pennsylvania," said Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of re2, Inc. "By establishing a state-of-the-art experimentation facility in the region, we will be able to improve our R&D and product development efforts, ensuring that the sensors that we employ have been thoroughly tested and proven before we integrate them into our unmanned systems."
"re2's project is a key first step towards establishing an integrated indoor/outdoor sensor experimentation center for unmanned vehicles that would enable the capture of standardized test data under controllable conditions," remarked Bill Thomasmeyer, President of the NCDR and Executive Vice President of The Technology Collaborative. "Such a center would be unique, would represent significant cost savings for the government, and would likely prove invaluable in helping form, grow, and locate robotic companies in the region."
About re2, Inc.
re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics with an emphasis on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). re2, Inc. has partnered with universities and industry leaders, such as Carnegie Mellon and Exponent, Inc., to develop and support robotic technologies. As a defense subcontractor, re2, Inc. has contributed to the development of mobile robotic technologies for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Army's Rapid Equipping Force (REF), The Office of2Naval Research (ONR), and The Marine Corps. For more information, visit www.resquared.com or call (412) 681-6382.
About The Technology Collaborative
Formed in December 2004 as the result of a merger between The Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse and The Robotics Foundry, The Technology Collaborative's mission is to help increase Pennsylvania's technology-based economy by developing collaborating industry clusters that leverage the region's world-class assets in Advanced Electronics, Cyber Security, and Agile Robotics. TTC is helping to create an ideal environment for business expansion by leveraging the region's existing high-tech base, and combining it with resources and support from local universities, private foundations, regional development organizations, federal, state, and local government, and industry. They enable regional economic growth by utilizing a "business friendly" environment to attract new companies to the region, help local companies grow, and foster start-ups. For more information, visit www.technologycollaborative.org.
About the Electro-Optics Center
The Electro-Optics Center was established as an enabler of electro-optics manufacturing technology. Established and managed by Penn State under an ONR MANTECH initiative, the EOC exists to serve the need for electro-optics manufacturing technology through development and execution of technical programs, workforce development at all levels, and transition of technology to production. The EOC has formed an alliance of industry, academic and professional organizations, and government resources, called the Electro-Optics Alliance, which helps the EOC to integrate technologies and capabilities to solve electro-optic manufacturing issues.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:29 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2005
International Federation of Robotics Hosts Groundbreaking Advanced Robotics E-Symposium
The Advanced Robotics E-Symposium will be held online on July 6 2005. Its international outreach, cutting edge topics and line-up of world-renowned experts already makes it one of the 'must-attend' fixtures of this year for organizations, academics, industries and government representatives.
London, (PRWEB) May 10, 2005 -- The International Federation of Robotics (IFR), in conjunction with e-symposium Ltd, are presenting the 1st International Advanced Robotics E-Symposium (AdRob 2005). It will be held online, on July 6 2005 and the entire web conference will be made available via a presentation archive which will go live 48 hours after the live event (for over 12 months).
This international web conference, co-organized by the IFR, aims at facilitating industry intelligence gathering and simulating knowledge sharing amongst members of the global personal, mobile and service robotics communities. The theme of the E-Symposium is "Current and Emerging Applications" and strategic partners of the E-Symposium include the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing and Automation (IPA) and EURON the European Robotics Research Network.
The purpose of the IFR is to promote research, development, use and international co-operation in the entire field of robotics and to act as a focal point for organizations, academics, industry and governmental representatives in activities related to robotics. Whilst the IFR’s annual International Symposium on Robotics supports this cause, it is the Advanced Robotics E-Symposium which can reach out to all corners of the world, enabling those who have limited time and travel budget to part-take in a world-leading event on specialist robotics topics form the convenience of their own working location.
IFR is the undisputed international robotics body and is the only International Robot Federation which annually publishes - in cooperation with UNECE (United Nations Geneva) - an extensive statistical analysis of the robotics market in the world. “With its international recognition and know-how, the IFR is now also responding to the rapidly growing market of non-industrial robotics by running this world-leading event which is expected to attract in excess of 1000 industry professionals from all over the world.”, says Herman Verbrugge, General Secretary of the IFR.
“Personal, Service and Mobile Robotics are rapidly gaining momentum and it is vital to establish a constant dialogue between the labs, corporations and suppliers to ensure dynamic growth of this emerging market.”, says Martin Haegele, Head of Robotics at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing & Automation (IPA) and Head of the Service Robotics Working Group at the International Federation of Robotics.
World-renowned speakers such as William Red L. Whittaker, Raja Chatila, Sukhan Lee, Martin Haegele, John Gray, Henrik Christensen, Joe Engelberger, Samad Hayati and others will share indispensable insights into Military Robotics, Robotic-Assisted Surgery, Human-Robot Interaction, Humanoid Robotics, Field Robotics, Mobile Robotics (UGVs, UAVs & UUVs), Service Robotics, Micro & Cellular Robotics, Personal Robotics, Space Robotics, Standards and more. Other exciting program highlights include round table debates on “Technology Transfer & Investment” as well as “The Mass Commercialization Challenge”. Case studies by leading sponsors such as Sony Entertainment Europe and Philips Research will also provide stimulating insights into the commercialization of robotics as well as market trends and developments.
Registration is free of charge. “The unique value of this international web conference is that it cuts down the travel-related expenses and time barriers usually associated with offline conferences”, says Val-Pierre Genton, Managing Director of e-symposium.
The high attendance levels are expected to create unprecedented knowledge-sharing from experts to delegates and vice versa. It seems that the E-Symposium covers every angle – not only can delegates attend high quality presentations from the convenience of their own working location, but they can also interact with their international colleagues via cutting edge web-based instant messaging technology. Delegates can even create private, secured ‘rooms’ to have closed meetings. With training and travel budgets tight or non-existent, this certainly is a relief for organizations, academics, industry and governmental representatives. “Our joint mission is to facilitate the gathering of industry intelligence and to stimulate international knowledge sharing”, says Val-Pierre Genton. Well, it looks like the Advanced Robotics E-Symposium 2005 does just that.
For more information and to register, visit the AdRob 2005 homepage at http://www.adrob.e-symposium.com.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:10 AM | Comments (0)
CoroWare and RoboDynamics Announce Robotics Integrator Partnership
CoroWare Inc. announces a partnership with RoboDynamics Corp. that promises to deliver cost-effective, reliable telepresence robotics solutions for mobile surveillance, asset tracking and mobile virtual meeting applications.
Bellevue, WA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) May 10, 2005 -- CoroWare Inc., an innovative systems and service robotics integration firm, today announced a partnership with RoboDynamics Corp. that promises to deliver cost-effective, reliable telepresence robotics solutions for mobile surveillance, asset tracking and mobile virtual meeting applications.
Under terms of the agreement, CoroWare will become a value-added integrator for RoboDynamics' MILO robotic platform, which CoroWare will use to offer mobile service robotics solutions to enterprise and public safety customers worldwide. CoroWare will deliver complete solutions to meet customers’ specific requirements using RoboDynamics' MILO platform, third-party hardware and software components, and custom-developed application software.
"Partnering with RoboDynamics has obvious benefits for our customers," said Lloyd Spencer, president and CEO of CoroWare. "Using a best-of-breed strategy, CoroWare can offer customers greater freedom of choice by selecting robotic platforms and components and delivering an integrated and tested solution that will meet their requirements, be cost-effective and perform reliably."
Adding MILO to CoroWare's set of solutions extends its solution delivery capabilities and further enables it to support its customers' initiatives, such as improving building security with mobile surveillance solutions and reducing operational expenses with mobile virtual meeting, mobile security/surveillance, and classroom solutions.
"As a result of this agreement, CoroWare will be in a stronger position to offer its customers advanced robotics solutions by using the open and flexible MILO robotics platform," said Fred Nikgohar, RoboDynamics founder and CEO. "By working with robotics integrators such as CoroWare, we look forward to addressing customers' requirements and strategic initiatives."
About CoroWare:
CoroWare is an innovative systems and mobile service robotics application integrator that delivers forward-looking solutions and services to help customers and communities realize their IT and business goals. CoroWare's experienced team of professionals delivers integrated solutions based on Windows, Unix and IBM midrange platforms and applications. CoroWare has depth of knowledge and breadth of experience in robotics integration, embedded/mobile system integration and market development. The company also designs and builds software for platforms that range from mobile handheld devices to mobile service robots. For more information, please visit www.coroware.com/.
About RoboDynamics Corp.:
RoboDynamics Corporation is a leading developer of robotic platforms and underlying technologies with heavy emphasis on R&D and a keen interest in various robotic applications including telepresence, security, personal assistance and personality development. Our goal is to develop technologies that enable third party developers and partner companies to create high-impact robotic applications using our underlying mechanical, electronic, and software technologies. For more information about RoboDynamics please visit www.robodynamics.com/.
Press Contacts:
Steve Genova
CoroWare, Inc.
503-722-5148
e-mail protected from spam bots
Sharon Haughey
RoboDynamics Corp.
310-477-2400
e-mail protected from spam bots
Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:09 AM | Comments (0)
CoroWare Joins Microsoft's Windows Embedded Partner Program
CoroWare Inc. has joined Microsoft's Windows Embedded Partner Program, a Microsoft initiative that helps partners market their offerings and helps customers find products and solutions based on the Windows Embedded operating systems.
Bellevue, WA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) May 10, 2005 -- CoroWare Inc., an innovative systems integration firm and mobile service robotics specialist, today announced it has joined Microsoft's Windows Embedded Partner Program, a Microsoft initiative that helps partners market their offerings and helps customers find products and solutions based on the Windows Embedded operating systems. CoroWare is the first mobile service robotics company that has joined the program.
"Windows XP Embedded is ideal for our development efforts and, in turn, for our customers because it's lightweight and optimized for networked applications," said Lloyd Spencer, CoroWare's president and CEO. "The Windows Embedded Partner Program offers us the resources that we need to build awareness for our products and get our message out to customers and potential partners. It's a powerful blend of proven technology and effective marketing."
CoroWare is using the Microsoft Windows XP Embedded operating system to power its mobile service robots, which are based on de facto standards, off-the-shelf hardware and proven software. By using standard off-the-shelf components, CoroWare's robotics integration team can help customers build robotics solutions at a fraction of the cost of projects that have typically required specialized parts. CoroWare is also the only mobile service robotics-focused developer in Microsoft's Windows XP Embedded distribution channel.
"CoroWare is a welcome addition to the Windows Embedded Partner Program," said Sue Wilenzick, senior marketing manager for the Windows Embedded Partner Program at Microsoft. "The company's experience in embedded systems and in designing and integrating robotics solutions using Windows XP Embedded makes CoroWare an exciting addition to the strong Windows Embedded partner ecosystem."
About CoroWare:
CoroWare is an innovative systems and robotics application integrator that delivers forward-looking solutions and services to help customers and communities realize their IT and business goals. CoroWare's experienced team of professionals delivers integrated solutions based on Windows and Unix platforms and applications. CoroWare has a depth of knowledge and breadth of experience in robotics integration, embedded/mobile system integration and market development. The company also designs and builds software for platforms that range from mobile handheld devices to mobile service robots. For more information, visit CoroWare at www.coroware.com.
Contact:
Steve Genova
CoroWare, Inc.
503-722-5148
e-mail protected from spam bots
Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:08 AM | Comments (0)
April 19, 2005
Maine & Asmus Announces First Intellectual Property Forum May 24th
Nashua law firm organizes forum to provide management techniques to technology companies.
Nashua, NH (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) April 14, 2005 -- Maine & Asmus, an intellectual property law firm in Nashua, has organized the first Forum for Corporate Management of Intellectual Property, a day long program scheduled for May 24th at the Sheraton Hotel in Nashua.
Attorney Vern Maine of Maine & Asmus reports, "The program provides panelists and attendees from Boston area technology companies the opportunity to present and exchange ideas on how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their IP programs." Patent attorneys will also present tips and techniques for better management of intellectual property matters. Internet demonstrations of search techniques and information sources are planned.
Moderator for the program is Gregg Fairbrothers, Founder and Executive Director of the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network (DEN) and Adjunct Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Panelists are from BAE Systems, Cell Signaling Technology Inc., Nuvera Fuel Cells Inc., Sepracor Inc., WNA Comet East. Additional panelists representing investors and directors of technology companies are being sought for a second panel.
Lunch is included in the $85 per seat cost. Seating is limited. Advance registration is required. Legal education credits are being applied for. Information and pre-registration is available online, or contact Attorney Vern Maine, Maine & Asmus, at 603-886-6100.
Notice: Maine & Asmus is a Nashua-based Intellectual Property Law Firm with a long-standing commitment to the New England business community. Maine & Asmus supports and promotes the effective use of intellectual property to meet sound business objectives. This is not a solicitation for engagement, but may be construed as advertising in some jurisdictions.
Approved for distribution by
Vernon C. Maine, Member
Maine & Asmus, Attorneys at Law
100 Main Street, Suite 2
Nashua, NH 03060
Tel. 603-886-6100, Fax 603-886-4796
e-mail protected from spam bots
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:01 AM | Comments (0)
Underwater Robot Keeps Divers Safe, Captures Detailed Video During Caribbean Refinery Inspection - ROV Assists Completing the Mission with Minimum Additional Cost
Ocean and Coastal Consultants, Inc. (OCC – ( http://www.ocean-coastal.com/ ) of Trumbull, CT is a recognized industry leader in civil, structural, coastal, and geotechnical engineering for waterfront structures. When tasked with inspecting an offloading pier at a Caribbean Refinery early this year, they started with standard Engineer-Diver techniques. However, due to safety concerns, making use of the Engineer-Divers was not possible.
Exton, PA (PRWEB) April 20, 2005 -- Ocean and Coastal Consultants, Inc. (OCC – ( http://www.ocean-coastal.com/ ) of Trumbull, CT is a recognized industry leader in civil, structural, coastal, and geotechnical engineering for waterfront structures. When tasked with inspecting an offloading pier at a Caribbean Refinery early this year, they started with standard Engineer-Diver techniques. However, due to safety concerns, making use of the Engineer-Divers was not possible.
Electronic Sales of New England (ESNE - http://www.esalesne.com/ ), a premier technology provider in nearby Old Saybrook, CT was tasked with finding a solution - fast. Mark Warren, a Principal of ESNE recommended a VideoRay (http://www.Videoray.com) Remotely Operated Vehicle for its portability, ease of use, and maneuverability in tight locations. He had a leased unit on the way to the site within 18 hours of getting the call.
Jeff Snyder of OCC was the engineer and ROV operator on site. He commented on the mission - "Despite the fact that we had a mid-level VideoRay - the Explorer model - and I had previously operated a Pro III model – I was able to get everything we really needed in a very short period of time.” We inspected almost the entire structure, penetrating through locations where divers could not have entered safely. We also inspected mooring dolphins away from the primary structure. When we had problems or questions, the VideoRay team talked us through them by phone."
To do the inspection, Jeff broke the structure into segments where the VideoRay was flown on the surface to a piling, where it submerged for the underwater inspection. A full video documentation was recorded. He was able to inspect 75-95% of the support beams and underside of the concrete deck and was able to determine the condition of the beams and concrete. He was also able to see a good sample of the "H" piles and the center beam to make their determinations about the structural integrity of the facility. Stan White, president of OCC commented further: "There's two aspects to doing a job like this right. One aspect is to understand what to look for, how problems develop and how they can be fixed - the engineering expertise our firm has worked years to develop. Another is stay on top of the right tools as they become available, and keep your people safe and productive.
The quick deployment of the VideoRay to solve a field discovered condition on this job is something we're proud of - and we're proud of Jeff for the way he pulled it off." Scott Bentley, the president of VideoRay, compared the development of ROV technology to the early years of computer development. "A popular misconception in the 1980s was that big computers were needed for 'big' computer jobs. Many people feel that way about ROVs - only big ROVs can do big jobs. We're now learning that smaller is better on inspection ROVs - VideoRays have the thrust, control, cameras, and accessories needed to inspect this site, which was very large and very complicated. Look for VideoRay to develop even more capable units in the near future."
For further information:
Jeff Snyder e-mail protected from spam bots
Ocean and Coastal Consultants
Project Engineer
Phone: 203.268.5007 Ext. 237
Chris Gibson e-mail protected from spam bots
VideoRay LLC
Director, Marketing
Phone: 610.458.3010
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:00 AM | Comments (0)
April 05, 2005
The Smithsonian’s National Design Museum to Spotlight Atair Aerospace’s Composite Parafoil as Part of Its “Extreme Textiles” Exhibition
The Smithsonian has selected Atair Aerospace’s (Atair AS) Composite Parafoil for display opposite the Wright Brothers’ 1902 flyer to contrast early to state-of-the-art textiles used in aviation. The exhibit entitled, “Extreme Textiles: Designing for High Performance” will be on view April 8, 2005 through October 30, 2005 at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City.
Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) April 5, 2005 -- The Smithsonian has selected Atair Aerospace’s (Atair AS) Composite Parafoil for display opposite the Wright Brothers’ 1902 flyer. This display will contrast early to state-of-the-art textiles used in aviation.
Atair AS’s ‘Cobalt’ composite parafoil is being displayed as part of the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum exhibit, “Extreme Textiles: Designing for High Performance.” Atair AS’s parafoils represents the state of the art in gliding parachute design. Also displayed will be a “Birdman Suit” constructed using Atair AS’s non-woven composite textiles and inventive manufacturing techniques.
Led by one of New York City’s own, Daniel Preston, Atair AS is revolutionizing the parachute industry with the development of composite textiles and manufacturing techniques. Atair AS is using its Composite Parachute Technology™ (CPT) to develop highly efficient, light weight parafoils with applications of great social consequence. Atair AS’s CPT is being implemented on autonomously guided parafoils for resupply, and unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance in IRAQ.
Atair AS’s autonomously guided parafoil systems were developed for the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC) to transition the Army’s current WWII-era low altitude, low accuracy, high vulnerability airdrop practices into the 21st Century. Existing airdrop methods expose air and ground troops to threat from insurgents’ inexpensive shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Guided parafoil systems can be likened to a smart bomb but for safely delivering cargo. Atair AS’s systems can be air dropped at up to 35,000 ft., autonomously glide over 30 miles, and land cargo within 150 ft. of a target—thus saving lives and protecting assets. Cargo for ground and special operations forces includes food and water, medical supplies, fuel, munitions and other critical battlefield payloads.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Preston will speak on Atair AS’s enabling technologies during the Museum’s May 12 symposium at Rockefeller University entitled, “Extreme Textiles: The Space Between Science, Technology and Design.”
“Extreme Textiles: Designing for High Performance” will be on view April 8, 2005 through October 30, 2005. For further information on the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum visit www.cooperhewitt.org.
Atair AS is a Brooklyn-based defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military and industrial airdrop techniques through its range of innovative autonomously guided parachute systems, UAVs, and composite materials. Atair AS is under contract with the U.S. Army/DoD to continue developing state-of-the-art autonomous GPS and INS guided parafoil/parachute systems.
For more information on Atair Aerospace, Inc., please contact Rick Zaccari at e-mail protected from spam bots, or visit Atair Aerospace’s website at www.atairaerospace.com.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:08 AM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2005
The Lighter Side of Nanotechnology
Grey Goos, the first comic strip for the nanotechnology community, has been released by NanoApex - one of the Internet’s leading resources for information about nanotechnology.
(PRWEB) March 30, 2005 -- Grey Goos (www.nanoinvestornews.com/goo.php), the first comic strip developed for the nanotechnology community, has been released by leading Nanotechnology portal NanoApex. The weekly cartoon, currently in its fourth episode, examines the lighter side of nanotechnology and brings a diverse global audience together through its wry, but relevant humor.
"Nanotechnology can sometimes feel intimidating,” said Grey Goos creator Joel Fisher. “We wanted to put a friendly face on the technology—humanize it, give people a chuckle.” Grey Goos has already generated some positive attention in technology circles. "The first time I saw the cartoon I immediately sent it to everyone in my office," said Jon Nowick, a programmer with HSI Technology in Chicago. "The humor is insightful enough for techno-savvy readers like me and light enough to hang on an office refrigerator," he continued.
The Grey Goos cartoon is produced by APOKOLIPSTIK, Inc., an entrepreneurial company dedicated to developing nano-age comic strips and graphic literature. This Nano-Comic is building a global fan base and attracting readers from the US, UK, China and India and is generating interest in Nanotechnology through humor.
About the Grey Goos Comic
In the Grey Goos comic, a group of "nanobots" dubbed “Grey Goos” have escaped from the National Transistor Assembly Labs. Each with a different technical specialty and a distinct personality, they end up in a New York City loft with Dorothea (Dot) Kalm and Globo Bill, a couple of “constructs” who also have escaped from the same lab. Meanwhile, scientists at the lab have created a nanocop they’ve named Blue Goo, whose job is to round up the wayward Grey Goos and return them to the lab. What happens next is "a lot of fun" said Joel Fisher. The strip is currently being offered exclusively by NanoApex, one of the Internet’s leading resources for information about nanotechnology.
To see the Grey Goos in action, visit www.nanoinvestornews.com/goo.php
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:10 AM | Comments (0)
February 28, 2005
Pittsburgh Robotics Company, re2, Inc., Awarded Research Grant
re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics, announced today that The Technology Collaborative, formerly the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, recently awarded the company a $200,000 research grant to develop a Sensor Stabilization and Geo-Positioning Platform for unmanned systems.
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) February 28, 2005 -- re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics, announced today that The Technology Collaborative, formerly the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, recently awarded the company a $200,000 research grant to develop a Sensor Stabilization and Geo-Positioning Platform for unmanned systems. Twenty-seven Technology Collaborative member companies and universities submitted proposals that were reviewed by the organization’s Technology Commercialization Advisory Board. Nine proposals were selected to receive funding.
“I am extremely proud that re2 was chosen as one of the nine companies to receive funding from the newly formed Technology Collaborative,” said Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of re2, Inc. “The fact that our peers in the robotics and digital community ultimately made the decision to select our sensor stabilization platform proposal is a testament to our team’s technical prowess and the future of the robotics industry in the Pittsburgh region.”
The Technology Collaborative is an economic development organization, which is the direct result of the merger between the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse and the Robotics Foundry. The Technology Collaborative’s mission is to help create Pennsylvania's new economy by developing collaborating clusters that leverage the region's world-class assets in Robotics, Advanced Electronics, and Cyber Security.
“The response to our most recent research solicitation was overwhelming, and the expanding digital and robotics industry involvement was a tribute to the vitality in the region,” said Dr. Charles D. Brandt, Chief Technology Officer for The Technology Collaborative. “We look forward to working with re2 as we continue our efforts to establish a thriving robotics industry in Pennsylvania.”
About re2, Inc.
re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics with an emphasis on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). re2, Inc. has partnered with universities and industry leaders, such as Carnegie Mellon and Exponent, Inc., to develop and support robotic technologies. As a defense subcontractor, re2, Inc. has contributed to the development of mobile robotic technologies for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF), The Office of Naval Research (ONR), and The Marine Corps. For more information, visit www.resquared.com or call (412)681-6382
About The Technology Collaborative
The Technology Collaborative is a non-profit economic development organization whose mission is to help create Pennsylvania’s new economy by developing synergistic clusters that leverage the region’s world-class assets in Robotics, Advanced Electronics, Cyber Security and other digital technologies. For more information, visit www.techcollaborative.org
re2, Inc. Media Contact
Jessica Jordan Pedersen
(412) 681-6382
Posted by Industrial at 01:25 AM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2005
Robotic Work Cell Manufacturer Finds Encompix ETO ERP Solution
Systematix Inc. (www.systematix-inc.com) is located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, the "Technology Triangle" of Ontario, with excellent Universities and a multitude of high tech supporting industries within minutes of the corporate manufacturing facility.
(PRWEB) February 26, 2005 -- Systematix Inc. (www.systematix-inc.com) is located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, the "Technology Triangle" of Ontario, with excellent Universities and a multitude of high tech supporting industries within minutes of the corporate manufacturing facility. Systematix has manufactured, installed, and serviced complex factory automation systems for customers in many areas of North America, and around the world.
Recently, the world class designer and manufacturer of factory automation machinery, including specialty robotic assembly and test systems for the plastic, electronic, window/door and automotive industries since 1988 selected new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) technology to maintain their position as an industry leader.
The robotics division of Systematix utilizes six axis, SCARA and Cartesian robots in a wide variety of applications from automotive to medical. Typical uses include part handling between multiple machining centers and reducing the tooling needs by adding flexibility in robotic mounting.
Systematix provides turnkey solutions to satisfy our customers' most difficult challenges since innovative designs are uniquely utilized. This ETO (Engineer-to-Order) environment created a technology selection challenge for the company, since many ERP vendors claiming to address the ETO market have not managed to do so.
According to TR Cutler, spokesperson for the ETO Institute (www.etoinstitute.org), “The challenges that Systematix face as an engineer-to-order manufacturers are not unique. Finding technology solutions that claim ETO functionality is not always validated. Only a few vendors actually understand and provide appropriate answers for the ETO sector. Their eventual selection makes great sense.”
After careful consideration the Canadian Robotic firm selected Encompix ETO ERP. Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects our commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing.
Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.
Posted by Industrial at 07:24 PM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2005
AValonRF Presents and demonstrates it’s Rugged PDA
Integrated Wireless Link and GPS at the AUVSI meeting in San Diego
AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s “no moving part it’s Rugged PDA with Integrated Wireless Link and GPS, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 18, 2005 -- AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s Rugged PDA with Integrated Wireless Link and GPS, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005.
The coming AUVSI meeting in San Diego offers the opportunity for AvalonRF to demonstrate file transfer between two V38R Rugged PDAs, transmission of images and realtime messaging using the TR430 RF link.
This Ruggedized PDA unit can be used as a low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV, USV, and for various other Military, Industrial and Security applications.
Other applications - Public Safety PDA with biometrics, DUI, Speeding and parking ticket generation capability, face recognition; Patrol Vehicle Component
The AUVSI Lindenberg chapter meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday, February 24, 2005, 11.30a.m. – 1.00p.m. , PS Business Park Conference room,
3954 Murphy Canyon road, suite D200, San Diego, CA
Hoa Nghuen of the SSC Robotics Lab, San Diego, will present Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGVs) work in progress at the Robotics System Works SSC SD, Code 2731, Robotics Systems Branch, www.spawar.navy.mil/robots
RSVP to Ed Henning Phone 858-496-0600
The V38R Rugged PDA with the TR430-2G integrated Wireless link is running Windows CE.
The TR430 Driver provides an operating system interface by which applications running on the V38R can use the TR430 wireless transceiver. Included onboard the TR430 is a GPS receiver which permits the PDA user to determine their location, and with a suitable mapping application, the position of other V38R users.
The Ruggedized PDA Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth and GPS. Has a Replaceable battery that lasts for 8 hours.
AvalonRF will also present and demonstrate its Wireless Digital Links for Unmanned Ground Vehicles – UGV, UAV, Micro UAV, USV and Robotics. The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus.
Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
AValon RF digital module lineup includes:
· RF UHF Encrypted Transceivers
TR423-1 76Kbaud/0.25W UHF transceiver
TR430-2G - 200Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-2+G - 325Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3G - 1.53Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
TR430-3+G - 3.06Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
·Interfaces
Module A - NTSC/PAL to MJPEG/MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB Encoder and Includes a smart video pre-processor DSP, RTC and VITC
Module B - Same as Module A with camera on board
Module C - Power PC with TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA interface
Module D - MPEG4 to NTSC/PAL decoder (software dependent)
MPEG4 low latency CODEC or MPEG4 video conferencing controller.
Module E- - Various interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Arinc 429, CAN and
OBDII, extender cards, mother boards (2,3,4,5 and 10 slots)
Module F - CPU, running Windows XP at 1.5GHz, 512MB DRAM, AGP - display controller with resolution of 800x600 to 1280x1024, 4GB HDD, 802.11g, 802.15 and GSM/GPRS for Wearable Computers
· Modules: General & Mechanical
Power - 5V-10V unregulated
Size - 60mm x 33mm x 9mm
Weight - approximately 14 grams
The digital links are divided into a payload systems and various ground systems;
· Payload systems
- Includes a command & control receiver, GPS, MPEG4 video and a telemetry transmitter (Module A + TR430-3G or TR430-2G)
Size: 60mm x 33 mm x 20mm.
Approximate weight of the payload system: 28 grams
· Ground Systems (various options)
- V38R Rugged PDA with TR430-2G, running Windows CE.
Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth & TR430-2G/GPS. Replaceable battery lasts for 8 hours.
Low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV and USVs
- HMPC-1.6 Wireless helmet mounted wearable computer, running Windows XP Embedded (or Linux) (includes Module F, Module D and TR430-3G x 2 (for diversity). Optional Module C for TCP/IP + USB + on board DVR)
Hands free, light weight (under 1Lbs) ground station operating with Rockwell/Collins KEO HMD display. Allows operations of a UAV while in motion.
- TA-8D, TA12D, or TA-16D tracking antenna system. A combination of 8, 12 or 16 RF transceiver modules (see below), RF power amplifiers and diversity electronics.
Allows very long-range communications with a UAV, UGV or USV from an airplane, vehicle or boat in fast motion and undetectable, unhackable and unjamable data/video/audio links among moving planes/vehicle/boats.
About AValon RF Inc.
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. AvalonRF also designs and produces wireless terrestrial "last mile" mobile UHF, narrow band, high data rate, 802.22 based solutions. AvalonRF intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 05:01 AM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2005
AValonRF Presents and Demonstrates it’s "No Moving Part" Tracking Antenna Receivers at the AUVSI meeting in San Diego
AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s “no moving part”, Tracking Antenna receivers, Tuning Range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 17, 2005 -- AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s “no moving part”, Tracking Antenna receivers, Tuning Range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005.
The TA04, TA08 and TA16 are a family of passive tracking antenna systems designed for video links to/from moving platforms that are tuned to any frequency band in the spectrum from 300MHz to 2.5GHz. Higher frequencies are available using external up/down converters. Tuning is via a RS232 port or via a remote control.
The AUVSI Lindenberg chapter meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday, February 24, 2005, 11.30a.m. – 1.00p.m. , PS Business Park Conference room,
3954 Murphy Canyon road, suite D200, San Diego, CA.
Hoa Nghuen of the SSC Robotics Lab, San Diego, will present Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGVs) work in progress at the Robotics System Works SSC SD, Code 2731, Robotics Systems Branch, www.spawar.navy.mil/robots/
RSVP to Ed Henning, e-mail protected from spam bots, Phone 858-496-0600
The TA system selects the antenna that has the best reception automatically and provides direction indication.
They include an array of 4,8 or16 (CP or LP) high gain antennas, cables, one, two or four DX04 series receivers and a DX002 or DX004 baseband diversity selector
Advantages of the Tracking Antennas:
· Extends the range of UAV/UGV/USV links 6:1 to 128:1 with (versus OMNI directional antennas) no moving parts and without increasing transmitter power.
· Works on vehicles and small boats in motion. No need to stop.
· Eliminates the need for direction finding.
· Small and low weight
. Tuning range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band
AvalonRF will also present and demonstrate its Wireless Digital Links for Unmanned Ground Vehicles – UGV, UAV, Micro UAV, USV and Robotics. The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus.
Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
AValon RF digital module lineup includes:
· RF UHF Encrypted Transceivers
TR423-1 76Kbaud/0.25W UHF transceiver
TR430-2G - 200Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-2+G - 325Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3G - 1.53Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
TR430-3+G - 3.06Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
·Interfaces
Module A - NTSC/PAL to MJPEG/MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB Encoder and Includes a smart video pre-processor DSP, RTC and VITC
Module B - Same as Module A with camera on board
Module C - Power PC with TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA interface
Module D - MPEG4 to NTSC/PAL decoder (software dependent)
MPEG4 low latency CODEC or MPEG4 video conferencing controller.
Module E- - Various interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Arinc 429, CAN and
OBDII, extender cards, mother boards (2,3,4,5 and 10 slots)
Module F - CPU, running Windows XP at 1.5GHz, 512MB DRAM, AGP - display controller with resolution of 800x600 to 1280x1024, 4GB HDD, 802.11g, 802.15 and GSM/GPRS for Wearable Computers
· Modules: General & Mechanical
Power - 5V-10V unregulated
Size - 60mm x 33mm x 9mm
Weight - approximately 14 grams
The digital links are divided into a payload systems and various ground systems;
· Payload systems
- Includes a command & control receiver, GPS, MPEG4 video and a telemetry transmitter (Module A + TR430-3G or TR430-2G)
Size: 60mm x 33 mm x 20mm.
Approximate weight of the payload system: 28 grams
· Ground Systems (various options)
- V38R Rugged PDA with TR430-2G, running Windows CE.
Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth & TR430-2G/GPS. Replaceable battery lasts for 8 hours.
Low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV and USVs
- HMPC-1.6 Wireless helmet mounted wearable computer, running Windows XP Embedded (or Linux) (includes Module F, Module D and TR430-3G x 2 (for diversity). Optional Module C for TCP/IP + USB + on board DVR)
Hands free, light weight (under 1Lbs) ground station operating with Rockwell/Collins KEO HMD display. Allows operations of a UAV while in motion.
- TA-8D, TA12D, or TA-16D tracking antenna system. A combination of 8, 12 or 16 RF transceiver modules (see below), RF power amplifiers and diversity electronics.
Allows very long-range communications with a UAV, UGV or USV from an airplane, vehicle or boat in fast motion and undetectable, unhackable and unjamable data/video/audio links among moving planes/vehicle/boats.
- Any other customer desired topology or configuration
About AValon RF Inc.:
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. AvalonRF also designs and produces wireless terrestrial "last mile" mobile UHF, narrow band, high data rate, 802.22 based solutions. AvalonRF intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
BI-LO Selects ECRS’s QUICKcheck™ Self-Checkout Software
Southeast regional grocery chain to implement the first-of-kind software centric-self-checkout solution that enhances the consumer experience, reduces cost of ownership, eliminates vendor reliance, provides OS neutrality, and allows plug-in customization.
Washington DC (PRWEB) February 17, 2005 -- As an early adopter of self-checkout, BI-LO continues a tradition of industry leadership by becoming the first major retailer to move from a hardware-centric to a software-centric self-checkout platform. ECR Software Corporation (ECRS) today announced that BI-LO Holdings has agreed to license QUICKcheck, ECRS's Java-based open self-checkout software platform.
As part of BI-LO's strategic transformation to an efficient, flexible, and responsive regional supermarket operator, the QUICKcheck platform allows BI-LO to recapture and extend their current hardware investment while reducing cost through the elimination of hardware manufacturer reliance. Asset Enterprises, a POS solution provider based in Greenville, SC, and an ECRS Business Partner, designed and implemented the BI-LO solution based on ECRS’ QUICKcheck product line.
BI-LO and Asset Enterprises plan to retrofit BI-LO’s entire fleet of Optimal Robotics hardware with the new open software platform. This migration to a next generation self-checkout solution makes BI-LO the first major retailer to install a third party application into a pre-existing, traditional self-checkout environment. QUICKcheck's unique plug-in software customization capability will allow BI-LO to differentiate and enhance their customers' experience, and to move quickly in response to changes as market conditions dictate. The QUICKcheck solution will also be installed at Bruno's, another BI-LO LLC subsidiary.
ECRS markets QUICKcheck in two forms – as a complete plug-and-play solution, and as a software-only model. ECRS's complete plug-and-play solution is offered in two configurations, a Single-Bag kiosk, and a 4-Bag Express unit. The software-only solution allows retailers to select from best-of-breed ATM and POS components and/or self-checkout cabinet providers, which in turn lets retailers standardize with one software application regardless of the hardware configuration installed throughout their store locations. This flexible, open software approach streamlines training and processes chain-wide while simultaneously eliminating vendor hardware reliance, which in turn reduces acquisition and long term servicing costs.
"ECRS is proud to partner with BI-LO and Asset Enterprises on this trendsetting and innovative project,” said Pete Catoe, ECRS President & CEO. “In an age of intensifying retail competition, QUICKcheck strategically empowers retailers by maximizing their hardware investments and options, which allows them to adapt to changing business needs without changing their basic infrastructure.”
“ECRS and Asset Enterprises are providing a valuable solution that allows BI-LO to better serve our customers and to provide maximum ROI to our shareholders,” said Steve Methvin, BI-LO's Director of Store Systems. “ECRS's QUICKcheck has proven to be a highly adaptable self-checkout solution which continues to surpass our expectations.”
About BI-LO and Bruno's
BI-LO and Bruno’s, headquartered in Mauldin, SC, operate 450 stores in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. They employ approximately 34,500 Associates. For more information, visit www.BI-LO.com
About Asset Enterprises
Specializing in customized POS Solutions, Asset Optimization, and specialty Depot Repair, Asset Enterprises (AEI) provides Point-of-Sale services and cost-effective equipment repair and upgrades for the Point-of-Sale Industry. More information about AEI is available on the web at www.assetenterprises.com
About ECRS
Since its inception in 1989, a unified vision - to provide commonsense, value-based solutions that allow retailers to compete and expand - has propelled ECRS to its position as a leading provider of an integrated retail software, hardware, and services offering. Distributed through a nationwide dealer network and direct sales specialists, ECRS products can be found in more than 10,000 store locations throughout North America. More information about ECRS is available on the web at www.ecrsoft.com. For more information contact ECRS Marketing Director, Burt Aycock, e-mail protected from spam bots at 828-265-2907 ext. 5023
Posted by Industrial at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2005
AValonRF Presents and Demonstrates its Wireless Digital Links for Unmanned Ground Vehicles
UGV, UAV, Micro UAV, USV and Robotics at AUVSI Meeting in San Diego
AValonRF presents and demonstrates its wireless, long range, Digital Links for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Robotics at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005. The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus. Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 16, 2005 -- AValonRF presents and demonstrates its wireless, long range, Digital Links for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Robotics at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005
The AUVSI Lindenberg chapter meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday, February 24, 2005, 11.30a.m. – 1.00p.m.
PS Business Park Conference room 3954 Murphy Canyon road, suite D200
Hoa Nghuen of the SSC Robotics Lab, San Diego, will present Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGVs) work in progress at the Robotics System Works SSC SD, Code 2731, Robotics Systems Branch, www.spawar.navy.mil/robots/
RSVP to Ed Henning, e-mail protected from spam bots, Phone 858-496-0600
The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus.
Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
AValon RF digital module lineup includes:
· RF UHF Encrypted Transceivers
TR423-1 - 76Kbaud/0.25W UHF transceiver
TR430-2G - 200Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-2+G - 325Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3G - 1.53Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
TR430-3+G - 3.06Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
·Interfaces
Module A - NTSC/PAL to MJPEG/MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB Encoder and Includes a smart video pre-processor DSP, RTC and VITC
Module B - Same as Module A with camera on board
Module C - Power PC with TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA interface
Module D - MPEG4 to NTSC/PAL decoder (software dependent)
MPEG4 low latency CODEC or MPEG4 video conferencing controller.
Module E- - Various interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Arinc 429, CAN and
OBDII, extender cards, mother boards (2,3,4,5 and 10 slots)
Module F - CPU, running Windows XP at 1.5GHz, 512MB DRAM, AGP - display controller with resolution of 800x600 to 1280x1024, 4GB HDD, 802.11g, 802.15 and GSM/GPRS for Wearable Computers
· Modules: General & Mechanical
Power - 5V-10V unregulated
Size - 60mm x 33mm x 9mm
Weight - approximately 14 grams
The digital links are divided into a payload systems and various ground systems;
· Payload systems
- Includes a command & control receiver, GPS, MPEG4 video and a telemetry transmitter (Module A + TR430-3G or TR430-2G)
Size: 60mm x 33 mm x 20mm.
Approximate weight of the payload system: 28 grams
· Ground Systems (various options)
- V38R Rugged PDA with TR430-2G, running Windows CE.
Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth & TR430-2G/GPS. Replaceable battery lasts for 8 hours.
Low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV and USVs
- HMPC-1.6 Wireless helmet mounted wearable computer, running Windows XP Embedded (or Linux) (includes Module F, Module D and TR430-3G x 2 (for diversity). Optional Module C for TCP/IP + USB + on board DVR) Hands free, light weight (under 1Lbs) ground station operating with Rockwell/Collins KEO HMD display. Allows operations of a UAV while in motion.
- TA-8D, TA12D, or TA-16D tracking antenna system. A combination of 8, 12 or 16 RF transceiver modules (see below), RF power amplifiers and diversity electronics.
Allows very long-range communications with a UAV, UGV or USV from an airplane, vehicle or boat in fast motion and undetectable, unhackable and unjamable data/video/audio links among moving planes/vehicle/boats.
- Any other customer desired topology or configuration
About AValon RF Inc.:
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. AvalonRF also designs and produces wireless terrestrial "last mile" mobile UHF, narrow band, high data rate, 802.22 based solutions. AvalonRF intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 06:54 AM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2005
Under Ice Search Uses Multiple Micro-ROVs - VideoRays Used in Unique Shallow-water Search
VideoRay announced today at Underwater Intervention the details of an unprecedented search using multiple VideoRay micro-ROVs in extreme conditions.
New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) February 15, 2005 -- VideoRay announced today at Underwater Intervention the details of an unprecedented search using multiple VideoRay micro-ROVs in extreme conditions. The 3-day search took place from January 9th through the 11th on the frozen St. Lois River in Duluth, Minnesota.
Jim King the owner of Spirit Lake Marina off the St. Louis River fell out of his rear-tiller motorboat while marking the location of buoys on October 25, 2004. Since the accident there has been an ongoing search with no successful results largely because of large area and lack of witnesses who could identify a ‘point last seen’. Since the accident the St. Louis County Sheriffs office has logged more than 3000 hours of search time.
The latest effort to recover Mr. King’s body came in January when the St. Louis County Sheriffs office organized a massive rather unique search. The search occurred on the St. Louis River which was frozen over more than 15 inches. Eight VideoRay micro-ROVs were used for the search. The Sheriffs office developed a search grid covering a square half mile area.
We began the mission with meticulous planning and equipment testing stated Robin McCauley 1st Lieutenant St. Louis County Volunteer Rescue Squad. VideoRays, generators, tents, heaters, and other equipment required were pulled out onto the ice by snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles. Holes in the ice were cut with an “ice saw” – a standard Stihl chain saw with environmentally friendly lubricant..
Six identical micro-ROVs were operated simultaneously from portable ice houses on the frozen river. Each VideoRay was equipped with a Desert Star Pilot positioning system to track the ROVs and transmit the data wirelessly to the command center about a half mile from the tracking station.
“As far as we know, this is the first time in the world anyone has had this many ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) together to search for a body,” commented Tom Crossmon of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad. Crossmon also said the worldwide ROV community is small; when they e-mailed members looking for advice, no one said they had encountered such a large recovery operation.
In addition to the rescue squad, Mark Gleason of Michigan Technical University participated with his VideoRay Pro III unit, the local US Coast Guard Duluth Station, and Douglas County, and Lake County sent several people to assist. VideoRay sent Scott Bentley, President, and Marcus Kolb, Director of Research and Development. VideoRay donated the use of six VideoRay Pro units, and used the operation to conduct research into the use of micro-ROVs for a large scale, shallow water, under ice search.
“The result of the search was better than expected – we were able to search a large section of the river. We did not find the body – but we know far better where it is not located. We also learned that sonar was a critical tool in this kind of search due to the severely restricted visibility of the water. We recommend that VideoRay owners use the new “performance tether” when operating in this kind of high current environment, since it has much less drag, and with multiple holes and shallow water we did not need to use very long sections of tether. Finally, the positioning system was key to making sure that the areas searched were the areas we expected” stated McCauley.
For comments, contact:
David Phillips
Undersheriff St. Louis County Sheriff's Office
Duluth, MN
PH: 218-726-2339
For pictures and videos online, visit http://www.videoray.com/Press_Room/press_release.htm
Contact VideoRay Public Relations:
Chris Gibson
ph: 610-458-3000
Contact VideoRay LLC
400 Eagleview Blvd.
Exton, PA 19341 USA
Phone: (610) 458-3000
FAX: (610) 458-3010
www.videoray.com
All brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Posted by Industrial at 08:17 AM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2005
AValonRF Presents its Wireless Digital Links for Unmanned Air Vehicles – UAV, Micro UAV, UGV, USV and Robotics at AFCEA West 2005
AValonRF presents its wireless, long range, Digital Links for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Robotics at AFCEA WEST 2005. The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus. Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm , 14 grams.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 14, 2005 -- AValonRF presents its wireless, long range, Digital Links for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Robotics at AFCEA WEST 2005.
The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus.
Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm , 14 grams.
AValon RF digital module lineup includes:
· RF UHF Encrypted Transceivers
TR423-1 76Kbaud/0.25W UHF transceiver
TR430-2G - 200Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-2+G - 325Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3G - 1.53Mbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3+G - 3.06Mbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3B - 1.2Mbaud/4W VHF/UHF SDR (Software Defined Radio) transceiver
TR430-4B - 40Mbaud/4W VHF/UHF SDR (Software Defined Radio) transceiver
·Interfaces
Module A - NTSC/PAL to MJPEG/MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB Encoder and Includes a smart video pre-processor DSP, RTC and VITC
Module AH - HDTV (2000x1600) to MJPEG2000, very low latency CODEC
Module B - Same as Module A with camera on board
Module C - Power PC with TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA interface
Module D - MPEG4 to NTSC/PAL decoder (software dependent)
MPEG4 low latency CODEC or MPEG4 video conferencing controller.
Module E- - Various interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Arinc 429, CAN and
OBDII, extender cards, mother boards (2,3,4,5 and 10 slots)
Module F - CPU, running Windows XP at 1.5GHz, 512MB DRAM, AGP - display controller with resolution of 800x600 to 1280x1024, 4GB HDD, 802.11g, 802.15 and GSM/GPRS for Wearable Computers
· Modules : General & Mechanical
Power - 5V-10V unregulated
Size - 60mm x 33mm x 9mm
Weight - approximately 14 grams
The digital links are divided into a payload systems and various ground systems;
· Payload systems
- Includes a command & control receiver, GPS, MPEG4 video and a telemetry transmitter (Module A + TR430-3G or TR430-2G)
Size: 60mm x 33 mm x 20mm.
Approximate weight of the payload system: 28 grams
· Ground Systems (various options)
- V38R Rugged PDA with TR430-2G, running Windows CE.
Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth & TR430-2G/GPS. Replaceable battery lasts for 8 hours.
Low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV and USVs
- HMPC-1.6 Wireless helmet mounted wearable computer, running Windows XP Embedded (or Linux) (includes Module F, Module D and TR430-3G x 2 (for diversity). Optional Module C for TCP/IP + USB + on board DVR)
Hands free, light weight (under 1Lbs) ground station operating with Rockwell/Collins KEO HMD display. Allows operations of a UAV while in motion.
- TA-8D, TA12D, or TA-16D tracking antenna system. A combination of 8, 12 or 16 RF transceiver modules (see below), RF power amplifiers and diversity electronics.
Allows very long range communications with a UAV,UGV or USV from an airplane, vehicle or boat in fast motion and undetectable, unhackable and unjamable data/video/audio links among moving planes/vehicle/boats.
- Any other customer desired topology or configuration
About AValon RF Inc.:
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. Our intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com.
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 04:38 AM | Comments (0)
January 12, 2005
AValonRF Presents it's "No Moving Part" Tracking Antenna Receivers at AFCEA West 2005
AValonRF, Inc., Will present it’s “no moving part”, Tracking Antenna receivers , Tuning Range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band , at AFCEA West Expo 2005 February 1-3, 2005, San Diego, CA, USA, Booth 1451
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 12, 2005 -- The TA04, TA08 and TA16 are a family of passive tracking antenna systems designed for video links to/from moving platforms that are tuned to any frequency band in the spectrum from 300MHz to 2.5GHz. Higher frequencies are available using external up/down converters. Tuning is via a RS232 port or via a remote control.
The TA system selects the antenna that has the best reception automatically and provides direction indication.
They include an array of 4,8 or16 (CP or LP) high gain antennas, cables, one, two or four DX04 series receivers and a DX002 or DX004 baseband diversity selector
Advantages of the Tracking Antennas:
· Extends the range of UAV/UGV/USV links 6:1 to 128:1 with (versus OMNI directional antennas) no moving parts and without increasing transmitter power.
· Works on vehicles and small boats in motion. No need to stop.
· Eliminates the need for direction finding.
· Small and low weight
. Tuning range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band
Our products for the Security and Military markets are:
Systems -
· V38R - Rugged daylight readable PDA with biometrics, 2D bar code scanner, camera, RFID, 200kbit/sec long range encrypted wireless link, GPS and two way audio. Runs Windows CE®.
· LC618 Wireless Lapel Camera and microphone
· HMPC-1.6 Miniature Wearable Computer with integrated wireless links and GPS. Runs Windows XP® Embedded
· Micro miniature UAV/UGV/USV wireless video, telemetry & control links
· TA4, TA8, TA12, TA16 Tracking Antenna system with no moving parts
Micro Miniature Modules:
· TR430-2G – 200Kbaud (optional 325Kbaud) long range, AES encrypted, 1W digital UHF transceiver with GPS and two way G.729 audio
· TR430-3G – 1.53Mbaud long range, AES encrypted, 1W digital UHF transceiver with GPS and two way G.729 audio
· Module A - MPEG 4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB of WISchip International Inc
· Module D - MPEG 4 Decoder (Decompression)
· Module C - TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA
· Module F – Wearable computer module - CPU, DRAM, AGP Display controller, 4.5GB HDD & WIFI/ZEGBEE/GSM/GPRS.
About AValon RF Inc.:
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. Our intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com.
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 04:41 AM | Comments (0)
January 03, 2005
As Robots Learn to Imitate
Can robots learn to communicate by studying and imitating humans’ gestures? That’s what MIRROR’s researchers aimed to find out by studying how infants and monkeys learn complex acts such as grasping and transferring it to robots.
(PRWEB) January 3, 2005 -- Can robots learn to communicate by studying and imitating humans’gestures? That’s what MIRROR’s researchers aimed to find out by studying how infants and monkeys learn complex acts such as grasping and transferring it to robots.
“Our main motivation for the project was to advance the understanding of how humans recognise and imitate gestures,” says Professor Giulio Sandini, coordinator of MIRROR project. “We did that by building an artificial system that can learn to communicate by means of body gestures.”
Researchers began by designing and conducting behavioural experiments with infants of different ages and with monkeys within the framework of the so-called ‘mirror neurons’. These neurons, first discovered in the brains of monkeys, have the unique property of being activated not only when monkeys or human infants perform specific grasping actions, but also when they see the same grasping action performed by someone else – for example, the mirror image of his or her own body. Mirror neurons behave as a motor resonant system activated both during goal-directed actions and the observation of similar actions performed by others.
During the first year of the project, researchers worked at improving humanoid robotic platforms and conducted experiments using a ‘cyber glove’. This set-up allowed researchers to collect visual and motor data that was used in investigating the relationship between vision and action in the recognition of hand gestures.
The second year’s experiments with monkeys and infants investigated how visual and motor information can be used to learn to discriminate grasping actions. They then used that information to show how, by detecting visual clues to the function of an object, a robot can mimic simple object-directed actions.
In the final year they concentrated on integrating the developed work into a humanoid robot, which consisted of a binocular head, an arm, and a multi-fingered hand. Although the integration is not fully complete, they believe they have uncovered many elements of a biologically-compatible architecture that can be replicated in robots.
”We now have better knowledge of how and when the ability to grasp objects appropriately appears in human babies,” says Professor Sandini. “From the robotics point of view, we demonstrated that it is easier to interpret actions performed by others if the system has built a representation of the action during learning. Learning precedes understanding. We implemented a complex behaviour on our robot based on this representation.”
Although the project ended, all project members now participate in a follow-up project called RobotCub that focuses on building a humanoid platform and studying the development of manipulation skills.
Note to Editors:
Please mention IST Results as the source of this story and, if publishing online, please hyperlink to:
http://istresults.cordis.lu
Contact: Tara Morris, +32-2-2861985, tmorris @ gopa-cartermill.com
Posted by Industrial at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)