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ABB and Kawasaki create world’s first common interface for collaborative robots

ABB and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, both global leading players in industrial automation and robotics, are showcasing the world’s first common collaborative robot operating interface at automatica in Munich, Germany from June 19-22, 2018.

The common interface will also help address the shortage of skilled workers in many industries. In Japan for example, one person in five is within a decade of retirement.

Demand for collaborative robots has outpaced the rapidly-growing industrial robot market, as easier-to-use robots open doors to new users. The fact that collaborative robots can be programmed and operated by people without specialized training helps small and medium enterprises, in particular, to leapfrog traditionally longer industrial robot learning curves.

Collaborative robots (cobots) that can be operated by nearly any user can help offset labor shortages. Their flexibility to work nearly anywhere in a factory without safety barriers also makes them ideal for meeting sudden and unexpected demand peaks.

“The new state-of-the-art, industry-standard operating interface will accelerate the already rapid growth we see in collaborative robots,” said Per Vegard Nerseth, managing director of Robotics for ABB.

"It will give many new manufacturers flexibility and scalability, while providing more interesting jobs for the world’s vital industrial workforce.”

The interface is a result of the collaboration between ABB and Kawasaki announced in November of 2017, designed to share knowledge and promote the benefits of collaborative automation, in particular dual-arm collaborative robots. It includes a simplified human–robot interface with intuitive, smartphone-like navigation and icons.

Yasuhiko Hashimoto, managing executive officer and president of the Precision Machinery and Robot Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd said: “We are proud to take this first big step together with ABB and it is entirely appropriate that we usher in a new age of collaboration automation with a collaborative approach. Collaborative robots will make a large contribution to society in making manufacturing more flexible and efficient and in keeping our factories productive with an increasingly scarcer workforce.”

A joint collaborative automation demonstration located at the East Entrance of automatica will feature Kawasaki’s unique and innovative Dual-Arm SCARA Robot 'duAro' working together with ABB’s dual-arm YuMI robot.

In addition to continued development of the operating interface, the collaboration also focuses on other topics such as common safety standards. Traditional industrial safety standards are based on years of practice, supported by very specific parameters. The goal for collaborative automation is to develop safety standards which ensure worker safety, but also allow for entirely new ways of working together without unduly restricting collaborative robots’ many benefits.

About the partners:

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport and infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees. www.abb.com

ABB Robotics is a pioneer in industrial and collaborative robots and advanced digital services. As one of the world’s leading robotics suppliers, we are active in 53 countries and over 100 locations and have shipped over 400,000 robot solutions in a diverse range of industries and applications. We help our customers to improve flexibility, efficiency, safety and reliability, while moving towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. www.abb.com/robotics

Kawasaki was founded more than 120 years ago and has been developing globally while producing revolutionary products by working together to ensure technology synergies across its different divisions.

Kawasaki is now recognized as a global leader in diverse industries in wide ranging fields going beyond land, sea and air, offering state-of-the-art technologies for environmental and energy infrastructure, machinery and robotics, and various types of transportation in marine, railway and aerospace to a leisure vehicles as motorcycles and personal watercraft in global basis with about 35,800 employees. global.kawasaki.com

Kawasaki Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots and robot automation systems with a broad product portfolio having shipped 180,000 robots in about 50 countries. As a pioneer in Japan, Kawasaki celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017. As one of the world’s leading robotics suppliers, we are now transforming ourselves from an industrial to a fully integrated robot supplier. Kawasaki is a solution provider having deep application know-how through diverse business and products on land, sea and air. robotics.kawasaki.com

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BP will not proceed with acquisition of Woolworths' fuel network

BP AUSTRALIA will not continue with the proposed acquisition of Woolworths’ retail fuel and convenience business, originally announced on December 28, 2016.

Despite its best efforts, BP has determined the transaction cannot be structured to meet its strategic objectives.

The decision does not deter BP Australia from its strategy to transform the retail convenience sector in Australia.  BP has a proven track record in delivering leading fuel and convenience offers to millions of customers around the world, through partnerships with strong local brands including Marks and Spencer in the UK and REWE in Germany.

Andy Holmes, BP chief operating officer for Asia Pacific, said today: “I am very confident in what the future holds and the delivery of BP’s strategy for strong market-led growth to 2021 with a continued focus on safe and reliable operations, increasing efficiency, simplification and modernisation.

“Our ambitions are underpinned by our long-standing strong relationships and partnerships. We are committed to working with our commercial partners, new and existing, to continue our transformational agenda for the integrated fuels value chain, and deliver innovation, technology and a best-in-class offer consumers expect,” Mr Holmes said.

“BP is making good on its promise and continues to grow across the Downstream. In marketing, BP has differentiated and material businesses, underpinned by strong brands, distinctive premium offers and increasing exposure to growth markets. In manufacturing, the refining portfolio is geographically balanced with good access to advantaged feedstocks. BP is also growing here in Australia with investments at Kwinana Refinery and growing midstream volumes. In retail, BP is transforming convenience with new in-store offers and leading-edge technology, like BPme.”

About BP in Australia

BP is one of Australia’s leading premium fuel retailers with around 1,400 branded retail fuel sites across the country, of which approximately 350 are company-owned, and more than 1,000 are owned and operated by our independent business partners. BP is one of Australia’s most significant investors, contributing to local economies, building infrastructure and creating jobs through our upstream and downstream businesses. BP directly employs around 5,700 people with many thousands more indirectly employed through our partners, contractors and suppliers. For more information about BP in Australia please visit www.bp.com.au.

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Seeking comment on Australian apprenticeship system

ASSISTANT Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews, has called on Australians to have their say on the future of the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network.

Minister Andrews today released a discussion paper on the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, following a recent evaluation of the AASN model of delivery.

“The release today of the discussion paper is the start of a process to build on the successes of the AASN model to date,” Ms Andrews said.

“For three years now, AASN providers have been supporting Australian Apprentices and employers to succeed in their apprenticeship arrangements. We’re looking to collect innovative ideas that will further enhance those services.

“Ithaca Group’s evaluation of the AASN model of delivery was completed in February 2018. It found the current model is comprehensive and widely supported by stakeholders, but also identified areas for improvement.”

The Department of Education and Training will tender later this year for the delivery of Australian Apprenticeships Support Services to commence from mid‑2019. The process will be informed by the Ithaca Group evaluation and consultations with interested parties.

Minister Andrews said the Turnbull Government is committed to building a high quality Australian Apprenticeships system to better support apprentices and respond to the needs of employers and the economy.

“The announcement of the government’s $1.5 billion Skilling Australians Fund aims to deliver up to 300,000 more apprenticeships and traineeships, pre- and higher-level apprenticeships and traineeships Australia-wide over the next five years," Ms Andrews said.

“This means that getting the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network model right is more important than ever.

“The discussion paper and consultations sessions are integral in bringing innovative ideas together and ensuring the system delivers for everyone who uses it.”

Consultation sessions will be held in the coming weeks with stakeholders via webcast and in‑person for all states and territories to further explore issues raised in the discussion paper.

Interested parties are invited to respond to the discussion paper by 31 July 2018.

Further information on contributing in writing or by attending a consultation session is available on www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/AASN-Discussion-Paper

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A new era for Antarctic science

THE FEDERAL Government is establishing a new Australian Antarctic Science Council to revitalise science research on a new platform, as well as boost Hobart's position as an Antarctic science hub, and as the premier gateway to Antarctica.

The new Antarctic Science Council will provide further strategic direction for the Australian Antarctic Program, oversee science funding priorities and ensure funds directly support Antarctic research, reducing administrative costs and making it easier to plan multi-year projects.

Australia has developed world-class Antarctic science capabilities over many decades, much of which is based in Hobart. Comprising an independent Chair and representatives from key Antarctic science agencies, the Council will enhance Australia's international reputation for Antarctic science.

The Coalition Government has committed more than $100 million over the next 10 years for Antarctic science, delivered through two new initiatives:

  • The Antarctic Science Collaboration Initiative with $5 million per year for 10 years from 2019-20, delivered by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
  • The Special Research Initiative in Excellence in Antarctic Science with $8 million per year for seven years from January 2020, delivered by the Australian Research Council.

The establishment of the Council is the first step in implementing the recommendations of a review into the governance of Australia's Antarctic Science Program, undertaken by Mr Drew Clarke, a highly-respected former senior public servant.

The review was undertaken to ensure Antarctic investments are effective, joined-up and fit-for-purpose. The Government has supported, either in full or in principle, all nine recommendations in the Clarke Review.

This revamp of science funding delivers on the Coalition Government's Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan to increase Antarctic research.

The Clarke Review and the Government's response can be found at www.environment.gov.au/antarctic-review.

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New jobs for Queensland – resources sector creates a new job every hour

THE QUEENSLAND resources industry has created more than 8400 extra jobs over the last 12 months – the equivalent of one new job every hour.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) labour force data reaffirmed the resources sector was a key Queensland employer with new jobs in mining regions and Australia's biggest mining town – Brisbane.

“This is good news for people working in the resources sector and more importantly people looking for work.  The resources sector has hundreds of vacancies looking for men and women to fill,” he said.

ABS labour force data shows:

  • resource sector jobs increased from 56,705 in May 2017 quarter to 65,180 over 12 months to the May 2018 quarter, an increase by 15 percent or an extra 8,474 jobs;
  • jobs in non-metallic mineral mining and quarrying increased by 53 percent to 4,094 over the last 12 months;
  • jobs in coal mining increased by 34 percent to 28,945 over the last 12 months;
  • jobs in oil and gas increased by 25 percent to 8,069 over the last 12 months;
  • jobs in exploration and mining support services increased by 7 percent to 15,765 over the last 12 months.

Mr Macfarlane said the outlook for jobs in the coal, minerals, petroleum and gas industries was very strong with a survey of chief executive officers (CEOs) of QRC member companies that 52 percent would increase their Queensland workforce over the next 12 months, with 13 percent looking to increase employment ‘substantially'.  Only 9 percent of CEOs surveyed said they planned to reduce staff over the next 12 months, with none of the CEOs expecting a substantial decrease.

“Jobs in the resources sector are good jobs," Mr Macfarlane said. "Resource jobs are well-paid jobs.

"The mining industry has by far the highest average weekly full-time adult earnings of any industry at $2659 – or over $138,000 per annum,” he said.

The Queensland resources sector supports more than 280,000 full-time jobs and last financial year contributed over $55 billion to the State’s economy.

www.qrc.org.au

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