News, views and analysis from A/NZ tech sector
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Hi there,
For many New Zealand manufacturers, full automation using large industrial robots isn’t practical – or even desirable. Enter the cobots. Small, easily programmable and able to work near humans, rather than being cloistered away behind health and safety barriers. While they only account for less than five percent of the industrial robot market at the moment, big things are forecast for these little helpers – and local manufacturers could be among the companies to reap the benefits.
In other news:
- ‘Inflated expectations’ maybe, but AI still big favourite for businesses
- UFB Phase 1 done, where to now?
- Microsoft’s Huawei license – they’re not the only ones
- Facebook’s new financial – and data – grab
And we also take a look at how an app has helped liberate a major hydro-electric organisation, enabling tactical scheduling on the fly and helping them get even more out of their SAP investment.
Enjoy the read,
Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz
MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION
Rise of the cobot
Enter the manufacturer’s new friend…
They’re small, easily taught, human friendly and, according to Facteon, they’re offering big potential for Australian and New Zealand manufacturers looking to get into automation.
You get the automation, but cobots also tie in with the data acquisition and IoT side of Industry 4.0.
[Read more]
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Businesses clamouring for AI
No scepticism despite AI hype and executive angst…
The AI hype isn’t causing scepticism amongst businesses, with business leaders positively starry-eyed about the technology, even as it causes them angst.
“The technologies themselves are not a panacea, nor are they a universal solution to any problem.”
[Read more]
UFB PROJECT
NZ completes first stage of fibre rollout
A tale of two countries and their broadband efforts…
NZ is streaking ahead with its fibre rollout, completing phase one of the UFB project ahead of schedule and within budget, making the country one of the best connected in the OECD.
“NZ’s leading rates of fibre and paid digital service adoption highlights our nation’s high level of digital fluency.”
[Read more]
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HUAWEI BAN
The curious case of the Huawei ‘ban’
Microsoft and 70+ companies granted licenses to trade…
The latest instalment in the long and convoluted tale that is Trump’s ‘blacklisting’ of Huawei, has seen Microsoft granted a license to deal with the Chinese company.
The farce continues.
[Read more]
FACEBOOK PAY
Facebook goes fintech with new Pay offering
Because why not give them access to your financial data?…
Facebook is doubling down on its payments business, unveiling its Pay in-app payments offering – and opening the doors for even more targeted advertising.
“Actions you take with Facebook Pay can be used for purposes such as to deliver you more relevant content and ads.”
[Read more]
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BUSINESS INSIGHT
Hydro Tasmania’s ‘DIY’ rollout of new mobile asset-inspection software
Australia’s largest water manager liberated by intuitive asset-management app empowering technicians and planners…
When it comes to implementing mobile apps for your business, sometimes it just ‘worx’ to do it yourself.
“Fiori look and feel with offline capability.”
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