Inch Cape Offshore Limited, a joint venture between Red Rock Power and ESB, has appointed Vestas as the preferred wind turbine supplier for the 1100MW Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm in Scotland. Both Red Rock Power and ESB are Vestas clients for onshore wind projects, and with this new commitment,
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been given its first contract within National Highways’ new Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). Routine investigations to the M62 Ouse Bridge, located between Goole and Howden in Yorkshire –
The Supply Chain Sustainability School (the School), a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, has today released its Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) Annual Culture Report 2022. The School surveyed over 1,000 of its members across the country, to get their feedback on
When it comes to robot grippers, there are a lot of factors to consider. What material will the gripper be gripping? What are the dimensions and mass of the object? How much force is required to grip the object? And what type of environment will the robot be working in?
Today’s modern homes are a shining example of how well technology can enhance our lives. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), and vast networks of interconnected devices, mean our homes have gone far beyond the tech essentials we’re relied on for the past few decades. With smart devices
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Inch Cape Offshore Limited, a joint venture between Red Rock Power and ESB, has appointed Vestas as the preferred wind turbine supplier for the 1100MW Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm in Scotland. Both Red Rock Power and ESB are Vestas clients for onshore wind projects, and with this new commitment, these partnerships now continue offshore. The project, located 15 km off the Angus Coast on the East of Scotland, will feature 72 V236-15.0MW turbines. The agreement also includes a 15-year Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract, which will provide a multi-year solution to service the wind farm when operational. President of Vestas Northern & Central Europe Nils de Baar said: “Offshore wind projects are evolving rapidly, and Vestas is proud to play a leading role in this expansion with our industry leading offshore technology. “We are honoured to have been selected as preferred supplier by Inch Cape Offshore Limited, enabling us to support Scotland and the UK’s net zero ambitions, while increasing the security of energy supply. “Inch Cape is a landmark project, and to be a part of it is a proud achievement for all our employees, who work with great dedication to develop reliable, resilient, and sustainable offshore technology all around the world.” Inch Cape Offshore Limited secured a contract for difference in the UK’s fourth CfD allocation round, which concluded on July 7, 2022. Ir recently announced the Renewables Hub at the Port of Dundee as its intended pre-assembly site and the Port of Montrose as the project’s O&M base. If and when the agreement with Inch Cape becomes a firm order for Vestas, Vestas will disclose the order in a company announcement in accordance with the company’s disclosure policy.
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been given its first contract within National Highways’ new Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). Routine investigations to the M62 Ouse Bridge, located between Goole and Howden in Yorkshire – or between junctions 36 and 37 of the M62 – identified a partial failure of a joint on the eastbound carriageway. Therefore, Winvic has been appointed as one of the organisations on the SDF undertaking temporary and then permanent repairs on the structure and highway. It was discovered that increased vibration from traffic had started to damage the concrete under lane three and a bridge joint, which allows the carriageway to expand and contract with the weather. A contraflow was immediately put into place, reducing traffic on the eastbound carriage to one lane, to allow temporary works to begin, while a series of overnight road closures during the week commencing 13 June facilitated a second eastbound traffic lane to open on Saturday 18 June minimising disruption to road users. Winvic installed temporary metal bridging plates across parts of the eastbound carriageway, which enabled a further eastbound lane and the eastbound exit slip road at junction 37 to be reopened on Friday 8 July. Winvic has employed its ‘one-team’ approach and is working closely with a number of National Highways project partners; Jacobs is designing the repairs, traffic management is being led by Amey and Winvic, along with specialist Contractor VSL, is heading the joint repair and replacement. Together the companies are currently working on the complex design process required to replace all eight joints across both carriageways towards a solution that reduces the need for full closures in the future as much as possible. Temporary bridging plates have been installed over the damaged bridge joints as a temporary mitigation measure, and a second set will be added this autumn. The two most critically damaged joints on the eastbound carriageway will be replaced by spring 2023 and the project will be fully complete in Autumn 2023. Winvic won its place on the National Highways SDF in September, along with 49 other contractors that will deliver £3.6 billion of road renewal works on England’s motorways and trunk roads over the next six years. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, commented: “We have been working hard with National Highways and the Yorkshire North East region to mobilise the Scheme Delivery Framework since we were awarded our place on it in September, so we were able to mobilise rapidly on this project on the M62 Ouse Bridge to begin the necessary immediate temporary works. We put multiple interfaces in place with the National Highway team and the other project partners, so we could work as one-team, towards one-goal with safety as the ultimate priority. “The surfacing and bridging plate works have met programme expectations, meaning road users have been able to go back to using multiple carriageways and the programme is in place to install more plates this Autumn; while the priority always must be safety, it’s also crucial that disruptions to people’s journeys is minimised as quickly as possible and negate the need for full road closures as much as possible. Once the permanent solution has been fully designed and fabricated, we will undertake these permanent works, facilitating the long-term safe use of the Ouse Bridge.” Members of the public can keep up to date about the project and any related traffic disruption, by visiting https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/yorkshire-and-north-east/m62-ouse-bridge/. Phil Jepps, National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, added: “The temporary repair work around the bridge joint and the permanent replacement of all eight joints on the Ouse Bridge is a very complex project. To complete this as quickly, safely and effectively as possible, it’s important we work with outstanding partners who share our commitment to working towards the highest possible standards. We would like to thank Winvic and our other partners on the Scheme Delivery Framework for their ongoing support to keep traffic moving safely while completing the vital resurfacing and bridging plate work.” For more information on essential safety work taking place on Ouse Bridge, visit the National Highways dedicated web page for the bridge https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/yorkshire-and-north-east/m62-ouse-bridge/ or follow National Highways Yorkshire on Facebook. Winvic will be attending the Highways UK event at The NEC, Birmingham, on 2 and 3 of November 2022 – find them at exhibition stand number E6 or contact the firm to pre-book a meeting. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.
The Supply Chain Sustainability School (the School), a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, has today released its Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) Annual Culture Report 2022. The School surveyed over 1,000 of its members across the country, to get their feedback on the School’s Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Programme and how the FIR agenda is progressing within the built environment. David O’Neil, Supply Chain Director, Commercial and Procurement at National Highways, said:“At National Highways we recognise that developing a diverse and inclusive supply chain (and workforce) is critical in meeting the needs and expectations of road users and communities. We see the FIR Programme, and our growing partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, as an essential part of developing diverse capability across our sector.” The report also offered insights on how the School has continued to positively impact organisations and supply chains, reinforcing the School’s mission to be the world-class collaboration enabling a sustainable and fair built environment. With over fifty thousand registered users, the School provides free practical learning and support for the UK built environment, through training, networking, e-learning modules and online resources. Specifically, the FIR resources and the FIR Growth Assessment are becoming increasingly popular as FIR sits higher on the agenda for many organisations in the industry. Members of the School anonymously stated that the FIR Programme offered “the confidence to tackle issues head on” , “increased efficiency and productivity” and created a “positive breeding ground for strong culture resulting in a much healthier and beneficial workplace for [our] colleagues.” One School member also highlighted the FIR Programme continues to “increase the level of diversity within the workplace and assist in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.” Organisations are becoming more conscious of FIR and its benefits to people, profit and enabling a sustainable business model. The School has been identified as a powerful tool to help organisations embed sustainability into their business practices, with 83% of survey respondents confirming that their company leaders are now better equip to understand Fairness, Inclusion and Respect and can better articulate the benefits. Furthermore, 79% of respondents confirmed their behaviours and attitudes towards teammates have improved due to FIR training. The FIR programme has also been identified as key to supporting businesses with retaining talent (68%) and recruiting a more diverse team (72%). Lucie Wright, Head of Strategy (Careers and Pipeline) at CITB, said: “CITB’s evaluation team have produced a thorough report and it is great to see the evidence that FIR training is having a positive impact across construction. Nearly 80% of companies have reported improved behaviours as a result of the knowledge gained from the training, and that, in turn creates a happier working environment which will mean improved staff retention and greater opportunity to attract new talent into the industry. This is particularly important at a time when construction faces a large skills gap. The survey also helps us understand where support is needed and helps CITB improve our offer to industry and to support FIR to become embedded throughout.” The quality of training remains extremely high this year, with an average of 90% of respondents rated the workshops and materials as “excellent” or “good”. There was also a strong impact on individuals, as demonstrated by the 87% of respondents who felt they were empowered to deal with FIR issues more effectively due to engaging with the FIR Programme. 82% of members also felt they had the confidence to challenge poor behaviours in the workplace. Paul Aldridge, Sustainability Director at WJ Group, said: “This report with greater participation than ever, brings hope, demonstrating that we are breaking down the barriers to an inclusive industry but yet, sets us challenges. Listening and measuring the thoughts, concerns, hopes and ambitions of our colleagues helps us understand better where we can and must improve to become truly inclusive. We know the benefits of fairness, inclusion and respect, increased: employee and customer satisfaction; creativity and innovation; attraction of the broadest talent; profitability and business development; community value. FIR helps us nurture our people and achieve great results.” The School is part-funded by CITB and industry Partners, with the direction of the School being led by over 182 Partners – working in collaboration, they share knowledge and free resources to inspire the UK built environment to drive positive change. The Supply Chain Sustainability School provides free practical learning and support in the form of sustainability training, networking, e-learning modules, tailored assessments, action plans and a library of over 3,000 online resources. Sign up for free: https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/ The full report can be found on the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s website here.
When it comes to robot grippers, there are a lot of factors to consider. What material will the gripper be gripping? What are the dimensions and mass of the object? How much force is required to grip the object? And what type of environment will the robot be working in? There are several grippers on the market, each with its strengths and weaknesses. This article will help you choose the right gripper for your needs. What are robot grippers? A robot gripper is a device that is used to grip and manipulate objects. They are typically made of two or more fingers that can be opened and closed to grasp an object. Robot grippers are used in various applications, such as manufacturing, assembly, and packaging. In many cases, they replace human workers in repetitive or dangerous tasks. For example, robot grippers can be used to assemble electronic components or to package products for shipment. In recent years, technological advances have led to the development of more advanced robot grippers that can handle delicate objects or perform more complex tasks. Ultimately, robot grippers provide a versatile tool for automating various tasks in manufacturing and assembly. How do you choose the right robot gripper for your needs? When looking for the right robot gripper for your needs, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to decide what type of gripper you need. There are three main types of grippers: suction cups, friction-based grippers, and vacuum grippers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, suction cups are good for picking up smooth objects but can be less effective on objects with irregular surfaces. Friction-based grippers use brushes or pads to create friction with the object, making them ideal for gripping uneven or delicate surfaces. Vacuum grippers use negative pressure to hold an object in place, making them suitable for smooth and irregular surfaces. Once you’ve decided on the type of gripper you need, you must select the correct size. The gripper size should be related to the size of the objects you’ll be picking up. If you’re not sure what size to choose, it’s often best to err on the side of caution and select a larger size. Finally, you need to decide on the material of the gripper. Some materials are better suited for specific tasks than others. For example, softer materials may be better for delicate surfaces, while more complex materials may be better for gripping heavier objects. Considering these factors can ensure you choose the right robot gripper for your needs. What are the different types of robot grippers available on the market today? There are a variety of grippers available on the market that are designed for different purposes. Some grippers are for specific tasks such as welding or fabricating, while others are for general office and household tasks. The most common grippers are used in manufacturing and industrial applications. These grippers are designed to hold and manipulate objects of all shapes and sizes. Some grippers are also equipped with sensors that allow them to identify the object they are gripping and adjust accordingly. Other grippers are designed for more delicate tasks such as handling food or medical supplies. These grippers typically have softer materials that will not damage the items they are gripping. No matter what the task, there is a gripper available that can assist with it. How much does a robot gripper cost, and where can you buy them? Robot grippers are devices that are used to help robots handle objects. They vary in price, depending on the size and complexity of the device. Generally, small grippers can cost as little as $100, while more significant, more complex grippers can cost several thousand dollars. Robot grippers can be purchased from a variety of online and offline retailers. Some companies that sell robot grippers include Robo gripping, Rethink Robotics, and Barrett Technology. What are some benefits of using a robot gripper in your business or manufacturing process? A robot gripper is a tool used to grab or hold an object. Grippers are typically used in manufacturing and assembly processes, where they can help to improve productivity and efficiency. Robot grippers come in various sizes and shapes and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular application. Some of the benefits of using a robot gripper include: -Improved accuracy: Robot grippers can help improve the manufacturing process’s accuracy, as they can place objects with precise control. This is especially beneficial for delicate components or products. -Faster production: The use of robot grippers can help to speed up a production line by automating the task of grabbing and holding objects. This can lead to increased output and shorter production times. -Reduced costs: In many cases, robot grippers can help reduce labor costs by replacing humans with machines. Additionally, grippers can often be reused multiple times, which helps to reduce costs further. Are there any drawbacks to using a robot gripper in your business or manufacturing process? There are some drawbacks to using robot grippers in business or manufacturing processes: They are expensive to purchase, and maintenance is crucial to keep the machine running. They require high precision and accuracy, which can be challenging to achieve with some materials. They can cause excessive wear and tear on materials, leading to higher production costs. They may not be suitable for all applications, such as those that involve delicate or fragile items. Overall, robot grippers can be valuable to a business or manufacturing process, but weighing the potential drawbacks before purchasing is essential. With that said Choosing the right robot gripper can be a daunting task. However, by following the tips in this article, you should be able to find the perfect gripper for your needs. Have you tried any of these tips when choosing a robot gripper? Let us know in the comments below.
Today’s modern homes are a shining example of how well technology can enhance our lives. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), and vast networks of interconnected devices, mean our homes have gone far beyond the tech essentials we’re relied on for the past few decades. With smart devices and internet-enabled gadgets, we can already do all manner of things like managing our house affairs with a tap of a button. Whether it’s watching a live stream from your front door, adjusting the thermostat via an app before you get home on a cold day, or even communicating with your fridge and asking it to create a shopping list for you, there are so many things you can do now with technology. These technologies have been proliferating for a few years now, and some technologies are now staples, including digital assistants like Alexa or Siri, video doorbells, and smart controls for lights and heating and cooling systems. So what does the future hold, and will our houses become even more exciting? Your home could start anticipating your needs Artificial intelligence is designed to perform just as well as humans do, and this can include anticipating our needs at home. Smart houses can use AI capabilities to simplify our lives greatly. Think robotic vacuums that learn when and how to clean specific areas of your home and then start doing this without an app command, or sprinkler systems that use weather data combined with your watering habits to predict what your plants need. You’ll have more time to concentrate on the more important things when your AI devices wash and dry the clothes for you, adjust the interior temperature to suit the preferences of the people present in the house, play music, and so on. LG’s DeepThinQ 1.0 technology is already on the market in several of the company’s devices, and these kinds of AI-powered home help are just around the corner. Security is becoming more important Connected user accounts and the fact that controls for smart homes are accessible online mean that smart homeowners are a growing target for digital threat actors. We note digital here because it’s far easier for a burglar to break open one’s front door than to crack into a smart digital lock, for instance. But because these devices are connected to a single home Wi-Fi network, which is connected to the owner’s handheld device, there is a significant potential for hackers to gain access to other lucrative accounts than your video doorbell can offer. In one famous case, hackers managed to access a casino’s systems via a smart fish tank. In addition, several reports have been detailing intimate partner violence (IPV) carried out via smart home devices and growing awareness among experts of the potential for digitally mediated abuse. In 2018, for instance, Ross Cairns was convicted of eavesdropping on his ex-wife via a microphone in a wall-mounted tablet that controlled her home’s heating and lighting. Convenience has always come at a price, be it our online privacy or the security of our smart homes. As home tech advances, the standards we apply to keep our internet-connected homes secure will advance, too, becoming more stringent. Daniel Cooley, Chief Strategy Officer at Silicon Labs, told Time Magazine that the smart home tech would eventually be “just like plumbing,” an essential part of how we live.
