Latest news with #Munich-based
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Driving impressions: Why the BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport stands out in the SUV market
The BMW X3 is a crucial mid-sized SUV for the Munich-based company and remains one of its top sellers and is also the most popular model in South Africa. Recently I was on the N1 driving to Johannesburg when I passed three trucks carrying proudly made in South Africa vehicles. There's a tinge of pride knowing that a load of Nissan Navaras, Ford Rangers and BMW X3s are on their way to foreign lands, the fact that they're on trucks and not on rail for reasons we all know notwithstanding. I happened to be testing the BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport at the time and knew that the new owners would be well pleased. The X3 is a crucial mid-sized SUV for the Munich-based company and remains one of its top sellers and is also the most popular model in South Africa. With its overall refinement it's not difficult to understand why. Exterior Now in its fourth iteration and first launched in 2003, it has aged well, and as the generations have progressed, it has grown considerably in size, so much so that a friend that had the second generation years ago hardly recognised it. It's taken a while, but the large distinctive kidney grill seems to be less polarising than when it first saw the light and it actually suits this year's Car of the Year. Because it's such an important model for the brand they have tinkered too much with the exterior. It now sports more angular lines and what BMW calls a monolithic appearance and while personally I prefer the previous generation's look, the new X3 is one of those cars that look better in the metal than in pictures. The rear sports a flush-mounted window with a long roof spoiler and under the flared wheel arches it stands on attractive 19-inch alloys. Engine The BMW four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine stands out as one of the best motors ever made and in the X3 produces 145kW and 400Nm coupled to a 48V mild hybrid system adding an additional 8kW and 25Nm for short bursts. It's connected to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission driving all four wheels. Interior As you would expect, the interior is very much a glass screen and premium affair with an abundance of illuminated surfaces. While it looks pretty cool, especially at night in the different driving modes, I can't help thinking that it comes across as one of those flashing disco-type speakers sold at the China Mall. I mean, is a flashing red light bar across the dash when the hazard lights are in use really necessary? Regular touchpoints and plastic bits are covered with recycled materials which look like they'll stand the test of time, especially since the X3 is likely to be a family's main mode of transport. The door-mounted ventilation controls, however, felt flimsy and spoiled an otherwise well cocooned and solid cabin. Fitted with BMW Operating System 9, the infotainment system though is still a bit clumsy and not particularly user friendly. It's not the most intuitive system with most settings including the air conditioning requiring some form of double tap to get to the right menu. It's mitigated somewhat with the iDrive system with QuickSelect that allows functions to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu or using your voice to adjust certain functions. Fortunately the volume can still be adjusted via a dial.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Vention Expands Academic and Research Offering with Franka Robotics, Premiering at Automatica 2025
Franka Robotics, part of Munich-based Agile Robots, builds high-precision collaborative robots trusted in research and education Vention and Franka Robotics will demo PCB testing with a Franka Research 3 (FR3) robot, showcasing precise, safe automation for delicate electronics Other Vention technologies to debut at Automatica include AI-powered bin picking and an all-in-one control system for motion, vision, sensing and AI MachineMotion™ AI, Vention's third-generation controller, will make its European debut with an AI-powered bin-picking solution that showcases intelligent part selection and sub-millimeter grasping on an ABB GoFa cobot Modular robot work cells for machine tending and palletizing will also be on display, featuring leading robot brands Universal Robots and FANUC Visitors to Booth B4.307 can claim free access to MachineBuilder™ 101, Vention's new robotics certification course, which teaches the design, simulation, and deployment of automation using its unified platform MUNICH, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Vention, creator of the world's only full-stack software and hardware automation platform, today announced it has expanded its lineup of robotic offerings to include collaborative robots from Franka Robotics GmbH, a subsidiary of Agile Robots SE. Vention will showcase an FR3 robot alongside its other offerings at Automatica 2025 in Booth B4.307 from June 24-27 in Munich. Franka Robotics has established itself as a leading platform in academic and research settings with its popular FR3 robotic arm, which is now a preferred choice for PhD students, AI researchers, and robotics laboratories. By adding Franka to its portfolio, Vention is expanding its offerings to meet demand from academics, research institutions, and innovation-driven companies already working within the Vention ecosystem. "We're proud to welcome Franka Robotics to the Vention ecosystem," said Francois Giguere, Chief Technology Officer of Vention. "Their reputation in academic and R&D environments perfectly complements our mission to make industrial automation more accessible and intuitive. We're delighted to collaborate with a respected German brand—Germany has been instrumental in shaping the Vention story from the very beginning, and this partnership marks an exciting new chapter in that journey." "Partnering with Vention allows us to extend the reach of our Franka Research 3 robot to a broader range of users in academia and in innovative applications alike," explained Henrik Hermann, Sales Director at Franka Robotics. "Together, we're committed to delivering innovative, user-friendly automation solutions that empower our customers to unlock new possibilities in robotics and AI." The FR3 is a user-friendly, compact, lightweight (18 kg), safe, and highly dexterous robot arm with seven degrees of freedom, making it ideal for laboratory environments with space constraints. It also features real-time force sensitivity with torque-controlled joints, enabling it to sense and respond to forces in real time. This is crucial for human-robot interaction (HRI) research, learning through demonstration, and performing contact-rich tasks such as inserting delicate components. Vention at Automatica 2025 Vention will present four live demos that bring its end-to-end automation platform to life, combining intuitive software, modular hardware, and the innovative capabilities of MachineMotion™ AI. MachineMotion™ AI & NVIDIA Technology — Powerful Motion Control Building on the momentum from NVIDIA GTC 2025 and Automate, the AI-powered bin-picking demo with ABB GoFa CRB 15000 illustrates the capabilities of real-time, autonomous part-picking. Powered by MachineMotion™ AI, NVIDIA Jetson platform, and NVIDIA Isaac CUDA-accelerated libraries and models, Vention's live demonstrations span advanced robotics, AI-driven motion control, and scalable training — showing the value AI brings to the manufacturing floor for practical deployment of robotic solutions. It demonstrates sub-millimeter picking precision using disorganized manufacturing parts, making it ideal for high-mix, low-volume environments. Modular Demos for Real-world Applications As part of the principal announcement, Vention will demo Franka Robotics' FR3 arm performing PCB testing on a Vention workstation, highlighting the precision and gentle handling required for delicate electronics and fine motor tasks. Attendees will also see fully integrated, customizable work cells for: 7th-axis Range Extender showcasing enhanced reach and flexibility for applications such as machine tending, assembly, and packaging. Rapid Series Palletizer, built on a telescopic column and optimized with Vention's latest MachineApp 4.5 software. Experience the future of automation at Booth B4.307. For more information, visit Media Relations: Sarah Webster +1.313.715.6988 [email protected] Christine Boivin +1.514.293.3423 [email protected] About Vention Vention is leading the future of industrial automation by enabling businesses of all sizes to automate faster than ever — boosting productivity, cutting costs, and driving scalable growth. With our free, drag-and-drop MachineBuilder™ software and modular, plug-and-play FastFactory™ hardware ecosystem, Vention helps businesses automate with unmatched speed, simplicity, and success. Our unified software and hardware automation platform enables businesses to design, simulate, deploy, and operate turnkey or custom automation solutions in just days. Trusted by 4,000+ customers across five continents, Vention is redefining the automation experience with exceptional technology and customer service. Visit to learn more. SOURCE Vention Inc.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vention Expands Academic and Research Offering with Franka Robotics, Premiering at Automatica 2025
Franka Robotics, part of Munich-based Agile Robots, builds high-precision collaborative robots trusted in research and education Vention and Franka Robotics will demo PCB testing with a Franka Research 3 (FR3) robot, showcasing precise, safe automation for delicate electronics Other Vention technologies to debut at Automatica include AI-powered bin picking and an all-in-one control system for motion, vision, sensing and AI MachineMotion™ AI, Vention's third-generation controller, will make its European debut with an AI-powered bin-picking solution that showcases intelligent part selection and sub-millimeter grasping on an ABB GoFa cobot Modular robot work cells for machine tending and palletizing will also be on display, featuring leading robot brands Universal Robots and FANUC Visitors to Booth B4.307 can claim free access to MachineBuilder™ 101, Vention's new robotics certification course, which teaches the design, simulation, and deployment of automation using its unified platform MUNICH, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Vention, creator of the world's only full-stack software and hardware automation platform, today announced it has expanded its lineup of robotic offerings to include collaborative robots from Franka Robotics GmbH, a subsidiary of Agile Robots SE. Vention will showcase an FR3 robot alongside its other offerings at Automatica 2025 in Booth B4.307 from June 24-27 in Munich. Franka Robotics has established itself as a leading platform in academic and research settings with its popular FR3 robotic arm, which is now a preferred choice for PhD students, AI researchers, and robotics laboratories. By adding Franka to its portfolio, Vention is expanding its offerings to meet demand from academics, research institutions, and innovation-driven companies already working within the Vention ecosystem. "We're proud to welcome Franka Robotics to the Vention ecosystem," said Francois Giguere, Chief Technology Officer of Vention. "Their reputation in academic and R&D environments perfectly complements our mission to make industrial automation more accessible and intuitive. We're delighted to collaborate with a respected German brand—Germany has been instrumental in shaping the Vention story from the very beginning, and this partnership marks an exciting new chapter in that journey." "Partnering with Vention allows us to extend the reach of our Franka Research 3 robot to a broader range of users in academia and in innovative applications alike," explained Henrik Hermann, Sales Director at Franka Robotics. "Together, we're committed to delivering innovative, user-friendly automation solutions that empower our customers to unlock new possibilities in robotics and AI." The FR3 is a user-friendly, compact, lightweight (18 kg), safe, and highly dexterous robot arm with seven degrees of freedom, making it ideal for laboratory environments with space constraints. It also features real-time force sensitivity with torque-controlled joints, enabling it to sense and respond to forces in real time. This is crucial for human-robot interaction (HRI) research, learning through demonstration, and performing contact-rich tasks such as inserting delicate components. Vention at Automatica 2025 Vention will present four live demos that bring its end-to-end automation platform to life, combining intuitive software, modular hardware, and the innovative capabilities of MachineMotion™ AI. MachineMotion™ AI & NVIDIA Technology — Powerful Motion Control Building on the momentum from NVIDIA GTC 2025 and Automate, the AI-powered bin-picking demo with ABB GoFa CRB 15000 illustrates the capabilities of real-time, autonomous part-picking. Powered by MachineMotion™ AI, NVIDIA Jetson platform, and NVIDIA Isaac CUDA-accelerated libraries and models, Vention's live demonstrations span advanced robotics, AI-driven motion control, and scalable training — showing the value AI brings to the manufacturing floor for practical deployment of robotic solutions. It demonstrates sub-millimeter picking precision using disorganized manufacturing parts, making it ideal for high-mix, low-volume environments. Modular Demos for Real-world Applications As part of the principal announcement, Vention will demo Franka Robotics' FR3 arm performing PCB testing on a Vention workstation, highlighting the precision and gentle handling required for delicate electronics and fine motor tasks. Attendees will also see fully integrated, customizable work cells for: 7th-axis Range Extender showcasing enhanced reach and flexibility for applications such as machine tending, assembly, and packaging. Rapid Series Palletizer, built on a telescopic column and optimized with Vention's latest MachineApp 4.5 software. Experience the future of automation at Booth B4.307. For more information, visit Media Relations: Sarah Webster+ Christine Boivin+ About Vention Vention is leading the future of industrial automation by enabling businesses of all sizes to automate faster than ever — boosting productivity, cutting costs, and driving scalable growth. With our free, drag-and-drop MachineBuilder™ software and modular, plug-and-play FastFactory™ hardware ecosystem, Vention helps businesses automate with unmatched speed, simplicity, and success. Our unified software and hardware automation platform enables businesses to design, simulate, deploy, and operate turnkey or custom automation solutions in just days. Trusted by 4,000+ customers across five continents, Vention is redefining the automation experience with exceptional technology and customer service. Visit to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vention Inc. 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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
German defence startup Helsing raises $693 million in latest investment round
Live Events German defence start-up Helsing has raised 600 million euros ($693.30 million) in its latest investment round, lead by Spotify founder Daniel Ek , the firm said on latest investment round has raised Helsing's value to $12 billion, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the positions the start-up among the top five private tech companies in Europe, the FT investment round was lead by Prima Materia, an investment company founded by Ek and Spotify investor Shakil Khan, which doubled its investment in the investors included Lightspeed Ventures, Accel , Plural, General Catalyst and SAAB, Helsing said in a Munich-based defence start-up, which specializes in AI software and is moving to produce its own drones, aircraft and submarines, hopes to benefit from governments ramping up defence spending amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
German defence start-up Helsing raises 600 million euros in latest investment round
FILE PHOTO: A message reading "AI artificial intelligence," a keyboard and robot hands are seen in this illustration created on January 27, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo BERLIN (Reuters) -German defence start-up Helsing has raised 600 million euros ($693.30 million) in its latest investment round, lead by Spotify founder Daniel Ek, the firm said on Tuesday. The latest investment round has raised Helsing's value to $12 billion, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. This positions the start-up among the top five private tech companies in Europe, the FT added. The investment round was lead by Prima Materia, an investment company founded by Ek and Spotify investor Shakil Khan, which doubled its investment in the firm. Other investors included Lightspeed Ventures, Accel, Plural, General Catalyst and SAAB, Helsing said in a statement. The Munich-based defence start-up, which specializes in AI software and is moving to produce its own drones, aircraft and submarines, hopes to benefit from governments ramping up defence spending amid rising geopolitical tensions. ($1 = 0.8654 euros) (Reporting by Isabel Demetz, editing by Rachel More)
