Category Robotics Classification

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Pepper-picking robot demonstrates its skills in greenhouse labour automation

With the rising shortage of skilled workforce in agriculture, there's a growing need for robotisation to perform labour-intensive and repetitive tasks in greenhouses. Enter SWEEPER, the EU-funded project developing a sweet pepper-harvesting robot that can help farmers reduce their costs.

#269: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis in Salesforce Analytics, with Amruta Moktali


In this interview, Audrow Nash interviews Amruta Moktali, VP of Product Management at Salesforce Analytics, about Salesforce Analytics’ analytic and artificial intelligence software. Moktali discusses the data-pipeline, how data is processed (e.g., noise), and how insights are identified.  She also talks about how dimensions in the data can be controlled for (such as race, gender, or zip-code) to avoid bias and how other dimensions can be selected as actionable so Salesforce can make recommendations—and how they use interpretable methods so that these recommendations can be explained.  Moktali also tells about her professional path, including going from computer engineering and computer science to product management and her experience with intrapreneurship (that is, starting an endeavor within a large organization).

Here is a video demo of Einstein Analytics, and you can watch Moktali’s live in the Einstein Analytics keynote at Dreamforce on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 5pm PT at salesforce.com/live and youtube.com/user/dreamforce.

 

Amruta Moktali
Amruta Moktali, VP of Product Management for Salesforce Analytics, has spent 10+ years immersed in the data and analytics side of popular products. Before Salesforce, she was head of product at Topsy Labs, the social search and analytics company, where her team pinpointed the catalyst tweets that initiated the Arab Spring in Egypt. Topsy was acquired by Apple and is now part of Apple Search technology. Prior to that she worked at Microsoft where she worked on several products including Bing, which she had a hand in shaping with the Powerset team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at Maharaja Sayajirao University in India, and her master’s in computer science at Arizona State University.

 

Links

Robotiq Makes Force Control Easy with Force Copilot

New software unleashes force sensing on UR e-Series

Quebec City, Canada, September 5—Robotiq is launching Force Copilot, an intuitive software to operate Universal Robots e-Series’ embedded force torque sensor. Force Copilot accelerates the programming of a whole host of applications, including part insertion and surface finding, among many others.

 

Force Copilot’s sensing functions increase flexibility and reliability in machine-tending, assembly, finishing, and pick-and-place applications. A suite of setup tools allows the user to hand-guide the robot on complex trajectories. The software makes it easy to place objects precisely in jigs, trays, and chucks, and it facilitates assembly applications through its alignment, indexing, and insertion functions. Finally, the intuitive interface unlocks finishing applications, with adjustable adaptive compliance and constant force for all robot axes.

 

“We want to free every production line operator in the world from repetitive manual tasks. With Force Copilot, we are making complex robot-movement programming accessible to anyone,” says Robotiq CEO Samuel Bouchard. “Force Copilot works as the human operator’s guide, helping program the robot quickly and easily. We’re proud to see the next step of the human-robot collaboration take shape.”

 

 

David Maltais

Public Relations at Robotiq

1-418-929-2513

 

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Press release provided to Roboticmagazine.Com by Robotiq.Com

The post Robotiq Makes Force Control Easy with Force Copilot appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

Parrot: senseFly eBee X and the Parrot ANAFI Work

Parrot announces two new professional drone solutions at InterDrone 2018 – the senseFly eBee X and the Parrot ANAFI Work

 

The two cutting-edge platforms by Parrot-the leading European drone group-help professionals work more efficiently, cut costs, reduce worker risk and make better decisions

 

September 5, 2018, InterDrone (Las Vegas, USA) – Parrot today strengthens its Parrot Business Solutions portfolio with the release of two new innovative platforms: the senseFly eBee X and the Parrot ANAFI Work.

 

Launched with the promise that “it’s not about the drone,” but instead about overcoming business challenges, these reliable aerial solutions offer highly accurate insights, whatever the user’s level of drone experience and budget.

 

“The enterprise-grade eBee X mapping platform and the ultra-compact 4K drone solution for every business, ANAFI Work, showcase the strength and breadth of the growing Parrot Business Solutions portfolio,” said Gilles Labossière, the Executive Vice President and COO of Parrot Group, and senseFly CEO. “More than the drones themselves however, what’s key is that these end-to-end solutions are built upon the commercial knowledge of the entire Parrot Group, providing professionals at all levels with a means to improve their business results-by boosting efficiency, reducing costs, improving worker safety and providing the insights needed to take better decisions.”

 

eBee X: the fixed-wing drone that allows operators to map without limits

 

The senseFly eBee X fixed-wing drone is designed to boost the quality, efficiency and safety of geospatial professionals’ data collection. This enterprise-grade solution offers a camera to suit every job, the accuracy and coverage capabilities to meet the requirements of even the most demanding projects and is durable enough to work virtually every site.

 

MULTI-PURPOSE

One tool, multiple cameras, for every job

The eBee X includes a range of revolutionary new camera options to suit every mapping job-from land surveying and topographic mapping to urban planning, crop mapping, thermal mapping, environmental monitoring and many more. These cameras include:

 

  • ThesenseFly S.O.D.A. 3D: a unique drone photogrammetry camera with a one-inch sensor, which changes orientation during flight to capture three images (two oblique, one nadir) every time, instead of just one, for a much wider field of view. The result is stunning digital 3D reconstructions in vertically-focused environments-such as urban areas, open pit mines and coastlines-over larger areas than quadcopter drones can achieve. senseFly S.O.D.A. 3D is optimised for quick, robust image processing with Pix4Dmapper software.

 

  • ThesenseFly Aeria X: a compact drone photogrammetry camera with APS-C sensor. This rugged innovation offers an ideal blend of size, weight and DSLR-like image quality. Thanks in part to its built-in Smart Exposure technology, it provides outstanding image detail and clarity, in virtually all light conditions, allowing operators to map for more hours per day than ever before.

 

  • ThesenseFly Duet T: a dual-camera thermal mapping rig, which lets mapping professionals create geo-accurate thermal maps and digital surface models quickly and easily. The Duet T includes both a high-resolution (640 x 512 px) thermal infrared camera and a senseFly S.O.D.A. RGB camera with one-inch sensor. Both image sources can be accessed as required, while the rig’s built-in Camera Position Synchronisation feature works in sync with Pix4Dmapper photogrammetry software (optional) to simplify the map reconstruction process.

 

The eBee X is also compatible with the Parrot Sequoia+ multispectral camera for agriculture, the senseFly S.O.D.A. drone photogrammetry camera and senseFly Corridor for simple linear mapping.

 

EFFICIENT & PRECISE

Meet every project’s requirements

The eBee X can meet the exacting requirements of every project. Its unique Endurance Extension option unlocks a flight time of up to 90 minutes (versus a maximum endurance of 59 minutes by default). With this capability activated, the drone is able to achieve vast single-flight coverage of up to 500 ha (1,235 ac) at 122 m (400 ft), while the eBee X’s built-in High-Precision on Demand (RTK/PPK) function helps operators to achieve absolute accuracy of down to 3 cm (1.2 in)-without ground control points.

 

RUGGED & RELIABLE

Work every site, no matter how challenging

The eBee X allows users to work virtually every site, no matter how demanding, thanks to the drone’s built-in Steep Landing technology, ultra-robust design, live air traffic data and more, all backed by senseFly’s professional, localised support.

 

The eBee X is ideally suited to the varied and evolving needs of mapping professionals. These include: surveying and construction companies, quarry and mine operators, agronomists and forestry engineers, professional drone service providers, aerial imagery companies, environmental researchers and more.

 

The eBee X is supplied with senseFly’s eMotion flight planning and data management software and is available for purchase immediately from authorised senseFly distributors (listed here https://www.sensefly.com/sensefly-distributors/). Professional image processing software by Pix4D, another Parrot subsidiary, is optional.

 

Watch the eBee X video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxriE8mtYe0

 

ANAFI Work: the 4K ultra-compact drone solution for every business

ANAFI Work is a 4K ultra-compact drone solution for everyday business use by construction professionals, independent contractors, site managers, architects, creative agencies and more. Based on Parrot’s highly-acclaimed ANAFI drone (launched in June 2018), this highly capable, advanced imaging tool makes it easy, and safe, to inspect those hard to reach areas of buildings, and to monitor, model and professionally shoot projects from the sky.

 

ADVANCED IMAGING SYSTEM

Capture 4K data from the sky

ANAFI Work features a 4K HDR video, 21 MP high-resolution camera. The camera’s three-axis stabilization system allows the drone to shoot ultra-smooth videos and take steady photos. It also features a controllable +/-90° tilt camera, which is unique to the market, allowing professionals to inspect under structures such as balconies or bridges with the Zenith view (+90°) and roofs with the Nadir view (-90°).

 

ANAFI Work’s camera is also equipped with a lossless zoom of 1.4x in 4K, 2.8x in full HD (1080p), and up to 3x standard digital zoom, allowing professionals to get a closer look at issues, when required, without reducing footage quality, and all while staying a safe distance away from walls.

 

PERFORMANCE ON THE GO

Always ready to deploy

ANAFI Work boasts industry-leading flight performance, with a 25-minute flight time per battery (four batteries are included). The drone is ultra-compact, weighing in at 320 g (0.7 lb), and its four arms can fold and unfold in less than three seconds, making it an ideal ready to use tool for busy professionals.

 

It also features a USB-C charging system, which charges 70% faster than standard USB-A, and enables the drone to be charged on-the-go with smartphones, laptops or power banks.

 

Thanks to its powerful yet quiet propulsion system, ANAFI Work can fly in wind of up to 50 km (31 mi) per hour, plus its omnidirectional transmission system always maintains a strong radio connection, thanks to four dual band antennas embedded in the drone.

 

EASY TO USE

For every professional

With ANAFI Work, every professional can fly manually and take images of all types of infrastructure using the intuitive FreeFlight 6 mobile app. Flying autonomously meanwhile, and acquiring precise data, is made easy with the app’s pre-integrated piloting modes: Touch&Fly, POI (Point of Interest), and Flight Plan.

 

Missions are also made stress-free due to the drone’s Geofence and Smart RTH (Return to Home) functionalities: Geofence allows the operator to define a specific flight zone with a maximum height and maximum distance, making sure the drone stays in the defined mission area, while with Smart RTH, ANAFI Work is always able to return to its initial take-off position with the single push of a button.

 

EXPERIENCE 3D MODELING

Produce 3D models and measurements with Pix4Dmodel

Moreover, with ANAFI Work, Parrot invites professionals to experience quick and easy 3D modeling by offering a one-year subscription to Pix4Dmodel. Architects, roofers and construction workers, for example, can use ANAFI Work with Pix4Dmodel to take accurate measurements, perform post-flight 3D inspections, share markers or 3D models directly using any web browser or export their output to their preferred architecture software.

 

ANAFI Work includes:

  • 1 ANAFI drone
  • 4 Smart Batteries
  • 1 multi-port USB Mains Charger
  • 1 water-resistant shoulder bag
  • 1 Parrot Skycontroller 3
  • 8 propellers
  • 1 16 GB SD card
  • USB-A to USB-C cables
  • One-year subscription to Pix4Dmodel

 

ANAFI Work is available for presale now (shipping October 2018) via Parrot.com and official Parrot Business Solutions resellers. Price is US $1,099 Excluding Sales Tax

 

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Don’t miss the following two Parrot Business Solutions presentations at InterDrone:

  • 2:15 PM – 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 5: A Tale of Two Drones (Product Showcase)

Jean-Thomas Célette, Chief Strategy & Product Officer, Parrot Business Solutions

  • 4:45 PM – 5:05 p.m., Thursday, September 6: It’s Not About The Drone (Keynote)

Matt Wade, Head of Marketing, Parrot Business Solutions

 

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Image Source: www.realwire.com

 

Image Source: www.realwire.com

 

Image Source: www.realwire.com

 

About Parrot Business Solutions

Parrot, the leading European drone group, offers business solutions spanning drones, software, sensors and services, mainly focusing on 3 major verticals:

  • Agriculture
  • 3D mapping, surveying and inspection
  • Public safety

 

Founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux, the Parrot Group designs and engineers its products in Europe, mainly in France and Switzerland. Headquartered in Paris, Parrot has been listed since 2006 on Euronext Paris (FR0004038263 – PARRO). For more information: www.parrot.com

 

About senseFly

At senseFly, we believe in using technology to make work safer and more efficient. Our proven drone solutions simplify the collection and analysis of geospatial data, allowing professionals in surveying, agriculture, engineering and humanitarian aid to make better decisions, faster.

 

senseFly was founded in 2009 and quickly became the leader in mapping drones. The company is a commercial drone subsidiary of Parrot Group. For more information: www.sensefly.com

 

Press contact

Jessica Sader

PR Manager

Parrot Business Solutions

+1 586 879 7104

jessica.sader@parrot.com

The post Parrot: senseFly eBee X and the Parrot ANAFI Work appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

Collaborative Robot Market

Technology overview

Collaborative robots (also known as co-bots; an emerging automation technology) are designed to work alongside humans with precision, strength, and speed for achieving high efficiency in production. Collaborative robots differ from industrial robots in several ways, such as the absence of “safety fence” while working alongside humans, simplified programming and reduced setup time, integration of auto-speed reduction and distance monitoring or proximity sensors, and ability to reduce motor power and force in case a worker is working too close to the co-bot. Co-bots are safe and easy to operate, and yield quick return on investment (ROI). These robots offer quick ROI owing to their numerous advantages, such as easy installation, simple programming, no additional costs (such as those incurred to build and maintain safety fencing in traditional industrial robots), less costly tools and accessories (such as grippers, cameras, and laser systems), and acceptance by workforce. Co-bot operations are primarily governed by ISO 15066:2016 standard that further specifies various safety requirements. ISO 10218-1:2011, RIA/ANSI R15.06-2012, ISO 12100:2010, and ISO 13849-1:2008 are a few other standards governing safe operations of co-bots. Continuous advancements in sensor technologies, software, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) are further expanding collaborative robot capabilities and applications. Co-bots can perform a myriad of tasks that are not feasible using traditional industrial robots. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the major potential customers of co-bots where operations involve light-duty tasks, such as assembly, pick and place, machine tending, and quality inspection, which could be of low value and riskier if done by industrial robots. As per MarketsandMarkets’ analysis, the overall collaborative robot market is expected to be worth over USD 8 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of ~55% from 2018 to 2025.

The marketspace of collaborative robots is expected to undergo phenomenal expansion in the nearest future because of significant traction from SMEs worldwide owing to recognizable benefits of co-bots, reduced total cost of ownership (compared with other low-payload industrial robots), and one-stop solution for safe working environment while offering advanced industrial automation solutions to end users. Recent geopolitical phenomenon bolstering the manufacturing sector in developed nations across North America and Europe; rising factory floor automation in China, Japan, and India; growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into existing robotics infrastructure; enhancements in 3D machine vision technology; and the potential of cloud robotics to realize connected workspace are some of the key trends to watch out for in the collaborative robotics ecosystem. The shortage of skilled workforce for low-value tasks (such as assembly and pick and place) and limitation of traditional industrial robots in agile and flexible operations while complying with certain safety standards are further opening new growth avenues for co-bots not only across the manufacturing sector but also other sectors such as food, consumer packaging, and healthcare.

 

FIGURE 1           

Industrial Robot market vs. Collaborative Robot market (2017–2023)

Image Source: www.marketsandmarkets.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Industry Journals, Company Websites, Annual Reports, Press Releases, Expert Interviews, and MarketsandMarekts’ Analysis

Collaborative robots accounted for ~2% of the global industrial robot market in 2017; the market for co-bots was valued at USD 286.8 million in 2017. The share of collaborative robots is expected to increase significantly from 2017 to 2023; these are expected to account for ~17% of the global industrial robot market by 2023; the market for these robots is expected to be valued at USD 4,284.4 million by 2023.

 

Key Drivers for Collaborative Robots

High ROI and low price of collaborative robots attracting SMEs

Depending upon the working capacity and use, most co-bots offer ROI in a span of 6–12 months, and a few co-bots offer ROI within a period of 3–6 months. The collaborative robot market is highly competitive, wherein some players offer higher payload capacity co-bots and enjoy competitive advantage over others. FANUC’s CR-35iA (~USD 80,000) is one of the earliest collaborative robots with a payload capacity of up to 35kg. KUKA’s LBR iiwa is another co-bot priced at ~USD 100,000. ABB’s YuMi and Kawada’s NEXTAGE are other high-priced dual-arm co-bots priced at ~USD 40,000 and ~USD 60,000, respectively, because of the complexity involved in operating these co-bots. Co-bots from other leading manufacturers — UR3 and UR5 from Universal Robots (Denmark), Baxter and Sawyer from Rethink Robotics (US), TM5 Series from Techman Robot (Taiwan), and OB7 from Productive Robotics, Inc. (US) — are available at a price range of USD 20,000–40,000. Rising demand for low-cost co-bots, such as AUBO-i5 from AUBO Robotics (US), Eva from Automata Technologies Limited (UK), and Panda from Franka Emika GmbH (Germany), is further expected to fuel competition in the collaborative robotics market, which in turn will drive down the prices of co-bots in the upcoming years. Considering the additional cost of robot peripheral integration (i.e., the total cost of installing 1 robot, along with the complete set of necessary peripherals and equipment), the cost of integrating a co-bot could reach up to USD 100,000, which is still far less than the total cost incurred in case of conventional industrial robots.

Co-bots come as a packaged solution, comprising all the necessary accessories from manufacturers. The depreciation rate of co-bots is lesser than that of traditional heavyweight industrial robots. These robots can just be plugged in to start functioning, which reduces time, manpower, and floor space, and increases productivity when deployed on a large scale. Co-bots also offer agile manufacturing, and if required, they could be easily deployed from one production line to another without the hassle of changing the programming—i.e., co-bots could be trained by simply hand-guiding their arms—thereby eliminating the need for an expert-level software programmer to reprogram the entire coding of the robot.

Increasing investments in automation by industries

The robot revolution has made automated machines a part of daily life and has gone beyond industrial applications. Companies with expertise in different fields of automation and robotics are investing heavily in robotic ventures. For instance, KUKA AG (Germany), through its investment (acquisition) in Reis Robotics, gained access to new sectors such as foundry, solar energy, and battery production, which helped KUKA in bundling the competence in automated systems.

The robotics sector, through mergers and acquisitions, is providing the companies access to the fast-growing robotics industry. The use of industrial robotics has accelerated automation in an intelligent way, offering functional benefits such as production flexibility with enhanced product quality, improved production output with decline in operating costs, and provision of floor space for utilization. As a result, the automation industry is driving the market for industrial robotics.

The economics of robotics companies is improving with more units being sold in recent years, giving automation a new face. Drivers for this are co-bots with better technology, as well as developments in many regions worldwide. The collective benefits of adopting robotics would increase production with human–robot interface on the same floor. Industrial robotics automation offers the most viable opportunities for investment in sectors such as logistics and e-commerce, healthcare, defense, and agriculture. Automation and technological advancements are further favoring the adoption of collaborative robots by several end-user industries.

 

Current market scenario

 FIGURE 2           

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TO LEAD THE MARKET, IN TERMS OF VALUE, BY 2023

Image Source: www.marketsandmarkets.com

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Industry Journals, Company Websites, Annual Reports, Press Releases, Expert Interviews, and MarketsandMarekts’ Analysis

Primary industrial verticals for co-bots are electronics; automotive; metals and machining; plastics and polymers; food and agriculture; furniture and equipment; healthcare; scientific research; logistics; education; consumer goods; and die cast and foundry. The automotive industry accounted for the largest share of the collaborative robot market in 2017. In this industry, co-bots are used to perform diverse assembly tasks. Other crucial tasks involving co-bots in the automotive production line are pick and place, quality inspection, packaging and palletizing, machine tending, and material handling.

In 2017, Europe led the collaborative robot market in terms of market share, followed by Asia Pacific and North America. Germany held the largest share of the European collaborative robot market, followed by the UK and France. The growth of the market in Europe was driven by strong government support to promote factory automation solutions, thus supporting Industry 4.0 drive. Many authorities in Europe have collectively or independently developed human–robot collaboration and protection guidelines, which are driving this market.

Universal Robots A/S (Denmark) and ABB Ltd. (Switzerland) are 2 of the key players in the collaborative robot market. Universal Robots offers UR3, UR5, and UR10 collaborative robots named after their payloads in kilograms. The company launched its first robot in December 2008 and currently leads the collaborative robot sector. In June 2016, Universal Robots A/S (Denmark) launched Universal Robots+—an online user-friendly platform allowing users to easily customize robots as per their unique requirements. The company expanded its business operations in the US and India during 2016 to further increase its market reach in these countries.

ABB Ltd. (Switzerland) offers IRB 14000 YuMi, a dual-arm collaborative robot, which is used in a range of light-duty applications, such as small parts assembly, testing and packaging, electronic parts and components assembly, and consumer products assembly. YuMi has a payload capacity of 500g per arm and an overall weight of 38kg; it can move at a maximum velocity of 1,500mm/s. ABB also provides software support (under SISTEMA brand) for its YuMi robot. The company mainly focuses on expanding the reach of its co-bot into new geographies and acquiring other market players. For instance, in June 2017, ABB expanded the presence of its YuMi collaborative robot in the Netherlands by installing 3 YuMi co-bots on a production line at electrification products plant in Ede. In July 2017, ABB further strengthened software support for its robotics business with the acquisition of Bernecker + Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH (Germany). Rising competition among existing co-bot manufacturers and the entrance of new players in the collaborative robot market (such as Techman Robot (a subsidiary of Quanta Storage, Inc., Taiwan) in 2012, Productive Robotics, Inc. (US) in 2013, and Franka Emika GmbH (Germany) in 2016) will further drive down the prices of collaborative robots in the nearest future. Collaborative robots, however, are less powerful and slower than traditional industrial robots, which becomes a challenge in handling a wide range of industrial-grade operations.

 

Conclusion

Collaborative robots are used in several industrial and service applications. The market is growing at a rapid pace owing to technological advancements and the integration of automation tools. The applications of collaborative robots have been increasing from automotive, packaging, distribution, and metalworking to inspection, mobile platforms, and human–machine interaction. However, making collaborative robots safe for routine interaction with humans is a major technological challenge that the robotics industry has been facing for a long time.

In industrial applications, for operating in more than 6 axes (degrees of freedom), co-bots require complex programming and compact assembly to perform an activity. As the ongoing trend of robotics requires the merger of mechanical and software engineering, many companies are capitalizing on this for enhancing their expertise in mechatronics and software.

Complex programming and multiple sensors are required for making a collaborative platform that can operate autonomously to provide a degree of intelligence and reliable mechanisms while performing a particular task. Apart from multiple-axis control, precise motion control has been a major technological challenge for operating alongside humans.

Furthermore, robot manufacturers face challenges while fixing the price and increasing the life expectancy of co-bots. Robot operating capabilities are needed to be scaled while making the system operational with precise real-time environments with instant system response and performing a defined set of steps. For example, modest changes in lighting conditions may also result in considerably divergent behaviors in robots. These technological challenges need to be addressed effectively to make humans confident enough to work alongside robots.

 

References :

  1. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/collaborative-robot-market-194541294.html
  2. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/Industrial-Robotics-Market-643.html

 

Author Details

Image: Marketsandmarkets.com

Name: Amritpal Singh Bedi

Designation: Research Analyst

Key Areas of Interest: Service Robotics, Collaborative Robotics, 3D Printing, Roll-to-Roll Printing, and Industrial Refrigeration, among others

Academic Qualification: MBA (Marketing), B. Tech (Electronics and Communication)

 

The post Collaborative Robot Market appeared first on Roboticmagazine.

Why it’s so hard to reach an international agreement on killer robots

For several years, civil society groups have been calling for a ban on what they call "killer robots". Scores of technologists have lent their voice to the cause. Some two dozen governments now support a ban and several others would like to see some kind of international regulation.
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