Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for February 2, 2021

Getting Projects off the Ground with Outsourcing

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What works for the largest businesses doesn’t necessarily work for the smallest ones.

Startups in particular often lack the resources to pursue ideas for completely new projects and services because they may not have accumulated funds, or an experienced team, in order to begin development on the scope they desire.

Companies that want to increase their project output tend to benefit a lot from outsourcing development as a way to get around this. [Read more…] about Getting Projects off the Ground with Outsourcing

UPS sells UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million

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Logistics giant United Parcel Services has entered into an agreement to sell UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments.

Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, says: “We’re excited about the future and the opportunities this creates for both UPS and UPS Freight as part of TFI International.

“The agreement allows UPS to be even more laser-focused on the core parts of our business that drive the greatest value for our customers.” [Read more…] about UPS sells UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million

Last mile: Micro-fulfillment centers bring supply chains to the consumer

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Over the last few years, as e-commerce sales have increased and customer expectations have shifted, there has been a steady race to move fulfillment closer to the customer.

Something once so innovative as two-day delivery has led to next-day delivery, which is quickly becoming obsolete as consumers demand same-day delivery.

This trend has accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially as more consumers become comfortable with online ordering of perishable items and groceries. One of the significant changes in supply chain strategies we are seeing as a result of this is the rise of fulfillment centers that bring fulfillment closer to the consumer. [Read more…] about Last mile: Micro-fulfillment centers bring supply chains to the consumer

Walmart begins to scale local fulfillment centers

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Walmart, the world’s largest supermarket chain, has started to scale its local fulfillment centers in the apparent belief that highly automated micro-warehouses are the way to go. 

The company has been working with a range of robotics companies on changing many aspects of its operation, and Alphabot (main picture) is one of the robots it has been testing.

Brian Roth, senior manager of pickup automation and digital operations for Walmart US, says: “With Alphabot, our associates should be able to put even more focus on helping the customer.” [Read more…] about Walmart begins to scale local fulfillment centers

Asyril launches new control system for its robotic system

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Asyril has launched Eye+, a new “intelligent control system” that manages the Asycube, hopper, vision and robot. (See video below.)

The company says the system allows the control of all components required for a modern and flexible assembly line.

With Eye+ Asycube users will be able to easily optimise the performance of their system without in-depth knowledge of machine vision and at a highly competitive cost. Eye+ also enables vision configuration and hand-eye calibration. This control system is easy to integrate and simple to use. [Read more…] about Asyril launches new control system for its robotic system

Autonomous Inductive Charging Needed to Capture AGV Robotics Value

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By Julian Seume, Chief Marketing Officer, Wiferion

Data evaluation for efficient logistics processes must include inductive charging.

Inductive charging also has numerous advantages in terms of data evaluation. The battery and charging system together form an overall solution for energy supply and are connected via a CAN interface.

This means that all data on the energy level, operating times, and vehicle status can be recorded in real-time. Industry 4.0 applications such as condition monitoring or predictive maintenance can be executed. [Read more…] about Autonomous Inductive Charging Needed to Capture AGV Robotics Value