Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for November 2, 2021

‘Robotaxis will be disruptive to conventional taxis and ride-hailing, but not car ownership’, says new report

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Robotaxis remain one of the most pursued applications for autonomous vehicle technologies today, with many developers envisioning an end to – or at least a significant reduction in – car ownership.

Developers of autonomous vehicles, specifically those focused on Level-4 self-driving vehicles, often focus on mobility services as the first application.

Not only is there a demonstrated market for taxis and ride-hailing, but it’s a market where the high costs of labor create high prices, making it a ripe opportunity for autonomous vehicle deployment. [Read more…] about ‘Robotaxis will be disruptive to conventional taxis and ride-hailing, but not car ownership’, says new report

Fabric raises $200 million in new funding, bringing total to $336 million to date

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Fabric, a company specialising in retail supply chain automation, has raised $200 million in Series C funding.

The latest round was led by existing investor Temasek, with participation from Koch Disruptive Technologies, Union Tech Ventures, Harel Insurance & Finance, Pontifax Global Food and Agriculture Technology Fund (Pontifax AgTech), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), KSH Capital, Princeville Capital, Wharton Equity Ventures, and others.

With a valuation of more than $1 billion, Fabric has established itself as a market leader in the on-demand fulfillment space, leveraging its proprietary robotic micro-fulfillment technology stack designed from the ground up to make on-demand fulfillment profitable and scalable for all retailers. [Read more…] about Fabric raises $200 million in new funding, bringing total to $336 million to date

ABB launches FlexLoader M range to ‘bring the power of modularity to machine tending’

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ABB has launched a new range of modular machine tending application cells for the metals industry aimed at maximizing flexibility and machine utilization while minimizing lost productivity caused by unforeseen production stoppages.

Featuring six different versions, the FlexLoader M family offers a variety of ways of loading and unloading machines based on the size, shapes and amount of the workpieces being handled, making it ideal for applications such as foundries and die casting operations producing multiple types of products in varying quantities.

Andrea Cassoni, managing director for business line general industry for ABB Robotics, says: “As customers demand greater variety and shorter delivery times, metals producers need to have a manufacturing process that can respond quickly and offer the flexibility to achieve high mix, low volume and batch size one production. [Read more…] about ABB launches FlexLoader M range to ‘bring the power of modularity to machine tending’

BrainBox AI raises $24 million to expand into building automation

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BrainBox AI, specialising in autonomous building technology, has raised $24 million to implement its technology in the built environment and develop its next phase of innovation.

The first close of its Series A round includes new lead investor, ABB, and investments by Esplanade Ventures and Desjardins Capital.

BrainBox AI offers predictive and self-adaptive artificial intelligence to optimize buildings’ energy usage, carbon footprint, and operational efficiency. [Read more…] about BrainBox AI raises $24 million to expand into building automation

Seegrid gives select customers early access to its new autonomous lift truck

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Seegrid, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, is giving select customers early access to Seegrid Palion Lift AMR, the company’s newest AMR – and “the only autonomous lift truck with 3D perception in the industry”.

The select customers receiving first priority access to the highly anticipated Palion Lift are part of the Seegrid Technology Early-Access Program (STEP).

Participants in STEP receive a dedicated Seegrid team, gain exclusive opportunities to experience and provide feedback on new Seegrid technology, obtain insights into product roadmaps, and have the ability to impact innovative new products like the Palion Lift, an AMR that uniquely addresses major supply chain challenges. [Read more…] about Seegrid gives select customers early access to its new autonomous lift truck

What Is the Internet of Robotic Things and What Can It Do?

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The internet is a miracle on its own. According to statistics on internet usage, it has taken the world by storm.

Then, the Internet of Things arrived to help humans connect smart devices and improve the functionality of homes and factories.

Still, there’s more improvement to come. The ever-evolving robotics already merged with the IoT, generating something called the Internet of Robotic Things. Here’s what it is and what it can do. [Read more…] about What Is the Internet of Robotic Things and What Can It Do?

Top business automation trends

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In a world where technology can change overnight, it’s important to stay current with the latest trends.

As a business owner, you want to boost productivity while providing the safest and most efficient environment for all of your employees. And as you scale your business, it’s only natural to find ways to automate as many processes as possible.

Below are some of the most current automated digital solutions to implement into your business today. [Read more…] about Top business automation trends

Several ways how robotic and other engineering solutions will support manufacturing

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The international robotics market is continuously growing. Wondering what pluses robotic and other engineering solutions have the potential to bring to manufacturing? Check it now.

As stated in the World Robotics Report 2020 designed by the International Federation of Robotics, in 2020, nearly 3 million robotic solutions were working on plants around the globe.

The figure is about 11.5 percent bigger compared to 2019 (about 400,000 innovative robotic equipment was purchased and installed). [Read more…] about Several ways how robotic and other engineering solutions will support manufacturing

Benetton set to invest an automation solution at its facilities in Italy

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The leading fashion chain, Benetton is about to invest in a new automation solution to add efficiency and flexibility to the group’s operations at its logistics facilities in Villorba, Italy.

The solution comes from Dematic and features an AutoStore system that will improve the company’s e-commerce sales by optimizing its storage facilities and processing of orders.

According to the tech portal cercoTECH, the revamp will be entirely managed by Dematic software with the AutoStore system responsible for thousands of storage units and 53 mobile robots that will pick up orders from the bins. [Read more…] about Benetton set to invest an automation solution at its facilities in Italy

4 Top AI beauty platforms

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There is little doubt that Covid-19 has changed the beauty industry. The website SuperBelle reports that while the beauty industry was predicted to grow to $571,696 million in market value by 2023, it actually dropped from $504,501 million in 2019 to $483,338 million in 2020.

“The effects of this fall have been particularly challenging in northern Italy, which produces approximately 65 percent of the world’s makeup,” states the site.

Some of the reasons for this decline have included the global lockdown and temporary suspension of in-store shopping, lack of face-to-face consultations with beauty experts, the compulsory wearing of face masks and a reduction in income. [Read more…] about 4 Top AI beauty platforms