Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for May 27, 2023

Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

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Hesai Technology, a provider of lidar solutions, and Cratus, a software solution integrator for lidar systems, have agreed a strategic alliance to develop autonomous warehouse solutions using Hesai’s “groundbreaking safety-rated” 3D lidar, the QT128.

Cratus has selected the QT128 as the lead sensor in its all-new lidar perception package for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AGVs and AMRs have been used for many years in warehouses and manufacturing plants to accomplish a variety of material handling tasks. [Read more…] about Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

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Associated Food Stores (AFS), a provider of groceries and other goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic, a developer of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, have entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s robotic warehouse automation technology in AFS’ Utah distribution center.

Symbotic says its end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to “improve a variety of retail-facing experiences”, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores.

David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO, says: “We appreciate the partnership with Symbotic which enables us to cast an exciting vision for future growth and long-term relevance with the shoppers and retailers we serve. [Read more…] about Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

Figure raises $70 million Series A to support commercialization of Figure 01 humanoid robot

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A robotics startup called Figure, an AI Robotics company building general purpose humanoid robots, has raised $70 million in its Series A funding round. The company says the new funding will be used to accelerate the development of Figure 01, which is the company’s autonomous humanoid robot, build out Figure’s AI data pipeline for autonomous operations, and drive towards commercialization.

The round is led by Parkway Venture Capital and joined by participating investments from Brett Adcock, Aliya Capital, Bold Capital Partners, Tamarack Global, FJ labs, and Kuka Robotics CEO Till Reuter. This funding news comes on the heels of Figure’s emergence from stealth.

Figure is building humanoid robots designed for initial deployment into the workforce to address labor shortages and to support supply chain on a global scale. In recent months, Figure made notable hires across AI, Controls, Manipulation, Perception, and Commercial Operations. [Read more…] about Figure raises $70 million Series A to support commercialization of Figure 01 humanoid robot

3M highlights major global trends in materials science and charts its own way ahead

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3M Forward is a program that highlights how materials science-based innovation at scale can help society progress amid three unstoppable forces shaping our planet: climate change and resource scarcity, shifting demographics and social change and convergence of the physical and digital worlds. As part of 3M Forward, 3M scientists, engineers and experts share how their solutions are helping to build a brighter future.

Mark Copman, 3M senior vice president, new growth ventures, says: “The global forces highlighted within 3M Forward are disruptive in nature, but we see them as catalysts for new advances in science and positive societal impact.

“Science has the potential to solve the toughest global challenges, and 3M’s diverse global portfolio and vast expertise make us optimally positioned to imagine what’s possible and build what’s next.”  [Read more…] about 3M highlights major global trends in materials science and charts its own way ahead

Apex Motion Control launches new collaborative robot

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Apex Motion Control, a specialist in smart robotic and automation equipment, has released its latest product line – the Flexi-Bot and Flexi-Bot MAX.

These new collaborative robots (cobots) have been designed with the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries in mind, offering a user-friendly solution to ongoing labor shortages and the dull, dangerous, dirty, and repetitive tasks involved in industrial manufacturing.

Jamie Bobyk, marketing manager with Apex Motion Control, says: “We’ve listened to the needs of the food, dairy and pharma producers and have developed a Collaborative Robot that is well-suited to these industries with stricter guidelines. [Read more…] about Apex Motion Control launches new collaborative robot