Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Hikma Ventures leads $15 million Series B extension in Activ Surgical

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Hikma Pharmaceuticals’ venture capital arm, Hikma Ventures, has led an $15 million round of financing for Activ Surgical, a pioneering digital surgery imaging startup that is developing groundbreaking interoperative surgical intelligence hardware and software.

The investment is an extension of the Series B round that was previously announced by Activ Surgical in September 2021. This most recent financing, which also saw participation from existing investors, brings the total Series B round to $60 million.

Activ Surgical aims to revolutionize access to surgical care, enabling a future of augmented reality-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven surgery that is safe, smart, and accessible to all. [Read more…] about Hikma Ventures leads $15 million Series B extension in Activ Surgical

Walmart Canada investing $118 million to build new fulfillment centre in Calgary area

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Walmart Canada is investing more than $118 million to build a new high-tech sortable fulfillment cent Rocky View County, Alberta, located just outside of Calgary.

The investment is part of the retailer’s plan to expand, revolutionize and transform its best-in-class supply chain network while increasing its e-commerce capabilities to better serve Walmart customers.

It is part of Walmart Canada’s $3.5-billion investment to make the online and in-store shopping experience simpler, faster and more convenient for Walmart customers as the retailer plans to invest for continued growth in Alberta and across Canada. [Read more…] about Walmart Canada investing $118 million to build new fulfillment centre in Calgary area

Nvidia begins production of its Orin autonomous vehicle computer

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Nvidia has started production of its Nvidia Drive Orin autonomous vehicle computer, showcased new automakers adopting the Nvidia Drive platform, and unveiled the next generation of its Nvidia Drive Hyperion architecture.

The company also announced that its automotive pipeline has increased to over $11 billion over the next six years, following a series of design wins with vehicle makers from around the globe.

More than 25 vehicle makers have adopted the Nvidia Drive Orin system-on-a-chip (SoC). Starting this year, they are introducing software-defined vehicles, built on the centralized AI compute platform. [Read more…] about Nvidia begins production of its Orin autonomous vehicle computer

Universal Robots powers new mixed-case palletizing and piece-picking solutions at MODEX 2022

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Universal Robots, a manufacturer of collaborative robots, will show attendees at North America’s largest supply chain expo how cobots can automate new hard-to-staff palletizing and piece-picking tasks in new applications from partners including Mujin and RightHand Robotics.

1 trillion dollars. That’s the astounding figure US e-commerce will reach in 2022, up 16 percent from 2021, according to Insider Intelligence forecasts, prompting warehousing labor wages to increase four times faster than before the pandemic.

“But despite wage increases, logistics operations are still having a very hard time hiring and retaining frontline workers,” says Joe Campbell, senior manager of applications development with Universal Robots (UR). [Read more…] about Universal Robots powers new mixed-case palletizing and piece-picking solutions at MODEX 2022

Berkshire Grey launches new robotic system for autonomous e-commerce autobagging

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Berkshire Grey, a developer of in AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, has introduced its new Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system, which now includes advanced auto-identification and item manipulation technology, for touchless eCommerce autobagging.

Using Berkshire Grey’s advanced AI-enabled robotic technology, this system combines automated picking with intelligent placement for packing eCommerce items directly into autobagging equipment, thereby increasing throughput capacity without adding additional labor.

Kishore Boyalakuntla, VP of Product at Berkshire Grey, says: “Berkshire Grey’s Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system for autobagging is the newest addition to our innovative portfolio of eCommerce solutions. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey launches new robotic system for autonomous e-commerce autobagging

7 Ways Technology Can Help Your Business

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Technology can be a great asset to any business as long as it is used in the right way. As a business owner, you need to make decisions about which types of tech, which programs and apps, you can use most effectively to make your business more efficient and streamlined.

The best use of technology will make everyone’s jobs much easier, reduce cost, and increase profits wherever possible. They should also benefit the customer wherever they can. With this in mind, the following technologies are excellent ways to help your business grow. [Read more…] about 7 Ways Technology Can Help Your Business

Starship rolls out its food delivery robots at University of Idaho

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Vandals on the University of Idaho Moscow campus can have robots deliver food from several Idaho Eats locations, including Qdoba, True Burger, Einstein Bros Bagels and Cravings by Joe via Starship Technologies’ fleet of 15 autonomous food delivery robots.

Cami McClure, assistant vice president for auxiliary services at U of I, says: “We’re excited to bring this service to a wide array of our dining options.

“The university community is eager for on-campus dining delivery and now, with Starship Technologies, we are able to offer a fun, fast and friendly way to deliver.” [Read more…] about Starship rolls out its food delivery robots at University of Idaho

TinyMobileRobots celebrates marking 1 millionth sports field

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Denmark-based TinyMobileRobots, a provider of fully autonomous GPS line-marking robots, has officially marked its 1 millionth sports field, culminating in “savings of approximately 1.6 million hours, $102.5 million and 1.5 million gallons of paint” for its rapidly growing customer base across three continents.

The landmark moment occurred in Dallas, Texas with FC Dallas, who manages 20 soccer fields. They have been using TinyMobileRobots’ solution for four years.

TinyMobileRobots can autonomously mark lines for virtually every type of sports field, including soccer, American football, baseball, lacrosse, softball and more. [Read more…] about TinyMobileRobots celebrates marking 1 millionth sports field

OTTO Motors launches ‘world’s smartest autonomous forklift’

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OTTO Motors, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, has launched the OTTO Lifter, describing it as “the smartest autonomous forklift on the market”.

With more than a decade of autonomous material handling expertise, OTTO Motors has built the most productive AMRs with the best driving capabilities for some of the biggest brands in the world.

With the addition of OTTO Lifter and its ability to pick up and drop off pallets autonomously, OTTO Motors now has the most comprehensive offering of material handling robots on the market. [Read more…] about OTTO Motors launches ‘world’s smartest autonomous forklift’

Webinar: What is required of AMRs in order to meet current warehouse challenges?

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Webinar: What is required of AMRs in order to meet current warehouse challenges?
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iqbdQe7lQyKYEW3lINmoLQ

Intralogistics and warehouses are facing huge demand pressures and are turning to automation.

For most operators, the most feasible approach is to introduce AMRs that work alongside humans in dynamic environments.

This type of implementation presents challenges that are different from the ones faced by previous generations of AGVs and automation equipment. [Read more…] about Webinar: What is required of AMRs in order to meet current warehouse challenges?