Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Revenues from robotics in warehouses to exceed $51 billion by 2030

by

The warehousing industry has ramped up its automation efforts considering the increased order volume and labor shortages fueled by the pandemic.

In addition to technology solutions such as augmented reality powered smart glasses and handheld devices with enhanced capabilities, autonomous, collaborative, and mobile robots are proving to be the most popular and fastest-growing productivity-enhancing solution in the warehouse workspace.

According to ABI Research, a global tech market advisory firm, worldwide commercial robot revenue in warehouses will have a compounded annual growth rate of over 23 percent from 2021 to 2030 and exceed $51 billion by 2030. [Read more…] about Revenues from robotics in warehouses to exceed $51 billion by 2030

ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

by

ABB says it will acquire ASTI Mobile Robotics Group, an autonomous mobile robot manufacturer with a broad portfolio across all major applications enabled by the company’s software suite.

This will expand ABB’s robotics and automation offering, making it the only company to offer a complete portfolio for the next generation of flexible automation.

The acquisition, a key part of ABB’s external growth strategy, was signed on July 19 and is expected to close in mid-summer 2021. Both parties agreed not to disclose any details regarding the purchase price. [Read more…] about ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

ABB to continue online robot masterclass training courses

by

ABB says it will continue the online versions of its popular classroom-based robot training courses, helping organisations ensure that staff still get training on robots.

ABB Robotics range of robot training courses have been available online for almost 12 months.

Built on the same materials used in its popular classroom-based courses normally run at ABB’s Robot Training Centre in Milton Keynes, UK, the Virtual Classroom Training programme is ideal for beginners and experts alike, covering topics including programming, safety and operation. [Read more…] about ABB to continue online robot masterclass training courses

Ambi Robotics launches ‘multi-robot kitting system’ aimed at e-commerce operations

by

Ambi Robotics, a developer of robotics systems, has launched AmbiKit, which the company says is “the industry’s first multi-robot kitting system that leverages AI data collection to expedite e-commerce kitting operations”.

AmbiKit automates product bundling for faster delivery, increasing order accuracy and reducing operating costs.

The new kitting system includes a five-robot picking line, currently deployed to augment the pick and place tasks associated with one of today’s fastest growing e-commerce opportunities: online subscription boxes. [Read more…] about Ambi Robotics launches ‘multi-robot kitting system’ aimed at e-commerce operations

Basil Street to launch automated pizza kiosks after raising $10 million

by

Gourmet pizza brand Basil Street says it is all set to completely change the way Americans buy one of the most popular takeaway foods.

Over four billion pizzas are consumed in the United States annually according to IBIS World. Coupled with the rise of the global kiosk market driven by consumer demand for affordable food options on the go, Basil Street is looking to change how Americans enjoy the Italian specialty.

Through a patented, automated, cooked-to-order kiosk, and on the heels of a successful 2020 pilot program, the gourmand-focused brand announced today their official Regulation A+ round filing and commencement of their crowdfunding reservation period. [Read more…] about Basil Street to launch automated pizza kiosks after raising $10 million

Industry leaders aim to make Pittsburgh the ‘robotics capital of the world’ 

by

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network, a group dedicated to the growth of the region’s robotics and artificial intelligence companies, says it has attracted over 100 members – making Pittsburgh home to “one of the world’s most dynamic robotics ecosystems”. 

The network’s success has led its members and partners to commit to making Pittsburgh the “robotics capital of the world”.

The alliance brings together leaders from top robotics companies, research institutions and universities in the Pittsburgh area, including Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Argo AI, Aurora, the University of Pittsburgh, Kaarta, RE2 Robotics, Neya Systems, Carnegie Robotics, HEBI Robotics, Near Earth Autonomy, BirdBrain Technologies, Omnicell and Advanced Construction Robotics.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation commemorated this membership milestone with a grant of $125,000 to support the continued growth of the PRN. [Read more…] about Industry leaders aim to make Pittsburgh the ‘robotics capital of the world’ 

Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

by

Lucas Systems, a provider of voice and warehouse optimization software for fulfillment and distribution centers, has entered a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses.

Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimize how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots.

Fulfillment and distribution centers are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labor market. [Read more…] about Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

Sea Machines Robotics signs $3 million contract with US DoD to create autonomous supply stations globally

by

Sea Machines Robotics, a developer of autonomous command and control and perception systems for the marine industries, has advanced its multi-year agreement with the US Department of Defense.

Phase 2 of the multi-phase contract delegates $3.1 million to the deployment of a full-scale ocean-going replenishment platform.

In October 2020, Sea Machines was enlisted by the DoD to engineer, build and demonstrate ready-to-deploy system kits that transform existing commercial barges to platforms capable of landing and replenishing military aircraft. [Read more…] about Sea Machines Robotics signs $3 million contract with US DoD to create autonomous supply stations globally

Komatsu to develop zero-emission vehicles for mining industry

by

Komatsu says it will collaborate with its customers – most notably perhaps Rio Tinto – to develop “zero-emission equipment” solutions for the mining industry.

Komatsu, which is a leading supplier of mining vehicles, including an autonomous dump truck, says it plans to utilize electrification for the next generation of its offerings.

Working together to rapidly innovate in support of carbon reduction targets, Komatsu and several of its customers have formed the Komatsu Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Alliance. The founding members of the alliance are Rio Tinto, BHP, Codelco and Boliden. [Read more…] about Komatsu to develop zero-emission vehicles for mining industry

Alexander Lewinsky expands the management of IDS Imaging Development Systems

by

Alexander Lewinsky has joined the management of IDS Imaging Development Systems as of August 1.

The shareholders of IDS Imaging Development Systems appointed Alexander Lewinsky to the management board.

The engineer (BEng, MSc) will take over the operational management of the Obersulm-based industrial camera manufacturer together with Jan Hartmann. Managing partner and company founder Jürgen Hartmann remains responsible for development and product management. [Read more…] about Alexander Lewinsky expands the management of IDS Imaging Development Systems