Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Swisslog launches new autonomous mobile robot with 3-ton payload

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Swisslog, a provider of warehouse automation and software, has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of its IntraMove series of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that provide a versatile, horizontal transportation for payloads up to 3,000 kg (6,613 lb) – or almost 3 tons.

The new AMRs, which leverage AI to enhance performance, are designed to offer flexibility in volatile environments and adjustability based on changing transport needs.

Thomas Balzarek, AMR solution manager, Swisslog Americas, says: “Our customers are increasingly looking for horizontal transport solutions capable of handling heavier loads and adapting to dynamic and frequently changing conditions. [Read more…] about Swisslog launches new autonomous mobile robot with 3-ton payload

SSI Schaefer provides Apotea with a fully automated warehouse

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Apotea, said to be Sweden’s largest online pharmacy, has opened its new, highly automated warehouse in Varberg, Sweden.

The facility is described as a “state-of-the-art logistics center” spanning 30,000 sq m, featuring a fully integrated automation solution from SSI Schaefer, a solution provider for all aspects of intralogistics.

The project was successfully completed on schedule and is now ready for operation. [Read more…] about SSI Schaefer provides Apotea with a fully automated warehouse

Logistics company G10 boosting productivity by ‘more than 40 percent’ by implementing Zebra’s automation system

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Zebra Technologies, a specialist provider of supply chain technologies, says its client Geneva10 Fulfillment (G10) is increase productivity by more than 40 percent” by implementing its warehouse automation and digitization systems.

G10 selected Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment, a “comprehensive” AI-powered solution combining the functions of a warehouse execution system (WES) with robot fleet management and powerful analytics, to increase productivity and reduce costs in its warehouse operations.

Using this solution along with Zebra Symmetry Connect Fulfillment AMRs, G10 expects to increase productivity by more than 40 percent, lower costs, and manage higher order volumes more effectively. [Read more…] about Logistics company G10 boosting productivity by ‘more than 40 percent’ by implementing Zebra’s automation system

Daifuku completes new AGV factory in Japan

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Daifuku, one of the world’s largest automated material handling solutions providers, has completed the construction of its new factory building for manufacturing and distribution systems at its core production base, Shiga Works (Shiga, Japan).

This new facility and the transfer of operations to it are part of a larger redevelopment initiative at Shiga Works, aimed at bolstering production capacity and distribution efficiency.

Automated guided vehicle (AGV) assembly and other operations will be transferred to the new factory building to establish a higher-productivity manufacturing environment. [Read more…] about Daifuku completes new AGV factory in Japan

MIT launches new initiative to ‘transform US manufacturing’ with AI and automation

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By Eric Bender, MIT Industrial Liaison Program

“Manufacturing is the engine of society, and it is the backbone of robust, resilient economies,” says John Hart, head of MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) and faculty co-director of the MIT Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM).

“With manufacturing a lively topic in today’s news, there’s a renewed appreciation and understanding of the importance of manufacturing to innovation, to economic and national security, and to daily lives.”

Launched this May, INM will “help create a transformation of manufacturing through new technology, through development of talent, and through an understanding of how to scale manufacturing in a way that enables imparts higher productivity and resilience, drives adoption of new technologies, and creates good jobs,” Hart says. [Read more…] about MIT launches new initiative to ‘transform US manufacturing’ with AI and automation

Beckhoff opinion: Operating systems for industrial automation starts with people, not tech

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When people talk about operating systems (OS) in industrial automation, it’s easy to jump straight into performance stats, software capabilities or the technical specs.

But the real question most engineers and operations teams are asking themselves is much simpler: “Can our team actually use this?” [Read more…] about Beckhoff opinion: Operating systems for industrial automation starts with people, not tech

Architect of Change: Stepan Plotytsia’s Visionary Approach to AI, eCommerce, and Digital Transformation

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The Rarity of Visionary Leadership

In today’s digital landscape, where numerous companies undertake digital transformation and only a handful succeed, the call for visionary leadership has grown consistently louder.

Fortune 500 companies seeking to implement enterprise-wide technological innovations involving artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, cloud migration, and digital marketing face numerous challenges, including integrating disparate systems, overcoming organizational silos, and ensuring robust security (Hyland Software).

A more pressing challenge is the lack of tech leaders with the requisite expertise and strategic vision to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative projects across sectors. [Read more…] about Architect of Change: Stepan Plotytsia’s Visionary Approach to AI, eCommerce, and Digital Transformation

GE Appliances to make ‘historic’ $3 billion investment into its US manufacturing operations

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GE Appliances, now a Haier company, has unveiled a “bold plan” to invest more than $3 billion over the next five years in its US operations, workforce and communities.

This “historic” investment deepens GE Appliances’ commitment to technology development, product innovation and advanced manufacturing.

The company will expand its air conditioning and water heating portfolio, increase production output across all product lines, and further modernize its 11 US manufacturing plants with new automation and capital equipment. [Read more…] about GE Appliances to make ‘historic’ $3 billion investment into its US manufacturing operations

Rolls-Royce invests an additional $75 million into its US manufacturing facilities

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Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s most celebrated makers of luxury cars, is expanding its US manufacturing capabilities with a $75 million investment in its Aiken, South Carolina engine plant for MTU Series 4000 production.

The MTU Series 4000 is a versatile and powerful engine series produced by Rolls-Royce Solutions (formerly MTU Friedrichshafen). It’s actually meant for ships. Rolls-Royce also makes engines for aircraft.

The new investment will increase machining capabilities and grow the facility’s footprint, creating 60 new jobs in the United States with a total of 434 full-time positions at the facility. The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. [Read more…] about Rolls-Royce invests an additional $75 million into its US manufacturing facilities

Amazon takes ‘major step’ toward zero-touch manufacturing facilities with Nvidia AI

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Amazon, arguably the world’s largest user of robotics technologies, is said to be “powering big leaps” in zero-touch manufacturing with a new physical AI software solutions and digital twin technologies from Nvidia.

Deployed this month at an unnamed Amazon Devices & Services facility, the company’s innovative, simulation-first approach for zero-touch manufacturing trains robotic arms to inspect diverse devices for product-quality auditing and integrate new goods into the production line – all based on synthetic data, without requiring hardware changes.

This new technology brings together Amazon Devices-created software that simulates processes on the assembly line with products in Nvidia-powered digital twins. Using a modular, AI-powered workflow, the technology offers faster, more efficient inspections compared with the previously used audit machinery. [Read more…] about Amazon takes ‘major step’ toward zero-touch manufacturing facilities with Nvidia AI