Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

North American industrial robot orders ‘essentially flat’, says A3

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Robot orders in North America remained “essentially flat” in the first quarter of 2025, with companies purchasing 9,064 units valued at $580.7 million, according to new data released by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

Compared to Q1 2024, this represents a 0.4 percent increase in units ordered and a 15 percent rise in order value, signaling continued demand and increased investment in higher-value automation systems.

A3 will present the full Q1 2025 report on Wednesday, May 14, at Automate 2025, North America’s largest automation tradeshow, taking place May 12-15 in Detroit. [Read more…] about North American industrial robot orders ‘essentially flat’, says A3

Scientists develop ‘supercharging technology’ for batteries using graphene

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Researchers say they have developed a graphene coating that ‘supercharges zinc-ion batteries for grid use’

Zinc-ion batteries are promising for energy storage, but their traditional current collectors suffer from scalability issues, restricting industrial applications.

In a recent study, researchers from Dongguk University, South Korea have designed a novel alternative current collector in the form of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil.

Consequently, they achieve batteries with high electrochemical performance and superior cycling stability, potentially paving the way for industrial-scale systems.

The present century has witnessed a proactive shift towards more sustainable forms of energy, including renewable resources such as solar power, wind, nuclear energy, and geothermal energy. [Read more…] about Scientists develop ‘supercharging technology’ for batteries using graphene

Schneider Electric expands its Lexium industrial robot range

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Schneider Electric has expanded its Lexium line of industrial robots, showcasing new systems designed to enhance flexibility, speed, and precision on manufacturing lines.

Unveiled at the Automate 2025 trade show in Detroit, the updated Lexium portfolio now includes a compact, high-speed SCARA robot for pick-and-place tasks, an extended Lexium Cobot range with an 18 kg payload option, and the MC12 Multi Carrier system for dynamic object handling.

These robots are designed for seamless integration into unified industrial control environments, enabling real-time synchronization, collaborative data flows, and ultra-precise motion. [Read more…] about Schneider Electric expands its Lexium industrial robot range

Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

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Smart manufacturing is delivering measurable value, with manufacturers reporting productivity gains of up to 20 percent in both production output and workforce efficiency, according to a new report from Deloitte.

The findings come from Deloitte’s latest Smart Manufacturing and Operations study, Navigating Challenges to Implementation, which shows that while many companies are beginning to reap the rewards of digital transformation, they still face major hurdles related to operational complexity, labor shortages, and cybersecurity. [Read more…] about Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

DHL orders 1,000 additional robots from Boston Dynamics

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DHL Group, the world’s largest logistics provider, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Boston Dynamics, a global leader in advanced robotics.

Building on the proven success of Boston Dynamics’ Stretch robot – designed for case handling and initially deployed by DHL to automate container unloading – the agreement paves the way for the global deployment of more than 1,000 additional units.

Looking ahead, DHL plans to expand the range of applications for the robots, including additional use cases such as case picking. [Read more…] about DHL orders 1,000 additional robots from Boston Dynamics

Saildrone closes $60 million financing to ‘bring maritime autonomy to Europe’

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Saildrone, a developer of maritime autonomy systems, has closed a $60 million investment round led by EIFO, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark.

The investment will be used to bring Saildrone technology to Europe to address the urgent need for maritime security for critical infrastructure and wider defense applications.

The Baltic, North Sea, and European Arctic waters are currently facing unprecedented threats, and the need for persistent maritime domain awareness has never been greater. [Read more…] about Saildrone closes $60 million financing to ‘bring maritime autonomy to Europe’

Siemens introduces AI agents for industrial automation

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At the ongoing Automate 2025 trade show in Detroit, Siemens is announcing an expansion of its industrial AI offerings with advanced AI agents designed to work seamlessly across its established Industrial Copilot ecosystem.

This new technology represents a fundamental shift from AI assistants that respond to queries towards truly autonomous agents that proactively execute entire processes without human intervention.

Siemens’ new AI agent architecture features a sophisticated orchestrator. Like a craftsman, it deploys a toolbox of specialized agents to solve complex tasks across the entire industrial value chain. [Read more…] about Siemens introduces AI agents for industrial automation

Sole Source Capital’s portfolio company Peak Technologies acquires Automation Intelligence

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Sole Source Capital, an industrial-focused private equity firm, says its portfolio company, Peak Technologies, a system integrator in the automatic identification and data capture market, has acquired Automation Intelligence.

The acquisition marks Sole Source Capital’s 18th add-on acquisition for Peak Technologies since Sole Source acquired the company in 2021.

Automation Intelligence enhances Peak Technologies’ portfolio with advanced robotics and machine vision solutions, further strengthening its industry-leading digital supply chain offerings. [Read more…] about Sole Source Capital’s portfolio company Peak Technologies acquires Automation Intelligence

Nominate your AI-created masterpiece for an award: Judges selected for Reply AI Film Festival

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The jury for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival has been selected – send in your films now. The event, organised by advanced digital technology company Reply, is designed to celebrate the best AI-generated short films.

Gabriele Muccino, together with Caleb and Shelby Ward, Caroline Ingeborn, Charlie Fink, Denise Negri, Dave Clark, Filippo Rizzante, Guillem Martinez Roura, Paolo Moroni, and Rob Minkoff, will evaluate the shortlisted films based on creativity, production quality, and the use of artificial intelligence.

Reply, an international group specialised in the development of new business models enabled by Artificial Intelligence and long committed to the exploration of emerging technologies and supporting the growth of new talent, announces the jury for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival. [Read more…] about Nominate your AI-created masterpiece for an award: Judges selected for Reply AI Film Festival

Anheuser-Busch to invest $300 million in US manufacturing operations

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Anheuser-Busch, an American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser and Bud Light, has expanded its commitment to creating and sustaining US manufacturing jobs by announcing it will invest $300 million in its facilities across the United States.  [Read more…] about Anheuser-Busch to invest $300 million in US manufacturing operations