Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Pony.ai becomes ‘first’ autonomous driving company to receive taxi license in China

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Pony.ai, an autonomous driving technology company, claims it has become the “first and only autonomous driving company to obtain a taxi license in China”.

Pony.ai was awarded a permit to operate 100 autonomous vehicles as traditional taxis in Nansha, Guangzhou.

In May, Pony.ai will start charging fares in the entire 800 square kilometers of Nansha with 100 robotaxis and intends to gradually expand the scale and scope of service to other areas of Guangzhou to benefit more residents. [Read more…] about Pony.ai becomes ‘first’ autonomous driving company to receive taxi license in China

Geek+ and Bosch Rexroth extend partnership and implement advanced moving robot

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Geek+, an autonomous mobile robot maker, and Bosch Rexroth, a provider of drive and control technology, have signed a strategic channel agreement for North America in March 2022.

The partnership has already borne fruit in the form of a unique version of Geek+’s MP1000R moving robot augmented with the laser localization software ROKIT Locator by Bosch Rexroth.

These robots could automatically distribute materials to production line in Bosch Rexroth plant in Changzhou, China. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Geek+ and Bosch Rexroth extend partnership and implement advanced moving robot

Dobot agrees partnership to distribute its collaborative robots in the US

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Dobot has unveiled a new US distribution partnership with Philadelphia-based DB Cobots.

DB Cobots will be working directly with systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers, manufacturers across various industries and through its expansive re-seller network.

DB Cobots will also provide service and support for users and re-sellers of the robot line. [Read more…] about Dobot agrees partnership to distribute its collaborative robots in the US

Geek+ launches ‘ground-breaking’ four-way shuttle warehouse storage and picking solution

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Geek+, the warehouse automation specialist, has launched its multilevel storage and retrieval system: Sky-Storage & Ground-Pick.

The solution uses Geek+’s X-series four-way shuttle robots to boost storage density while devoting the ground floor to picking operations entrusted to the flagship P800 robots.

On the upper levels of the warehouse, the four-way shuttles utilize every inch of vertical space for pallet storage and quick and flexible replenishment of the lower level. Below them, picking robots move shelves, pallets, and racks containing the most in-demand goods. [Read more…] about Geek+ launches ‘ground-breaking’ four-way shuttle warehouse storage and picking solution

Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

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Murata Machinery USA has expanded its logistics & automation product offerings with an extensive line of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The A-Series adds seven standard base models to their existing Muratec Premex Series that are customizable for a wide range of load capacities, lift heights, navigation methods, temperature ratings, and software applications.

From their Charlotte headquarters, Murata Machinery will take over and lead all North American operations in partnership with the AGVE Group, directing day-to-day North American sales, installation, service, and marketing operations. [Read more…] about Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

Autonomous driving systems developer Pony.ai valued at $8.5 billion after latest funding round

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Pony.ai, a developer of autonomous driving technology, has completed its first close of its Series D financing.

The Series D round, which has a significant valuation uplift from the 2020 C and C+ rounds, is a recognition by investors of Pony.ai’s achieved technical milestones and significant progress toward a commercialized robotaxi and robotruck product.

The proceeds from the funding will be used to further augment Pony.ai’s hiring, investment in research and development, global testing of robotaxi and robotrucking on an ever-growing fleet, enter into important strategic partnerships, and accelerate our development toward mass production and mass commercial deployment. [Read more…] about Autonomous driving systems developer Pony.ai valued at $8.5 billion after latest funding round

China aims for global leadership in robotics with new five-year plan

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The new five-year plan for the robotics industry in China, released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in Beijing, focuses on promoting innovation.

The government wants to make China a global leader for robot technology and industrial advancement.

The statistical department of the International Federation of Robotics reports about the domestic and foreign engagement on the world’s largest market.

Milton Guerry, president of the International Federation of Robotics, says: “China is by far the biggest robot market in the world regarding annual sales and the operational stock. [Read more…] about China aims for global leadership in robotics with new five-year plan

Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

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Flexiv, a developer of robotic and artificial intelligence solutions, has unveiled Flexiv Elements, its all-new operating system for “adaptive robots”.

Adaptive robots are a new category – very similar to collaborative robots – which Flexiv is concentrating on. It describes its “Rizon” model (main picture) as “the first adapative robot” – referring to its ability to maintain performance even amid significant changes in the environment, such as floating base, vibration, and human interference.

Created to provide integrators with “ground-breaking new features” which simplify complex robotic operations, Flexiv says Elements makes it “easier than ever” before to develop customized programs that enhance efficiency and productivity. [Read more…] about Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

NTT training robots to become data center workers

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NTT, the national telecommunications provider of Japan and one of the largest such companies in the world, is training industrial robots to become data center workers.

The company has a separate business division for data centers called Global Data Centers and says its global platform is “one of the largest in the world”.

Its data centers tend to be huge facilities and are “expensive to run”, mostly because of the massive amount of electricity necessary and the cooling infrastructure, not to mention the sheer floor space required. [Read more…] about NTT training robots to become data center workers

Kuka owner Midea unveils new household robot

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Midea Group, a massive manufacturing company known mainly for making household appliances like washing machines and for being the parent of industrial robot giant Kuka, has unveiled a new product in the household robotics space.

The Chinese company has released details of its next-generation robot vacuum cleaner, the S8+ auto-dust-collection robot, made by Midea Robozone Technology, a subsidiary of Midea Group. The S8+ joins Midea’s intelligent cleaning product line that provides optimum performance covering all household cleaning solutions.

Alice Shaw, vice president, sales and marketing management at Robozone, says: “As an innovator in smart cleaning technology, I’m proud to say that Midea is reaffirming its leadership in the smart home industry by revolutionizing high-performance robot vacuum cleaners to provide more convenience to our global customers. [Read more…] about Kuka owner Midea unveils new household robot