Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

GreyOrange launches gStore retail stock management app

by

GreyOrange, a warehouse robotics and automation company, has launched a new app for retail stock management.

The mobile-first software-as-a-service app “transforms stores into tech-enabled, personalized experience hubs and centers for online fulfillment using in-store inventory”, claims GreyOrange.

Retailers know they need to harmonize digital and physical experiences in their stores, but have struggled to find a fast and easy way to do so. [Read more…] about GreyOrange launches gStore retail stock management app

Baidu expands Apollo Go robotaxi service to all first-tier cities in China

by

Baidu Apollo’s ride-hailing service platform Apollo Go has launched trial operation in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, providing autonomous robotaxi services to Shenzhen commuters.

Shenzhen is the seventh city where Baidu has introduced its robotaxi ride services in China, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Changsha, and Cangzhou.

Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, home to top tech companies including Tencent and Huawei, is one of the most densely populated areas in south China.

The launch of Baidu’s robotaxi services is set to drive further developments in autonomous driving in Shenzhen and accelerate the development of local intelligent connected vehicles, underscoring Baidu’s continuous efforts and ambition to lead the transformation of intelligent transportation in China. [Read more…] about Baidu expands Apollo Go robotaxi service to all first-tier cities in China

Mercedes partners with ProLogium to develop next-generation solid-state battery cells for electric vehicles

by

Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium, a developer of solid-state batteries, have signed a technology cooperation agreement to develop next-generation battery cells.

The first Mercedes-Benz test vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries co-developed with ProLogium are expected to be introduced in the coming years.

The companies also agreed on milestones that would enable integration of the solid-state battery technology into a range of passenger vehicles in the second half of the decade. [Read more…] about Mercedes partners with ProLogium to develop next-generation solid-state battery cells for electric vehicles

SAIC unveils China’s ‘first’ Level 4 robotic taxi platform

by

Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor has officially started the operation of its SAIC Mobility Robotaxi, claiming it to be China’s first Level 4 self-driving platform.

SAIC says its “Robotaxi” employs “superior resources” – from SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle Company, SAIC Motor AI Lab, autonomous driving technology company Momenta, and its ride-hailing service platform SAIC Mobility – to create a data-driven ecosystem featuring continuing evolution in an effort to explore the application of Level 4 self-driving technology in urban mobility scenarios.

There is a lack of clarity about the term “robotaxi”. So far, most companies have used it as a generic term to mean robotic taxi. None of them has yet trademarked the actual word. SAIC doesn’t seem to have done so either, but has the word on the side of its cars. [Read more…] about SAIC unveils China’s ‘first’ Level 4 robotic taxi platform

KDDI and QYSEA launch ‘world’s first sea-to-air drone’

by

Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI, commercial drone manufacturer ProDrone, and underwater robotics firm QYSEA have unveiled what they say is “the world’s first sea-air integrated drone”.

The innovative vehicle, which has a footprint of less than 1 sq m, was unveiled during a flight showcase at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Yokohama.

The “revolutionary” Sea-Air Integrated Drone aims to modernize offshore and marine operations with its intelligent capabilities, high working efficiency, and minimized manpower required. [Read more…] about KDDI and QYSEA launch ‘world’s first sea-to-air drone’

Autonomous vehicle simulation startup MorAI raises $20 million funding

by

MorAI, a developer of autonomous vehicle simulation technology, has secured a $20 million Series B funding round.

The round includes investment from new investors Korea Investment Partners, KB Investment, and the state-run Korea Development Bank, as well as from existing investors Naver’s D2 Startup Factory, Hyundai Motor Group’s Zero1ne, Kakao Ventures, and Atinum Investment, bringing MorAI’s total funding to date to $25 million.

MorAI was co-founded in 2018 by three autonomous driving researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Ever since, the company has established itself as South Korea’s sole provider of full-stack autonomous vehicle simulation solutions. [Read more…] about Autonomous vehicle simulation startup MorAI raises $20 million funding

Humans and robots find synergy working at Hyundai Card factory

by

When you think of robots, what comes to mind? Big factory machinery or humanoids from a science fiction movie?

At the Hyundai Card headquarters located in the finance center of Seoul, employees and robots work together to create synergy. As a leading financial technology company, Hyundai Card has continuously increased robots within the work place. [Read more…] about Humans and robots find synergy working at Hyundai Card factory

BlueBotics acquired by Zapi Group

by

BlueBotics, a developer of navigation systems for automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots, has been acquired by Zapi Group.

Zapi is a global provider of electrification and manufacturer of electronic speed controllers, electric motors, battery chargers, and associated products for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Zapi’s acquisition includes the shares held by investor Forestay Capital. The transaction was closed on December 21, 2021, but no financial details have yet been disclosed. [Read more…] about BlueBotics acquired by Zapi Group

Yaskawa launches two new collaborative robots for industrial applications

by

Yaskawa Motoman, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial robots, has launched two new collaborative robots – HC10DTP and HC20DTP, each of which has six axes.

The company describes them as “highly reliable robots (that) enrich easy capability for Yaskawa’s HC-series line”.

Hand-guided programming allows users to direct teach points without a pendant, and an ISO standard tool flange and electrical connections facilitate a plug and play approach for easy deployment of the robot system. [Read more…] about Yaskawa launches two new collaborative robots for industrial applications

Epson signs Heitek Automation as distributor in western US

by

Epson Robots has signed Heitek Automation, a distributor of automation products and solutions, as an official distributor of Epson Robots automation solutions.

Heitek caters to a range of customers in the medical machine building, automotive, semi-conductor, packaging, industrial laundry, food and beverage, printing, and machine integration industries in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

With an uptick of automation across the Western region, Epson’s partnership brings exceptional value and easy-to-integrate solutions to meet the automation needs of Heitek’s customers. [Read more…] about Epson signs Heitek Automation as distributor in western US