Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

Swiss Life invests €200 million into vertical farming venture with Planet Farms

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Swiss Life Asset Managers, the investment arm of Swiss Life Holding AG, has partnered with Milan-based agritech company Planet Farms to launch a new joint venture aimed at expanding vertical farming operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The joint venture will receive up to €200 million ($227 million) in initial funding, with Swiss Life contributing as much as €125 million, according to a statement issued Tuesday confirming earlier reporting by Bloomberg News.

The initiative includes a flagship 20,000-square-meter vertical farm located near Como in northern Italy, which currently supplies fresh produce to supermarkets and food service providers in both Italy and Switzerland.

The partners plan to replicate the model in additional markets, including the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

Planet Farms, founded in 2018 by Luca Travaglini and former Goldman Sachs banker Daniele Benatoff, specializes in sustainable, high-tech farming systems designed to reduce water usage and eliminate pesticides.

Guggenheim Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Planet Farms on the transaction.

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Dyna Robotics unveils ‘breakthrough in robust, real-world embodied AI’

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Dyna Robotics has unveiled what it describes as a “breakthrough” in robotic autonomy with the release of Dynamism v1 (Dyna-1), the company’s first robot foundation model capable of sustained, high-performance operation on complex dexterous tasks using a pair of stationary robotic arms.

Dyna-1 distinguishes itself through exceptional robustness and reliability, even over extended periods of continuous use.

In a demonstration of its capabilities, Dyna-1 was assigned a production-grade task: folding napkins to restaurant standards. [Read more…] about Dyna Robotics unveils ‘breakthrough in robust, real-world embodied AI’

GFT and Google Cloud collaborate on new AI applications for Google’s Gemini Models

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Global digital transformation company GFT and Google Cloud are collaborating to bring their newest manufacturing-specific AI capabilities to factory floors.

Last year, GFT announced its implementation of Google Cloud’s Manufacturing Data Engine (MDE), which fueled new AI use cases, such as visual production line inspection, predictive machine maintenance, and production forecasting.

Now, GFT is unveiling its next set of applications built on Google’s Gemini Models, including the ability to determine the root cause of errors and defects, visual dashboards that enable users to query organization – wide data in natural language, predicting parts obsolescence before it results in machine downtime, and the ability to convert thousands of machine training manuals into avatar-led video demonstrations. [Read more…] about GFT and Google Cloud collaborate on new AI applications for Google’s Gemini Models

GE Aerospace: How the spin-off and manufacturing strategy are shaping its stock performance

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General Electric’s historic transformation reached a major milestone in April 2024, when the company completed the spin-off of its energy businesses into a new company called GE Vernova.

The remaining aviation-focused company, GE Aerospace, retained the iconic “GE” ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange.

At the time of the spin-off, GE Aerospace opened trading at around $136 per share. Since then, the stock has performed strongly, climbing nearly 50% to trade at approximately $200 as of late April 2025. [Read more…] about GE Aerospace: How the spin-off and manufacturing strategy are shaping its stock performance

IBM to make huge $150 billion investment in America

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IBM has announced plans to invest $150 billion in America over the next five years to “fuel the economy and to accelerate its role as the global leader in computing”.

This includes an investment of more than $30 billion in research and development to advance and continue IBM’s American manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers.

Arvind Krishna, IBM chairman, president and CEO, says: “Technology doesn’t just build the future – it defines it. [Read more…] about IBM to make huge $150 billion investment in America

Why Electric Dirt Bikes Are the Future of Outdoor Fun

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Electric dirt bikes are revolutionizing the way we explore off-road terrains, offering a sustainable and exciting alternative for eco-conscious riders.

As environmental awareness grows, these innovative machines provide an opportunity to enjoy nature responsibly without compromising on thrill and adventure.

With the rise in demand for eco-friendly transportation, many off-road enthusiasts are turning to electric dirt bikes. [Read more…] about Why Electric Dirt Bikes Are the Future of Outdoor Fun

No way out: The science of sealing technologies

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In the complex world of machinery, vehicles, and industrial systems, it is often the unseen components and materials that play the most critical roles.

Among these are sealing technologies – essential elements that ensure equipment operates efficiently, safely, and reliably.

Seals may seem simple at first glance, but behind each one lies a highly sophisticated combination of materials science, engineering design, and manufacturing precision. [Read more…] about No way out: The science of sealing technologies

Universal Robots and MiR to debut new AI-powered automation solutions at Automate 2025

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Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) will demonstrate “a diverse range of automation applications” at Automate 2025 at joint booths #4023#4023 and #3623 from May 12-15 in Detroit.

Ujjwal Kumar, group president of Teradyne Robotics, parent company of UR and MiR, says: “Our combined presence is a powerful demonstration of how Teradyne Robotics addresses the complete spectrum of automation needs across diverse industries.

“The applications on display across automotive, electronics and logistics emphasize our holistic approach to automation that empowers businesses to optimize their entire workflow, from component handling to final palletization.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots and MiR to debut new AI-powered automation solutions at Automate 2025

Fanuc demonstrates latest robotics innovations at Manufacturing Technologies show

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Fanuc America, global industrial automation leader, brings new manufacturing solutions to the Manufacturing Technologies Series East Show taking place May 13-15 in West Springfield, Massachusetts at Booth 1428.

Innovations for manufacturers looking to streamline their business and operate more efficiently and profitably will be demonstrated. [Read more…] about Fanuc demonstrates latest robotics innovations at Manufacturing Technologies show

Trump reverses $13 million cuts to manufacturing support program after backlash

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In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has reinstated nearly $13 million in funding to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a federal program that supports small and medium-sized manufacturers across the United States.

The decision follows widespread criticism from lawmakers, industry leaders, and local communities who argued that the initial cuts threatened domestic manufacturing jobs and economic growth. [Read more…] about Trump reverses $13 million cuts to manufacturing support program after backlash