Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

Tips from Honeywell: Balancing data center computing demands with energy efficiency

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Most people don’t think about the amount of energy they use every day or how the computing required for their daily social media check-ins, generative AI searches and online shopping sprees impacts that number. The computation of processors in a data center makes all those things – and more – happen.

Data centers also handle the processing needs of cloud computing, the Internet of Things, remote connectivity and the automation of businesses, organizations and governments of all sizes.

The proliferation of smart, connected devices – and new technologies – is driving the development of new data centers and updates to existing facilities globally. It’s also increasing global data center capacity, which is expected to grow from 59 GW in 2025 to 122 GW by the end of 2030. [Read more…] about Tips from Honeywell: Balancing data center computing demands with energy efficiency

Bosch Rexroth sees sales fall almost 14 percent in ‘challenging’ year

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Bosch Rexroth reported a 13.6 percent drop in sales for 2024, generating €6.5 billion, as weak global demand weighed on performance. Order intake also declined by 4.9 percent to €6.1 billion.

Dr Steffen Haack, CEO of Bosch Rexroth, says: “2024 was a challenging year, as expected. We are currently seeing that the situation is stabilizing and are already working on being prepared for when the business picks up.

“We are looking ahead and want to emerge from this phase stronger than before in order to remain successful even in a difficult environment.” [Read more…] about Bosch Rexroth sees sales fall almost 14 percent in ‘challenging’ year

Industrial digitalization: Noux Node and Kuka Digital enter strategic partnership

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Kuka Digital, the newly established business segment of specialist automation company Kuka, has entered a strategic partnership with software provider Noux Node, headquartered in Finland.

Noux Node offers cutting-edge technology that enables industrial companies to leverage the best IT and DevOps practices, including version control, continuous integration, and continuous deployment of software.

Additionally, it facilitates optimized utilization of local and global IT infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence- and Machine Learning-driven applications. [Read more…] about Industrial digitalization: Noux Node and Kuka Digital enter strategic partnership

Swisslog breaks ground to start construction of new global headquarters

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The official groundbreaking for the new Swisslog global headquarters on Weihermattstrasse in Aarau, Switzerland has been completed.

By October 2026, around 320 employees will move into the state-of-the-art office building.

Swisslog will occupy the building as a tenant, marking a significant step in the company’s continued growth and development. [Read more…] about Swisslog breaks ground to start construction of new global headquarters

Footwear company SoftMoc adopts AutoStore warehouse system for Ontario, Canada facility

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Footwear retailer SoftMoc has selected AutoStore warehouse technology to optimize its fulfillment operations.

The new AutoStore system, implemented by Element Logic, is set to enhance SoftMoc’s speed, efficiency, and scalability, reinforcing the company’s commitment to exceptional customer service.

Parth Joshi, chief product officer at AutoStore, says: “At AutoStore, we are dedicated to helping brands like SoftMoc enhance their through automation and intelligent software. [Read more…] about Footwear company SoftMoc adopts AutoStore warehouse system for Ontario, Canada facility

Cellumation’s modular conveyor tech powers Daifuku’s robotic depalletization breakthrough

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A robotics breakthrough developed by German startup Cellumation is being hailed as “revolutionary” by supply chain automation company Daifuku, which has integrated the technology into a next-generation robotic depalletization cell now on display at its Bolingbrook Innovation Center in Illinois.

Cellumation’s core innovation, known as the Celluveyor, is a modular conveyor system made up of small, hexagonal cells fitted with omnidirectional wheels.

This unique design allows for precise and flexible movement of packages in virtually any direction – making it ideally suited for complex routing and sorting tasks in tight spaces. [Read more…] about Cellumation’s modular conveyor tech powers Daifuku’s robotic depalletization breakthrough

Amazon-backed Glacier secures $16 million to expand robotic waste recycling business

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San Francisco-based startup Glacier has raised $16 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate the deployment of its AI-powered recycling robots across the United States, as reported by TechCrunch.com.

The funding round was led by Ecosystem Integrity Fund, with participation from investors including Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, New Enterprise Associates, AlleyCorp, and others.

Glacier’s robots utilize advanced computer vision and machine learning to identify and sort over 30 types of recyclable materials at a rate of 45 items per minute. [Read more…] about Amazon-backed Glacier secures $16 million to expand robotic waste recycling business

Chinese skyscraper-cleaning robot deal suspended amid tariffs, opening door for US rivals

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A $1.6 million deal between a US client and Chinese robotics company Lingdu Intelligent Technology has been suspended following the Trump administration’s announcement of a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles and related high-tech imports, according to a repor on the South China Morning Post website.

The tariffs, part of a broader effort to protect domestic industries, have rattled niche sectors like skyscraper-cleaning robots where Chinese firms previously enjoyed a cost advantage.

Lingdu, based in the southern tech hub of Guangzhou, manufactures robotic window-cleaners under the X-Human brand. [Read more…] about Chinese skyscraper-cleaning robot deal suspended amid tariffs, opening door for US rivals

Kuka sinks into the red with €43.5 million loss, triggering leadership change and strategic shift

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Automation giant struggles with economic turbulence and intensifying competition, as new leadership prepares to chart a course beyond the era of ‘easy’ automation

Kuka, one of the world’s oldest robotics and automation companies, established in Germany in 1898, has reported a sharp decline in both revenue and earnings for 2024, marking a turbulent year of transition. 

The Augsburg-based firm closed the year with a €43.5 million net loss (listed in the annual report as “earnings after taxes and after loss from discontinued operations”), which is down from a €85.6 million profit in 2023, even as it reported record-high free cash flow and a growing backlog of orders.

The company also confirmed a leadership change, with CEO Peter Mohnen stepping down, to be replaced by Christoph Schell. Mohnen’s departure caps a year in which Kuka launched a new digital division, faced tough economic conditions, and found itself under intensifying competitive pressure in core markets like intralogistics and automotive automation. [Read more…] about Kuka sinks into the red with €43.5 million loss, triggering leadership change and strategic shift

Omron to showcase AI-powered ‘suitcase’ for the visually impaired

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Omron says it will launch a public demonstration of its autonomous navigation robot, the “AI Suitcase” at the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.

Developed to support visually impaired individuals, the AI Suitcase will be on display and available for hands-on experience from April 13 to October 13 as part of the Expo’s “Smart Mobility Expo” initiative.

The suitcase-shaped robot uses artificial intelligence to autonomously guide users through public spaces. It detects obstacles, interprets environmental cues, and provides spoken directions in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, and Chinese. [Read more…] about Omron to showcase AI-powered ‘suitcase’ for the visually impaired