Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Dematic to showcase new range of robotic supply chain solutions at ProMat

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Supply chain specialist Dematic will feature operational order fulfillment, returns processing and mobile automation solutions at ProMat.

The interactive exhibit will also feature Dematic iQ, the performance optimizing software offering that provides a holistic, warehouse-wide approach to optimize order fulfillment and facility lifecycle management.

With Dematic iQ, operations that support omni-channel distribution can cost effectively pick, pack and ship orders accurately in the least amount of time.  [Read more…] about Dematic to showcase new range of robotic supply chain solutions at ProMat

Tompkins Robotics adds new product to parcel sortation suite

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Tompkins Robotics has launched t-Sort Plus, a new product offering in the t-Sort unit and parcel sortation system suite.

The t-Sort system is a robotic material handling system and has applications for both unit and parcel sortation.

The company calls the t-Sort automated sortation system “revolutionary and innovative”, and says it consists of autonomous robots.  [Read more…] about Tompkins Robotics adds new product to parcel sortation suite

Latest ABB financial report shows strength of robotics division

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ABB’s latest financial report shows the strength of the industrial giant’s robotics division, according to CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. 

The company is reporting an increase in revenues of 4 percent, and puts it down to “strong growth in robotics and motion”.

ABB also singled out its industrial internet of things platform, ABB Ability, saying it currently “drives growth across all divisions”. [Read more…] about Latest ABB financial report shows strength of robotics division

FedEx unveils ‘SameDay Bot’ for future home deliveries

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Logistics giant FedEx is developing what it describes as “cutting-edge delivery solutions” to meet the rapidly changing needs of consumers.

As part of that development, the company has unveiled the FedEx SameDay Bot – an autonomous delivery device prototype designed to help retailers make same-day and last-mile deliveries to their customers. (See video below.)

With the bot, retailers will be able to accept orders from nearby customers and deliver them by bot directly to customers’ homes or businesses the same day.  [Read more…] about FedEx unveils ‘SameDay Bot’ for future home deliveries

Husqvarna launches high-performance, all-wheel robotic lawnmower

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What looks at first glance like an all-terrain supercar is actually designed to mow your lawn, even on undulating terrains, and can even be operated by voice command

Husqvarna has released its Automower 435X AWD, an artificial intelligence-enabled, robotic mower with all-wheel drive and smart home connectivity.

The company describes the impressive-looking machine as an “iconic, fully autonomous robotic lawnmower”.

Automower is designed to manage rough terrain and slopes with and can climb steep slopes of up to 70 percent, and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and provides an open API for smart home integration.  [Read more…] about Husqvarna launches high-performance, all-wheel robotic lawnmower

Netherlands establishes ‘first Smart Park in Europe’

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The Dutch national park Zuid-Kennemerland is claiming to be the first nature reserve in Europe that is equipped with a Smart Parks network.

By using smart sensor technology, parks administrator PWN can now gather more information about the behavior of the large grazing animals in the park.

This knowledge helps with complicated management issues and contributes to a sustainable balance between nature, grazer, and recreation.  [Read more…] about Netherlands establishes ‘first Smart Park in Europe’

Weland launches warehouse automation solution

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Swedish supply chain technology company Weland Solutions has launched a new automated goods-to-person warehouse system which marks the company’s shift of emphasis towards automation technology.

Even before officially launching the new product, Compact Dynamic, Weland received a first signed purchase order.

In the summer of 2019, the facility will be operational at Axelent based in Hillerstorp, with customers worldwide.  [Read more…] about Weland launches warehouse automation solution

What do drones, quidditch, and augmented reality all have in common?

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Today, drones dominate the news, from making speedy burrito deliveries, transporting orders to your doorstep, or aiding in natural disasters.

Now, Virginia Tech researchers are exploring applications for unmanned aircraft systems to assist in safer and more effective inspection of civil infrastructure.

The use of drones for this type of assessment has the potential to make the inspection process quicker and more efficient, thus enhancing public safety in the US and around the world.  [Read more…] about What do drones, quidditch, and augmented reality all have in common?

Agility Robotics unveils new robot with two arms and two legs

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Agility Robotics has unveiled a new bipedal robot named Digit, which adds an upper torso, arms, sensors, and additional computing power to the successful Cassie robot design.

Agility says Digit’s four degree-of-freedom arms greatly extend both the mobility and utility of Digit, as compared to Cassie. The machine could find useful applications in logistics.

Dr Jonathan Hurst, CTO and co-founder of Agility, says: “For us, arms are simultaneously a tool for moving through the world – think getting up after a fall, waving your arms for balance, or pushing open a door – while also being useful for manipulating or carrying objects.”  [Read more…] about Agility Robotics unveils new robot with two arms and two legs

ZF unveils concepts for emission-free, efficient and safe future urban landscapes

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ZF, better known for automotive technologies, has unveiled a range of concepts for emission-free, efficient and safe future urban construction sites and smart cities.

They include:

  • Zero emissions e-concepts for compact construction machinery
  • Artificial intelligence to make it easier to transport goods and people
  • Open IoT platforms offer wide-ranging options for new digital services

A lot of work lies ahead for the construction industry, says ZF. According to estimates, by 2050 two thirds of the world’s population will live in large cities.  [Read more…] about ZF unveils concepts for emission-free, efficient and safe future urban landscapes