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AMR solution provider Robotize opens office in the US

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Robotize, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for internal pallet transportation, has expanded into North America by establishing the company’s first office in the US, located in the metro Detroit area.

Anders Pjetursson, Robotize CEO and co-founder, says: “North America is an extremely interesting market for us, and we already have several customers and partners in both Canada and the US.

“However, the interest in our unique GoPal AMR solution is so high that it is a natural next step for us to establish our own presence in North America.” [Read more…] about AMR solution provider Robotize opens office in the US

Electric Sheep acquires two landscaping companies as part of ‘forward-thinking’ strategy

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Electric Sheep, who is creating the first large-scale outdoor maintenance company powered by artificial intelligence and robotics, has made “two key acquisitions” of landscaping businesses – Phenix Landscape and Complete Landscaping.

Electric Sheep is an outdoor maintenance company powered by artificial intelligence and robotics. It acquires traditional outdoor service providers and progressively transforms operations by deploying its proprietary AI software and robots. For 2023, Electric Sheep is on track to grow revenues 8x since implementing this model.

Nag Murty, CEO and co-founder of Electric Sheep, says: “We are aggressively exploring landscaping businesses in the top 50 metro areas with a high rate of growth and plenty of turf to maximize the impact of automating mowing.” [Read more…] about Electric Sheep acquires two landscaping companies as part of ‘forward-thinking’ strategy

Emerson completes $8.2 billion acquisition of National Instruments

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Emerson has closed its acquisition of NI, formerly known as National Instruments, a provider of software-connected automated test and measurement systems, at an equity value of $8.2 billion.

The acquisition of NI advances Emerson’s position as a global automation leader and expands its opportunity to capitalise on key secular trends like nearshoring, digital transformation, and sustainability and decarbonisation.

NI brings a portfolio of software, control and intelligent devices that is expected to accelerate Emerson’s revenue growth aligned to its 4-7 percent through the cycle organic growth target. [Read more…] about Emerson completes $8.2 billion acquisition of National Instruments

Bota Systems selects NEXT robotics as distributor

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Bota Systems, a developer of multi-axis force torque sensors, says NEXT robotics has become its official distributor for the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Bota Systems and NEXT robotics co-exhibited at the recent international trade fair for automation in production and assembly Motek, in Stuttgart, Germany.

Marcus Frei, CEO of NEXT Robotics, says: “In the past two years we have supplied Bota sensors for powerful solutions with robotic arms like the ones from Universal Robots and Mecademic. [Read more…] about Bota Systems selects NEXT robotics as distributor

Rockwell Automation completes acquisition of Clearpath Robotics and Otto Motors

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Rockwell Automation, which says it is “the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation”, has completed its acquisition of Ontario, Canada-based Clearpath Robotics, a developer of autonomous robotics, including autonomous mobile robots for industrial applications.

The acquisition includes Clearpath Robotics’ namesake research division, a developer autonomous technology for the innovation market, and the industrial division Otto Motors, which provides AMRs, which Rockwell says is “the next frontier in industrial automation and transformation”.

Both divisions will report to Rockwell’s Intelligent Devices operating segment. Financial details do not appear to have been officially disclosed, but media reports say Rockwell may be paying $600 million for the acquisition. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation completes acquisition of Clearpath Robotics and Otto Motors

Bota Systems raises $2.5 million in seed round to ‘give robots sense of touch’

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Bota Systems, a pioneer in advancing robotics with force torque sensing solutions, announces the completion of a $2.5 million seed round led by Marathon Venture Capital, along with the participation of angel investors.

As part of the round, Bota Systems will grow the team to address increasing demand by leading research labs and manufacturing companies globally, along with accelerating its ambitious product roadmap towards delivering a superior robotic platform with outstanding sensitivity. [Read more…] about Bota Systems raises $2.5 million in seed round to ‘give robots sense of touch’

Emerson acquires Afag to accelerate factory automation capabilities

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Emerson has acquired Afag Holding AG, an innovator in electric linear motion, feeding and handling automation solutions.

The electric linear motion segment expands Emerson’s served market by more than $9 billion and is expected to grow mid-single digits annually, supporting Emerson’s long-term, profitable organic growth.

Afag, headquartered in Zell, Switzerland, brings state-of-the-art technology and innovation to Emerson. The acquisition enhances Emerson’s capabilities in factory automation and creates a leading motion portfolio that combines Afag’s electric linear motion solutions with Emerson’s pneumatic motion technology. [Read more…] about Emerson acquires Afag to accelerate factory automation capabilities

Neura Robotics secures $16 million from InterAlpen Partners

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Neura Robotics, an emerging AI and robotics startup based in Germany, has closed a $16 million investment round with American private equity firm InterAlpen Partners.

This comes less than three months after the German company closed a $55 million funding round with leading European investors, garnering recognition from the New York Stock Exchange. InterAlpen’s investment in Neura will bolster its growth and expansion into the US market.

Robots based on the Neura Robotics platform are able to see, hear and perceive touch. Combined with reflexive sensory processing, these capabilities are essential for autonomous and predictive action. [Read more…] about Neura Robotics secures $16 million from InterAlpen Partners

IAR Group strengthens market position through acquisition of Sontec

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IAR Group from Zofingen (Switzerland), which specializes in automation systems, is taking over Sontec AG from Hochdorf (Switzerland), which is active in the fields of automated testing technology, assembly automation, robotics and image processing, with immediate effect.

With this acquisition, the IAR Group strengthens its position in the global market for industrial automation and increases its production capacity in Switzerland.

“I am very pleased about this early succession solution, which is ideal for the future of the company and its employees,” says Othmar Amrein, former owner of Hochdorf-based Sontec. [Read more…] about IAR Group strengthens market position through acquisition of Sontec

Decentralized Identity: Reshaping Digital Identification Bitcoin

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In an age where digital interactions are an integral part of our lives, the need for secure and reliable digital identification has never been more crucial.

The rise of blockchain technology has paved the way for a revolutionary approach to identity management – decentralized identity. This paradigm shift in digital identification holds the potential to reshape how we authenticate ourselves online, ensuring enhanced security, privacy, and control.

As the concept of decentralized identity gains traction, platforms like Quantum FBC are leading the charge in providing users with secure trading experiences in this evolving landscape. [Read more…] about Decentralized Identity: Reshaping Digital Identification Bitcoin