Robotics & Automation News

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Logistics

Applied EV unveils ‘autonomous-only’ logistics vehicle

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Applied EV has revealed its new “Blanc Robot”, which it describes as “a unique vehicle designed for autonomous-only operations”.

Manufactured with no cabin and a configurable table-top chassis for a variety of jobs, the Blanc Robot can help solve global driver shortages in last mile logistics and is capable of operating in industrial applications where tasks by a traditional driver may be considered dull, dirty, difficult or dangerous.

Applied EV is ready to complete the assembly of the first 100 Blanc Robot vehicles, with all the body structures manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation, now shipped from Japan. This is an important milestone towards mass production. [Read more…] about Applied EV unveils ‘autonomous-only’ logistics vehicle

RoboSense and Coco Robotics partner to ‘revolutionize’ autonomous last-mile delivery

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RoboSense, a developer of AI-driven robotics technology, and Coco Robotics, an innovator in delivery robots and now known as Coco Delivery, have announced a strategic partnership to transform last-mile logistics.

By combining RoboSense’s advanced sensor technology with Coco Robotics’ delivery solutions, the collaboration aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in urban networks.

Coco Robotics bridges the gap between local businesses and customers through advanced navigation and real-time tracking, prioritizing sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and delivery costs. [Read more…] about RoboSense and Coco Robotics partner to ‘revolutionize’ autonomous last-mile delivery

Serve Robotics secures $86 million in new financing

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Serve Robotics, an autonomous delivery company, has raised gross proceeds of $86 million during December 2024, bringing total gross proceeds raised in 2024 to $167 million.

Since its spinout from Uber in 2021, the Company has secured approximately $220 million in total funding. The additional December 2024 funding includes proceeds raised through Serve’s previously filed ATM facility and the exercise of warrants. As of December 31, 2024, Serve had a total of approximately 51.5 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

This infusion of capital significantly strengthens Serve’s financial position, extending its expected operational runway approximately through the end of 2026. Serve is now able to self-fund equipment investments, eliminating the near-term need for equipment financing and its associated servicing costs. [Read more…] about Serve Robotics secures $86 million in new financing

AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

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Geo-Young, one of South Korea’s leading pharmaceutical distributors, has inaugurated its Smart Hub Center in Incheon, marking a significant advancement in the industry as the first in the nation’s pharmaceutical sector to integrate the AutoStore system into its operations.

The Smart Hub Center employs AutoStore’s automated storage and retrieval system to address the specific demands of pharmaceutical distribution, where precision, safety, and efficiency are paramount. [Read more…] about AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

Interview: Ambi Robotics founder sees ‘huge opportunities’ in new markets

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The founding of Ambi Robotics is somewhat obscured by the mist of history, but it started with some abandoned robots in a basement and the co-founders meeting at University of California Berkeley in 2018. 

Within about a year, the five founders made a breakthrough in simulation-to-reality transfer learning systems for robotics, calling it Sim2Real AI, which, in turn, led to the establishment of Ambidextrous Laboratories Inc, and a year later to the commercialization of the technology in the form of the AmbiSort parcel sorting system.

The lightning quick pace of development led to huge interest from investors, who poured in $21 million into the startup by 2021, and another $32 million the following year. [Read more…] about Interview: Ambi Robotics founder sees ‘huge opportunities’ in new markets

Eurogate and partners unveil autonomous terminal tractor proof-of-concept at Wilhelmshaven terminal

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A freight consortium in Europe has unveiled a proof-of-concept project that they say showcases “the next phase” of automated operations in port environments – its autonomous terminal tractor, or ATT.

The consortium consists of Eurogate, one of Europe’s largest container terminal and logistics companies, Embotech, a provider of autonomous driving solutions, Mafi, a manufacturer of terminal tractors, and ICT Group a leading European provider of industrial technology solutions.

Early 2025 marks the start of a groundbreaking six-month project at Eurogate’s Wilhelmshaven Container Terminal. [Read more…] about Eurogate and partners unveil autonomous terminal tractor proof-of-concept at Wilhelmshaven terminal

Plus One Robotics survey shows 75 percent of Americans say delivery delays ‘dampen holiday spirit’

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A new survey commissioned by Plus One Robotics, a provider of AI vision software and solutions for robotic parcel handling, reveals that 75 percent of Americans report holiday delivery delays negatively impact their holiday experience, with 12 percent saying delays ruin their celebrations entirely.

The survey of 1,000 US consumers demonstrates the importance of reliable and transparent shipping operations during the holiday season.

An overwhelming 82 percent of consumers consider seeing the expected delivery date before checkout either “extremely important” or “very important”, indicating that shipping information plays a crucial role in holiday shopping behavior. [Read more…] about Plus One Robotics survey shows 75 percent of Americans say delivery delays ‘dampen holiday spirit’

Starship Technologies survey says ‘public attitudes to robots have changed dramatically’

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Starship Technologies, a provider of autonomous delivery services, has revealed the findings from a new national survey of US college students. The company says the survey results show a “dramatic shift” in the way people view robots.

In 2018, a Brookings survey found that 61 percent of US respondents were uncomfortable with robots. In the new survey conducted by Starship, 91.5 percent of respondents said they would recommend the robots to a friend, and two-thirds (66 percent) felt more positive about the robots since seeing them on campus.

It’s not just attitudes that have shifted in a positive direction, as the robots are also having a positive impact on behavior. According to the Starship survey, nearly two-thirds (63.2 percent) said the robots helped them avoid skipping meals. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies survey says ‘public attitudes to robots have changed dramatically’

Embotech receives $27 million in funding to expand its autonomous tow truck business

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Embotech, an innovator in autonomous driving solutions for industrial logistics, has received CHF23.5 million (approximately $27 million) in Series B funding to help the company scale its autonomous tow truck business.

The company calls its solutions “Automated Vehicle Marshalling” (AVM) and “Autonomous Terminal Tractor” (ATT). The plan is to expand in Europe initially, and then in the United States, Middle East, and Asia.

The funding round is led by Emerald Technology Ventures and Yttrium, with additional funds from BMW i Ventures, Nabtesco Technology Ventures, Sustainable Forward Capital Fund, RKK VC and existing investors.

Embotech, short for embedded optimization technologies, has already secured landmark multi-year rollout contracts for its AVM solution in finished vehicle logistics and its ATT solution for port and yard logistics applications. [Read more…] about Embotech receives $27 million in funding to expand its autonomous tow truck business

Opinion: Enhancing employee experience with robotics and automation at DHL

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By Sally Miller, global CIO, DHL Supply Chain

As the deployment of robotics and automated solutions accelerates, we are seeing supply chain and logistics operations transform.

Over time, initial concerns that robotics would replace the human workforce have gradually given way to a deeper understanding of how these technologies complement and enhance human roles.

The integration of robotics and automation into supply chains is proving to be a powerful tool which works alongside employees to drive efficiency while reducing manual strain and creating new career development opportunities.

[Read more…] about Opinion: Enhancing employee experience with robotics and automation at DHL