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LG Electronics to show off its new exoskeleton or ‘wearable robot’

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Electronics giant LG is planning to showcase its new exoskeleton or, as the company calls it, its “wearable robot” at IFA, a consumer electronics event in Germany. 

The powered suit looks similar to the exoskeleton other companies have been bringing out – namely, Comau, Atoun, Ekso Bionics, Roam Robotics, and Sarcos, among others.

LG says it is focused on becoming a leading developer of service robots in the next decade.  [Read more…] about LG Electronics to show off its new exoskeleton or ‘wearable robot’

Nitco introduces wireless forklift fleet management technology

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Nitco has launched a new wireless forklift fleet management technology, which it says is “game-changing”. (See video below.) 

The company says it adds telemetry capabilities to materials handling equipment which could lead to “improvements in safety and accountability while eliminating inefficiencies and lowering your overall cost of operation”.

Nitco says the modules are equipped with sensors, GPS and telemetry technology, enabling machines to “collect helpful, actionable data that provides new insight into countless aspects of your operation”.  [Read more…] about Nitco introduces wireless forklift fleet management technology

Swisslog wins multimillion-dollar order from Spritzer in Malaysia

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Swisslog, a warehouse automation provider and part of the Kuka Group, has won “a major order” from Spritzer, known as the manufacturer of Malaysia’s best-selling natural mineral water.

The company says the order value is in the “double-digit million euro range” and was booked in the second quarter of 2018.

The bottled water products maker Spritzer has allocated €13.8 million to expand its warehousing facilities and production capacity.  [Read more…] about Swisslog wins multimillion-dollar order from Spritzer in Malaysia

Bosch reveals ideas for autonomous technology for trucks

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Bosch has unveiled a long list of ideas for future trucks, which it envisions as having much more autonomous technology and being powered by an electric engine.

Apparently, the company also believes digital side-view mirrors are the way forward, as well as a “digital instrument cluster”, which is probably the same as a “virtual dashboard”.

In fact, “digital” is at the heart of almost all the new ideas, with computers being used for cloud connectivity, predictive diagnostics and many other new functions and services.  [Read more…] about Bosch reveals ideas for autonomous technology for trucks

Volkswagen increases automation in its parts depot

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Volkswagen says it has significantly increased the level of automation in its massive Kassel depot, in Germany.

The company says the upgrade has cost at least $10 million and involved designing its own “ergonomic repackaging stations”.

The vast majority of the depot is automated using conveyors, but new equipment and more digitalization has improved productivity, says Volkswagen.  [Read more…] about Volkswagen increases automation in its parts depot

Pizza Hut introduces robot waiter from Woowa Brothers in Korea

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Pizza Hut has introduced robot waiters from Woowa Brothers in its South Korean restaurants, according to the Korea Times. 

The robot, which is called Dilly Plate, is similar to machines produced by Savioke and others, and makes short-distance deliveries, within the restaurant.

We don’t have pictures of it ourselves, but one can be seen on the Korea Times website.

As quoted by Korea Times, Cho Yoon-sang, Pizza Hut Korea’s Chief Marketing Officer, says: “We will actively adopt new technologies to satisfy both our employees and customers and make various attempts in line with food tech development.”

As well as the Dilly Plate, Woowa Brothers also offers a food delivery app and has invested in other robotics development.

And as quoted by Korea Joong Ang Daily, Kim Bong-jin, CEO and founder of Woowa Brothers, says: “The robotics we are interested in encompass delivery, connectivity and artificial intelligence.

“When a robot delivers, delivery charges that normally range between 3,000 won and 4,000 won will go down to as much as several hundred won.

“The price of food that consumers think is appropriate in proportion to the amount of delivery charge is 18,000 won to 20,000 won. Not many are willing to pay a 4,000 won delivery fee for a 7,000 won dish. ”

One US dollar is approximately equivalent to 1,000 South Korean won.

Walmart testing new warehouse robot from startup Alert Innovation

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Walmart is testing a new warehouse robot called Alphabot, supplied by startup company Alert Innovation, which built the robot for the US retail giant. (See video below.)

Alert is a developer of automated storage and retrieval systems, or ASRS, and something else called automated each-picking system, or AEPS.

A typical complete system Alert supplies includes a large storage shelving unit, along with its Alphabot, which is the only moving part.  [Read more…] about Walmart testing new warehouse robot from startup Alert Innovation

InVia Robotics raises $20 million in funding for warehouse automation robots

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InVia Robotics, a provider of warehouse robots and automation solutions for e-commerce fulfillment centers, has raised $20 million in new funding.

The Series B round was led by Point72 Ventures and included investments from Upfront Ventures and Embark Ventures.

The funds will be used to boost the commercial deployment of inVia’s Picker robots and cloud-based robotics-as-a-service management system in warehouses as necessitated by the scaling e-commerce market.  [Read more…] about InVia Robotics raises $20 million in funding for warehouse automation robots

Gideon Brothers raises $765,000 to further develop its warehouse robot

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A Croatian company called Gideon Brothers has raised $765,000 to further develop its warehouse robot, according to a story on TechCrunch.com.

The company’s technologies are said to be already in use at some of the largest and most well-known companies in the world.

Tesco, Henkel, Target, Walmart, DHL, DB Schenker, Kuehne & Nagel, and FedEx are among the names Gideon Brothers mentions on its website as customers.

The new money will be used to further develop Gideon Brothers’ autonomous mobile platform, as seen in the main picture, which is from the company’s video (see below).  [Read more…] about Gideon Brothers raises $765,000 to further develop its warehouse robot

Nidec-Shimpo launches new versions of its S-Cart automated guided vehicle

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Nidec-Shimpo has launched new versions of its automated guided vehicle, the S-Cart. (See video below.)

The company says it will begin shipping the new model of AGV – equipped with a “Follow-Me” function – as soon as possible.

Additionally, the company has also developed a separate new model equipped with a “Return-To-Home” function as well as a model designed to carry a maximum payload of 500 kg.  [Read more…] about Nidec-Shimpo launches new versions of its S-Cart automated guided vehicle