Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Logistics

Zhen Robotics develops mobile delivery robot e-commerce in China

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A company called Zhen Robotics has unveiled a small, wheeled autonomous robot that can be used to make deliveries of packages to the home. (Main picture and video below.)

The vehicle, which is about the size of a small suitcase, is called “Little Yellow Horse”, and is developed with the backing of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland, Imperial College in London, UK, Tsinghua University, in China, and Alibaba, the well-known e-commerce giant.

Zhen Robot describes itself as an artificial intelligence company which develops such things as precision navigation technology for robots, intelligent control technology, and environmental modeling technology, which refers to deep learning methods for identifying pedestrians and dangerous objects to enable robots to safely avoids obstacles.  [Read more…] about Zhen Robotics develops mobile delivery robot e-commerce in China

Last-mile logistics: Our cities are getting smarter

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Once firmly in the realm of science-fiction, technological advances mean the concept of a “smart city” is now closer than ever to science-fact.

But, what does the concept mean? And how will it actually affect our day to day lives?

A smart city is a place where absolutely everything is connected and streamlined to work in sync with everything else.  [Read more…] about Last-mile logistics: Our cities are getting smarter

Geek Plus Robotics integrates ‘one of the largest robotics warehouses’ in Asia

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Geek Plus Robotics claims to have installed one of the largest automated warehouses in Asia. 

The supplier of autonomous mobile robots co-operated with Yunji, an e-commerce company, to launch robotics-intensive warehouse in Kunshan, China, to establish what it calls a “super-robotic warehouse”.

The facility stores a series of commodity categories including apparel, bags, cosmetics, and similar products. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Geek Plus Robotics integrates ‘one of the largest robotics warehouses’ in Asia

Kuehne+Nagel expands its global services for BMW Group

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Kuehne+Nagel and the BMW Group have expanded their partnership with two new distribution centres in Germany and Poland and dealer distribution from the two main BMW RDCs in China, all of them focus markets for the German premium class car manufacturer.

The long-lasting partnership between the BMW Group and Kuehne+Nagel can now count on 14 major locations around the globe with a consolidated presence in China.

At 70,000 sqm, the RDC in Kleinaitingen is one of the largest distribution centres Kuehne+Nagel manages for the BMW Group. It serves more than 300 dealers all over southern Germany and western Austria.

[Read more…] about Kuehne+Nagel expands its global services for BMW Group

Platooning: practical use of networked truck convoys in Gemany

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DB Schenker, together with its cooperation partners MAN Truck & Bus and Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, has sent two digitally networked trucks into practical use on a German highway.

In the presence of Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Andreas Scheuer, a truck “platoon” set off from the DB Schenker branch office in Neufahrn near Munich via the A9 digital test field to Nuremberg. The federal government is funding the pilot project with around 2m euros.

The term “platooning” refers to a system in which at least two trucks drive in a tight convoy on a freeway, supported by technical driving assistance and control systems.

[Read more…] about Platooning: practical use of networked truck convoys in Gemany

UPS invests $100 million in automated sorting hub in Paris

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UPS has officially opened a new 30,000 sqm, advanced technology package sorting and delivery hub outside Paris in Corbeil-Essonnes/Évry.

The new Paris Hub facility, which employs nearly 1,000 people, facilitates cross-border trade and enhances package delivery service in the Île-de-France area.

“This $100 million advanced technology facility spans four soccer fields. And it’s the single biggest investment UPS has ever made in France,” said Nando Cesarone, president of UPS International.

[Read more…] about UPS invests $100 million in automated sorting hub in Paris

Nippon Express builds new warehouse in Malaysia

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Nippon Express is building a new warehouse in Malaysia.

The company held a groundbreaking ceremony recently for a new warehouse to be built in the Shah Alam Industrial Park in Selangor Province.

Malaysia’s economy has maintained a steady growth rate of about 5 per cent in recent years.  [Read more…] about Nippon Express builds new warehouse in Malaysia

Incas becomes part of the SSI Schaefer Group

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Italy-based industrial automation company Incas has become part of the SSI Schaefer Group. 

Established in Biella in 1981, Incas offers to its customers’ industrial automation solutions for logistics and production monitoring as well as integrated system and software solutions.

SSI Schaefer says the deal fosters the creation of a leading player in supply chain automation in Italy.  [Read more…] about Incas becomes part of the SSI Schaefer Group

World Economic Forum recognises Fetch Robotics as a ‘Technology Pioneer’

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Fetch Robotics, a developer of warehouse robots, was selected from hundreds of candidates as a World Economic Forum “Technology Pioneer”.

Fetch Robotics is said to have made it to the selection for its contributions in the field of robotics, and for its ability to address the rapidly increasing demands for flexible warehouse automation.

Fetch Robotics develops and manufactures collaborative autonomous mobile robot solutions for the warehousing and intralogistics markets.  [Read more…] about World Economic Forum recognises Fetch Robotics as a ‘Technology Pioneer’

30 automation solutions for warehouses and supply chain operations

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It took a while to get going, but after many years of relatively slow progress, now, the market for logistics and supply chain robotics and automation is in good flow. 

A significant number of companies have developed systems for automating warehouse operations – both in the area of software and hardware.

But while Amazon has taken the lead in warehouse automation by building its massive logistics operation around the Kiva Systems robots it acquired, other companies are catching up.  [Read more…] about 30 automation solutions for warehouses and supply chain operations