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TuSimple to launch autonomous truck for port logistics

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A startup company called TuSimple is said to be ready to launch its autonomous truck for logistics operations at seaports in China. (See video below.)

This is according to a report in the South China Morning Post, which says the company is in talks with 10 ports in the country and is just a couple of months away from rolling out is first driverless truck at one of those ports, possibly more.

The company has already conducted debut trials at the National Intelligent Connected Vehicle Pilot Zone in Shanghai, where the port is the second-busiest in the world.

TuSimple is a Chinese company with big-name investors in the US, including chipmaker Nvidia.  [Read more…] about TuSimple to launch autonomous truck for port logistics

6 River Systems raises $25 million for its warehouse robots

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Warehouse robot maker 6 River Systems has raised $25 million in Series B financing.

The funding round was led by Menlo Ventures, with participation from all existing investors including Norwest Venture Partners, Eclipse Ventures and iRobot.

6RS will use the investment to enhance its first collaborative fulfillment robot, called “Chuck”.  [Read more…] about 6 River Systems raises $25 million for its warehouse robots

Country insight: Robotics and automation set to make in-roads into Malaysian logistics industry

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Malaysia is a southeast Asian country with a population of about 32 million, and a diverse ethnic mix which includes 50 per cent Malays, 23 per cent Chinese and 12 per cent “indigenous”, along with 7 per cent Indians and 9 per cent “others”, according to the most recent study. 

Its location and geography – with thousands of miles of coastline and almost 30 ports – make Malaysia an ideal logistics hub for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The largest port in the country is said to be Port Klang, which used to be called Pelabuhan Swettenham. Like any major port, it has road and rail connections to the rest of the country and beyond – to Singapore and Thailand among other places.  [Read more…] about Country insight: Robotics and automation set to make in-roads into Malaysian logistics industry

Geek Plus expands global reach with Modex event appearance

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Chinese company Geek Plus Robotics, a provider of mobile warehouse robots, is attending this year’s Modex event for the first time. 

Modex is the supply chain industry trade show in the US, being held in Atlanta on April 9 to 12.

For Geek Plus, the appearance is part of the company’s global expansion plans, after having a new office in Hong Kong recently.  [Read more…] about Geek Plus expands global reach with Modex event appearance

Geek Plus says it has sold more than 3,000 warehouse robots

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Geek Plus Robotics says it has sold “more than 3,000” units of its warehouse robots so far.

The Chinese company, which last year raised an additional $60 million in funding, says it is ready to go global.

Beijing-based Geek+ say they have entered the global market by setting up a branch office in Hong Kong in 2018.  [Read more…] about Geek Plus says it has sold more than 3,000 warehouse robots

Fetch Robotics partners with Ricoh to offer ‘round-the-clock’ global support

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Fetch Robotics, a provider of collaborative robotic solutions for warehouses and other logistics operations, has launched a new support program called FetchCare.

The company says FetchCare provides “round-the-clock support” to Fetch Robotics’ worldwide customers in the logistics and warehouse industries.

In partnership with Ricoh USA, FetchCare proactively, promptly and remotely provides service on the Fetch Autonomous Mobile Robots when needed, says the company. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics partners with Ricoh to offer ‘round-the-clock’ global support

China’s Geek Plus gains European CE Mark approval for its warehouse robots

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Geek Plus Robotics, a leading manufacturer and solution provider of logistics automation in China, has received the CE Mark approval from the European Union for it warehouse robots system.

The CE Mark is a technical standard, denoted by a symbol usually attached as a sticker to a machine, and will allow Geek Plus to expand its market in Europe.

Yong Zheng, CEO of Geek Plus, which is usually written as Geek+, says: “We are pleased to accomplish this important mandatory milestone.  [Read more…] about China’s Geek Plus gains European CE Mark approval for its warehouse robots

Proco unveils new collaborative robotic system for packaging industry

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Proco, a supplier and integrator of automation technologies, has unveiled a new collaborative robotic system for the packaging industry. 

The company, which specialises in blow-molding, says it is responding to the latest automation technology which is “sweeping the packaging industry”.

Siva Krish, Proco’s vice president of sales, says: “Collaborative robotic systems are seeing strong growth in the blow molding industry due to the need for greater efficiency and automation.  [Read more…] about Proco unveils new collaborative robotic system for packaging industry

FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

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Logistics company FedEx is reportedly increasing its robotics operations to see off the challenge from Amazon, according to the New York Times. 

The company has been testing a number of robotic vehicles in its warehouses since last year and is said to be ready to take the next step.

FedEx is said to be partnering with Vecna, a supplier of logistics robots, to automate its warehouses and take the load off human employees.

FedEx also seems to be employing Savioke robots (unit in main picture) for work in the repair and maintenance department.

[Read more…] about FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

New port technology conference debuts at CeMAT

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Digital processes for ports will be the main theme at the new CeMAT Port Technology Conference making its debut on 25 April as part of CeMAT 2018 in Germany.

Experts from industrial and transport enterprises estimate that 40 to 50% of total transport costs originate in ports.

This share of the overall cost of transport chains translates into enormous savings potential for inland and sea transport carriers – provided they are capable of implementing consistent digitization strategies when moving goods.

[Read more…] about New port technology conference debuts at CeMAT