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Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

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Hesai Technology, a provider of lidar solutions, and Cratus, a software solution integrator for lidar systems, have agreed a strategic alliance to develop autonomous warehouse solutions using Hesai’s “groundbreaking safety-rated” 3D lidar, the QT128.

Cratus has selected the QT128 as the lead sensor in its all-new lidar perception package for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AGVs and AMRs have been used for many years in warehouses and manufacturing plants to accomplish a variety of material handling tasks. [Read more…] about Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

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Associated Food Stores (AFS), a provider of groceries and other goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic, a developer of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, have entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s robotic warehouse automation technology in AFS’ Utah distribution center.

Symbotic says its end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to “improve a variety of retail-facing experiences”, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores.

David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO, says: “We appreciate the partnership with Symbotic which enables us to cast an exciting vision for future growth and long-term relevance with the shoppers and retailers we serve. [Read more…] about Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

Otto Motors reveals North American sales and service expansion with certified dealers

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Otto Motors, a provider of autonomous mobile robots, has launched the Otto Certified Dealer program to provide “high-quality service and support locally throughout North America”. The program introduces over 215 regional offices and 2,000 technicians to the rapidly-growing AMR industry. 

To meet the rising demand for AMRs, Otto Motors has trained and certified the most reputable material handling equipment organizations to deliver solutions with the same quality that Otto Motors is known for.

John Stikes, director of global strategic alliances and partnerships at Otto Motors, says: “Customers demand exceptional service. We’ve built our Otto Certified Dealer program like we’ve built our products, with unwavering emphasis on quality to ensure that our customers receive the exceptional service they expect. [Read more…] about Otto Motors reveals North American sales and service expansion with certified dealers

Osaro and Geek+ partner to integrate robotic warehouse solutions

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Osaro, a specialist in in machine-learning-enabled robotics for e-commerce, has agreed partnership that integrates its pick-and-place robots with groundbreaking Geek+ warehouse automation systems.

The new alliance offers businesses a one-stop solution for their warehouse fulfillment operations and a strategy to boost the ROI of their autonomous mobile robot systems (AMRs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

Derik Pridmore, Osaro CEO, says: “At Osaro, our goal is to provide reliable robotic systems that make automation easy, which is why the seamless integration of our picking robots with Geek+ systems is so valuable for quick and easy deployment. [Read more…] about Osaro and Geek+ partner to integrate robotic warehouse solutions

Osaro targets fast-growing subscription market with AI-powered kitting robots

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Osaro, a developer of machine-learning-enabled robotics for e-commerce, has launched the Osaro Robotic Kitting System.

This addition to its range of e-commerce robots is equipped with advanced piece-picking skills and end effectors to handle the constantly changing array of product SKUs that must be organized, placed, and packaged into custom kits.

The new system addresses the exploding market for subscription products that require kitting. Kitting is both a merchandising strategy and a logistics technique whereby curated boxes of complementary items are packaged and shipped together as a single “kit” with a unique SKU. [Read more…] about Osaro targets fast-growing subscription market with AI-powered kitting robots

Mitsubishi Electric agrees strategic investment in Otto Motors to accelerate industrial automation

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Mitsubishi Electric, a factory automation solutions provider, has agreed a strategic investment in Clearpath Robotics, the parent company of autonomous mobile robot leader, Otto Motors.

With more than 4 million hours of production experience, Otto Motors’ pioneering autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology and award-winning software are used by Fortune 500 companies to deliver productivity and safety in material handling operations.

The investment expands the strategic relationship between Otto Motors and Mitsubishi Electric, and strengthens the two companies’ commercial collaboration. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric agrees strategic investment in Otto Motors to accelerate industrial automation

Netrush and Brightpick partnership ‘cuts fulfillment costs by 50 percent’

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At a time when consumer expectations have never been higher and a positive workplace culture is more crucial than ever, e-commerce growth expert Netrush is investing in a solution that the company says is “sure to help the company further improve customer and employee satisfaction while also enabling it to significantly reduce costs”.

The initiative is part of an agreement between Netrush and its newest partner Brightpick, whose warehouse automation solutions “have helped e-commerce retailers cut order fulfillment costs by as much as 50 percent”, according to the companies.

Netrush CEO Shane Atchison says: “With this partnership, we’re innovating to deliver a logistics operation that is four times more efficient and a corporate culture that is second to none. [Read more…] about Netrush and Brightpick partnership ‘cuts fulfillment costs by 50 percent’

European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

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Otto Group, one of the largest online retailers in Europe, is entering into a long-term strategic partnership with Covariant, an AI robotics company. 

Covariant’s AI-powered robots will be used to automate a wide range of manual fulfilment activities that require hand-eye coordination and object manipulation – supporting Otto Group to enhance services for its customers and to take another important step towards a digitalized and AI-driven future.

The Otto Group will deploy Covariant robots to increase operational efficiency, build resilience against labour market challenges, and improve the overall quality of work within their fulfilment centres. [Read more…] about European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

DHL to install 5,000 Locus warehouse robots across multiple sites

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DHL Supply Chain, the world’s largest logistics provider, says it will expand its partnership with Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

The expansion will increase DHL’s use of Locus AMR robotics within its supply chain operations. As part of this new partnership, DHL Supply Chain will deploy 5,000 Locus Origin AMRs across its global network of warehouses and distribution centers, representing the industry’s largest AMR deal to date.

The expanded fleet of Locus AMRs will provide DHL Supply Chain with advanced automation technology to optimize its supply chain operations, and improve worker productivity, order accuracy, speed, and efficiency. [Read more…] about DHL to install 5,000 Locus warehouse robots across multiple sites

Plus One Robotics uses Yaskawa Motoman to expand mixed depalletizing solutions

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Plus One Robotics, a provider of advanced AI vision software and solutions for robotic parcel handling, has launched new customer programs using Yaskawa Motoman robots. These customer deployments are for Plus One’s induction and mixed depalletizing solutions.

This deployment of Plus One and Yaskawa robotic solutions consists of 12 new induction systems acquired by FedEx Corp. This purchase builds upon the four existing robotic systems in use at the FedEx Express Hub in Memphis, Tennessee.

Additionally, Plus One successfully introduced its mixed depalletizing systems at the FedEx Reno, NV facility. Plus One’s mixed depalletizing systems will allow for easier, more efficient movement of cases from palleted shipments throughout the FedEx facility. [Read more…] about Plus One Robotics uses Yaskawa Motoman to expand mixed depalletizing solutions