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XPO Logistics expands last mile service in Spain to meet increase in online orders of large products

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XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of transportation and logistics solutions has expanded its last mile service for bulky and heavy goods in Spain, as consumers turn to e-commerce.

The company makes an estimated 4,500 daily deliveries to all parts of Spain through its national last mile network, with the highest demand in the regions of Madrid, Barcelona, Andalucía and Levante.

XPO launched its last mile service in Spain in 2018, providing consistent, nationwide home deliveries through 60 distribution sites linked by cutting-edge technology. [Read more…] about XPO Logistics expands last mile service in Spain to meet increase in online orders of large products

The Future for Contactless Delivery

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By D. A. Rupprecht

The future for contactless product delivery is already here, and a pandemic seems to already be moving this trend forward.

It just needs companies to implement and customers to accept the new delivery and tracking methods, along with other innovations, that will make this so.

When this happens, we may one day look back and quietly thank the lowly coronavirus for catapulting us into a brighter future. [Read more…] about The Future for Contactless Delivery

UPS to use drones to deliver medicines to retirement homes in Florida

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CVS Health Corporation and UPS subsidiary UPS Flight Forward will use drones to deliver prescription medicines from a CVS pharmacy to The Villages, Florida for the largest US retirement community, home to more than 135,000 residents.

The service will use Matternet’s M2 drone system.

Drone transport offers a fast delivery option for medicines that are time-sensitive, while supporting social-distancing efforts. Drone delivery options provide individuals with a convenient alternative to visiting a pharmacy. This program can also help prioritize the protection of healthcare workers. [Read more…] about UPS to use drones to deliver medicines to retirement homes in Florida

UPS unveils new smart warehouse system which integrates AMRs from Locus Robotics

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UPS Supply Chain Solutions has unveiled new warehouse network technology designed to make distribution centers “smarter and more efficient”, and uses autonomous mobile robots from Locus Robotics.

UPS says the new Warehouse Execution System (WES) will enable faster order intake and fulfillment to ensure that customers, especially those with fluctuating order patterns, receive their products on time.

UPS and supply chain solutions provider Softeon created the WES to allow UPS to define specific customer requirements to ensure highest priority orders are worked first without manual intervention, resulting in “more than 50 percent productivity gains for some customers”. [Read more…] about UPS unveils new smart warehouse system which integrates AMRs from Locus Robotics

DB Schenker invests in Volocopter as drone startup builds funds up to €87 million

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DB Schenker, a global logistics company, has invested in Volocopter, a startup developing a new type of passenger-carrying drone which can also be used for good distribution.

DB Schenker says its investment shows that it is “a pioneer of urban air mobility”. With the new investment, Volocopter has extended its Series C funding to now a total of €87 million.

Besides DB Schenker, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, MS&AD Ventures, and TransLink Capital (Japan Airlines and Sompo Japan Insurance) join the round as new investors, existing investors Lukasz Gadowski and btov also invested. [Read more…] about DB Schenker invests in Volocopter as drone startup builds funds up to €87 million

Bastian Solutions becomes AutoStore’s newest global partner

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Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, has become a global integrator for AutoStore, the manufacturer of an automated storage and retrieval system designed around robotic shuttles widely used in the warehousing sector.

Bastian Solutions has been a regional partner of AutoStore since 2013 and is one of the leading partners in AutoStore installations.

Currently supporting AutoStore systems in India, Latin America, and North America, Bastian Solutions will now sell, design, install, and service AutoStore systems around the globe. [Read more…] about Bastian Solutions becomes AutoStore’s newest global partner

Geek+ launches disinfection robots to help with coronavirus cleanup

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Geek+ Robotics has launched a pair of disinfection robots in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The company says the new robots are designed to help keep facilities free of any viruses and germs that may endanger health.

After the unprecedented health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Geek+ says robots “can play a key role in ensuring safe and healthy work and living environments”.

The two robots the company have two disinfection methods. “Lavender” is armed with smart ultraviolet rays while “Jasmin” uses liquid agents to execute swift and automated sterilization. [Read more…] about Geek+ launches disinfection robots to help with coronavirus cleanup

Geek+ and Conveyco agree partnership to distribute warehouse robots in North America

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Geek+ and Conveyco have agreed a partnership to distribute Geek+ warehouse robots in North America.

The distribution partnership brings Geek+ warehouse robotics solutions to retail, e-commerce, omnichannel and logistics customers all over North America.

Geek+ is a global provider of smart logistics solutions that utilize robotics and artificial intelligence technologies. [Read more…] about Geek+ and Conveyco agree partnership to distribute warehouse robots in North America

6 River Systems strengthens capabilities of its warehouse robots

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6 River Systems, now part of leading global commerce company Shopify, says it has strengthened the capabilities of its warehouse robots.

6RS also released recommendations to its customers to further protect employees from pathogens during the picking process in warehouses and fulfillment centers, as well as “dark stores” – retail centers or distribution centers solely used for online order fulfillment.

The company’s recommendations span operational modifications, improvements to the hardware and software for its collaborative robot, Chuck, and highlight the availability of new products for its fulfillment solution. [Read more…] about 6 River Systems strengthens capabilities of its warehouse robots

Einride partners with Oatly to electrify transport

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Strategic partnership with Einride makes Oatly one of the world’s first to electrify transportation on commercial routes

Einride, a Swedish technology company that designs and develops technology for freight mobility, is partnering with Oatly, an oat drink company, to transition to a sustainable transport solution with all-electric vehicles in the Swedish market.

The partnership will commence in fourth quarter of 2020 in Sweden, making Oatly one of the world’s first companies to electrify transportation on commercial routes, according to the two partners.

With electric trucks, Einride will support the transport of Oatly’s finished oat-based products from their production facilities in Sweden, to intermediate destinations within the market. [Read more…] about Einride partners with Oatly to electrify transport