In this webcast interview, Lior Elazary, CEO, inVia Robotics, talks about his company, which makes robots for warehouse and supply chain operations.
Logistics
FedEx acquires 1,000 Chanje electric vehicles
FedEx Corp. is expanding its fleet to add 1,000 Chanje V8100 electric delivery vehicles, buying 100 of the vehicles from Chanje Energy Inc and leasing 900 from Ryder System, Inc.
The purpose-built electric vehicles will be operated by FedEx Express for commercial and residential pick-up and delivery services in the United States.
The vehicles are manufactured by FDG in Hangzhou, China, and purchased through Chanje Energy Inc., the company’s subsidiary for global business. Ryder System, Inc. will provide support services for all of the vehicles.
[Read more…] about FedEx acquires 1,000 Chanje electric vehicles
IAM Robotics raises $20 million to expand market for its mobile picking robot
IAM Robotics has raised $20 million from an investor called KCK to expand the market for its “Swift” system.
IAM claims Swift is “the world’s most advanced autonomous mobile picking robot”.
IAM says it is responding to the growing need for flexible automation systems in logistics environments. [Read more…] about IAM Robotics raises $20 million to expand market for its mobile picking robot
ZF gets green light for drone deliveries in Germany
ZF is the first company in Germany to receive official approval for automated drone flights over factory premises. A drone prototype has recently started flying spare parts such as sensors or control cards from the central warehouse to workshops.
As soon as the test flights are complete and drones properly deployed, such flights will relieve vehicle traffic at the plant and save time on the up to one kilometre-long delivery routes that are often on the upper floors of buildings.
In the long term, packages could even be delivered outside of factory premises, for example to facilitate package delivery in residential areas that are difficult to access.
[Read more…] about ZF gets green light for drone deliveries in Germany
Plus One Robotics raises $8.3 million in Series A funding round
Plus One Robotics, a 3D vision and controls developer for robotic automation in the logistics and e-commerce markets, has raised $8.3 million in its Series A investment round.
The funding round was led by Pritzker Group Venture Capital, with participation from Zebra Technologies. Also participating in the round were Schematic Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, TCL Ventures, ff Venture Capital, Dynamo, and First Star Ventures.
Erik Nieves, Plus One Robotics CEO, says: “We are delighted to add two more firms with deep roots in logistics and supply chain to our leadership.” [Read more…] about Plus One Robotics raises $8.3 million in Series A funding round
UPS to launch bike urban delivery solution in Seattle
In an effort to address growing traffic congestion and air quality concerns, UPS and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the deployment of an innovative downtown delivery pilot project using pedal-assist cargo eBikes and customised, modular trailers.
Developed in collaboration with Silver Eagle Manufacturing using Truck Trikes, the cargo eBike system will have removable cargo containers that are deployed via a specially designed trailer.
This “plug and play” design will provide greater flexibility to meet varying delivery needs, says the company. It will also be able to make deliveries to areas conventional delivery trucks can’t access directly and currently require that trucks be parked on the periphery for long periods of time.
[Read more…] about UPS to launch bike urban delivery solution in Seattle
Kivnon to showcase new ‘rotational’ AGV at Logistics Madrid event
Kivnon will showcase its “rotational AGV with load elevation” and its updated mapping navigation system at the Logistics Madrid event from 12-13 November.
Kivnon will exhibit its automated guided vehicles and other products, as well as its latest research developments, at stand A09 in Hall 12.
Kivnon, a manufacturer and distributor of automatic guided vehicles, has previously presented its technologies at Logistics Madrid, which is said to be one of the most important dates in the logistics calendar. [Read more…] about Kivnon to showcase new ‘rotational’ AGV at Logistics Madrid event
Alibaba and Cainiao open China’s ‘largest’ robot-operated warehouse
Supply chain robotics company Cainiao has installed 700 robots at China’s largest robot-run warehouse to process orders on Singles Day, according to a report on CNBC.
The warehouse, located in Wuxi, near Shanghai, is owned by e-commerce giant Alibaba, which is also majority-owner of Cainiao, and Singles Day is said to generate more than $25 billion in sales.
CNBC reports that last year, on Singles Day – November 11, Cainiao processed over 800 million packages, and this year, Alibaba expects that figure to surpass 1 billion. [Read more…] about Alibaba and Cainiao open China’s ‘largest’ robot-operated warehouse
Norway postal service hires robot to deliver letters
The Norwegian postal service. Posten-Norge, has hired a robot to deliver letters and parcels.
The company supplying the robot, Buddy Mobility, says: “Our robot provides Posten with operational cost savings to offset revenue losses from dramatically decreasing mail volumes.
“At the same time, the robot offers new revenue streams around package and parcel delivery.” [Read more…] about Norway postal service hires robot to deliver letters
Mobile Robots Improve Material Handling Efficiencies
By Rob Sullivan, President and CEO, AutoGuide Mobile Robots
The growth of the autonomous mobile robots market is unstoppable.
Mobile robots utilize lean manufacturing to eliminate waste and ensure continuous process improvement. Mobile robots reduce walk time, improve safety, and guarantee zero-defect production.
Flexibility and Reliability Ensures Continuous Process Improvement
Whether named autonomous mobile robots or AGVs (automated guided vehicles), Industry 4.0 initiatives all include the requirement of flexible programming and a modular design.
Different vehicle and load handling frame configurations accommodate specific handling needs including the driver platform trail frame and tiller handle controls, straddle, or counterbalance fork attachments and various unit-load attachments such as conveyors and lift decks.
The unique value proposition of mobile robot solutions is revealed best in the guidance system. The SurePath guidance system, for example, is extremely accurate and reliable in both manufacturing and warehouse environments.
SurePath natural feature system is easy and affordable to install and modify; it requires no physical guide path system.
Users simply drive a vehicle through the facility to map the environment and teach it the anticipated routes. The mapping data is automatically uploaded wirelessly to a single PC or server where it can be modified and integrated for the precise operation including pick-drop points, intersection control, and the preferred routing logic.
The system controls traffic and monitors the status and exact location of each vehicle in real-time. It can also be connected to wearables, line-side pushbuttons, sensors and a WMS (Warehouse Management System) for automatic dispatching and order functions.
Routes are easily modified by simply drawing a different path on a user interface and sending it to the vehicles. To expand the system into other parts of the facility, users simply map the new area with one of the vehicles and add the desired path.
The vehicle travels up to 4 MPH and performs precise reversing maneuvers to accommodate automatic trailer hitching and unhitching functions, loads up to 10,000 pounds seamlessly with no magnetic tape or RFID tags required, making installation and modifications more flexible and at a lower cost.
Ready to Deliver
One of the frequent complaints heard about AGVs and mobile robots is a slow and long delivery time. Few mobile robot manufacturers maintain rapid delivery models, causing customers delivery time of vehicles often in excess of 180 days.
The lost productivity and improved throughput data will fall short if the product cannot be delivered in a timely manner: 30 days maximum. Furthermore, delays will detrimentally impact the realization of a rapid ROI (return on investment).
AutoGuide’s mobile robots are manufactured at a vertically integrated assembly plant in Georgetown, KY allowing the vehicle to be delivered in weeks instead of many months.
Author Profile: Rob Sullivan, AutoGuide Mobile Robots’ President and CEO, is a proven robotics and automation leader with a solid track record of pioneering innovative products. With over 30 years of career advancement in high technology companies ranging from burgeoning start-ups to established multinational corporations, he offers a rare combination of business leadership and engineering expertise that resulted in the development and commercialization of numerous cutting-edge products. Sullivan has built and fostered high performing teams and outsource partnerships that delivered quality products faster than industry norms. He holds 46 patents pertaining to robotics and automation utilized in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. Sullivan can be reached at rsullivan@autoguideagv.com.
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