Robotics & Automation News

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Warehouse robots

BlueBotics acquired by Zapi Group

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BlueBotics, a developer of navigation systems for automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots, has been acquired by Zapi Group.

Zapi is a global provider of electrification and manufacturer of electronic speed controllers, electric motors, battery chargers, and associated products for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Zapi’s acquisition includes the shares held by investor Forestay Capital. The transaction was closed on December 21, 2021, but no financial details have yet been disclosed. [Read more…] about BlueBotics acquired by Zapi Group

Cyngn and Columbia Vehicle Group to begin building fleet of autonomous industrial vehicles

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Cyngn and Columbia Vehicle Group have started the production of autonomous Columbia Stockchaser vehicles powered by Cyngn’s Enterprise Autonomy Suite.

Cyngn is a developer of innovative autonomous driving software solutions for industrial and commercial enterprises, while Columbia Vehicle Group is an electric vehicle manufacturer serving industrial and commercial environments.

This growing autonomous vehicle fleet will enable Cyngn to make its self-driving solutions on Columbia vehicles available to more customers. [Read more…] about Cyngn and Columbia Vehicle Group to begin building fleet of autonomous industrial vehicles

Ouster and Vecna Robotics partner to accelerate material handling automation

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Ouster, a provider of high-resolution digital lidar sensors, has signed a strategic customer agreement with Vecna Robotics, a material handling automation company and autonomous mobile robot maker.

The agreement includes a non-binding forecast for approximately 3,000 OS digital lidar sensors through 2025 as Vecna Robotics scales production to meet increasing customer demand for warehouse and logistics automation.

Vecna Robotics plans to fuse Ouster lidar into its multi-sensor autonomy stack to equip self-driving pallet trucks, tow tractors, and lift trucks for high-capacity material handling operations. [Read more…] about Ouster and Vecna Robotics partner to accelerate material handling automation

ForwardX Robotics raises $31 million in Series C funding round

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ForwardX Robotics, a Beijing-based developer of autonomous mobile robots for warehousing and manufacturing environments, has completed its initial Series C1 funding round, raising $31 million.

The initial round was led by Taikang Life Insurance, with Qualcomm Ventures and Starlight Capital also contributing to the round.

Only seven months after the close of its $63 million Series B round, the latest round of funding brings ForwardX to approximately $100 million in total investment since its founding in 2016. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics raises $31 million in Series C funding round

DHL Supply Chain accelerates roll-out of autonomous forklifts with largest single implementation

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DHL Supply Chain has introduced its largest ever single implementation of autonomous forklifts to date, with 15 embedded in its warehouse operations at Tyrefort, United Kingdom.

The autonomous forklifts form part of DHL’s operation for a major customer in the automotive sector, taking over picking, put-away and replenishment of products and empty media in the warehouse. The vehicles reduce the number of manual pallet transfers without requiring significant changes in warehouse infrastructure.

The indoor robotics transporters work safely up to 11.5 metres high – believed to be a first in the logistics industry – easily reaching the highest warehousing racks to handle a range of pallets, stillages and waste cages. [Read more…] about DHL Supply Chain accelerates roll-out of autonomous forklifts with largest single implementation

Supply chain automation startup Symbotic valued at $5.5 billion

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Symbotic, a robotics and automation technology platform for the supply chain, and SVF Investment Corp 3, a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of SoftBank Investment Advisers, have agreed a definitive merger agreement expected to make Symbotic a public company listed on Nasdaq.

Upon completion of the merger, which is expected in the first half of 2022, the combined company will operate under the “Symbotic Inc” name and will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SYM”.

Symbotic is a product movement technology platform that is adaptable to a wide range of use cases. The company says it has “rebuilt the traditional warehouse”, using a fleet of autonomous robots with artificial intelligence-enabled software, to create a “first of its kind” physical structure that can power a customer’s entire supply chain technology platform. [Read more…] about Supply chain automation startup Symbotic valued at $5.5 billion

Berkshire Grey introduces new robotic product sortation for warehouses

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Berkshire Grey, a provider of robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, has introduced its next generation Robotic Product Sortation (BG RPS) solution for order fulfillment.

This high-capacity automation solution robotically picks, sorts, and packs individual items into outbound order containers without the need for operator interaction.

The latest version of BG RPS includes a host of new features including a unique dual wing design that increases speed by over 25 percent and doubles the simultaneous order processing capacity. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey introduces new robotic product sortation for warehouses

Seegrid reveals more tech details about its new autonomous mobile robot

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Seegrid, a maker of autonomous robots and vehicles for material handling, has revealed new details about the technology that powers the Seegrid Palion Lift AMR, the company’s first autonomous lift truck.

Palion Lift is equipped with the most advanced generation of Seegrid IQ, the company’s autonomy technology, and is “the only lift truck AMR in the market with industry-leading 3D perception”, according to the company.

Seegrid’s acquisition of Box Robotics is a driver of the company’s acceleration of next-generation Seegrid IQ technology, delivering enhanced perception and productivity to Seegrid’s AMR fleet. [Read more…] about Seegrid reveals more tech details about its new autonomous mobile robot

Opinion: Warehouse robots are playing a vital role in keeping supply chains from completely toppling

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In the warehouse, robots aren’t replacing workers. They’re playing a vital role in keeping the supply chain from completely toppling, says Mike Futch, CEO of Tompkins Robotics

What do robotics look like in the modern world of warehousing and distribution?

If you’re like many, you might envision a large, heavy, steel system that’s bolted to the floor, with an arm twirling in a repetitive motion performing some task of sorting or tagging. The machine is stationary. It stays in one spot, performing the same function, day after day.

Let me tell you: That’s your grandad’s robotics. Today, the supply chain relies on a growing fleet of small, automated robots that are portable, scalable and modular. They’re also configurable, so their jobs can change as needed by their users, whether it’s warehouses and distributors, retailers, manufacturers, third-party logistics providers, freight shippers and so on. [Read more…] about Opinion: Warehouse robots are playing a vital role in keeping supply chains from completely toppling

Top 3 Predictions on the Future of Automation in Warehousing

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In recent years, warehouses worldwide have adapted advanced technologies to automate processes to enhance efficiency.

In fact, a report by Research and Markets reveals that the global warehouse automation market will reach $30.99 billion in 2025, according to PR Newswire. But that’s not all there is in warehouse automation.

There are plenty of reasons to use automated warehousing for your small business, such as cost savings, improved services, and increased customer satisfaction. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your warehouse processes, you might want to learn more about the predictions on the future of automation in warehousing discussed below. [Read more…] about Top 3 Predictions on the Future of Automation in Warehousing