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Solutions to the ‘very complex problem’ of loading and unloading trucks

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As e-commerce volumes surge and labor challenges persist, logistics giants like FedEx are turning to automation to streamline one of the most grueling tasks in the supply chain: loading and unloading trucks.

Speaking in a recent interview, FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam acknowledged that automating truck loading and unloading remains a daunting engineering challenge.

“It’s a very complex problem,” he said. “Can you imagine trying to figure out how to (get the robot to) load or unload?” [Read more…] about Solutions to the ‘very complex problem’ of loading and unloading trucks

Renault introduces ‘revolutionary’ two-tone paint process

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The Maubeuge plant has been building the Renault Kangoo range since 1997. This year will mark a major change with the arrival of the iconic all-electric passenger car, Renault 4 E-Tech electric.

At the same time, the site will debut a major innovation on the production line: the Jetprint Paint system for two-tone paintwork. (See video below.)

This new, ultra-modern technology saves energy and emits less carbon, but its development and implementation posed a real challenge. [Read more…] about Renault introduces ‘revolutionary’ two-tone paint process

The autonomous future of farm vehicles: Interview with John Deere business manager Jesse Haecker

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This article was first published on December 1, 2022, and is being republished here because of technical problems with the previous version.

John Deere is, by most accounts, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery – tractors, combine harvesters and so on. The 185-year-old American giant generated revenues of more than $61 billion in fiscal year 2023. 

The next three companies on the list are, in order, Kubota ($15 billion revenue), CNH Industrial ($11 billion), and AGCO ($9 billion). So Deere is clearly in the lead now, but one of those three companies – CNH Industrial – may be in a good position to grow its market share going forward because it launched a quite striking looking autonomous tractor a couple of years ago.

While CNH’s machine may look too futuristic for most farms, possibly leading people to believe it won’t take off any time soon, John Deere has nonetheless responded to the whole autonomous trend by launching its own driverless tractor (pictured below), which was showcased at the recent CES event. [Read more…] about The autonomous future of farm vehicles: Interview with John Deere business manager Jesse Haecker

Top 25 AI chip companies in the world

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As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries from automotive to healthcare, the demand for high-performance AI chips has reached unprecedented levels.

These chips power everything from edge devices and data centers to autonomous robots and generative AI models.

With Nvidia recently announcing that it will begin manufacturing some of its AI chips and supercomputers in the United States for the first time, the global AI semiconductor race has taken on new geopolitical and commercial urgency. [Read more…] about Top 25 AI chip companies in the world

Robots for agriculture: Technical advances outpacing market adoption

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A new strawberry-picking robot developed in Japan is drawing global attention for its ability to autonomously harvest strawberries with minimal human intervention.

Designed by researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University, the robot combines 3D cameras, AI, and an autonomous mobility system to navigate greenhouse beds and identify ripe strawberries for harvest.

The developers claim the system can work continuously and be remotely managed via mobile devices, potentially reducing labor dependency in one of Japan’s most labor-intensive crops. [Read more…] about Robots for agriculture: Technical advances outpacing market adoption

Will the 90-day tariff pause spark a manufacturing exodus from China?

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With President Trump back in office and reaffirming his commitment to reshoring US manufacturing, the White House has implemented a 90-day pause on tariffs for all countries except China.

While framed as a temporary measure, the move could prove to be a turning point in global manufacturing strategy.

The central question now is: Will companies use this brief window to quietly shift operations out of China – and perhaps even back to the US? [Read more…] about Will the 90-day tariff pause spark a manufacturing exodus from China?

Apple’s push for automation: Airlifts, tariffs, and the future of iPhone manufacturing

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As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade, Apple finds itself re-engineering not just iPhones but its entire production model.

Reports that the company recently airlifted large quantities of its smartphones out of China to avoid tariffs have highlighted the mounting pressure to diversify its supply chain – and potentially to expand manufacturing closer to home.

The airlifts, which reportedly moved iPhones to markets like India and Vietnam, underscore a broader shift under way. [Read more…] about Apple’s push for automation: Airlifts, tariffs, and the future of iPhone manufacturing

Is spinning off a business a smart move? The ABB case and lessons from other corporate breakups

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ABB, one of the world’s largest industrial robotics and automation companies, has announced plans to spin off its “Robotics & Discrete Automation” business into a separate, publicly listed entity.

According to ABB chairman Peter Voser, the move is intended to give the robotics business enhanced focus and agility, enabling it to capitalize on what ABB sees as a $112 billion market opportunity by 2030.

It’s a bold move by ABB and we will see how – or indeed if – it works out. [Read more…] about Is spinning off a business a smart move? The ABB case and lessons from other corporate breakups

XPeng to mass produce its humanoid robot next year

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XPeng, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is set to begin mass production of its humanoid robot, Iron, in 2026, marking a significant expansion into robotics.

Iron, unveiled at XPeng’s AI Day in November 2024, is designed for tasks in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Standing at 1.73 meters and weighing 70 kilograms, Iron features 60 articulating joints and 200 degrees of freedom, enabling fluid, human-like movements.

It is powered by XPeng’s proprietary Turing AI chip, a 40-core processor capable of handling 30 billion AI parameters, allowing it to perform complex tasks such as assembling EV components and navigating factory floors. ​ [Read more…] about XPeng to mass produce its humanoid robot next year

Arix Technologies launches partner program for robotic corrosion inspections

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Arix Technologies, a developer of robotic solutions for industrial corrosion detection, has launched a new global partner program aimed at expanding access to its pipe-climbing inspection robot, Venus.

The program targets non-destructive testing (NDT) companies and industrial managed service providers (MSPs) seeking to enhance their offerings with automation.

Arix’s initiative comes as industries worldwide face growing challenges in maintaining aging infrastructure amid labor shortages. [Read more…] about Arix Technologies launches partner program for robotic corrosion inspections