Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

agv

BlueBotics to showcase its robotics technology at LogiMAT after acquisition by Zapi

by

BlueBotics, a Zapi Group company specializing in vehicle automation, will stage a multi-brand automated vehicle demonstration in the Zapi Group/BlueBotics booth (#6B61 in hall 6).

This demo will include: two autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), two automated pallet trucks, and a larger forked automated guided vehicle (AGV) in simultaneous operation, all managed simultaneously by the company’s mission and fleet management software, ANT server.

Dr Nicola Tomatis, BlueBotics CEO, says: “AGV and AMR interoperability is a hot topic in 2023. And while emerging standards such as VDA 5050 and MASS in the US are exciting developments, these are still in their infancy in terms of the vehicle functionality they support. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase its robotics technology at LogiMAT after acquisition by Zapi

Kivnon to launch new version of its forklift AGV at Advanced Factories Expo

by

Kivnon will launch one of the latest additions to its AGV portfolio, the K55 Pallet Stacker, at this year’s Advanced Factories Expo, which runs from 18-20th April in Barcelona. 

Kivon’s range of AGVs is renowned for robustness, safety, and accuracy, and this new addition to the portfolio provides customers with a vehicle that can automatically transport stack pallets.

Thierry Delmas, managing director at Kivnon, says: “The K55 is an ideal solution for end-of-line palletizing, food and beverage, and retail applications. It is designed to ensure efficiency, reliability, and complete safety.” [Read more…] about Kivnon to launch new version of its forklift AGV at Advanced Factories Expo

MasterMover partners with BlueBotics for AGV Navigation

by

MasterMover, a manufacturer of electric tug and tow solutions, has agreed a new partnership with vehicle automation company BlueBotics to provide ANT navigation technologies for MasterMover’s range of automated guided vehicles.

Known for its broad portfolio of pedestrian operated electric tugs and electric tows, used across Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics, and Retail, MasterMover also offers a range of advanced solutions, spanning remote control operation, line follow navigation, and fully autonomous solutions.

MasterMover says its AGV products now include BlueBotics’ ANT natural navigation technology as standard, ensuring customers benefit from the “advanced features and functionality available from the vehicle navigation market leader”. [Read more…] about MasterMover partners with BlueBotics for AGV Navigation

Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

by

A Finland-based company called Rocla AGV has launched a new, agile AGV – named “ACT”, short for automated compact truck – designed to lift heavy loads in narrow spaces.

Rocla says ACT is an “exceptional addition” to its existing AGV line, allowing the company to offer our customers an even more versatile product range.

From the comprehensive Rocla AGV offering, there is always a suitable pick or combination for each customer’s unique needs in warehouse and production environments. [Read more…] about Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

Kollmorgen Automation partners with Front AGV

by

Kollmorgen Automation, is partnering with Front AGV, a Swedish integrator and designer of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), to create “top-level AGV solutions”.

Front AGV is part of 3Button Group, an automation group specialized in user-friendly and advanced robotic solutions for the consumer, food and automotive industries.

The solutions cover a range of processes in the manufacturing line; from machine tending, assembly and labeling, to picking, packing, and palletizing. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen Automation partners with Front AGV

Mitsubishi tests automated robotic valet parking system using robots

by

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Systems have launched Phase 2 of demonstration testing of an automated valet parking system at Shisui Premium Outlets, an outlet mall located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

The system employs automated guided vehicle (AGV) robots, dubbed “Stan”, manufactured by Stanley Robotics, a French venture-backed company.

Phase 1 of the demonstration testing of this automated valet parking system, the first application of its kind in a commercial complex in Japan, took place in June 2022. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi tests automated robotic valet parking system using robots

Vanderlande selects Kollmorgen to supply robots to further automate warehouses

by

Warehouse automation giant Vanderlande has selected Kollmorgen NDC Solutions as a technology and service partner for their automated guided vehicle (AGV) applications.

Based on Toyota Material Handling forklifts equipped with the Kollmorgen NDC Solutions technology, Vanderlande aims to strengthen and grow their portfolio of complete logistic and warehouse solutions.

Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. [Read more…] about Vanderlande selects Kollmorgen to supply robots to further automate warehouses

Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

by

Murata Machinery USA has expanded its logistics & automation product offerings with an extensive line of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The A-Series adds seven standard base models to their existing Muratec Premex Series that are customizable for a wide range of load capacities, lift heights, navigation methods, temperature ratings, and software applications.

From their Charlotte headquarters, Murata Machinery will take over and lead all North American operations in partnership with the AGVE Group, directing day-to-day North American sales, installation, service, and marketing operations. [Read more…] about Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

by

Autonomous navigation systems developer BlueBotics, which was recently acquired by ZAPI, is heading to Modex 2022 to showcase a unique multi-brand fleet demo of vehicles driven by its ANT technology.

The company’s booth will feature several different brands of vehicles, spanning automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from across the ANT navigation ecosystem.

This example fleet operation will be the main draw of the company’s show stand. The vehicles will run a small pallet-moving operation, all controlled by one ANT server software project. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

Kivnon’s AGV ROI Calculation Starts on Product Delivery Date

by

By Mike Kotzian, managing director, Kivnon USA

Modex 2022 in Atlanta March 28-31 will feature many AGV vendors who cannot deliver product this year. Too much emphasis has been placed on features, advantages, and benefits; too little attention has been paid to delivery dates.

AGV vendors must promise a delivery date with a guarantee not to exceed 180 days from purchase order to delivery. Failing to provide that commitment is unacceptable.

Solving the immediate challenges in production by delivering product by Q3 2022 and mitigating the hiring constraints plaguing industries must be the top priorities. The current state of the supply chain has exacerbated the situation. [Read more…] about Kivnon’s AGV ROI Calculation Starts on Product Delivery Date