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Exotec seeing ‘rapid growth and strong demand’ for its warehouse robots

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Exotec, a warehouse robotics provider, says it is seeing “continued rapid growth” in North America as the company continues its global expansion, adding that the business momentum is driven by the growing demand for warehouse automation.

Romain Moulin, Exotec CEO and co-founder, says: “We continue to see a strong demand for scalable and proven warehouse robotic solutions.

“Our track record of serving the world’s largest brands positions Exotec to benefit from the explosive growth of the global warehouse robotics market, which is expected to reach $16 billion by 2031.”    [Read more…] about Exotec seeing ‘rapid growth and strong demand’ for its warehouse robots

ABB opens its Mexico Technology and Engineering Center

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ABB has established a new regional operations center for North America, bringing technology expertise closer to customers and building on its similar resources globally.

An initial $1 million investment has been made for the new Mexico Technology and Engineering Center (MXTEC) in the city of Merida, Yucatan, to help the technology leader to reach higher project delivery capacity and increase competitiveness.

The center, located within the modern SkyWork building alongside a community of technology and cyber security companies, will be a go-to resource for ABB engineers and covers disciplines including automation, electrical and software engineering. [Read more…] about ABB opens its Mexico Technology and Engineering Center

Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

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Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving trucking company, has agreed a partnership with Ambarella, an edge AI semiconductor company, to integrate Ambarella’s CV2AQ AI perception system-on-chip (SoC) into its self-driving trucks for all camera data processing.

To kick off the partnership publicly, Kodiak will exhibit one of its self-driving trucks at Ambarella’s demo event in Las Vegas during the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Don Burnette, founder and CEO, Kodiak, says: “Our focus on building the world’s safest and most reliable self-driving trucks requires us to seek out the best partners. [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

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With the acquisition of Hummock Industries, Wieland has acquired Heyco Metals, a leader in light and medium gauge copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel strip processing, and National Bronze, a manufacturer and distributor of bronze-based bearing products.

Hummock Industries is a family-owned holding company focused on long-term investments in North American-based manufacturing companies.

These complementary operations will further strengthen Wieland’s market position with expanded product offerings, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution networks in North America. [Read more…] about Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

North American robot sales on track for another record year for 2022

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North American robot sales in the first nine months of 2022 reached record levels, with all indications pointing to 2022 ending with the highest number of robots sold in a year for the second year in a row.

According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), from January to September 2022, North American companies purchased 35,804 units valued at $1.875 billion, up 24 percent for units ordered and 27 percent for revenue over the same period in 2021.

Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, says: “Ongoing labor shortages, easier-to-use robotic solutions and new industries embracing robotics, such as restaurants, retail, construction and even agriculture, have led to record units sold here in North America this year. [Read more…] about North American robot sales on track for another record year for 2022

Flexiv Robotics selects Sycodal as first Canadian distribution partner

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Flexiv, a provider of general-purpose robotics solutions, is partnering with Sycodal, a leading Quebec-based automation integrator, to bring adaptive robotic technology to the Canadian market.

As part of Flexiv’s continued expansion into North America, this latest partnership will enable Canadian companies to take full advantage of an adaptive robot’s efficiency, flexibility, customizability, and ease of use.

Created to address the shortcomings of collaborative robots, adaptive robots offer their users artificial intelligence, industry-leading force control, and computer vision integration to achieve unmatched precision. [Read more…] about Flexiv Robotics selects Sycodal as first Canadian distribution partner

Autonomous delivery vehicle maker Clevon expands in America

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Clevon, an autonomous delivery vehicle maker, is expanding the company’s operations to North America with the opening of its Center of Excellence and US headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ).

As part of the celebration today, Clevon will also host President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis; Brandom Gengelbach, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; and Ross Perot, Jr, chairman for the Perot Group and Hillwood at the company’s opening commemoration.

Clevon is expanding into the North American market as the pressure from businesses to offer on-demand, same-day or next-day delivery of goods and services continues to skyrocket. To meet this demand, Clevon has brought its autonomous delivery vehicles to North America. [Read more…] about Autonomous delivery vehicle maker Clevon expands in America

Robot sales reach record high in North America for third consecutive quarter

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For the third-straight quarter, robot sales in North America hit a record high, driven by a resurgence in sales to automotive companies and an ongoing need to manage increasing demand to automate logistics for e-commerce.

According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), of the 12,305 robots sold in Q2 2022, 59 percent of the orders came from the automotive industry with the remaining orders from non-automotive companies largely in the food and consumer goods industry, which saw a 13 percent increase in unit orders over the same period, April through June, in 2021.

Jeff Burnstein, A3 President, says: “While automotive entities have long been the frontrunner in deploying robotics and automation, the last few years have seen food & consumer goods, life sciences and other industries grow at even higher rates. [Read more…] about Robot sales reach record high in North America for third consecutive quarter

Fanuc plans to double Michigan campus to accommodate ‘automation demand’

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Fanuc, the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial robots, has launched a West Campus expansion that will push its operational space in Oakland County, Michigan to nearly two million square feet.

The construction will include a 655,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility to house manufacturing, engineering and R&D projects.

This investment in Michigan’s growing manufacturing area includes the purchase of 67 acres of land as well as the site of the former Thomas M. Cooley Law School Campus, which will provide future growth in the education of the next generation of robotics and automation workers. [Read more…] about Fanuc plans to double Michigan campus to accommodate ‘automation demand’

North America ‘catching up’ in global robotics race, says report

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A research study released by Strategic Exits Partners, a boutique investment bank specializing in the sale of technology companies, found that although America has lagged behind Asia in design and production of manufacturing robots, it is now positioned to catch up and lead in a new global robotics race.

The study analyzed the last five years of transactions including 300 exits, and 5,000 investments into 3,000 global companies.

Len Zapalowski, partner, Strategic Exits Partners, says: “Our research found that despite America’s minor role in manufacturing robots, it is now making robot acquisitions at a rapid rate that exceeds its geopolitical rivals. [Read more…] about North America ‘catching up’ in global robotics race, says report