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AGV vs AMR: What are the differences and which one do you need in your facility

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Today’s manufacturing and logistics industry is facing significant challenges to upgrade and optimize business processes to meet the demands of a modern economy.

Advances in technology make it possible to create more efficient and productive systems through automation and digitization.

Global industrial automation is worth approximately $200 billion – and according to the latest market research study by ResearchAndMarkets.com, AGV and AMR Market is expected to reach $13.2 Billion by 2026 with a growth rate of around 35%. [Read more…] about AGV vs AMR: What are the differences and which one do you need in your facility

InOrbit to support MassRobotics AMR Interoperability Standard

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InOrbit, a provider of a cloud-based robot operations platform, says its technology is now fully compatible with robots that implement the recently announced MassRobotics AMR Interoperability Standard.

The standard for autonomous mobile robots was developed recently by business accelerator MassRobotics and is helping robotics companies become standard-compliant.

The standard allows autonomous vehicles of different types to share information about their robots speed, location, direction, health, tasking and availability and other performance characteristics. [Read more…] about InOrbit to support MassRobotics AMR Interoperability Standard

ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

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ABB says it will acquire ASTI Mobile Robotics Group, an autonomous mobile robot manufacturer with a broad portfolio across all major applications enabled by the company’s software suite.

This will expand ABB’s robotics and automation offering, making it the only company to offer a complete portfolio for the next generation of flexible automation.

The acquisition, a key part of ABB’s external growth strategy, was signed on July 19 and is expected to close in mid-summer 2021. Both parties agreed not to disclose any details regarding the purchase price. [Read more…] about ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

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Lucas Systems, a provider of voice and warehouse optimization software for fulfillment and distribution centers, has entered a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses.

Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimize how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots.

Fulfillment and distribution centers are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labor market. [Read more…] about Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

Musashi AI, 634AI and Suzuyo to collaborate in installing autonomous mobile robots in logistics centers in Japan

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Musashi AI, a group company of Japanese Musashi Seimitsu Industry Company, has successfully completed a proof of concept for Autonomous Mobile Robots at Suzuyo, a Japanese third-party logistics company, in partnership with 634AI, a Musashi Group affiliated company and the developer of Maestro, an industrial automation and mobility management software.

Suzuyo, a Japanese logistics conglomerate with an annual turnover of circa $1.2 billion, successfully tested Musashi AI’s AMR powered by Maestro, a platform-agnostic control tower for logistics automation developed by Israeli company 634AI.

The AMR autonomously moved pallets in the facility from one location to another smoothly and efficiently. The proof of concept was performed in Suzuyo’s Shinshizuoka distribution center in Shizuoka prefecture. [Read more…] about Musashi AI, 634AI and Suzuyo to collaborate in installing autonomous mobile robots in logistics centers in Japan

Why you’re looking at AGV / AMR technology all wrong

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How can a company looking to implement automation select the AGV/AMR that best suits them? How can automation integrators predict which manufacturers will help them hit the ground running and deploy on time and on budget?

When seeking technology solutions, buyers often look to research reports and industry pundits for guidance. Yet we claim that the current view provided in most reviews is misleading: It is missing a fundamental shift that is happening today in the AGV/AMR market.

That shift is the rise in the importance of agility, speed and customization as a leading success factor. [Read more…] about Why you’re looking at AGV / AMR technology all wrong

Seegrid introduces subscription model for acquiring its robots

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has introduced a “Robots as a Service” (RaaS) subscription model.

The additional purchasing model provides customers with more alternatives to facilitate access to the latest Seegrid Palion AMR fleet and enterprise software solutions.

In addition to the new subscription model, the company will continue to offer its customers options to purchase equipment outright, as well as various leasing models. [Read more…] about Seegrid introduces subscription model for acquiring its robots

MassRobotics publishes ‘world’s first’ open source autonomous mobile robot interoperability standards

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MassRobotics, an independent, non-profit center that serves to educate, inspire and bring robotics initiatives, investments and companies to life, has released the MassRobotics Interoperability Standard.

The new initiative enables Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) from multiple vendors to integrate and work together seamlessly to support safe and efficient operations in global factories, warehouses, distribution and fulfillment centers.

Members of the working group and contributors to the newly introduced standards include Vecna Robotics, 6 River Systems, Waypoint Robotics, Locus Robotics, Seegrid, MiR, Autoguide Mobile Robots, Third Wave Automation, Open Robotics Foundation and others. [Read more…] about MassRobotics publishes ‘world’s first’ open source autonomous mobile robot interoperability standards

Mobile Industrial Robots launches new AMR for towing carts through dynamic spaces

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Patented autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solution offers high precision and performance when picking up, transporting and delivering carts with payloads up to 1,100 pounds

Mobile Industrial Robots, a provider of autonomous mobile robots, has launched the MiR250 Hook for automatically collecting and towing carts through dynamic and constricted industrial spaces.

The MiR250 Hook includes the MiR250, MiR’s fastest and most compact AMR, creating a robust user-friendly offering that easily and cost-effectively automates the transport of various sizes of loaded carts weighing up to 1100 pounds (500 kg).

The latest generation of the MiR Hook solution, the patented MiR250 Hook further optimizes internal logistics and other workflows at industrial facilities to increase productivity and profitability and free human workers for higher-value tasks. [Read more…] about Mobile Industrial Robots launches new AMR for towing carts through dynamic spaces

634AI selects RTI software to manage autonomous mobile robots fleets

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Real-Time Innovations, a software framework company for autonomous systems, says 634AI, a MushashiAI spin-out, has selected its RTI Connext DDS for real-time connectivity between its Maestro system, a robot-as-a-service software solution, and its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platforms.

Connext allows for real-time connectivity between systems, supports fast, reliable communication, and enables 634AI to offer a central control tower that can streamline the management and control of AMR tasks on an industrial floor.

As the automation landscape advances rapidly, more suppliers are replacing forklifts with AMRs to complete a wide variety of tasks including navigating around factories and warehouses, and guiding autonomous cargo ships across oceans. [Read more…] about 634AI selects RTI software to manage autonomous mobile robots fleets