Robotics & Automation News

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artificial intelligence

Kindred AI launches warehouse robots already in use by ‘major retailers’

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A company called Kindred AI has launched a new range of warehouse robotics systems powered by artificial intelligence. 

In one system, Kindred appears to be using a Fanuc robot, and in another, an arm that looks like it’s from Universal Robots.

The company, which says it is building “human-like intelligence in machines”, says “major global retailers” have started pilot programs integrating Kindred Sort, the company’s first commercial offering, in their existing fulfillment centers.

Kindred also says it has raised $28 million in Series B funding led by Tencent, bringing the total amount raised to $44 million. Previous investors Eclipse Ventures and First Round Capital participated in the new round.  [Read more…] about Kindred AI launches warehouse robots already in use by ‘major retailers’

Robots in the cosmetics industry: Complex tasks for sophisticated machines

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Like most business sectors, the cosmetics industry is a growing market for industrial robotics and automation suppliers. 

At the moment, it’s a relatively small market compared to automotive, electronics, and other sectors, but according to a study by Alltake Market Research, unit shipments in the sector will grow more than 20 per cent by 2022.

However, Alltake combines cosmetics and pharmaceutical into one category for its projections.  [Read more…] about Robots in the cosmetics industry: Complex tasks for sophisticated machines

Range against the machine: Exclusive interview with Garry Kasparov

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With so many people voicing their fears about a future world in which artificial intelligence not only influences our day-to-day activities, but also makes life-or-death decisions in security and defence scenarios, there is arguably no one more qualified to comment on the issue of man versus machine than Garry Kasparov. 

For younger readers who may not know who Kasparov is, he is probably the most celebrated and most controversial chess grandmaster there has ever been.

Back in the days when the Cold War as at its height, and the then USSR and the US were constantly on the verge of wiping humanity from the face of the Earth, Kasparov took on the very icon of American power, IBM, and what was at the time its most powerful supercomputer, Deep Blue. It was the first time such tests were conducted in such an internationally high-profile way.  [Read more…] about Range against the machine: Exclusive interview with Garry Kasparov

Toyota shows off its progress in robotics, autonomous cars and artificial intelligence

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Toyota Research Institute has been demonstrating its progress in the development of automated driving technology and other project work to the investor community this week.

Dr Gill Pratt, CEO of TRI, says: “In the last few months, we have rapidly accelerated our pace in advancing Toyota’s automated driving capabilities with a vision of saving lives, expanding access to mobility, and making driving more fun and convenient.

“Our research teams have also been evolving machine intelligence that can support further development of robots for in-home support of people.” [Read more…] about Toyota shows off its progress in robotics, autonomous cars and artificial intelligence

Robotics investment fund grows to $450 million since launch one year ago

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Global X Funds, the New York-based provider of exchange-traded funds, today celebrated the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ).

The company says Botz has received considerable interest from investors in its first year, having surpassed $450 million in assets under management.

Botz launched on September 12, 2016 and tracks the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index.  [Read more…] about Robotics investment fund grows to $450 million since launch one year ago

Globetouch and CloudMinds to provide connectivity for robots

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Globetouch and CloudMinds Technology have formed a partnership to provide connectivity for robots and other artificial intelligence initiatives.

Both companies are making the announcement during Mobile World Congress Americas 2017, a conference and expo bringing together industry leaders to meet and explore new business models in mobile technology.

Globetouch provides connectivity services and IoT platforms for the connected vehicle and the Internet of Things market.  [Read more…] about Globetouch and CloudMinds to provide connectivity for robots

Investing in robotics with a $100 million fund and a humanitarian perspective

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Investing in robotics is something many people are interested in. 

Not surprising, since funds which have invested in robotics and related technologies on the stock markets have returned significantly more profits than funds in other business sectors.

Rewired is a new fund which is starting out with $100 million to invest in what it says will be “the next generation of robotics”. [Read more…] about Investing in robotics with a $100 million fund and a humanitarian perspective

Largest robotics and automation investment fund now has $1 billion in assets under management

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ROBO, believed to be the first robotics and automation exchange traded fund, has reached a new milestone in terms of its assets under management.

Index provider ROBO Global, which has holdings in more than 100 listed companies, says investors have embraced its dedicated focus on robotics, automation and artificial intelligence.

The ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF recently surpassed $1 billion in assets under management, and its managers say it has achieved the psychologically significant benchmark less than four years after launching.  [Read more…] about Largest robotics and automation investment fund now has $1 billion in assets under management

Artificial intelligence driving revenue growth, says Infosys

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US Secretary of State John Kerry in Davos
US Secretary of State John Kerry at a previous World Economic Forum meeting in Davos

In a report specially prepared for the World Economic Forum meeting of world leaders from business and politics at Davos, Switzerland, Infosys says businesses and economies which adopt artificial intelligence are seeing dramatic growth. 

The IT consulting giant says companies and countries which embrace AI can expect to see revenue rise around 40 per cent by 2020.

Infosys adds that 80 per cent of AI adopters who can replace workers with computer systems are actually planning to retain and retrain their staff.  [Read more…] about Artificial intelligence driving revenue growth, says Infosys

Chatbot market racing towards $1 billion, says report

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robot assistant
Picture: Matthew Hurst

The market for chatbots is on course to reach $1 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Transparency Market Research. 

Advances in high-end artificial intelligence development is allowing companies to attain a far greater consumer pool than before, says Transparency.

Facebook, Google, and Microsoft were the “clear winners” in the global chabot market in 2015, adds the company.  [Read more…] about Chatbot market racing towards $1 billion, says report