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ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

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A new competitive ranking by technology research firm ABI Research provides “an in-depth and unbiased examination” of the autonomous forklift solutions offered by 16 autonomous forklift suppliers, according to the company.

A total of eight criteria were chosen for the analysis and segmented across innovation and implementation clusters. These include the vehicle solutions across three major categories of autonomous forklifts, namely reach truck, counterbalance stacker, and pallet truck, the level of maturity in navigation solutions, fleet management and orchestration, as well as the vendors’ integration and optimization capability.

The report further evaluates the vendors’ revenue and funding, customer reference, regional presence, the company’s distribution networks, and technology partners. [Read more…] about ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

5 French Robotics Startup Success Stories

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More companies than ever are looking to the robotics and automation sector to solve their productivity issues and drive expansion plans. Some of the most exciting leaps forward in the field of robotics are happening in France.

Since the early years of the 21st century, this country has been leading the way in robotics development, with significant innovations in automation that have redefined viticulture, e-commerce and the medical sectors alike.

With so much happening in this part of the world, anyone keen to pursue a career in robotics development may want to consider learning French as a second language. Below, we spotlight five of the biggest French robotics startup success stories. [Read more…] about 5 French Robotics Startup Success Stories

XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

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XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has embarked on a new autonomous forklift truck technology pilot program in collaboration with Balyo, a specialist developer of robotics for goods handling equipment.

XPO is the first logistics company in Europe to test Balyo’s latest robotic “reach truck” – referring to its higher reach – under real-life conditions. The pilot is underway at an XPO distribution center near Blois, France.

Malcolm Wilson, XPO’s chief executive officer – Europe, says: “We’re pleased that our on-site tests will help optimize intelligent reach trucks for the logistics environment. As we pilot the robotics in our operations, we’re also exploring these applications to increase efficiency for customers and to support our employees.” [Read more…] about XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

Changing Material Handling Industry Accelerates AGV Robotics

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By John Hayes, Balyo USA

Economic policies from Industry 4.0, Logistics 4.0, and connected warehouses point to the imperative to lower costs, increase productivity, and guarantee quality. There are as many forklift truck operator positions to be filled as there are IT developer and R&D engineer jobs combined.

In the United States, 65 percent of the businesses surveyed by Deloitte (as part of its annual Supply Chain report) noted that it is “extremely difficult” to hire qualified warehouse labor.

Moving pallets is expensive. One of the global Fast Moving Customer Goods (FMCG) leaders estimates spending “almost 380 million dollars per year” for tasks that create no additional value for the business. [Read more…] about Changing Material Handling Industry Accelerates AGV Robotics

Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions

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French robotics software startup Balyo has signed a seven-year commercial agreement with Amazon on robotic solutions.

Balyo says the deal is a “decisive step” in its development, and supports the added value of its robotic solutions and will potentially boost their deployment.

Under the agreement, Amazon would obtain the right to subscribe up to 29 per cent of Balyo’s capital depending on the level of potential future orders by Amazon up to €300 million. [Read more…] about Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions