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Veo Robotics signs up Calvary Robotics as first integration partner

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Veo Robotics, an industrial automation company building technology to make robots responsive to humans, has agreed a partnership with Calvary Robotics, a developer of custom automation solutions, robotic platforms, and material handling systems, as its initial certified systems integrator partner.

Calvary will include Veo’s flagship product FreeMove, a “3D safeguarding solution” that is said to turn standard industrial robots into collaborative machines that work safely with humans, as part of its solution offering to customers.

The Veo team will provide training to the Calvary team on how to install FreeMove in various manufacturing settings. [Read more…] about Veo Robotics signs up Calvary Robotics as first integration partner

Locus Robotics raises $150 million in latest funding round, bringing its valuation to ‘$1 billion’

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Locus Robotics, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses, has raised $150 million in Series E funding, led by Tiger Global Management and BOND.

The round builds on support from existing investors including Scale Venture Partners and Prologis Ventures, the venture capital arm of Prologis, the global leader in logistics real estate. It also brings the valuation of Locus Robotics to $1 billion, according to the company.

Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, says: “This new round of funding marks an important inflection point for Locus Robotics. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics raises $150 million in latest funding round, bringing its valuation to ‘$1 billion’

Ahold Delhaize expands micro-fulfillment with Swisslog and AutoStore

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Ahold Delhaize is expanding its micro-fulfillment capabilities as part of its omnichannel supply chain using warehouse automation technology from Swisslog and AutoStore.

Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, is the parent company for Ahold Delhaize’s US companies, including its local brands, which comprise:

  • Food Lion;
  • Giant Food;
  • The Giant Company;
  • Hannaford and Stop & Shop;
  • Retail Business Services, a US support services company providing services to the brands; and
  • Peapod Digital Labs, its digital, e-commerce and commercial engine.

When considered together, the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest grocery retail group in the nation, operating more than 2,000 stores and distribution centers across more than 20 states and serving millions of customers each week through a wide variety of store formats with thousands of food and non-food items. [Read more…] about Ahold Delhaize expands micro-fulfillment with Swisslog and AutoStore

Verizon to acquire autonomous mobile robot software company

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US telecommunications giant Verizon has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire incubed IT, the creator of a software platform providing autonomous navigation tools to administer, manage and optimize mixed fleets of robots in industrial settings.

Rima Qureshi, chief strategy officer at Verizon, says: “This acquisition further demonstrates Verizon’s commitment to developing new and innovative businesses and use cases leveraging the power of 5G.

“Mobile robot orchestration is a real and emerging challenge faced by enterprises today. By integrating incubed IT’s autonomous software with Verizon’s 5G platform, we will have the ability to power robotic automation at scale. [Read more…] about Verizon to acquire autonomous mobile robot software company

K.Hartwall launches new ‘autonomous mobile robot’

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K.Hartwall has launched a new “autonomous mobile robot” called A-Mate. The company says this is the first fully electric free-lift pallet “AGV” with omnidirectional drive on the market. 

K.Hartwall calls its new machine an AGV as well as an AMR, which indicates the ongoing merging of the two technologies across the industry.

The company says the A-Mate is an extremely versatile mobile robot that will bring a new level of automation to intra-logistics, and to the movements of different load carriers, from pallets to roll containers and foldable cages or “gitter” boxes. [Read more…] about K.Hartwall launches new ‘autonomous mobile robot’

Mitsubishi Electric introduces remote maintenance service in North America

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Mitsubishi Electric has introduced a remote machine maintenance service in North America.

The iQ Care Remote4U solution helps users get their CNC machine tools up quicker when they go down, says the company.

Mitsubishi Electric says this is new way for CNC customers to get their machine tool back up and running. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric introduces remote maintenance service in North America

Seegrid launches new Palion autonomous mobile robot

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Seegrid has launched its Palion autonomous mobile robot range.

The company says its newest line of mobile robots is designed to provide automated material flow—increasing throughput productivity, improving employee and facility safety, reducing labor and operation costs, and driving continuous improvement.

Seegrid says “Palion” is the new label for all its new and forthcoming autonomous mobile robots, as the company continues to build upon “record-breaking growth”. [Read more…] about Seegrid launches new Palion autonomous mobile robot

Walmart begins to scale local fulfillment centers

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Walmart, the world’s largest supermarket chain, has started to scale its local fulfillment centers in the apparent belief that highly automated micro-warehouses are the way to go. 

The company has been working with a range of robotics companies on changing many aspects of its operation, and Alphabot (main picture) is one of the robots it has been testing.

Brian Roth, senior manager of pickup automation and digital operations for Walmart US, says: “With Alphabot, our associates should be able to put even more focus on helping the customer.” [Read more…] about Walmart begins to scale local fulfillment centers

ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

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ABB has expanded its flexible manufacturing portfolio with the launch of an innovative magnetic levitation shuttle system.

The solution is the result of a strategic partnership with Planar Motors (PMI), which enhances ABB business unit B&R’s adaptive machine offering, integrating PMI’s new production technology milestone in open, adaptive manufacturing.

ABB says it is partnering with Canada’s PMI to expand its machine automation offering: The integration of PMI’s magnetic levitation technology into the company’s machine automation division’s (B&R) portfolio will accelerate industry’s transition from strictly linear production to an open, adaptive manufacturing space. [Read more…] about ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

How Businesses Can Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Technology

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Nowadays, technology evolves quickly. Progress and advances in technology are growing at a far faster rate than ever before. Intelligent new products are invented and developed continually. It can feel almost impossible to keep up with the latest innovations, as there are just so many of them being announced all of the time.

Generally, all these technological advancements have been great news for businesses. It is now easier than ever before for companies to engage with their target audience and market products directly to them using social media. App technology has also meant that businesses have a brand-new and hassle-free way to encourage customers to shop with them or use their services, and this provides more choice and convenience for the customer too.

Technology does not just make our lives easier, although it is incredibly convenient. It also represents significant opportunities for businesses. In general, most consumers embrace technology and see it as a positive tool to enhance their daily life. [Read more…] about How Businesses Can Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Technology