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Clevon becomes ‘first company in Europe’ to launch fleet of autonomous driverless ‘carriers’ on public roads

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Clevon, an driverless delivery innovator, and large Lithuanian grocery chain IKI are bringing what they claim is Europe’s first fleet of Autonomous Robot Carriers (ARCs) onto public roads.

Three driverless carriers will offer daily commercial delivery services in the busy Vilnius city centre area and be operated by the last-mile transportation platform LastMile.

Orders will be collected at the IKI store on Mindaugas Street and delivered for free directly to customers’ homes in the city centre area. ARCs deliver the goods and have lockable compartments of different sizes, suitable for smaller and larger online grocery orders. [Read more…] about Clevon becomes ‘first company in Europe’ to launch fleet of autonomous driverless ‘carriers’ on public roads

Deep Robotics unveils new four-legged robot

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Deep Robotics, a developer of quadrupedal robots for industrial applications, has launched the newest version of its dexterous intelligent robot dog, Lite3.

The company says the new four-legged robot “combines advanced mobility and open modular structure” to serve education, research, and innovative entertainment purposes.

The new Lite3 series offers four product models: a basic model designed for technology enthusiasts; and three more advanced versions designed for scientific study purposes. [Read more…] about Deep Robotics unveils new four-legged robot

European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

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Otto Group, one of the largest online retailers in Europe, is entering into a long-term strategic partnership with Covariant, an AI robotics company. 

Covariant’s AI-powered robots will be used to automate a wide range of manual fulfilment activities that require hand-eye coordination and object manipulation – supporting Otto Group to enhance services for its customers and to take another important step towards a digitalized and AI-driven future.

The Otto Group will deploy Covariant robots to increase operational efficiency, build resilience against labour market challenges, and improve the overall quality of work within their fulfilment centres. [Read more…] about European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

Distalmotion raises $150 million for its robotic surgery system

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Distalmotion has raised $150 million in new financing.

The company says this “significant fundraise reinforces the confidence” of its existing investors led by Revival Healthcare Capital.

Dexter, Distalmotion’s robotic platform, is in day-to-day clinical use in Europe, successfully treating patients across a multitude of complex and high-volume procedures in general surgery, gynecology, urology. [Read more…] about Distalmotion raises $150 million for its robotic surgery system

ABB provides ‘complete range of robots’ for one of Europe’s largest kitchen makers

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ABB Robotics has been selected by Nobia to supply robotic automation solutions for their new factory in Jönköping, Sweden.

Nobia is one of Europe’s largest producers of kitchen furniture and related equipment.

By securing the contract, ABB Robotics says it is furthering its expansion into new industry segments, helping to make production “more efficient and sustainable”. [Read more…] about ABB provides ‘complete range of robots’ for one of Europe’s largest kitchen makers

ANYbotics to provide steelmaker Outokumpu with its canine inspection robot

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Outokumpu, one of Europe’s largest producers of stainless steel, has signed a deal with ANYbotics, a supplier of four-legged robots.

ANYbotics will provide its autonomous robotic inspection solution ANYmal to automate routine inspection at Outokumpu sites in Europe.

Outokumpu and ANYbotics formally announced the partnership ahead of the Green Steel World Conference. [Read more…] about ANYbotics to provide steelmaker Outokumpu with its canine inspection robot

Schneider Electric invests €40 million in new smart factory in Hungary

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Schneider Electric, a provider of digital transformation of energy management and industrial automation, has broken ground on its new smart factory in Dunavesce, Hungary.

With a planned investment of €40 million, the new site will span 25,000 sq m and have a headcount of 500 employees.

The 36th smart factory in Europe, this will be the 22nd engeneering-to-order factory in the region, producing primary and secondary switchgears, low voltage cabinets and components, and state-of-the-art SF6-free AirSeT medium voltage switchgear range, all made-to-order to individual customers’ specifications. [Read more…] about Schneider Electric invests €40 million in new smart factory in Hungary

Honeywell opens advanced warehouse automation center in Czech Republic

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Honeywell has opened a new research and development center at its advanced technology facility in Brno, a city in the Czech Republic, to help warehouse and logistics companies across Europe enhance their supply chains and strengthen the accuracy, efficiency and throughput of packages.

The state-of-the-art facility will be used by Honeywell’s engineers to develop next-generation warehouse solutions including intelligent conveyor systems, robotics, automatic storage and retrieval systems, sorting systems, palletisers and advanced picking technologies controlled by voice and light commands.

The facility will also enable Honeywell’s regional customer base to experience and train on these technologies for the first time in Europe. [Read more…] about Honeywell opens advanced warehouse automation center in Czech Republic

Photoneo Brightpick raises additional $19 million to complete $40 million in Series B funding

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Photoneo Brightpick Group, the parent company of Photoneo, a provider of robotic vision sensors and intelligence software, and Brightpick, a provider of warehouse automation solutions for ecommerce and grocery order fulfillment, has raised an additional $19 million to complete a $40 million Series B.

Taiwania Capital led this most recent round, which also included follow-on investments by prior Series B lead investors IPM Group and Alpha Intelligence Capital.

Additional investors in this round include H&D Asset Management, Venture to Future Fund and Kolowrat Group. This round brings the company’s total capital raised since inception to $53 million. [Read more…] about Photoneo Brightpick raises additional $19 million to complete $40 million in Series B funding

DB Schenker to open highly automated logistics center in the Czech Republic

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DB Schenker, one of the world’s largest logistics service providers, will be opening a new site in the Prague region next year.

The “highly automated” fulfillment warehouse will expand the company’s logistics capacities and shortens delivery times.

Along with retail operations, the new distribution center will also manage B2C e-commerce activities, including an extensive value added services area addressing the demand for personalized products requested by consumers. [Read more…] about DB Schenker to open highly automated logistics center in the Czech Republic