Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

existing

Integrating RPA with Existing IT Infrastructure: Challenges and Solutions

by

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is taking digital transformation to a whole new level in today’s fast-paced world.

RPA adoption is witnessing a surge in companies in various sectors as it helps organizations to automate monotonous tasks and frees their workforce to concentrate on innovative, value-driven work.

But even with these obvious benefits, integrating RPA with existing IT infrastructure represents a huge challenge. The hardships of aligning systems are explored in this article as tips to streamline the integration process. [Read more…] about Integrating RPA with Existing IT Infrastructure: Challenges and Solutions

Swiss agritech startup Ecorobotix raises $52 million in new funding

by

Ecorobotix, the Swiss manufacturer of ARA, an AI powered plant-by-plant recognition and a precision smart sprayer system, has completed a $52 million (CHF 46 million) funding round.

The round was jointly led by AQTON Private Equity and Cibus Capital, with additional investments from Swisscanto Invest/Swisscanto Growth Fund I, Yara Growth Ventures, Flexstone Partners, and from existing investors including Swisscom Ventures, BASF Venture Capital, 4FOX Ventures, and Verve Ventures.

The funding will accelerate Ecorobotix’s geographic expansion across new and existing markets and accelerate new product development. [Read more…] about Swiss agritech startup Ecorobotix raises $52 million in new funding

Plus One Robotics uses Yaskawa Motoman to expand mixed depalletizing solutions

by

Plus One Robotics, a provider of advanced AI vision software and solutions for robotic parcel handling, has launched new customer programs using Yaskawa Motoman robots. These customer deployments are for Plus One’s induction and mixed depalletizing solutions.

This deployment of Plus One and Yaskawa robotic solutions consists of 12 new induction systems acquired by FedEx Corp. This purchase builds upon the four existing robotic systems in use at the FedEx Express Hub in Memphis, Tennessee.

Additionally, Plus One successfully introduced its mixed depalletizing systems at the FedEx Reno, NV facility. Plus One’s mixed depalletizing systems will allow for easier, more efficient movement of cases from palleted shipments throughout the FedEx facility. [Read more…] about Plus One Robotics uses Yaskawa Motoman to expand mixed depalletizing solutions

ASRS revenue forecast to reach $1 billion in micro-fulfilment centers

by

As retailers build micro-fulfilment centers (MFCs) to augment their distribution networks, automated picking solutions provide the speed and space maximization necessary for e-commerce efficiency and profitability.

According to a report by technology intelligence firm ABI Research, Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) revenue within MFCs is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027, with uptake primarily seen in the grocery and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industries.

Ryan Wiggin, supply chain management and logistics industry analyst at ABI Research, says: “The need for high-density storage and fast fulfillment capabilities allows technologies to scale down and enable a flexible, bespoke frontline distribution network. [Read more…] about ASRS revenue forecast to reach $1 billion in micro-fulfilment centers

Reliable Robotics and NASA complete ‘first-of-its-kind’ flight tests to advance aviation safety

by

Reliable Robotics, a specialist in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), says it has completed flight tests designed to substantiate the use of existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) primary surveillance radar (PSR) data to improve the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS).

Reliable Robotics has been working with NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign since 2021 to advance the safe, secure and efficient integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems.

Of note – the FAA granted NASA limited access to PSR data for these specific flights conducted by Reliable Robotics – a step towards utilizing existing radar infrastructure for Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems. [Read more…] about Reliable Robotics and NASA complete ‘first-of-its-kind’ flight tests to advance aviation safety

Xwing’s uncrewed aircraft system becomes FAA’s first certification project

by

Autonomous aviation company Xwing has submitted a Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the first Standard Category large unmanned aerial system (UAS) to receive official project designation.

This marks the beginning of the process for approval of uncrewed commercial cargo operations in the national airspace.

Unlike other aviation projects that focus on augmenting piloted operations with autonomous technology or have Special Category certification, Xwing’s Superpilot technology integrates into existing type certified aircraft to enable uncrewed operations that work within the existing air traffic control system. [Read more…] about Xwing’s uncrewed aircraft system becomes FAA’s first certification project

New Scale Robotics enhances its automated gauging system through robotic thread verification

by

Thread verification is the latest enhancement to New Scale Robotics’ Q-Span Automated Gauging System, a “do-it-yourself” robotic automation system for quality teams in high-mix, small-batch manufacturing.

The Q-Span Gauging System automates gauging processes by combining existing manual gauges with a collaborative robot, grippers for part handling, easy-to-use metrology and robot control software, and automated data collection.

The robot arm loads parts into a fixture and activates the thread gauge to verify or chase threaded holes or external threads. [Read more…] about New Scale Robotics enhances its automated gauging system through robotic thread verification

Autonomous logistics startup Venti Technologies raises $28.8 million in Series A funding

by

Venti Technologies, a provider of autonomous logistics for global supply chain and industrial hubs, has secured $28.8 million in a Series A financing.

The financing round was led by LG Technology Ventures, the Silicon Valley-based venture capital arm of the LG Group, with participation from Safar Partners, UOB Venture Management, and existing investors Alpha JWC and LDV Partners.

The funding will be used to accelerate Venti’s growth and meet increasing demand from customers worldwide. [Read more…] about Autonomous logistics startup Venti Technologies raises $28.8 million in Series A funding

Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

by

A Finland-based company called Rocla AGV has launched a new, agile AGV – named “ACT”, short for automated compact truck – designed to lift heavy loads in narrow spaces.

Rocla says ACT is an “exceptional addition” to its existing AGV line, allowing the company to offer our customers an even more versatile product range.

From the comprehensive Rocla AGV offering, there is always a suitable pick or combination for each customer’s unique needs in warehouse and production environments. [Read more…] about Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

Plus One Robotics raises $50 million in new funding

by

Plus One Robotics, a provider of advanced AI vision software and solutions for robotic parcel handling, has raised $50 million in Series C funding.

The round was led by Scale Venture Partners, with Partner Rory O’Driscoll joining the board of directors. Top Tier Capital Partners, Tyche Partners, ROBO Global Ventures, Translink, McRock, and Pritzker Group Venture Capital also participated in the round alongside existing investors, which brings the company’s total funding to date to nearly $100 million.

Plus One’s technology helps to alleviate the persistent shortage of manual labor through robotic solutions, dramatically streamlining the parcel picking and depalletizing processes. [Read more…] about Plus One Robotics raises $50 million in new funding