Robotics & Automation News

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Yaskawa completes new plant for manufacturing mounting boards and electronic units in China

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Yaskawa Electric, parent company of Yaskawa Mechatronics, one of the world’s largest industrial robot makers, has completed a new plant in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, in China.

The facility has already begun the mass production of mounting boards for servo amplifiers and AC drives as well as electronic units for robot control panels used in its production bases in China.

Yaskawa says that, in China, economic activities are currently “stagnant” because of Covid-19 but demand for factory automation at production sites is increasing due to labor shortages caused by the low birth rate and ageing population, rising labor costs, and the risk of coronavirus spreading. [Read more…] about Yaskawa completes new plant for manufacturing mounting boards and electronic units in China

South Korea AutoStore integrator Asetec joins the RightHand Robotics partner integrator network

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RightHand Robotics, a provider of autonomous robotic picking solutions for order fulfillment, and Asetec, a logistics automation ICT company, have partnered for future robotic logistics center integration projects in South Korea.

As an AutoStore integrator, Asetec will combine the world’s leading robotic storage system and other matched technologies with RightHand Robotics’ award-winning RightPick item-handling solution to expand its offerings with a diversified range of automation.

Founded in 1996, Asetec is a turnkey integrator for logistics centers, providing customers with consulting and engineering, automation design and construction, and AI software solutions (WMS/TMS/OMS/WCS). [Read more…] about South Korea AutoStore integrator Asetec joins the RightHand Robotics partner integrator network

Baidu expands Apollo Go robotaxi service to all first-tier cities in China

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Baidu Apollo’s ride-hailing service platform Apollo Go has launched trial operation in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, providing autonomous robotaxi services to Shenzhen commuters.

Shenzhen is the seventh city where Baidu has introduced its robotaxi ride services in China, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Changsha, and Cangzhou.

Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, home to top tech companies including Tencent and Huawei, is one of the most densely populated areas in south China.

The launch of Baidu’s robotaxi services is set to drive further developments in autonomous driving in Shenzhen and accelerate the development of local intelligent connected vehicles, underscoring Baidu’s continuous efforts and ambition to lead the transformation of intelligent transportation in China. [Read more…] about Baidu expands Apollo Go robotaxi service to all first-tier cities in China

Sesto Robotics raises $5.7 million for its autonomous mobile robots

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Sesto Robotics, a Singapore-based autonomous mobile robotics company, has raised $5.7 million funding from institutional investors Trive, Germany-based World Trading Inovation, and the Singapore government-backed Seeds Capital. 

Chor Chen Ang, CEO of Sesto Robotics, says: “Having WTI as a strategic investor at this stage of our company’s development helps us to expand into the important European and German market that is the home of Industry 4.0.

“WTI has a strict investment policy and the investors are entrepreneurs who have built and scaled businesses themselves and believe in investing in the right management team to create successful businesses. [Read more…] about Sesto Robotics raises $5.7 million for its autonomous mobile robots

Apex.AI raises $56.5 million in Series B fundraising round

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Apex.AI, a company developing breakthrough safety-certified software for mobility and autonomous applications, has raised $56.5 million in a Series B fundraising round, bringing the total raised to date to $74 million.

The Series B round was led by Orillion, and included new participation from ZF, Continental, AGCO, Canaan, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Airbus Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion Ventures and others.

Other investments previously announced include Volvo Group Venture Capital, Toyota Ventures and HELLA Ventures, which further form Apex.AI’s world-class group of investors. [Read more…] about Apex.AI raises $56.5 million in Series B fundraising round

ForwardX Robotics raises $31 million in Series C funding round

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ForwardX Robotics, a Beijing-based developer of autonomous mobile robots for warehousing and manufacturing environments, has completed its initial Series C1 funding round, raising $31 million.

The initial round was led by Taikang Life Insurance, with Qualcomm Ventures and Starlight Capital also contributing to the round.

Only seven months after the close of its $63 million Series B round, the latest round of funding brings ForwardX to approximately $100 million in total investment since its founding in 2016. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics raises $31 million in Series C funding round

Webinar: Artificial intelligence and 3D vision for robotics

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Webinar by IDS Imaging Development Systems
Register now at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pjbz3JcBS363fsSPKEQLVg

Date and time: September 21, 2021 at 11am European time

In this webinar, we will explore how AI and 3D can work together to expand the number of applications that can be solved with robotics and look at what is required by the components to ensure easy integration. [Read more…] about Webinar: Artificial intelligence and 3D vision for robotics

ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

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ABB says it will acquire ASTI Mobile Robotics Group, an autonomous mobile robot manufacturer with a broad portfolio across all major applications enabled by the company’s software suite.

This will expand ABB’s robotics and automation offering, making it the only company to offer a complete portfolio for the next generation of flexible automation.

The acquisition, a key part of ABB’s external growth strategy, was signed on July 19 and is expected to close in mid-summer 2021. Both parties agreed not to disclose any details regarding the purchase price. [Read more…] about ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

Webinar: Artificial intelligence and 3D vision for robotics

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Webinar by IDS Imaging Development Systems
Register now at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pjbz3JcBS363fsSPKEQLVg

Date and time: September 21, 2021 at 11am European time

In this webinar, we will explore how AI and 3D can work together to expand the number of applications that can be solved with robotics and look at what is required by the components to ensure easy integration. [Read more…] about Webinar: Artificial intelligence and 3D vision for robotics

IMI expands to Europe as modernization of distribution centres drives growth

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With the continued global shift towards e-commerce and crippling shortages of qualified workers, operators in the supply chain are investing heavily in technology and automation.

IMI has seen record demand for its agnostic services platform throughout this unprecedented period and has made the move to expand beyond North America.

IMI is pleased to announce its expansion into the European market and to inform the public that they are officially open for business. [Read more…] about IMI expands to Europe as modernization of distribution centres drives growth