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Peachtree Corners launches ‘world’s first fleet of self-driving e-scooters’ as part of styling itself as a smart city

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Peachtree Corners, a tiny city in the state of Georgia, USA, is launching what it believes is the “world’s first fleet of self-driving e-scooters” as part of styling itself out as a smart city.

Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners is on a mission to solve many of the technology issues facing cities and municipalities around the country. For many, the term “smart city” is an unclear concept.

For Peachtree Corners, Georgia, it’s about empowering the latest in emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. [Read more…] about Peachtree Corners launches ‘world’s first fleet of self-driving e-scooters’ as part of styling itself as a smart city

FedEx and Chanje to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure

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FedEx has now started on the “next phase” of its electric vehicle rollout after initially launching construction on electronic direct current charging stations back in January.

One of the biggest logistics companies in the US, Federal Express has been using all-electric vehicles as part of its pickup-and-delivery fleet for more than 10 years.

Through a new agreement with Chanje Energy, the company plans to electrify 42 FedEx stations in California, making it one of the largest deployments of integrated charging infrastructure by a single commercial fleet to date. [Read more…] about FedEx and Chanje to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Omron launches new software for its mobile robots

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Industrial automation solutions provider Omron Automation Americas has released a new software package designed to simplify integration, maximize reliability and support flexibility in mobile robot applications.

Omron says its Fleet Operations Workspace Core – shortened to “Flow Core” – is aimed at increasing the robots’ performance and ease of use while laying the foundation for future service-focused capabilities.

Among the primary advantages that Flow Core provides are a user-focused design that simplifies integration, charge management functionality that maximizes uptime, and intelligent fleet management capabilities that increase flexibility and efficiency. [Read more…] about Omron launches new software for its mobile robots

May Mobility raises $50 million in funding round led by Toyota

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May Mobility, an autonomous transportation-as-a-service provider, has closed a $50 million Series B funding round led by Toyota.

There was also participation from Sparx Group, alongside return investors Millennium Technology Value Partners, Cyrus Capital Partners, BMW iVentures, and Toyota AI Ventures.

The company says the round will help fund strategic hires across the engineering and operations functions, and expansion of the vehicle fleet to meet growing demand. [Read more…] about May Mobility raises $50 million in funding round led by Toyota

Honeywell equips Middle East Airlines with new cockpit tech

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Honeywell has signed a selection agreement with Middle East Airlines, the national flag-carrier airline of Lebanon, to provide cockpit technologies to support the airline’s new fleet of 19 aircraft.

The deal, which includes four of Airbus’ latest variant, the A321XLR, will see Honeywell provide its latest full avionics suite to help Middle East Airlines maximize safety and ensure regulatory compliance.

Middle East Airlines’ (MEA) purchase of Airbus aircraft includes 11 A321NEOs, four A330NEOs and four A321XLRs, the latest evolution of the successful A321NEO aircraft. [Read more…] about Honeywell equips Middle East Airlines with new cockpit tech

GM launches new version of OnStar for fleets

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General Motors says its new fleet telematics solution, OnStar Vehicle Insights, provides fleet managers and drivers the tools and data they need to make the most of their daily operations.

Launched recently, OnStar Vehicle Insights relays real-time vehicle data like vehicle location, driver performance information and more to fleet employees.

Ed Peper, US vice president, General Motors Fleet, says: “We listened to our fleet customers’ feedback and have created a turnkey telematics solution. [Read more…] about GM launches new version of OnStar for fleets

Honeywell to extend maintenance services agreement with Saudi Arabian Airlines

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Honeywell has been selected by Saudi Arabian Airlines to extend maintenance services for auxiliary power units (APUs) installed on the airline’s fleet of Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The two companies are extending their current partnership, which will enable SAUDIA to structure their fleet and APU maintenance planning in line with the needs of their fleet expansion program.

By optimizing APU maintenance processes, the airline will provide an excellent passenger experience through increased aircraft availability and improved passenger comfort. [Read more…] about Honeywell to extend maintenance services agreement with Saudi Arabian Airlines

Vecna Robotics partners with UniCarriers to launch new line of autonomous material handling solutions

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Vecna Robotics is teaming up with UniCarriers Americas, a manufacturer of material handling equipment and part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The two companies are collaborating on a line of autonomous material handling vehicles for warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing environments.

Vecna Robotics is integrating its autonomous navigation technology, learning algorithms, and workflow orchestration software into UCA vehicles turning them into autonomous mobile robots, capable of moving bulk material through dynamic warehouse environments. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics partners with UniCarriers to launch new line of autonomous material handling solutions

Formant launches cloud platform to manage robot fleets

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Formant, a San Francisco-based startup, has launched its new cloud robotics platform, which enables businesses to automatically collect and analyze robotics data.

By centralizing all application data in a single web user interface, Formant allows business teams, operators, and engineers to improve the efficacy of their robotic workforce.

Jeff Linnell, CEO of Formant.io, says: “Robots are leaving the factory and adventuring into our world. They could use some guidance. This release facilitates this journey by enabling robot fleets to thrive through human observability and assistance.” [Read more…] about Formant launches cloud platform to manage robot fleets

Built Robotics raises $33 million for its autonomous construction vehicles

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Built Robotics has closed a $33 million Series B investment round led by Next47, the new global venture fund backed by Siemens. This brings Built’s total funding to $48 million.

The startup has now raised more than $100 million in customer commitments for its autonomous construction solutions.

Built Robotics says it will use the capital to scale its fleet of autonomous robots, expand into new construction verticals, and develop tools to support the next-generation of equipment operators. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Built Robotics raises $33 million for its autonomous construction vehicles