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Third Wave Automation closes $27 million Series C funding to scale autonomous forklifts

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Third Wave Automation, a provider of autonomous high-reach forklifts, has closed a $27 million Series C round led by Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth fund.

Return investors Innovation Endeavors, Norwest Venture Partners and Qualcomm Ventures joined the round, bringing total capital raised to $97 million.

The funding will enable Third Wave to scale its “Shared Autonomy Platform”, expand manufacturing of its multimode TWA Reach forklifts, and support future technology development that advances the use of autonomous forklifts in and around warehouse environments. [Read more…] about Third Wave Automation closes $27 million Series C funding to scale autonomous forklifts

The Rise of Industrial Robotics and AGVs in Material Handling

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In recent years, industrial robotics and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have significantly transformed material handling operations across various industries.

With companies striving for greater efficiency, safety, and reduced operational costs, these technologies are becoming essential in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.

This shift not only highlights the increasing role of automation but also reshapes the landscape of equipment use – especially in sectors that depend on forklifts and other heavy machinery. [Read more…] about The Rise of Industrial Robotics and AGVs in Material Handling

Glencore improves recycling plant safety with ELOKON automated forklift system

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Glencore, a commodity trading and mining giant, says it has reduced safety incidents involving forklifts at its recycling facility in Rhode Island with the use of the ELOshield proximity detection system from ELOKON, a provider of automated forklift safety and fleet management systems.

In a new case study, announced on National Forklift Safety Day, Glencore discusses how it chose ELOshield to retrofit its forklifts due to the system’s advanced warning capabilities, especially in areas with limited visibility.

In Rhode Island, 35 employees work on shredding electronic materials, reducing particle size, and preparing samples for smelting and refining at the Glencore recycling facility. [Read more…] about Glencore improves recycling plant safety with ELOKON automated forklift system

Holman Logistics partners with Third Wave Automation to develop autonomous forklift platform

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Holman Logistics has unveiled a plan to implement autonomous high-reach forklift solutions from Third Wave Automation, a pioneer in materials handling automation, at the Holman multi-client warehouse facility in Spanaway, Washington.

Third Wave Automation’s autonomous forklifts offer flexibility by operating in four modes: fully autonomous, remote assist, remote operation, and manual operation.

The high-reach forklifts work alongside warehouse teams and utilize the proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Shared Autonomy Platform, enabling a single operator to manage multiple forklifts simultaneously. [Read more…] about Holman Logistics partners with Third Wave Automation to develop autonomous forklift platform

Cyngn agrees ‘pre-order’ deal with Arauco for 100 autonomous electric forklifts

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Cyngn, a developer of AI-powered autonomous driving solutions for industrial applications, has signed paid “pre-order agreement” with Arauco, a producer of sustainable forestry products, pulp, and engineered wood that supplies the furniture and construction industries.

The initial 100 autonomous electric DriveMod-enabled forklifts aim to enhance Arauco’s operations and drive efficiency in their material handling processes in the near future.

The company says this pre-order agreement marks a significant milestone in Cyngn’s DriveMod Forklift initiative that was first announced in June and exemplifies the two companies’ collaborative efforts to power AI innovations. [Read more…] about Cyngn agrees ‘pre-order’ deal with Arauco for 100 autonomous electric forklifts

ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

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A new competitive ranking by technology research firm ABI Research provides “an in-depth and unbiased examination” of the autonomous forklift solutions offered by 16 autonomous forklift suppliers, according to the company.

A total of eight criteria were chosen for the analysis and segmented across innovation and implementation clusters. These include the vehicle solutions across three major categories of autonomous forklifts, namely reach truck, counterbalance stacker, and pallet truck, the level of maturity in navigation solutions, fleet management and orchestration, as well as the vendors’ integration and optimization capability.

The report further evaluates the vendors’ revenue and funding, customer reference, regional presence, the company’s distribution networks, and technology partners. [Read more…] about ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

Kivnon to launch new version of its forklift AGV at Advanced Factories Expo

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Kivnon will launch one of the latest additions to its AGV portfolio, the K55 Pallet Stacker, at this year’s Advanced Factories Expo, which runs from 18-20th April in Barcelona. 

Kivon’s range of AGVs is renowned for robustness, safety, and accuracy, and this new addition to the portfolio provides customers with a vehicle that can automatically transport stack pallets.

Thierry Delmas, managing director at Kivnon, says: “The K55 is an ideal solution for end-of-line palletizing, food and beverage, and retail applications. It is designed to ensure efficiency, reliability, and complete safety.” [Read more…] about Kivnon to launch new version of its forklift AGV at Advanced Factories Expo

ForwardX Robotics releases fully autonomous forklift

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ForwardX Robotics, a global autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and warehouse solutions provider, introduces its latest autonomous forklift: Apex C1500-L.

The new forklift further enhances ForwardX’s capabilities in pallet movement workflows with a higher payload capacity and the ability to work with both GMA and Euro pallets.

Apex C1500-L will be on display for the first time, allowing customers to see it in person at ProMat 2023 March 20 -23 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Eventgoers will find ForwardX in booth #N7352. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics releases fully autonomous forklift

Kivnon to introduce its new forklift pallet stacker at ProMAT

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Kivnon will showcase the latest addition to its AGV portfolio, its Forklift Pallet Stacker, at this year’s ProMAT, running March 20-23 in Chicago.

Kivnon says its AGVs/AMRs are “heavy-duty vehicles that improve safety and process efficiency”.

The new Forklift Pallet Stacker automatically transports stack pallets, handling loads of up to 2,645 lb, and is ideal for any pallet storage application for internal logistics or warehousing. [Read more…] about Kivnon to introduce its new forklift pallet stacker at ProMAT

ForwardX Robotics releases new fully autonomous forklift

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ForwardX Robotics, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and warehouse solutions provider, has added the Apex 1400-L to its list of AMRs available in the United States.

Apex 1400-L is a fully autonomous forklift which further enhances ForwardX’s capabilities in warehousing workflows including receiving, putaway, replenishment, raw material movement, and shipping.

Forklifts have always played an important role in the warehousing industry. With the acceleration of e-commerce in recent years, companies are facing new challenges that come with traditional manual forklift operations. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics releases new fully autonomous forklift