Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

freight

Stäubli charging system installed for electric vehicles at Long Beach port

by

Stäubli’s Quick Charging Connector (QCC), a rapid charging system for the automatic charging of electric vehicles, have been incorporated in high powers chargers installed by Tritium at the Port of Long Beach, California, USA.

SSA Marine, which manages the terminal at the Port of Long Beach, is transforming 33 diesel-powered tractors by retrofitting them with all-electric drivetrain systems.

Tritium, an Australian company that designs and manufactures fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles, will install its Veefil High Power Chargers (HPCs), type PK 175kW DC to power SSA Marine’s fleet of terminal tractors.

[Read more…] about Stäubli charging system installed for electric vehicles at Long Beach port

Kodiak Robotics expands into Texas and begins first autonomous freight deliveries

by

Kodiak Robotics, a startup developing self-driving technology for long-haul trucking, has started making its first commercial deliveries with a safety driver behind the wheel.

Kodiak achieved this milestone just 16 months after the company was formed. Kodiak also announced it will be supporting its growing testing and freight operations from a new facility in North Texas.

Kodiak operates as a true freight carrier, with self-driving trucks operating on “middle mile” highway routes. [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics expands into Texas and begins first autonomous freight deliveries

DB presents ‘world’s first autonomous electric truck’

by

DB Schenker has presented the world’s first autonomous electric truck, the T-Pod, to a wide industry audience in Germany for the first time at a transport logistics trade show in Munich in June.

The T-Pod was developed in cooperation with Einride, a Swedish startup. It is the world’s first truck approved for commercial use on public roads.

Alexander Doll, member of the management board for finance, freight transport and logistics, says: “We want to be a reliable partner for our customers in the logistics, freight transport and infrastructure segments now and in the future. We have set out to implement new ideas and innovative technology to become better, day after day.”

Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

by

Sensors supplier Sick showcased a new “smart logistics” system at the recent ProMAT Show, one of the world’s largest material handling exhibitions.

Sick says its system demonstrates how to obtain greater efficiency throughout supply chain operations.

Sick presented its new innovations under the banner of “Logistics Gets Smart”, and says they are designed to provide “highly efficient solutions for intralogistics applications”. [Read more…] about Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

Lufthansa Cargo invests in Fleet’s freight shipping tool

by

Fleet, a startup online marketplace that simplifies international freight shipping, today announced it has completed a $10 million Series A round of financing.

Lufthansa Cargo led the investment round with participation from existing and new investors including Hunt Technology Ventures, UPS, UP2398, 1517 Fund, among other previous investors.

Led by 21-year-old Max Lock, Fleet has raised a total of $14 million since its launch in 2014.

[Read more…] about Lufthansa Cargo invests in Fleet’s freight shipping tool

Fetch Robotics unveils expanded line of autonomous mobile robots

by

Company says it now offers “comprehensive options” for autonomous collaboration with transport robots

Fetch Robotics has introduced two new autonomous mobile robots to its fleet: Freight500 and Freight1500.

Both new robots, like the Freight predecessor, operate safely in commercial and industrial environments where they are deployed to automate the delivery of bulky and heavy loads.

The company and the new robots were showcased at ProMat 2017 in Chicago, Illinois, a few days ago.  [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics unveils expanded line of autonomous mobile robots

uShip raises $25 million to fund logistics automation plan

by

uship

uShip, the online shipping marketplace and freight automation software provider, has closed a $25 million Series D round led by DB Schenker, one of the world’s largest logistics companies and an existing uShip partner.

DB Schenker’s funding comes on the heels of unprecedented investment in logistics and supply chain technology.

Since 2015, top pure-play logistics corporations have made 26 investments and/or acquisitions – totalling 13 each year – while logistics tech startups were on pace to raise $5 billion through over 300 deals in 2016, according to CB Insights.  [Read more…] about uShip raises $25 million to fund logistics automation plan

Fetch signs deal with SAP on logistics robot warehouse system

by

Fetch Robotics has entered a partnership with SAP that incorporates SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM) application with the Fetch and Freight robots from Fetch Robotics.

Fetch Robotics builds robot systems for the logistics industry. Unveiled in May 2015, the Fetch Robotics system is comprised of an autonomous mobile platform (called Freight) and an advanced mobile manipulator (called Fetch).

Fetch and Freight use a charging dock for continuous operations, allowing the robots to charge when needed and then continue on with their tasks. In addition, the system includes accompanying fleet management software, fetchcore, to support the robots and integrate with the warehouse environment.  [Read more…] about Fetch signs deal with SAP on logistics robot warehouse system