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GXO unveils DroneDog and Aerial Drone System from Asylon for security applications

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GXO Logistics, which says it is the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, has deployed advanced air and ground security robotics at one of its major distribution centers in Clayton, Indiana, and plans to significantly increase deployment of automated security systems across other sites within the next year.

This would be the largest air and ground security robotics fleet in the world.

The DroneDog and DroneSentry duo, integrated with the DroneCore security platform from Asylon, are security technologies of the future, providing high-quality data and onsite activity updates that can detect potential issues in real time and simultaneously report them to the security team. Click here to see the DroneDog in action. [Read more…] about GXO unveils DroneDog and Aerial Drone System from Asylon for security applications

Verizon Robotics selects Pendleton Range to advance robotics proofs of concept

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Verizon Robotics is advancing its testing and proof-of-concept capabilities at Pendleton Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Range, a leading FAA-designated test range that offers diverse testing environments for drones and ground robotics.

Verizon Robotics will expand its operations, and base its advanced air R&D, drone partner and long range robotics at the Pendleton Range.

This includes training Pendleton Range staff to control a rapid-response command mobile unit vehicle, capable of deploying mission-critical communications, applications and advanced computing solutions that can address robotics use-cases in the air and on the ground. [Read more…] about Verizon Robotics selects Pendleton Range to advance robotics proofs of concept

Verizon Robotics and LA Times to ‘enhance storytelling’ with network-connected robots and drones

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Verizon Robotics Business Technology, a business unit of telecommunications giant Verizon and one of America’s leading newspapers, the Los Angeles Times, have entered into an agreement to accelerate the application of advanced robotics and other technology from Verizon to expand on the way news is gathered, shared and consumed.

Through the engagement, the companies will work to integrate technologies including 4G-connected drones, 5G-connected ground robots and 3D modeled data, among others, to redefine digital media and add dimension to news reporting and storytelling. [Read more…] about Verizon Robotics and LA Times to ‘enhance storytelling’ with network-connected robots and drones

US DoD selects Stratom to migrate robotic systems from ROS-1 to ROS-2

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Stratom, a developer of autonomous ground vehicles and robotic systems for logistics and operational applications, has been selected as part of an exclusive team to deliver the US Department of Defense’s Stage II of the Modular Autonomy and Robotic Software program, which involves the collaborative migration of Robotic Technology Kernel software modules from the first version of the Robot Operating System to ROS 2. 

For nearly a decade, the US government has been developing ROS-M (Robotic Operating System-Military), an ecosystem of software architectures, reusable components and supporting infrastructure to enable rapid development and fielding of robotic and autonomous systems.

Built on ROS 1, ROS-M enables the DoD to benefit from open-source development practices while maintaining tight control over the community-developed code. However, ROS 1’s current revision, Noetic, is set to be the last version, with support ending in 2025. [Read more…] about US DoD selects Stratom to migrate robotic systems from ROS-1 to ROS-2

DroneDeploy acquires Rocos to ‘accelerate job site automation’

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DroneDeploy, a mapping and drone data specialist, has acquired Rocos, a New Zealand-based robotics software company.

The acquisition will enable DroneDeploy customers in construction, energy, agriculture, and more to deploy and orchestrate both aerial and ground robots on their job sites.

This acquisition will make physical workflow automation possible, creating more efficient and safer workplaces. [Read more…] about DroneDeploy acquires Rocos to ‘accelerate job site automation’

FedEx implements Berkshire Grey’s robotic system for small package processing

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FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, has recently implemented Berkshire Grey’s Robotic Product Sortation and Identification (RPSi) systems at its station in Queens, New York.

Berkshire Grey, a developer of Intelligent Enterprise Robotics solutions, executed the RPSi systems to robotically sort the thousands of small packages that arrive daily in bulk into containers bound for other specific hubs and stations across the FedEx Ground network.

FedEx Ground plans to install additional Berkshire Grey RPSi systems at sortation facilities in Las Vegas, Nev., and Columbus, Ohio, in the coming months. [Read more…] about FedEx implements Berkshire Grey’s robotic system for small package processing

Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M achieves ETL certification to UL 3100 standard

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Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M has obtained the ETL certification, “setting a new industry milestone as the first ETL certified Bin-to-Person solution to meet the UL3100 standard”, according to the company.

ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories. This is the testing and certification division of Intertek Testing Laboratories, which is based in the UK.

The certification confirms the innovative strength of Geek+’s R&D team and ability to expand globally by developing robotics products that meet the highest standards of quality. [Read more…] about Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M achieves ETL certification to UL 3100 standard

GM and LG Chem prepare ground at new electric vehicle battery cell facility in Lordstown

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General Motors and LG Chem have started to prepare the ground at their new electric vehicle battery cell facility in Lordstown. 

The two companies have established a joint venture called “Ultium Cells” for the battery cell manufacturing business.

Construction has started with ground prep activities for the future site of the Ultium battery cell manufacturing facility in Lordstown. [Read more…] about GM and LG Chem prepare ground at new electric vehicle battery cell facility in Lordstown

Kingetics makes ‘big innovations’ in footwear-exoskeleton-robotic ambulation science

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By Dakota Grossman, writer, and Dr Steven King, managing member, Kingetics

Kingetics, a small veteran owned startup company has developed and tested new technology that has shown significant improvements in protecting our soldiers as well as improving the gait of mechanical walking systems.

Load carriage and high impact forces on the lower limbs are often cited as leading causes of musculoskeletal injuries. Injury rates during military training range from 1 per cent to 16 per cent, and up to 30 per cent in elite  infantry  units.

Data from Podiatry Arena shows that there are about 32,000 broken bones per year during military combat, costing the US Department of Defense an estimated $240,000,000 in medical expenses.
 [Read more…] about Kingetics makes ‘big innovations’ in footwear-exoskeleton-robotic ambulation science

GROUND unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

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GROUND has unveiled a new autonomous collaborative robot that will start selling in Japan at the end of 2019.

The autonomous mobile robot was exhibited at the Daiwa House Group booth at the “1st Kansai Logistics Exhibition” held at INTEX Osaka recently.

GROUND is jointly researching and developing the machine jointly with China’s leading robot company HIT Robot Group. [Read more…] about GROUND unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses