Robotics & Automation News

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Seegrid introduces subscription model for acquiring its robots

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has introduced a “Robots as a Service” (RaaS) subscription model.

The additional purchasing model provides customers with more alternatives to facilitate access to the latest Seegrid Palion AMR fleet and enterprise software solutions.

In addition to the new subscription model, the company will continue to offer its customers options to purchase equipment outright, as well as various leasing models. [Read more…] about Seegrid introduces subscription model for acquiring its robots

Gideon Brothers raises $31 million Series A funding for its autonomous mobile robots

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Gideon Brothers, a robotics and AI solutions company, today announced it has raised a $31 million Series A investment to accelerate the development and commercialization of its AI and 3D vision-based autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

The company will also expand its manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer success operations across key markets of the European Union and United States by opening offices in Munich, Germany and Boston, Massachusetts, respectively.

The Series A round was led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT), the venture and growth arm of Koch Industries, with participation from DB Schenker, Prologis Ventures, and Rite-Hite. [Read more…] about Gideon Brothers raises $31 million Series A funding for its autonomous mobile robots

Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has established something it calls “Blue Labs”, a research and development group to further the company’s technical progress.

With an in-house team of innovators in mobile automation building upon Seegrid’s proprietary, artificial intelligence technologies, the company will accelerate its expanding footprint throughout the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics sectors it serves.

This year the company has launched multiple new automated workflows for its fleet of Palion AMRs along with a cloud-based data analytics platform, and has been heavily focused on faster development of new products and rapid expansion of its product offering. [Read more…] about Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

Ultimation Industries partners with Otto Motors and expands its autonomous mobile robot line-up

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With the global industrial robot market projected to grow at a 9 percent annual rate and reach $75.84 billion by 2025, Ultimation Industries is expanding its autonomous mobile robot line-up to include automated solutions that allow companies of all sizes to transform their facilities into fully integrated warehouses. 

Ultimation is a leader in conveyor technology and automation for over 30 years.

Richard Canny, president of Ultimation Industries, says: “To compete today and in the future, manufacturers and distributors will need the productivity and efficiency gains that come from integrating AMR technology – or warehouse robots – into their existing material handling systems. [Read more…] about Ultimation Industries partners with Otto Motors and expands its autonomous mobile robot line-up

EasyMile raises €55 million to scale up its autonomous vehicles business

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EasyMile, a developer of driverless vehicle solutions for material handling and shared passenger transport, has closed a €55 million Series B funding round.

Led by Searchlight Capital Partners, a private investment firm, with McWin and NextStage AM, the round saw all EasyMile’s earlier investors, including Alstom, Bpifrance and Continental, also participating.

The funding will facilitate the completion of EasyMile’s product and technology roadmap while accelerating its international expansion and client service. [Read more…] about EasyMile raises €55 million to scale up its autonomous vehicles business

Yaskawa launches new Motoman industrial robot for small component processing

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Yaskawa has launched a new industrial robot for small component processing, called the Motoman GP4.

The company says the new robot is “extremely fast” to enable maximum throughput, and is “highly precise”.

The GP4 robot is equipped with a 4 kg payload for high-volume small component processing. Axis speeds up to 1,000 degrees/s and incredibly fast acceleration/deceleration control for all robot positions optimize overall productivity. [Read more…] about Yaskawa launches new Motoman industrial robot for small component processing

Ultimation Industries introduces warehouse robots from Nord-Modules

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Ultimation Industries has introduced autonomous mobile robot – also known as warehouse robots – from Nord-Modules. The company says they provide its clients with more flexible material handling solutions. 

They provide more flexible material handling when used in conjunction with Motor-Driven Roller (MDR) and other conveyor systems, according to Ultimation Industries. Ultimation is a woman-owned leader in conveyor technology and automation for over 30 years.

Richard Canny, president of Ultimation Industries, says: “AMRs have become common in large distribution companies such as Amazon and some Fortune 500 companies. [Read more…] about Ultimation Industries introduces warehouse robots from Nord-Modules

Teradyne, Fetch, and BlueBotics named as ‘market leaders’ in ABI Research’s autonomous material handling competitive ranking

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The market for autonomous mobile robots performing material handling tasks has expanded greatly in the last few years, with global revenues of $223 million in 2016 expanding to $800 million in 2020, according to a new report by ABI Research.

To help commentators and end users understand the strongest horses in this race, global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research has completed a detailed profile on ten of the most promising autonomous handling robotics vendors: Teradyne, Fetch, Bluebotics, Seegrid, Gideon Brothers, Agilox, Baylo, IAM Robotics, Vecna Robotics, and Forward X. [Read more…] about Teradyne, Fetch, and BlueBotics named as ‘market leaders’ in ABI Research’s autonomous material handling competitive ranking

XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

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XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has embarked on a new autonomous forklift truck technology pilot program in collaboration with Balyo, a specialist developer of robotics for goods handling equipment.

XPO is the first logistics company in Europe to test Balyo’s latest robotic “reach truck” – referring to its higher reach – under real-life conditions. The pilot is underway at an XPO distribution center near Blois, France.

Malcolm Wilson, XPO’s chief executive officer – Europe, says: “We’re pleased that our on-site tests will help optimize intelligent reach trucks for the logistics environment. As we pilot the robotics in our operations, we’re also exploring these applications to increase efficiency for customers and to support our employees.” [Read more…] about XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

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OnRobot has launched the MG10, which it describes as “a versatile, high-performance, easy to use magnetic gripper” for material handling, assembly and machine tending applications in manufacturing, automotive and aerospace environments.

Fully compatible with all major robot brands through OnRobot’s One System Solution, the MG10 offers unique adjustable force and grip detection features that provide users with unprecedented levels of control.

Standard magnetic grippers only provide simple on/off functionality. To adjust the force applied, users have to add rubber ‘feet’ to create space between the magnet and the part. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots