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Outrider implements reinforcement learning AI to enhance distribution yard throughput

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Outrider, a startup developing autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, has unveiled its “industry-first” implementation of advanced reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to maximize freight throughput at customer sites. 

Outrider’s RL models increase path planning speed by 10x and enable the Outrider System to move freight more efficiently and safely through busy, complex distribution yards.

Vittorio Ziparo, CTO and executive vice president of engineering, says: “Using the latest advances in AI, Outrider is continually decreasing the turn time of trailers moved autonomously in logistics yards. [Read more…] about Outrider implements reinforcement learning AI to enhance distribution yard throughput

FedEx opens new automated sorting facility at Memphis World Hub

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FedEx has unveiled a new, state-of-the-art, automated sorting facility at the Memphis World Hub.

The LEED Certified building, which is now fully operational ahead of the holiday peak season, spans 1.3 million square feet across four levels, includes 11 miles of conveyor belt, has a space dedicated to moving bulky, non-conveyable shipments, and can sort 56,000 packages per hour.

The facility alone can process more than half the volume from the primary sort, which enables quicker sort times and the ability to transport customer packages to their final delivery destination faster. [Read more…] about FedEx opens new automated sorting facility at Memphis World Hub

AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

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Geo-Young, one of South Korea’s leading pharmaceutical distributors, has inaugurated its Smart Hub Center in Incheon, marking a significant advancement in the industry as the first in the nation’s pharmaceutical sector to integrate the AutoStore system into its operations.

The Smart Hub Center employs AutoStore’s automated storage and retrieval system to address the specific demands of pharmaceutical distribution, where precision, safety, and efficiency are paramount. [Read more…] about AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

ABB Robotics sponsors MassRobotics to accelerate innovation in the robotics industry

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ABB Robotics has agreed a sponsorship deal with MassRobotics, one of the leading innovation hubs and startup accelerators for robotics in the United States.

As part of this sponsorship, ABB Robotics will donate several of its versatile GoFa 5kg collaborative robots (cobots), and licenses to its RobotStudio simulation programming software to MassRobotics, providing emerging companies access to cutting-edge technology to drive innovation and development.

John Bubnikovich, president of ABB Robotics, US, says: “By providing our cobots and software to some of the brightest and most innovative engineers in the United States, we are not only helping startups push the boundaries of what’s possible but also benefiting from the fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas that emerge from this dynamic community.”

[Read more…] about ABB Robotics sponsors MassRobotics to accelerate innovation in the robotics industry

Exotec opens new hub for its automated conveyor range

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Exotec, a provider of robotic solutions for warehouses, has opened a new production space in Croix, France. The new space will house the production of Exotec’s Skypath conveyor range, producing an average of thirty modules per day.

Located in Rue du Creusot in Croix, near Exotec’s headquarters, the new 2,500 sq m space marks a strategic milestone in the company’s rapid growth.

The building will house production workshops for the Skypath range, as well as acting as a dedicated service centre for the maintenance of Skypod robots, with thirty collaborators initially contributing to the developments. [Read more…] about Exotec opens new hub for its automated conveyor range

Ottonomy secures investment for its delivery robot from Rome airport

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Aeroporti di Roma Ventures (ADR Ventures), which is the new Corporate Venture Capital arm of Aeroporti di Roma, has made an “initial venture investment” with Ottonomy, a startup providing contactless deliveries using fully autonomous robots.

After a successful proof of concept (PoC) established during the accelerator program in the Innovation Hub in Fiumicino airport, the autonomous delivery project became part of ADR’s long-term strategy aimed at maintaining the highest levels of service and enhancing passengers’ experience using cutting edge technology and innovation.

Emanuele Calà, president and CEO of ADR Ventures, says: “Our first investment is an additional step towards building the airport of the future, which will be more autonomous and passenger-centric. [Read more…] about Ottonomy secures investment for its delivery robot from Rome airport

DB Schenker opens giant new automated e-commerce logistics hub in Spain

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DB Schenker, a supply chain management and logistics service provider, has started operations at one of the largest automated e-commerce facilities servicing its retail customers in Spain, Portugal and France.

Operations in the 50,000 sq meter state-of-the-art warehouse in Guadalajara have started with 150 employees on newly created jobs, more than 200 robots and an optimized packaging system.

The site is equipped with a Goods-to-Person picking system to handle around 55,000 units per day using Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) provided by Geek+, the global leader in AMR technology. The system features innovative pick-and-pack solutions for a fast and flexible online-order fulfillment and efficiently deal with returns. [Read more…] about DB Schenker opens giant new automated e-commerce logistics hub in Spain

Rockwell Automation launches FactoryTalk Design Hub

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Rockwell Automation, which claims to be the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has launched FactoryTalk Design Hub.

FactoryTalk Design Hub is intened to enable industrial organizations to transform their automation design capabilities with a more simplified, productive way to work powered by the cloud.

Teams of all sizes, skillsets, and locations can work smarter through enhanced collaboration, improved lifecycle management, and on-demand access to cloud-based software. The result is increased design productivity, faster time to market, and systems that cost less to build and maintain. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation launches FactoryTalk Design Hub

EDF employs ‘unique’ underwater drone to carry out ‘first ever’ autonomous robotic inspection of wind farm foundations

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EDF has installed a uniquely customised remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to carry out what is believed to be the first autonomous wind farm foundation inspection at its Blyth Offshore Wind Farm.

The ROV, equipped and operated by researchers from the ORCA Hub, a strategic project within the National Robotarium, was modified to include cutting-edge robotic technologies for autonomous inspection capabilities and carried out visual inspections of the gravity-based foundations of three offshore turbines over the course of four days.

The inspections were undertaken as part of a partnership between EDF and the ORCA Hub to investigate a wide range of potential applications for drone technology to assess offshore wind turbines. [Read more…] about EDF employs ‘unique’ underwater drone to carry out ‘first ever’ autonomous robotic inspection of wind farm foundations

John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

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Deere & Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and forestry vehicles, is expanding its US footprint and technology operations with a new office in Austin, Texas.

Deere says the new location enables it to further strengthen its technology capabilities and attract talent interested in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges – including feeding a growing population.

Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, says: “Austin is a growing destination for some of the brightest minds in technology. Opening this office was a strategic decision from both a talent and collaboration perspective, particularly in software and data analytics. [Read more…] about John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas