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Krones Recycling spins off as an independent subsidiary company

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The demand for recycled plastics is increasing rapidly worldwide: consumer awareness is growing, companies are setting themselves ever more ambitious sustainability targets and recycling requirements from international governments are also increasing.

As a company with almost 30 years of experience in plastics processing and almost 25 years in the field of recycling, Krones has now taken the pioneering decision to pool its recycling expertise in the independent subsidiary Krones Re-cycling from July 2024.

Christoph Klenk, Krones CEO, says: “The spin-off will enable Krones Recycling to develop faster and in line with market requirements. [Read more…] about Krones Recycling spins off as an independent subsidiary company

Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

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Associated Food Stores (AFS), a provider of groceries and other goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic, a developer of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, have entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s robotic warehouse automation technology in AFS’ Utah distribution center.

Symbotic says its end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to “improve a variety of retail-facing experiences”, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores.

David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO, says: “We appreciate the partnership with Symbotic which enables us to cast an exciting vision for future growth and long-term relevance with the shoppers and retailers we serve. [Read more…] about Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

Siemens unveils its first virtual PLC and new automation products

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Siemens has unveiled several new automation focused products, including its first virtual programmable logic controller, based on the functions and operation of the Simatic S7-1500 PLC and independent of its hardware.

The virtual PLC can be downloaded similar to an app and integrated directly into the IT environment, helping customers unlock the potential of digitalization.

Siemens also announced its first Sinamics drive to join the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the new Sinamics G220 high-performance multi-purpose, adjustable speed drive. [Read more…] about Siemens unveils its first virtual PLC and new automation products

Restaurant robots ‘can soon replace key jobs’, says report

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Capterra research finds that three-quarters of restaurants are now using automation

As labor shortages and rising costs continue to cut into profit margins, restaurants are looking for ways to improve their business model – and automation is increasingly looking like a viable solution.

From conversational AI drive-thrus to full-service fry cook robots, the possibilities are endless, but not all roles can be replaced.

Capterra’s 2022 Restaurant Automation Survey found that more than half of restaurant leaders say front-of-house restaurant workers can easily be automated with today’s technology, but some disciplines remain currently beyond automation. [Read more…] about Restaurant robots ‘can soon replace key jobs’, says report

Badger Technologies teams up with BRdata to give retail robots more insight

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Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil and maker of a retail stock-taking robot, has teamed with BRdata Software Solutions to assist grocers in attaining actionable data and aggregated analytics to improve store profitability, operational efficiencies and shopping experiences.

Real-time inventory, pricing and trend data collected by Badger Technologies’ multipurpose autonomous robots can be ingested by BRdata’s cloud-based retail software to support identifying discrepancies and resolving on-shelf product and pricing problems with increased agility and accuracy.

Through seamless integration of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Badger Technologies and BRdata empower grocers to transform operations and customer shopping experiences. [Read more…] about Badger Technologies teams up with BRdata to give retail robots more insight

Multi-purpose security inspection robots call for embedded systems with highly flexible configuration

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The miniaturized, light, modular, and general-purpose security inspection robots in China have improved the intelligence level of inspections by DFI high-performance and fanless embedded system.

Not limited to being deployed in dangerous fields such as substations, multi-purpose security inspection robots must be suitable for inspection needs in parks, communities, schools, factories, stations, and other places where visibility is needed.

[Read more…] about Multi-purpose security inspection robots call for embedded systems with highly flexible configuration

GSR rescues its deep-sea manganese mining robot

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GSR, the deep-sea exploratory division of the DEME Group, has successfully recovered its prototype deep-seabed mining robot – which had become uncoupled from a cable connecting it to a surface vessel – from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Patania II – GSR’s purpose-built prototype nodule collector – is currently being trialled in 4,500 metre water depth in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific Ocean.

On its final dive in the GSR area on 25 April, a lifting point separated and Patania II was uncoupled from the 5 km cable that connects it to the surface vessel. [Read more…] about GSR rescues its deep-sea manganese mining robot

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

Badger Technologies and STCR plan to take Autonomous Robots to independent grocers

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Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil, is teaming up with STCR, a provider of advanced retail point of sale (POS) and self-checkout solutions, to increase the momentum of multipurpose robot rollouts by independent and regional grocers around the world.

This collaboration will speed deployments of Badger Technologies autonomous robots to address critical out-of-stock, price integrity, planogram compliance and other operational inefficiencies.

Farrell McKenna, GM of STCR, says: “Our mission is to bring much-needed retail automation to the independent and regional grocer, empowering them to run their stores more efficiently while competing more effectively with the largest supermarket chains. [Read more…] about Badger Technologies and STCR plan to take Autonomous Robots to independent grocers

Mitsubishi Electric to sponsor MassRobotics in the USA

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Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has announced a sponsorship deal with MassRobotics.

MassRobotics is an independent, non-profit organisation serving as an innovation hub for robotics and connected devices.

Through this sponsorship, Mitsubishi aims to enhance MassRobotics’ prototyping space so startups can accelerate testing and support startup initiatives to develop the next generation of advanced manufacturing solutions that use cutting-edge technology and robots for factory automation customers worldwide.

[Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to sponsor MassRobotics in the USA