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Heraeus becomes largest shareholder in startup Smart Steel Technologies

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Technology company Heraeus is expanding its expertise in artificial intelligence and AI-based process optimization by acquiring a stake in the Berlin-based start-up Smart Steel Technologies, making it the largest shareholder.

Jan Rinnert, CEO of Heraeus Holding and chairman of the management board, says: “Artificial intelligence and optimization of production processes are becoming increasingly important in the steel industry, too.

“AI solutions increase efficiency, sustainability and quality standards along the entire process chain. With Smart Steel Technologies, we have a competent partner at our side, with whose software we will further improve production processes in steel mills.” [Read more…] about Heraeus becomes largest shareholder in startup Smart Steel Technologies

EEVE says its robot remains unchallenged by Chinese imitator

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A Belgian robotics startup called EEVE says a Chinese company has been trying to copy its little helper robot but has so far failed to replicate its quality.

EEVE has built a robot it calls Willow (main picture), which mows the lawn, shreds and collects leaves, and can also be utilised as a security guard at night.

EEVE says it “continues to lead the way” in the world of robotics with this “ground-breaking vision-only robot”. [Read more…] about EEVE says its robot remains unchallenged by Chinese imitator

Hannover Messe planning to be a ‘showcase for artificial intelligence’ this year

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Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest trade shows for industrial technologies, is planning to make this year’s event a “showcase for artificial intelligence”.

From 17 to 21 April 2023, Hannover Messe, held in Germany, will be shining a spotlight on the topic of “AI in manufacturing”.

Along with the subject of process optimization, exhibitors will be focusing on the role of AI in simulation, testing and product development. Generative AI is also making major inroads into industry. [Read more…] about Hannover Messe planning to be a ‘showcase for artificial intelligence’ this year

Material handling robot market predicted to grow to $13 billion by 2033

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The global market value for material handling robots will reach $5,542 million in 2023 and grow at a healthy compound annual growth rate of 8.6 percent between 2023 and 2033, according to research by Fact.MR. 

Increasing acceptance of advanced automated material handling robots, increasing need for high efficiency systems, increasing industrialization in emerging markets, constant technological advances, multiple industries such as automotive, manufacturing, e-commerce and many more.

High acceptance of US Investment in digital infrastructure and growing need to reduce labor costs are key factors behind the growth of the automated material handling robots market. [Read more…] about Material handling robot market predicted to grow to $13 billion by 2033

Volvo invests in Waabi to strengthen autonomous truck offering

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Volvo Group Venture Capital has invested in the Canadian-founded company Waabi Innovation, which developing “next generation” autonomous trucking technology.

The companies says the investment highlights their shared commitment to “redefine the way we move goods and to accelerate the deployment of future transport solutions”.

Martin Witt, president of Volvo Group Venture Capital, says: “The company Waabi is using advanced artificial intelligence technology to test, assess skills, and ultimately teach a virtual driver to maneuver safely and efficiently in a commercial-ready autonomous trucking solution. [Read more…] about Volvo invests in Waabi to strengthen autonomous truck offering

China overtakes USA in robot density

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China’s massive investment in industrial robotics has put the country in the top ranking of robot density, surpassing the United States for the first time, according to a report by the International Federation of Robotics.

The number of operational industrial robots relative to the number of workers hit 322 units per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry. Today, China ranks in fifth place.

The world’s top 5 most automated countries in manufacturing 2021 are: South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Germany and China. [Read more…] about China overtakes USA in robot density

Insuring against the risks of automation

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The adoption of automation technologies has been growing at an astonishing rate across various industries in recent years.

Advancements in robotics, new AI applications, mounting labor shortages, increasing costs associated with humans performing mundane tasks, and post-Covid-19 effects – all contributed to its growth.

In fact, we are witnessing the formation of what we call “automation as a class” – a new vertical aimed at increasing productivity throughput, safety, and service reliability across all industries. [Read more…] about Insuring against the risks of automation

Construction robotics company Kewazo raises $10 million in Series A funding

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Kewazo, a construction robotics startup, has closed its $10 million Series A funding round, bringing the total funds raised to date to approximately $20 million.

The round was led by Fifth Wall, with notable participation from Cybernetix Ventures, Unorthodox Ventures as well as the construction software company Nemetschek.

Existing investors True Ventures and MIG Capital also participated in the round. This round comes on the heels of Kewazo’s $5 million Pre-Series A that closed in September 2021. [Read more…] about Construction robotics company Kewazo raises $10 million in Series A funding

Built Robotics acquires Roin Technologies to expand beyond autonomous earthmoving

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Built Robotics, a construction autonomy company and inventor of the Exosystem, which “turns any excavator into a robot”, is acquiring Roin Technologies, the maker of the what is claimed to be the “first automated concrete power trowel”.

The acquisition will grow the capabilities of Built’s engineering team and accelerate key technological developments to expand automation beyond construction into new applications and markets.

Noah Ready-Campbell, founder and CEO of Built Robotics, says: “Since their founding, Roin’s team has pushed the boundaries of construction autonomy, which has created a unique expertise in our industry. [Read more…] about Built Robotics acquires Roin Technologies to expand beyond autonomous earthmoving

Scythe Robotics secures $42 million new financing to accelerate production of zero-emissions autonomous mower

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Scythe Robotics, a startup company developing advanced, commercial-grade autonomous solutions for the professional landscape industry, has raised $42 million in Series B financing.

The round was led by Energy Impact Partners and included additional new investors ArcTern Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Amazon’s Alexa Fund alongside participation from existing investors True Ventures, Inspired Capital and more.

The funding will help Scythe meet demand for the more than 7,500 reservations for its all-electric, fully autonomous M.52 mower placed by commercial landscape businesses nationwide. This financing round brings the company’s total capital raised to date to $60.6 million. [Read more…] about Scythe Robotics secures $42 million new financing to accelerate production of zero-emissions autonomous mower