Robotics & Automation News

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Baker-Polito administration awards $4.4 million grant for new Boston University robotics facility

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The Baker-Polito Administration has announced a $4.4 million grant to Boston University for a new research and development center called the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Teaching and Innovation Center (RASTIC).

The project will drive the development of new innovations with private sector partners in Massachusetts and increase student research opportunities in the robotics space.

RASTIC will emphasize real-world prototyping projects to integrate new materials, functionality, and artificial intelligence into robotic devices, delivering tools that will allow students to design and launch their own R&D projects. [Read more…] about Baker-Polito administration awards $4.4 million grant for new Boston University robotics facility

Amazon launches $1 billion industrial innovation fund

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Amazon is investing $1 billion into the industrial sector to “spur supply chain, fulfillment, and logistics innovation and further improve the customer and employee experience”.

The $1 billion venture investment program is called the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund (AIIF).

As customers increasingly shop online and look for even faster delivery, Amazon says it is continuing to invent new ways to raise the bar on customer and employee experience while working with other companies focused on those fields. [Read more…] about Amazon launches $1 billion industrial innovation fund

Agility Robotics raises $150 million in latest funding round

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Agility Robotics, a creator and manufacturer of robots designed to work alongside people in logistics and warehouse environments, has raised $150 million led by DCVC and Playground Global.

The Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund also joined as an investor to help spur innovation in the logistics industry.

Agility’s robots provide unique value to businesses by augmenting the human workforce’s productivity, efficiency, and wellness. This capital raise will accelerate Agility’s R&D and scale its robot production. [Read more…] about Agility Robotics raises $150 million in latest funding round

Toyota Ventures invites innovative ideas for the ‘Factory of the Future’

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Toyota Ventures has launched its third global “call for innovation” to search for early-stage companies that can help make the factory of the future a reality sooner.

In partnership with Toyota’s Manufacturing Project Innovation Center and Toyota Research Institute (TRI), the 2022 call focuses on finding scalable solutions to modernize manufacturing and advance sustainable production.

Through May 31, 2022, qualified entrepreneurs are invited to apply to the call for an opportunity to receive between $500,000 and $2 million in venture capital funding from Toyota Ventures. [Read more…] about Toyota Ventures invites innovative ideas for the ‘Factory of the Future’

Kinova unveils ‘first’ Canadian collaborative robot

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Kinova has launched Link 6, a new generation industrial robot designed for all businesses looking to benefit from automation.

Kinova says that, in a booming market, this innovation created from start to finish in North America stands out for its ease of use and unparalleled user experience.

Kinova says Link 6 is “Canada’s first industrial collaborative robot”, featuring automation solutions that enable greater daily efficiency while improving the quality and consistency of production results. [Read more…] about Kinova unveils ‘first’ Canadian collaborative robot

4 Threats Tech Companies are Facing in 2022

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Operating a business in today’s digital world brings more threats than ever. Globalization and the internet have increased profitability, but have also brought more risks.

For the technology sector, the threats are even more evident. This article will explore four major threats tech companies are facing in 2022. [Read more…] about 4 Threats Tech Companies are Facing in 2022

Jacksonville awards Balfour Beatty, Beep and V2R Team ‘largest-ever’ public sector autonomous shuttle project

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The Jacksonville Transportation Authority has selected the Balfour Beatty Vision 2 Reality Team and Beep, a developer of multi-passenger, electric, autonomous mobility solutions, to deliver Phase I of the Ultimate Urban Circulator project, the Bay Street Innovation Corridor in Downtown Jacksonville.

Nathaniel Ford Sr, JTA CEO, says: “As the first phase of the U2C program, The Bay Street Innovation Corridor lays the foundation for the U2C vision by introducing autonomous vehicles and enhanced technology to Downtown Jacksonville’s premier mobility corridor.

“We are proud to collaborate with the Balfour Beatty V2R Team and its consortium of world-class and leading firms like BJaceep. [Read more…] about Jacksonville awards Balfour Beatty, Beep and V2R Team ‘largest-ever’ public sector autonomous shuttle project

Kollmorgen relocates to new premises in Sweden

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Kollmorgen, a manufacturer of motor solutions for the robotics industry, is relocating to new premises in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The move is part of a strategic initiative to meet the future demands for automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots, by expanding the business and increasing the innovation and development capacity.

The company says the relocation will increase speed of innovation and development, and improve training experience for partners and end-users. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen relocates to new premises in Sweden

Baker-Polito Administration awards Harvard and Boston universities $3 million for assistive robotics research

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The Baker-Polito Administration, or the Massachusetts state government, has awarded a new grant award of $3,057,320 to Harvard University and Boston University to support the development of next-generation robotics and wearable technologies.

Researchers aim to improve the lives of people with neuro-motor impairments and to help individuals achieve ambitious fitness goals, driving innovation in a new category of rehabilitation, diagnostic, and assistive devices that are more lightweight, affordable, and connected.

Led by Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the project involves a collaboration with Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, as well as with industry partners that are poised to bring innovations to market. [Read more…] about Baker-Polito Administration awards Harvard and Boston universities $3 million for assistive robotics research

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