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Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment

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Supply chain automation startup Locus Robotics has raised $26 million in Series C funding.

The company says it will use the proceeds to scale production of its revolutionary multi-bot solution for warehouse fulfillment, as well as for expansion of its sales and marketing efforts, both in North America, and internationally.

Participants in the round include Zebra Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Zebra Technologies, and Scale Venture Partners, which led the Company’s Series B round in 2017. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment

GM to invest $300 million and add 400 jobs at Michigan plant

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General Motors is investing $300 million in its Orion Township, Michigan, assembly plant to produce a new Chevrolet electric vehicle that will bring 400 new jobs to the Orion plant.

The investment is part of GM’s new commitment to invest a total of $1.8 billion in its United States manufacturing operations, creating 700 new jobs and supporting 28,000 jobs across six states.

The new Chevrolet electric vehicle is in addition to the existing Chevrolet Bolt EV, further advancing GM’s commitment to an all-electric future.  [Read more…] about GM to invest $300 million and add 400 jobs at Michigan plant

ASTI Mobile Robotics seals investment deal to accelerate growth 

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ASTI Mobile Robotics is partnering with Keensight Capital, one of the leading players in Growth Buyout [1], to support the growth of the company.

Through this agreement, Keensight Capital, as its strategic and financial partner, has entered in the company with a minority stake.

ASTI Mobile Robotics, part of ASTI Technologies Group, provides automated intralogistics solutions for large manufacturers that optimise productivity, streamlining production processes and cutting operational costs.

[Read more…] about ASTI Mobile Robotics seals investment deal to accelerate growth 

ZF invests €800 million in Saarbrücken plant in Germany

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Over the next four years, ZF will invest €800 million in its Saarbrücken site in Germany, the lead location of ZF’s transmission technology, in production plants and systems, infrastructure, and its supplier network for the transition from conventional to electric car drives.

“The share of hybrid drives in production will increase tenfold over the next few years – from five to 50 percent,” said Wolf-Henning Scheider, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

ZF is investing more than €3 billion worldwide in new products and its production network for transmission technology.
[Read more…] about ZF invests €800 million in Saarbrücken plant in Germany

Robotiq raises $30 million in funding from Battery Ventures

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Robotiq, a provider of end effectors and software for the collaborative robotics market, has raised $31 million (Canadian) in funding from global investment firm Battery Ventures.

It is the company’s first round of institutional financing. As part of the transaction, Battery General partner Jesse Feldman, who specializes in industrial-technology investments, will join Robotiq’s board.

Robotiq – which makes equipment including specially designed “grippers” – says it will use the new money for product development, international expansion and enhanced support of its partner ecosystem.  [Read more…] about Robotiq raises $30 million in funding from Battery Ventures

IAM Robotics raises $20 million to expand market for its mobile picking robot

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IAM Robotics has raised $20 million from an investor called KCK to expand the market for its “Swift” system.

IAM claims Swift is “the world’s most advanced autonomous mobile picking robot”.

IAM says it is responding to the growing need for flexible automation systems in logistics environments.  [Read more…] about IAM Robotics raises $20 million to expand market for its mobile picking robot

Opinion: China’s ‘three-layered duality’ continues to evolve

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By Edward Tse, Gao Feng Advisory

The past 40 years of reform and liberalization have brought incredible changes and progress to China, turning the image of the country upside down, from a planned economy to one of the world’s most dynamic business landscapes.

Along the way, China has evolved its own development path, without consciously knowing it. At the top, the central government’s guidance is setting goals and directions for the country.

At the grassroots level, private-sector entrepreneurs have re-emerged and become a major force in driving the growth of China.   [Read more…] about Opinion: China’s ‘three-layered duality’ continues to evolve

Sarcos Robotics raises $30 million in new funding

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Sarcos Robotics, which specializes in making exoskeletons for industry, has raised $30 million in new funding.

The new Series B funding is from a consortium of investors co-led by DIG Investment and Alex Brown & Sons.

Each of the company’s Series A investors also participated in this round, including Caterpillar Ventures, Cottonwood Technology Fund, GE Ventures, Microsoft, Schlumberger and Sarcos’ chairman and CEO, Ben Wolff.  [Read more…] about Sarcos Robotics raises $30 million in new funding

Schaefer invests in DS Automation and expands AGV development

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SSI Schaefer says it is expanding its development activity in the area of automated guided vehicles through an investment in DS Automation.

The company says it is doing this “in order to meet the increasing demand for AGVs”.

Schaefer is expanding its product portfolio through co-operation with, and investment in, the Austrian AGV specialist DS Automation.  [Read more…] about Schaefer invests in DS Automation and expands AGV development

United Technologies to invest $15 billion in US over next five years

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United Technologies says it plans to hire 35,000 people and make investments of more than $15 billion in research and development and capital expenditures in the United States over the next five years.

The company also launched a dedicated site to highlight its investments in the US: www.utcinvestingintheusa.com.

Gregory J. Hayes, chairman & CEO, United Technologies Corporation, says: “United Technologies is growing globally and growing the fastest in the United States.  [Read more…] about United Technologies to invest $15 billion in US over next five years