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Telexistence to install AI re-stocking robots in 300 convenience stores across Japan

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Telexistence has started the mass production of its originally developed artificial intelligence robot, TX SCARA, to be installed in 300 FamilyMart stores, Japan’s top-tier convenience store chain in major metropolitan areas, starting later this month, validating its AI-based “robot-as-a-service” solution for grocery retailers.

TX SCARA was created to do the specific task of restocking refrigerated shelves with bottles and cans, a repetitive, tedious job generally performed by employees in often uncomfortable settings.

TX SCARA can be in operation 24/7, replenishing shelves at a pace of up to 1,000 bottles and cans per day, relying almost completely on its AI system – known as “GORDON” – to know when and where products need to be placed on the shelves. [Read more…] about Telexistence to install AI re-stocking robots in 300 convenience stores across Japan

SafeAI and Obayashi demonstrate autonomous vehicle on a construction site in Japan

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SafeAI, a developer of autonomous solutions for heavy equipment, in partnership with Japanese construction giant Obayashi, has hosted nearly 150 visitors to view its retrofitted autonomous Caterpillar 725, operating on a construction site in Japan for the first time ever.

The demos, which took place over a two week period, brought together delegates from nearly 50 organizations across the construction industry ecosystem, including leading OEM, general contractors, technology companies, universities and research groups and Japanese government entities responsible for regulation.

In addition to winning buy-in from key stakeholders, the demos mark a critical first step toward securing approval from the government and industry organizations to bring autonomous construction to Japan. [Read more…] about SafeAI and Obayashi demonstrate autonomous vehicle on a construction site in Japan

Hai Robotics raises more than $100 million in D+ financing round

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Hai Robotics, the developer of its own Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems for warehouse logistics, has raised more than $100 million in a D+ round of financing.

The lead investor is Capital Today, and co-investors include a top US dollar fund and existing shareholders including 5Y Capital, Source Code Capital, Sequoia Capital and 01VC.

This is the third round of financing it has obtained within the past 12 months. [Read more…] about Hai Robotics raises more than $100 million in D+ financing round

Skyports partners with Park24 to develop vertiport infrastructure

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Air taxi vertiport developer and operator, Skyports, and Japan’s largest parking lot and car sharing operator, Park24, have signed an agreement to explore the development and integration of vertiport infrastructure of “advanced air mobility” (AAM) into Park24’s parking and car sharing network.

The agreement also involves partners including Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance, a Japanese general insurance company, and Kanematsu Corporation.

Aioi Nissay Dowa provides and arranges insurance for ground infrastructure and related air mobility services and aim to develop a mobility as a service that seamlessly integrates air and land. [Read more…] about Skyports partners with Park24 to develop vertiport infrastructure

Industrial robotics market set to grow more than 10 percent a year, says report

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The global market for industrial robots is set to grow by more than 10 percent a year, according to a new study by Market Research Future.

MRF’s report, Industrial Robotics Market information by Type, by End-Users, by Application and Region – forecast to 2027, says the sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.32 percent by 2026.

Industrial robotics are robotic systems designed to work mainly on assembly lines. The report covers trends in manufacturing and opportunities for the industry for the forecast period (2020-2027). [Read more…] about Industrial robotics market set to grow more than 10 percent a year, says report

Realtime Robotics opens Japan office

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Realtime Robotics, a developer of autonomous motion planning systems for industrial robots, has opened a new office in Japan to meet the growing demand it has experienced in the region. The new office, located in Tokyo, in the Shinagawa area, will be publicly opening on October 1.

Manufacturing, logistics and automotive companies throughout the region have been looking to accelerate their adoption of industrial robotics to enhance productivity and answer labor shortages. Many have turned to Realtime Robotics to help them remove engineering complexity, reduce cycle time, lower expenses and establish greater operational efficiency.

With the opening of the new office’s lab and demonstration space, these companies will be able to directly collaborate with Realtime Robotics’ team and better understand how the company’s technology works. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics opens Japan office

Norway prime minister officially opens AutoStore Innovation Hub

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AutoStore, the leading robotic technology company, has created a pioneering test facility that can allow for faster fitting of automated systems for its clients to keep up with order demand.

Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg (pictured below cutting ribbon), was said to be “deeply impressed” by AutoStore’s success when she officially opened the new test center and had it demonstrated.

As she officially opened the Innovation Hub, Solberg said: “AutoStore is a guiding star showing the way towards growth for the Norwegian private sector.” [Read more…] about Norway prime minister officially opens AutoStore Innovation Hub

China has more industrial robots than next four countries combined

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China has more industrial robots than next four countries put together, according to a new report. 

Data presented by Buy Shares indicates that China, Japan, and the United States cumulatively control about 58.71 percent of the global industrial robot installations.

As of September 2020, there were 381,000 units of industrial robots globally. [Read more…] about China has more industrial robots than next four countries combined

SkyDrive launches ‘world’s smallest flying car’

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A Japanese startup company called SkyDrive has unveiled what it claims is the world’s smallest flying car. (See video below.)

Designed to carry one person, the vehicle could be said to be the aerial equivalent of a motorcycle.

SkyDrive says it can put the what we’ll call the “airbike” into mass production in just two years’ time, by which time there should be more regulations about aerial vehicles. [Read more…] about SkyDrive launches ‘world’s smallest flying car’

Japanese government urged to establish industrial espionage unit

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The Japanese government is being urged to establish an industrial espionage unit to try and stop spies stealing secrets relating to advanced technologies being developed by successful companies in the country. 

According to a report on the Nikkei Asian Review website, the Liberal Democratic Party, led by current Japanese President Shinzō Abe, is formulating a list of recommendations aimed at preventing industrial espionage against Japanese companies.

As quoted by Nikkei, Akira Amari, one of the LDP’s leading members, says: “The need for intelligence capabilities is broadening beyond sensitive military-related information to a wide range of private-sector data.” [Read more…] about Japanese government urged to establish industrial espionage unit