Robotics & Automation News

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Carbon Robotics adds LaserThinning capability to its LaserWeeder

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Carbon Robotics, an AI and robotics company specializing in agriculture, has introduced what it says is “the industry’s first LaserThinning capability”, continuing the “rapid innovation” of its LaserWeeder system.

LaserThinning targets areas where vegetable crops are purposefully overseeded and then thinned for optimal crop spacing, growth and yield. This is particularly valuable for farmers growing any direct seeded leafy green and cole crops – such as lettuce and broccoli.

By using lasers for thinning, the new solution does not require the use of any chemicals or manual hand labor, is unaffected by wind or moisture, and can be performed during the day or night. [Read more…] about Carbon Robotics adds LaserThinning capability to its LaserWeeder

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

Berkshire Grey and Locus Robotics combine to offer ‘industry-first’ cross-platform robotic automation

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Berkshire Grey, a provider of robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, and Locus Robotics, a builder of autonomous mobile robotics for logistics and distribution warehouses, have agreed a partnership with the unveiling of their combined solution that integrates the Berkshire Grey Robotic Shuttle Put Wall (BG RSPWi) with Locus Origin and Locus Vector bots.

This “innovative integrated solution” uses end-to-end robotic automation solutions for retail and e-commerce customers looking to maximize their supply chain productivity and throughput while addressing growing labor shortages.

Ongoing labor availability and inflation challenges continue to put growing pressures on supply chain and distribution frameworks. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey and Locus Robotics combine to offer ‘industry-first’ cross-platform robotic automation

2023 Predictions & Forecasts: The future is bright machines

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Two senior executives from Bright Machines, a manufacturing automation company, give Robotics and Automation News their thoughts and forecasts for the year ahead.

The predictions offer insight on manufacturing trends, supply chain evolution, the future of automation, and more. [Read more…] about 2023 Predictions & Forecasts: The future is bright machines

2023 Predictions & Forecasts: Berkshire Grey expects RaaS to get bigger

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Insights from Chris Geyer, VP at Berkshire Grey

Since Berkshire Grey designs and deploys AI and robotics technology to Fortune100 customers like FedEx, Target and Walmart, they have an expansive view of what’s happening across retail, e-commerce, grocery, package handling and logistics industries.

Chris Geyer, vice president at Berkshire Grey, works closely with these customers on product development and implementation and is well-equipped to see what the new year has in store. [Read more…] about 2023 Predictions & Forecasts: Berkshire Grey expects RaaS to get bigger

Numina launches new automated packing and shipping system

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The Numina Group has launched Pakt, which the company describes as “a fully productized pack and ship automation solution, purpose-built for fulfillment operations”.

Pakt breaks down the financial and operational barriers to entry that have previously existed with end of line automation, reducing pack and ship labor by “70 percent and increasing throughput capacity by over 500 percent”.

In addition, Pakt seamlessly connects with any robotic fulfillment technology, completely unlocking full throughput capacity potential in the modern, e-commerce-driven, warehouse environment. [Read more…] about Numina launches new automated packing and shipping system

Addverb and Velociti Alliance partner to automate grocery intralogistics

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Automation solutions provider Addverb has agreed a new partnership with leading technology solutions provider Velociti Alliance to “bring innovative futuristic warehouse automation and robotics to the convenience store and grocery supply chain”.

Addverb’s comprehensive portfolio of Mobile Robots, ASRS, Picking Technologies, and Software, integrated with Velociti Alliance’s solutions, will enable wholesale distribution centers and warehouses to increase storage capacity and pick throughput.

As businesses continue to navigate labor and staff shortages, integrated automation solutions with Quadron, Addverb’s Carton Shuttle, and Medius, Addverb’s Multi-Level Shuttle, combined with goods-to-person stations powered by Concinity, Addverb’s WES software, can bring efficiencies up to three times more than conventional mechanized and manually operated warehouses. [Read more…] about Addverb and Velociti Alliance partner to automate grocery intralogistics

Robotics and Automation in Gardening

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Robotics and automation in gardening can be quite challenging. For example, it is possible to increase crop yields while decreasing labor costs. But this requires that robotics be built with sustainability in mind. Read this article to learn about some of the challenges robotics face in agriculture.  [Read more…] about Robotics and Automation in Gardening

How Robotics Can Help Manufacturers Solve Labor Shortages

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Manufacturing is critical to the United States and the Midwest. It’s responsible for creating jobs, supporting businesses, and generating economic growth. Manufacturing is also a key driver of innovation, helping to create new products and technologies that can improve our lives.

Nationwide, manufacturing was the fourth-largest employment sector in 2021, with more than 12 million employees. In the Midwest, it’s the largest employment sector. But like many other industries, manufacturers are facing a major challenge – a shortage of skilled workers.

Even if every skilled worker in the country was employed in manufacturing, Forbes reports there would still be 35 percent more job openings than workers capable of filling them. By 2030, Deloitte predicts the industry will be short by more than 2 million workers. [Read more…] about How Robotics Can Help Manufacturers Solve Labor Shortages

6 River Systems unveils new features for its robotic systems for warehouses

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6 River Systems (6RS), part of e-commerce platform company Shopify, has unveiled new features for its robotic fulfillment solution that enhances productivity and flexibility for warehouse operators.

Integrated with 6RS’ SaaS-based Fulfillment Execution System and autonomous mobile robot (AMR), Chuck, these new features position the company as the most configurable warehouse automation solution provider on the market.

6RS provides the “tools and insights needed to maximize operations as fulfillment speed becomes a competitive differentiator for warehouse operators and the merchants they serve”, says 6RS. [Read more…] about 6 River Systems unveils new features for its robotic systems for warehouses