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Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs

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Machina Labs has completed an investment by Lockheed Martin Ventures (LMV), the venture arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global security and aerospace company.

Machina Labs combines AI and robotics to rapidly manufacture advanced sheet metal products. This latest funding brings the total raised by Machina Labs to $21.8 million.

The investment will be used to accelerate company growth to meet customer demand, and to expand R&D into additional processes and metallurgical offerings. [Read more…] about Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs

Hyundai establishes Boston Dynamics AI Institute

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Hyundai Motor Group have launched the Boston Dynamics AI Institute, with the goal of making fundamental advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and intelligent machines.

Hyundai and Boston Dynamics will make an initial investment of more than $400 million in the new Institute, which will be led by Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics.

As a research-first organization, the Institute will work on solving the most important and difficult challenges facing the creation of advanced robots. [Read more…] about Hyundai establishes Boston Dynamics AI Institute

Abundant Robots launches to help farmers streamline harvesting process

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Abundant Robots, a startup automating the apple harvesting process to deliver high-quality produce to consumers, has launched to raise up to $20 million in seed capital via equity crowdfunding site WAX.

The launch comes just weeks after the corporate innovation venture studio and startup incubator Wavemaker Labs Asia (agtech-focused division of Wavemaker Labs’ overall brand) purchased Abundant Robotics’ intellectual property.

This acquisition is part of Wavermaker Labs’ larger strategy to bring intelligent automation solutions to market and help shape a future of food that is more efficient and sustainable, and is filled with prosperity, thoughtful sourcing and improved food quality from seed to fork. [Read more…] about Abundant Robots launches to help farmers streamline harvesting process

Sunflower Labs provides its security drone system to range of new customers

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Sunflower Labs, a provider of autonomous security systems, has installed its Beehive System to its partners’ facilities.

The customers include ADT, 10 Federal Self Storage, Swiss Federal Railways, Security Robotics Development & Solutions, and Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Sunflower Labs’ Beehive System is a drone-in-a-box solution that can enhance and extend any security or video surveillance system. The Beehive system consists of a fully autonomous drone called the Bee and a compact base station called the Hive. [Read more…] about Sunflower Labs provides its security drone system to range of new customers

Sfera Labs unveils ‘first’ industrial programmable I/O module based on new Raspberry Pi microcontroller

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Sfera Labs has introduced the first industrial product based on the new Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller chip – a few months after its release.

The Iono RP is a compact programmable I/O module that combines the ease of use of the Raspberry Pi with a wide choice of digital and analog input and output interfaces.

The result is a rugged, safe, reliable, and easy-to-connect module – fully CE, FCC, and IC compliant – suited for installation in industrial and residential environments. [Read more…] about Sfera Labs unveils ‘first’ industrial programmable I/O module based on new Raspberry Pi microcontroller

Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has established something it calls “Blue Labs”, a research and development group to further the company’s technical progress.

With an in-house team of innovators in mobile automation building upon Seegrid’s proprietary, artificial intelligence technologies, the company will accelerate its expanding footprint throughout the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics sectors it serves.

This year the company has launched multiple new automated workflows for its fleet of Palion AMRs along with a cloud-based data analytics platform, and has been heavily focused on faster development of new products and rapid expansion of its product offering. [Read more…] about Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

Ahold Delhaize expands micro-fulfillment with Swisslog and AutoStore

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Ahold Delhaize is expanding its micro-fulfillment capabilities as part of its omnichannel supply chain using warehouse automation technology from Swisslog and AutoStore.

Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, is the parent company for Ahold Delhaize’s US companies, including its local brands, which comprise:

  • Food Lion;
  • Giant Food;
  • The Giant Company;
  • Hannaford and Stop & Shop;
  • Retail Business Services, a US support services company providing services to the brands; and
  • Peapod Digital Labs, its digital, e-commerce and commercial engine.

When considered together, the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest grocery retail group in the nation, operating more than 2,000 stores and distribution centers across more than 20 states and serving millions of customers each week through a wide variety of store formats with thousands of food and non-food items. [Read more…] about Ahold Delhaize expands micro-fulfillment with Swisslog and AutoStore

Stäubli expands robotics solutions for life sciences market

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Stäubli Robotics says it is expanding the robotics solutions the company offers to the life sciences market.

The Covid-19 crisis has spurred life sciences labs to ramp up output at warp speed – and Stäubli Robotics says it is helping to meet critical needs.

As the challenges multiply and pressure mounts, Stäubli Robotics is actively expanding its offerings to the life sciences market, including a full range of flexible and collaborative robotic arms and mobility solutions. [Read more…] about Stäubli expands robotics solutions for life sciences market

Spacetime Labs and Small Robot Company to develop swarm robotics for agri-business in Latin America

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SpaceTime Labs and Small Robot Company are partnering to co-develop swarms of fourth generation autonomous aerial and terrestrial robots to “transform” Latin American agriculture with “per plant farming solutions”.

The strategic partnership will focus on co-developing an on the ground, end-to-end “per plant” planting, weeds, pests and disease management and nutrition management “farming as a service” value propositions delivered through an integrated delivery “sense-predict-act” value chain for all key commercial crops in Latin America.

The companies will work with leading Brazilian and Argentinian farmers to prototype, test and scale Per Plant Farming – maximising yields whilst reducing the impact on the environment. [Read more…] about Spacetime Labs and Small Robot Company to develop swarm robotics for agri-business in Latin America

Comau establishes ‘highly specialised’ robotic laser labs

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Comau, an industrial automation specialist, has created what it describes as “highly specialized laser laboratories”.

The company says they are designed to support customers as they develop, implement and optimize the laser processes involved in constructing and assembling e-motors and batteries.

Comau now has two labs in Grugliasco, Turin – one specialized in batteries and the other dedicated to e-motors, together with additional labs in Shanghai and Detroit. [Read more…] about Comau establishes ‘highly specialised’ robotic laser labs