Robotics & Automation News

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last mile

Clevon collaborates with ZF to orchestrate driverless last-mile delivery fleets

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Clevon, an Estonia-based autonomous delivery vehicles innovator, and ZF, a giant German automotive technology company, have agreed a strategic collaboration that brings together Clevon’s Autonomous Robotic Carrier technology and ZF Scalar, a real-time AI-based fleet orchestration platform. 

Clevon and ZF are joining forces to accelerate the deployment of efficient and integrated next-generation last-mile delivery services using driverless carriers in urban and on-yard environments.

Sander Sebastian Agur, CEO of Clevon, says: “Clevon is making driverless deliveries happen already today. We are active in the US, Belgium, Lithuania, and Estonia. [Read more…] about Clevon collaborates with ZF to orchestrate driverless last-mile delivery fleets

Locus launches new system for optimizing e-commerce delivery schedules

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Locus, a technology company developing solutions for last-mile logistics (not to be confused with Locus Robotics), has launched its Delivery Linked Checkout, a “first-of-its-kind” integrated capability that enables retail businesses to achieve profitability in their last-mile logistics.

By deploying this new feature, retailers can deliver orders on customer-preferred timelines while maintaining optimal capacity and service efficiencies.

The surge in e-commerce deliveries, coupled with the heightened customer expectations for more efficient and predictable delivery options, has added yet another layer to last-mile complexities. [Read more…] about Locus launches new system for optimizing e-commerce delivery schedules

Michigan awards $260,000 in grants to mobility technology companies

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The state of Michigan has announced that three companies will receive $260,000 in total funding through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) to test and deploy mobility projects across the state.

With these grants, Michigan will enable new mobility solutions that help address challenges related to school bus emissions, decaying mobility infrastructure and last-mile deliveries, all while reducing on-road miles, emissions, traffic, accidents and noise.

Lt Governor Garlin Gilchrist II says: “Shaping the next generation of mobility solutions means developing more than just automobiles. It means future-proofing our roads and bridges, as well as ensuring that our alternate and last-mile mobility solutions can support the areas where we live, work, visit and play. [Read more…] about Michigan awards $260,000 in grants to mobility technology companies

Auve Tech launches new generation self-driving vehicle

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Estonian company Auve Tech has launched a new generation self-driving vehicle.

MiCa is the latest self-driving shuttle from Auve Tech, which specializes in developing and producing autonomous vehicles.

The startup says MiCa takes safety, practicality and self-driving to “a new level” and allows autonomous driving in various weather and traffic conditions. [Read more…] about Auve Tech launches new generation self-driving vehicle

Locus granted patent for machine learning models to ‘accurately predict traffic time’ for last-mile deliveries

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Locus, a logistics software technology company (not to be confused with Locus Robotics), has been awarded a patent for “Machine Learning Models for Predicting Time in Traffic”, the second patent awarded to the company in 2022.

Predictability of last-mile deliveries is a logistical challenge that continues to affect businesses across various sectors such as e-commerce, 3PLs, and so on.

Locus’ new patent will enable enterprises to achieve better precision in their last-mile deliveries by factoring in traffic patterns, which have historically been considered too dynamic to map. [Read more…] about Locus granted patent for machine learning models to ‘accurately predict traffic time’ for last-mile deliveries

DHL begins trial runs of Cleveron’s autonomous delivery vehicle

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DHL Express has begun testing an autonomous delivery vehicle built by Estonian company Cleveron. The trials will take place in Tallin, Estonia, and use the Clevon 1 electric delivery robot, which has a 100 km range.

This is the second strategic cooperation where DHL, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, will pilot Cleveron Mobility’s unmanned robot couriers to test their use in last-mile delivery operations.

Clevon 1 will be liveried in DHL’s branding and was due to start delivering parcels by the end of July. [Read more…] about DHL begins trial runs of Cleveron’s autonomous delivery vehicle

Massive growth predicted for robotic last-mile delivery

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Worldwide robotic last-mile delivery revenues are forecasted to grow from $70 million in 2022 to $670 million in 2030.

This is according to new research from global technology intelligence firm ABI Research.

Furthermore, the value of those parcels delivered by autonomous mobile robots could reach $3.3 billion by 2030. [Read more…] about Massive growth predicted for robotic last-mile delivery

Pitney Bowes and Ambi Robotics sign $23 million deal to optimize last-mile sorting across US hubs

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Pitney Bowes, a global logistics company, and Ambi Robotics, a developer of robotic sorting systems for supply chain operations, have agreed a $23 million implementation expansion of AmbiSort systems in Pitney Bowes’ e-commerce hubs across the US.

The AI-powered robotics will help Pitney Bowes speed parcel sortation to last-mile delivery providers, while improving productivity, accuracy and worker safety as the company’s shipping and e-commerce businesses surpass 50 percent of total revenue.

Pitney Bowes will make the investment in Robot as a Service (RaaS) fees over the next four years. [Read more…] about Pitney Bowes and Ambi Robotics sign $23 million deal to optimize last-mile sorting across US hubs

Kiwibot partners with Careem for last-mile meal delivery

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Kiwibot, a autonomous last-mile delivery solution, is partnering with Careem, an online fulfillment app for the greater Middle East region.

The plan is for Kiwibot to work with Careem to autonomously fulfill local orders in Dubai.

Kiwibot has already established operations in a variety of other cities around the world, but this is the first deployment in the middle east. [Read more…] about Kiwibot partners with Careem for last-mile meal delivery

Cleveron conducts ‘world’s first’ driving exams with a driverless semi-autonomous last-mile delivery vehicle

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Cleveron, an Estonian-based technology company, partnered with LRK Driving School to conduct what they say are “the world’s first driving exams with an unmanned semi-autonomous car”.

The exams were carried out with Cleveron’s last-mile delivery vehicle Cleveron 701. All four Cleveron specialists passed the exam and received the world’s first tele-operated vehicle certificates.

To receive the certificate, drivers first had to undergo special tele-operated vehicle training, followed by field exercises and city driving, in accordance with the Estonian examination standards. [Read more…] about Cleveron conducts ‘world’s first’ driving exams with a driverless semi-autonomous last-mile delivery vehicle