Robotics & Automation News

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logistics automation

NūMove introduces an innovative robot tool for layer picking automation

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NūMove Robotics & Vision has introduced its latest innovation in robotics: a newly designed layer depalletizing tool engineered for enhanced adaptability and performance in high-throughput logistics environments. This improved robot tool enables efficient depalletizing of both single-SKU and rainbow pallets.

This new end-of-arm tool for depalletizing represents a significant advancement over NūMove’s previous models that relied solely on suction and forks. The latest design integrates three complementary gripping mechanisms – suction, clamping, and bottom forks – enabling the robot to securely handle a broader range of packaging types and formats.

These include closed cases, open cases, wrapped or unwrapped trays, and carton boxes in a tray. To avoid product damage, sensors verify that the layer is properly lifted before the bottom forks are extended. [Read more…] about NūMove introduces an innovative robot tool for layer picking automation

From Pilot to Production: Autonomous Trucking Explained

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Autonomous trucking is starting to look less like a science project and more like an operating model. The hard part is no longer only the driving system itself.

The real work is building everything around it: how freight is booked, how vehicles are supported in the field, how safety cases are proven, how regulations are implemented, and how uptime is protected when the unexpected happens.

In a recent industry interview, a major truck manufacturer’s autonomy division described its position as already operating commercially and focused on scaling through partnerships, production integration, and an ecosystem approach rather than treating autonomy as a side experiment. [Read more…] about From Pilot to Production: Autonomous Trucking Explained

MIT alumni build robots that spare warehouse workers the heavy lifting

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By Zach Winn, MIT News

Founded by MIT alumni, the Pickle Robot Company has developed machines that can autonomously load and unload trucks inside warehouses and logistic centers.

There are some jobs human bodies just weren’t meant to do. Unloading trucks and shipping containers is a repetitive, grueling task – and a big reason warehouse injury rates are more than twice the national average.

The Pickle Robot Company wants its machines to do the heavy lifting. The company’s one-armed robots autonomously unload trailers, picking up boxes weighing up to 50 pounds and placing them onto onboard conveyor belts for warehouses of all types.

The company name, an homage to The Apple Computer Company, hints at the ambitions of founders AJ Meyer ’09, Ariana Eisenstein ’15, SM ’16, and Dan Paluska ’97, SM ’00. The founders want to make the company the technology leader for supply chain automation. [Read more…] about MIT alumni build robots that spare warehouse workers the heavy lifting

New MIT-Mecalux study finds ‘AI now embedded in 60 percent of warehouses’

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Research from Mecalux and the MIT Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab, based on a survey of 2,000+ logistics leaders, shows rapid automation and AI adoption, 2-3 year payback periods and rising demand for high-skill warehouse roles.

As retailers brace for the annual surge of Black Friday demand, a new study from Mecalux and the MIT Intelligent Logistics Systems (ILS) Lab at MIT’s Center for Transportation and Logistics reveals that the warehouses powering today’s global supply chains have entered a new era of intelligence.

The research, drawing on responses from over 2,000 supply chain and warehousing professionals across 21 countries, shows that artificial intelligence and machine learning are no longer experimental tools but core drivers of productivity, accuracy and workforce evolution. [Read more…] about New MIT-Mecalux study finds ‘AI now embedded in 60 percent of warehouses’

DHL boosts operational efficiency and customer communications with HappyRobot’s AI Agents

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DHL Group, the world’s largest logistics company, is accelerating its enterprise-wide AI strategy through a new partnership between its contract logistics division, DHL Supply Chain, and the AI startup HappyRobot.

The collaboration marks a significant step in deploying agentic AI to streamline operational communication and enhance both customer experience and employee engagement.

DHL Supply Chain has already successfully utilized HappyRobot’s AI agents across several regions and use cases, including appointment scheduling, driver follow-up calls, and high-priority warehouse coordination. These agents autonomously handle phone and email interactions, enabling faster, more consistent, and scalable communication. [Read more…] about DHL boosts operational efficiency and customer communications with HappyRobot’s AI Agents

Amazon unveils new robotic arms and agentic AI system for its fulfillment operations

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Amazon has revealed two major innovations designed to enhance its fulfillment and operations network: a new robotics system called Blue Jay and an agentic artificial-intelligence model known as Project Eluna.

These technologies aim to reduce repetitive tasks, improve safety and support employee decision-making, while further accelerating delivery performance across Amazon’s network.

According to Amazon, Blue Jay is a ceiling-mounted automation system that synchronises multiple robotic arms in a single station to carry out picking, stowing, and consolidation processes that previously would have required separate robotic stations. [Read more…] about Amazon unveils new robotic arms and agentic AI system for its fulfillment operations

Locus Robotics reports ‘record growth achieving 6 billion picks in fastest time yet’

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Locus Robotics, a provider of AI-driven, mobile warehouse automation, has announced its “strongest growth” over the past two quarters, reflecting accelerating industry adoption of Physical AI, seamlessly fusing intelligent robotics and real-world execution.

Driven by surging implementations and faster time-to-value for customers, Locus Robotics says it recently “surpassed 6 billion picks worldwide”, with the last billion in just 24 weeks – the fastest pace in its history.

Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, says: “Our growth is driven by our customers’ success. Retailers, 3PLs, and healthcare providers are seeing measurable impact faster than ever – scaling productivity in weeks, not months. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics reports ‘record growth achieving 6 billion picks in fastest time yet’

Starship Technologies raises $50 million Series C to scale autonomous delivery across US cities

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Starship Technologies, one of the world’s largest autonomous delivery companies with over 9 million deliveries across seven nations, has announced the successful completion of a $50 million funding round led by Plural.

The company, founded by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, has now raised more than $280 million in total funding to replicate its success in European cities and US university campuses across American urban markets.

Starship operates at absolute commercial scale with a track record no competitor can match. Having proven autonomous delivery works across multiple European urban markets and US university campuses, the company is now positioned to transform American urban logistics. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies raises $50 million Series C to scale autonomous delivery across US cities

Kollmorgen and ifm partner to improve pallet handling with smart automation

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Kollmorgen has announced a collaboration with sensor specialist ifm to tackle one of the persistent challenges in warehouses: misaligned pallets disrupting automated workflows.

In many logistics and production sites, manually placed pallets can be slightly off-coordinate, causing problems for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that depend on precise positioning.

These errors can result in failed docking attempts, delays, and reduced productivity. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen and ifm partner to improve pallet handling with smart automation

Universal Robots launches new collaborative robot

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Universal Robots, the world’s leading collaborative robot (cobot) company, has expanded its UR Series with the launch of the UR18, an industrial collaborative robot designed to deliver both power and speed in a compact form.

With a 950 mm reach, payload capacity for larger end effectors, and motion speeds up to 4 m/s, the UR18 is ideal for fast-paced pick-and-place, assembly, and material handling in industries such as logistics, automotive, and food and beverage.

Its lightweight 39 kg design makes installation simple on most standard gantry systems, enabling flexible mounting without costly infrastructure changes. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches new collaborative robot