Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

logistics robots

NEC develops AI robot control technology for safe navigation in obstacle-rich environments

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NEC has developed technology that utilizes AI to enable safe, efficient autonomous control of robot movement even in complex environments with many obstacles.

NEC’s in-house demonstrations of this technology have confirmed that a robot’s travel time can be reduced by “up to 50 percent when compared to conventional methods”.

This new technology utilizes NEC’s proprietary AI, which has been trained with the knowledge of multiple AIs, to generate optimal travel paths in real time. NEC aims to commercialize this technology by the end of fiscal 2026. [Read more…] about NEC develops AI robot control technology for safe navigation in obstacle-rich environments

Dexterity and Kawaski partner to produce ‘world’s first intelligent robot arm’

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Dexterity, a specialist in physical AI and robotics, has agreed a strategic partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, one of the world’s largest robotic arm manufacturing companies, to produce high-performance robot arms for Dexterity’s hardware platform: the Mech.

The Mech is a roving, two-armed robot designed from the ground up to embody Physical AI in industrial applications. And it is being described by the companies as “the world’s first intelligent robot arm designed for warehouse applications”.

Its roving base enables it to go where large enterprises need heavy lifting of a wide range of goods, and its lightweight but powerful, dual arm design enables it to pick and pack goods at the speed of operations – and beyond. [Read more…] about Dexterity and Kawaski partner to produce ‘world’s first intelligent robot arm’

UPS explores use of humanoid robots from Figure AI to alleviate problems caused by labor shortages

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UPS, one of the world’s largest logistics companies, is in talks with robotics startup Figure AI to explore the potential deployment of humanoid robots in its logistics operations, according to Bloomberg, in what could become a significant milestone in warehouse automation.

The robots under discussion are Figure AI’s flagship model, the Figure 02 – a bipedal, AI-powered humanoid standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and capable of lifting up to 20 kilograms.

Designed to operate in environments built for humans, the robot is intended to perform physically repetitive tasks such as lifting, sorting, and transporting packages. [Read more…] about UPS explores use of humanoid robots from Figure AI to alleviate problems caused by labor shortages

Media company brings in AGVs from ek robotics to handle supply and disposal of printing machines

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More and more companies are relying on automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in intralogistics to increase efficiency and meet challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers.

This is also the case at GGP Media, in Pößneck, Thuringia, which produces high-quality print and digital publications.

In view of the shortage of skilled workers and rising costs, GGP Media decided to use an AGV in March 2024, which has been in 24-hour operation ever since. [Read more…] about Media company brings in AGVs from ek robotics to handle supply and disposal of printing machines

HRG Robotics to develop logistics robots with Ground Inc

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HIT Robot Group one of China’s leading robot manufacturers, has been showcasing more than 20 industrial robots at the 20th China International Industry Fair in Shanghai, a major event for industrial equipment manufacturers in China.

Among the systems on show were “logistics robots”, says HRG.

According to the 2018 Analysis Report On the Robotics Industry In China which analyzed the latest trends and challenges of the robotics industry, China has a booming industrial robot industry with a growing demand for automated logistics solutions.

In 2017, the total volume of logistics robots sold was about 12,900 units, representing 103 percent year-on-year growth. E-commerce giants such as JD.com, Alibaba, and Suning have adopted logistics robots to meet their needs of warehousing and distribution.  [Read more…] about HRG Robotics to develop logistics robots with Ground Inc

Fast-growing sectors within robotics and automation

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If we were to think of robotics and automation as one industry – which we at this website in fact do – we could argue that it’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the world right now.

Certainly if we were to include software automation systems – such as robotic process automation – it would probably be the biggest.

But Robotics and Automation News tends to concentrate on physical machines – such as robotic arms or autonomous vehicles – which can be seen in a typical manufacturing or logistics facility.

And we try and understand what other sectors are most closely related to robotics and automation – manufacturing and logistics being two obvious ones.

[Read more…] about Fast-growing sectors within robotics and automation

Seat shows off intralogistics robots at Spain factory

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Automaker Seat, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, has been showing off its autonomous and collaborative intralogistics robots at its factory in Martorell, in Spain. 

The company uses 125 automated guided vehicles at the Martorell facility, and the robots share the workspace with 7,000 human employees.

As such, Seat – and others – call these vehicles collaborative robots, because they work alongside humans (video below).

The internal logistics robots were manufactured by a company called Kivnon. Other robotic and autonomous logistics vehicles at the Martorell plant are from Aristeril and Rari.

[Read more…] about Seat shows off intralogistics robots at Spain factory

After the hype of 2017, the real business could be done in 2018

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There’s always been a lot of hype surrounding robotics and automation, and it’s been the subject of many a classic work of science fiction. 

What’s fascinating about sci-fi is that often what is fiction today ends up being fact of life tomorrow.

Whatever the hype, however, this year is likely to be an extremely important year for the robotics and automation industry.  [Read more…] about After the hype of 2017, the real business could be done in 2018

Canvas Technology raises $15 million to further develop its logistics robots

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Canvas Technology says it has raised $15 million to accelerate the development of its autonomous robotic systems for the logistics sector. 

Canvas says its Series A financing was led by Playground Global, with participation from previous investors, including Xplorer Capital, AME Cloud Ventures and Morado Ventures.

Canvas Technology has built an autonomous system for movement of mobile vehicles in factories and warehouses. It also offers a cart (main picture). [Read more…] about Canvas Technology raises $15 million to further develop its logistics robots

Vecna Robotics wins DHL logistics automation competition

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Vecna Robotics, a provider of robotic material handling autonomous ground vehicles, has been awarded first place in the DHL and Dell Robotics Mobile Picking Challenge 2017.

The event was held last week at the DHL Innovation Center in Troisdorf, Germany.

The challenge required a mobile robot capable of navigating traditional warehouse shelves, and picking boxes and totes.  [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics wins DHL logistics automation competition