Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

logistics robots

HRG Robotics to develop logistics robots with Ground Inc

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

GreyOrange launches new AI for logistics robots and warehouse automation

by

Automation and robotics company GreyOrange has released its next-generation software platform, GreyMatter, which features artificial intelligence.

The company made the announcement at the launch of the latest warehouse of the Nitori, said to be Japan’s largest furniture and home furnishing chain with over 400 stores.

The Butler robotics system from GreyOrange is being used at the Osaka centre of Home Logistics, a logistics subsidiary of Nitori which operates 34 distribution bases and a logistics network for product delivery to stores and e-commerce customers across Japan.  [Read more…] about GreyOrange launches new AI for logistics robots and warehouse automation

Fetch Robotics raises $25 million in investment round led by Sway Ventures

by

Fetch Robotics, a provider of a range of warehouse automation and logistics robot solutions, has raised $25 million in Series B funding.

The round was led by Sway Ventures with participation from existing investors O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures, Shasta Ventures and SoftBank Group US.

The Series B round brings Fetch Robotics’ total funding to date to $48 million.  [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics raises $25 million in investment round led by Sway Ventures

Alibaba to invest $15 billion into robotic logistics infrastructure

by

 

Alibaba is planning to invest $15 billion into developing a robotic logistics infrastructure, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

Alibaba is said to be the world’s largest e-commerce company, mainly concentrating on the business-to-business sector rather than retail, but until now, it has relied on outside companies to provide its logistics.

Now, the company has invested an additional $801 million to buy a controlling stake in Cainiao Smart Logistics.  [Read more…] about Alibaba to invest $15 billion into robotic logistics infrastructure

Mitsubishi might invest $20 million in GreyOrange Robotics

by

 

Mitsubishi Electric is reportedly planning to invest almost $20 million into GreyOrange Robotics.

GreyOrange is a startup company developing robotics and automation systems for the logistics industry, particularly warehouse automation systems integrating robots, and has been growing fast, according to a story on EconomicTimes.com.

The investment would lead to a valuation for GreyOrange of an amount between $300 million and $500 million.  [Read more…] about Mitsubishi might invest $20 million in GreyOrange Robotics