Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

logistics

How Can Robots Help to Improve Efficiency in Logistics Operations?

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This is a big question for the logistics industry, is it possible to improve efficiency with robotics in the logistics industry?

Well, the answer to this question is not simple because logistics is different from other industries, and unlike other industries, it is not always clear how robots can offer their services in the logistics process.

But we are seeing an increase in the number of robots being used in the logistics industry which means that after all, robots can offer their services in this industry. [Read more…] about How Can Robots Help to Improve Efficiency in Logistics Operations?

Geek+ implements first moving solutions project in Italy with Life365

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Geek+, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, and an Italian third-party logistics provider, Life365, have implemented mobile robots to speed up operations.

Based in Forlì, an important logistics hub in the heart of Romagna, Life365 has more than 20 years’ experience in the field of. The company has chosen Geek+’s automation to advance their business and take on larger competitors.

The solution Geek+ developed to handle operations in Life365’s warehouse revolves around a fleet of M200C moving robots that transfer office supplies smartphones, and other high-tech products through the facility and on their way to customers around Italy. [Read more…] about Geek+ implements first moving solutions project in Italy with Life365

Robotics-as-a-Service market growing in the logistics industry

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Between 6 percent and 8 percent of total revenue in the mobile robotics for logistics market comes from Robotics-as-a-Service, according to research company IDTechEx.

X-as-a-Service business models are now commonplace in the industry, involving the delivery of a specific service rather than a product to perform the service.

The most significant change in models such as this is the replacement of a proportionally very large up-front product price with a billing structure that is based on the services performed as the product itself. [Read more…] about Robotics-as-a-Service market growing in the logistics industry

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

Amazon launches $1 billion industrial innovation fund

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Amazon is investing $1 billion into the industrial sector to “spur supply chain, fulfillment, and logistics innovation and further improve the customer and employee experience”.

The $1 billion venture investment program is called the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund (AIIF).

As customers increasingly shop online and look for even faster delivery, Amazon says it is continuing to invent new ways to raise the bar on customer and employee experience while working with other companies focused on those fields. [Read more…] about Amazon launches $1 billion industrial innovation fund

Gatik and ChargePoint partner to develop charging network for electric autonomous trucks

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ChargePoint, a leading electric vehicle charging network, and autonomous truck developer Gatik have agreed a strategic partnership to develop an electric ecosystem for autonomous vehicles.

The companies say the ecosystem will be designed to maximize sustainability, operational efficiency and economics for ChargePoint and Gatik’s customers across North America.

Through the partnership, infrastructure and integrated services will play a significant role in helping to decarbonize the B2B short-haul logistics sector and will offer a simple and seamless solution to help Gatik and ChargePoint’s customers meet their corporate sustainability goals. [Read more…] about Gatik and ChargePoint partner to develop charging network for electric autonomous trucks

ZF partners with Embotech to develop freight yard automation systems

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ZF, one of the world’s largest automotive systems suppliers, has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Embotech, a developer of autonomous vehicle software.

The companies have agreed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly develop fully autonomous systems for commercial vehicle yard operations.

The partnership aims to enhance the operational safety and productivity of distribution hubs and yards. [Read more…] about ZF partners with Embotech to develop freight yard automation systems

iFollow to showcase its ‘slimline’ autonomous mobile robots at IntraLogisteX

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iFollow will be showcasing its “premium, slimline autonomous mobile robots” at IntraLogisteX 2022, which takes place at the CBS Arena, Coventry on 29-30 March 2022.

Frazer Watson, UK-Ireland country manager at iFollow, says: “IntraLogisteX provides the perfect opportunity to meet the iFollow team on Stand 130.

“We will be discussing the latest agile automated intralogistics techniques involving robots for a broad range of applications in different sectors including grocery, manufacturing and logistics. We look forward to meeting you there.” [Read more…] about iFollow to showcase its ‘slimline’ autonomous mobile robots at IntraLogisteX

FedEx installs sorting robot from DoraBot at e-commerce facility

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FedEx Express, a division of global logistics giant FedEx, has installed a sorting robot called “DoraSorter” from a company called DoraBot at one of its facilities in China.

Dorabot, a specialist robotics solution provider for logistics, launched DoraSorter – an AI-powered intelligent sorting robot – in collaboration with FedEx Express.

The sorting robot represents FedEx Express’ latest push in digitizing its operations and building a smart logistics network to handle the ever-growing volumes of e-commerce-related shipments in the region. [Read more…] about FedEx installs sorting robot from DoraBot at e-commerce facility

Opinion: How to double up grocery logistics productivity with autonomous mobile robots

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With growing labour availability issues, how can grocery logistics operations significantly boost performance? Vincent Jacquemart, CEO at French autonomous mobile robot designer and manufacturer iFollow, offers a solution.

Faced with the likelihood of long term staff shortages and resulting rises in pay rates, warehouse and distribution centre operators in grocery and many other sectors are turning sometimes belatedly to automation. This is certainly an option but not all solutions deliver really significant productivity improvements.

Labour shortages in logistics have been building for some years, by no means just because of Brexit, and the inability to fulfil orders reliably is becoming an existential threat for many firms.

Logistics UK in October claimed that “13 percent of traders are reporting severe warehouse staff shortages”; in November the Cold Chain Federation noted “10 percent to 20 percent shortage rates” among its members. [Read more…] about Opinion: How to double up grocery logistics productivity with autonomous mobile robots