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Kollmorgen performs 5G tests with Ericsson to explore autonomous mobile robot capabilities

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Motion control solutions provider Kollmorgen is currently performing 5G tests with Ericsson to explore the future capabilities of autonomous mobile robot of the type used in an increasing number of warehouses around the world.

5G can enable new levels of AI and Machine Learning, simplify requirements for infrastructure, and increase network stability – which could dramatically increase performance and cost efficiency for Kollmorgen’s partners, that today include six out of the top 10 global players in material handling, such as Toyota Material Handling, Jungheinrich, and Mitsubishi Logisnext (Rocla).

Peter Bladh, director research and development, Kollmorgen, says: “We want to continue to push the boundaries of mobile robot applications with our NDC Solutions platform. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen performs 5G tests with Ericsson to explore autonomous mobile robot capabilities

Scientists unveil robotic grippers ‘delicate enough to lift egg yolks and precise enough to lift a human hair’

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Engineering researchers from North Carolina State University have demonstrated a new type of flexible, robotic grippers that they say “are able to lift delicate egg yolks without breaking them, and that are precise enough to lift a human hair”. (See video below.)

The work has applications for both soft robotics and biomedical technologies.

The work draws on the art of kirigami, which involves both cutting and folding two-dimensional (2D) sheets of material to form three-dimensional (3D) shapes. [Read more…] about Scientists unveil robotic grippers ‘delicate enough to lift egg yolks and precise enough to lift a human hair’

Vecna Robotics raises $65 million in Series C funding

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Vecna Robotics, a provider of robotic material handling automation, has raised $65 million in its Series C funding round led by Tiger Global Management, along with additional funding from new investors Lineage Logistics, Proficio Capital Partners, and Impulse.

The new financing will help fund the company’s technology roadmap with new autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and software, and will accelerate fulfillment of new orders and expanded operations to address the $165 billion market opportunity for pallet-moving autonomy.

Craig Malloy, CEO of Vecna Robotics, says: “There is huge headroom for growth in automated material handling with over 5 billion pallets in the world being moved by more than 5 million forklifts and nearly 5 million manual operators. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics raises $65 million in Series C funding

Ouster and Vecna Robotics partner to accelerate material handling automation

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Ouster, a provider of high-resolution digital lidar sensors, has signed a strategic customer agreement with Vecna Robotics, a material handling automation company and autonomous mobile robot maker.

The agreement includes a non-binding forecast for approximately 3,000 OS digital lidar sensors through 2025 as Vecna Robotics scales production to meet increasing customer demand for warehouse and logistics automation.

Vecna Robotics plans to fuse Ouster lidar into its multi-sensor autonomy stack to equip self-driving pallet trucks, tow tractors, and lift trucks for high-capacity material handling operations. [Read more…] about Ouster and Vecna Robotics partner to accelerate material handling automation

Robotic grippers 3D-printed for packaging machines

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Plastic grippers made from 3D printing and tribofilaments from Igus are 85 percent and 70 percent cheaper than the majority of competitors in the packaging industry.

3D printing is one of the most important trends in the industry today. It allows single batches to become a reality, allowing for personalized serial production of watches, furniture, and shoes. Additive manufacturing can also be a benefit to the packaging industry.

Metal grippers can be expensive and take a long time to produce.A certain company, after trying to 3D-print grippers using standard plastics like ABS and PLA with poor results, turned to igus. [Read more…] about Robotic grippers 3D-printed for packaging machines

4 Ways Businesses Can Improve Accessibility

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These days, almost everyone relies on the World Wide Web for information, goods, and services. For this reason, businesses across all industries build online domains that draw in prospective customers quickly.

In other words, websites enable companies to create exposure for their brands and attract a more incredible following, increasing sales and revenue.

But despite the benefits of the Internet on both entrepreneurial ventures and consumers alike, many Web pages remain inaccessible to people who have disabilities. [Read more…] about 4 Ways Businesses Can Improve Accessibility

ABB and Zume to accelerate transition away from single use plastics

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ABB Robotics has signed an agreement to collaborate with California-based Zume, a global provider of innovative, compostable packaging.

ABB will supply robotic cells that will enable Zume’s production of sustainable packaging on a global scale, helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

ABB will integrate and install more than 1,000 molded fiber manufacturing cells (MFC) – including up to 2,000 robots at Zume customer’s sites worldwide over the next five years. [Read more…] about ABB and Zume to accelerate transition away from single use plastics

Construction robotics startup Kewazo raises $5 million

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Kewazo, a construction robotics startup, has closed a $5 million series A funding round, bringing the total amount raised to $9 million.

The round was led by True Ventures. Existing investor MIG AG, a Munich-based venture capital firm and one of the founding investors in BioNTech, also participated in the round.

Kewazo is digitizing construction with robotics and data analytics. The startup offers robotic material hoist LiftBot for construction sites and industrial plants. [Read more…] about Construction robotics startup Kewazo raises $5 million

Vecna Robotics and Alta Material Handling to bring ‘high-capacity autonomous mobile robots to expanded markets’

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Vecna Robotics, the autonomous mobile robot and workflow orchestration company, is partnering with Alta Material Handling.

The partnership enables Alta MH to bring the capabilities of Vecna Robotics’ high-capacity AMRs to its customers looking for highly versatile, safe and integrated pallet-handling solutions.

Over 1.8 billion pallets are in circulation in the US each day – with billions more across the globe – but less than 1 percent of the millions of material handling vehicles moving them are automated today. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics and Alta Material Handling to bring ‘high-capacity autonomous mobile robots to expanded markets’

Seegrid introduces subscription model for acquiring its robots

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has introduced a “Robots as a Service” (RaaS) subscription model.

The additional purchasing model provides customers with more alternatives to facilitate access to the latest Seegrid Palion AMR fleet and enterprise software solutions.

In addition to the new subscription model, the company will continue to offer its customers options to purchase equipment outright, as well as various leasing models. [Read more…] about Seegrid introduces subscription model for acquiring its robots