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BlueBotics to launch new educational AGV resource 
at LogiMAT

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Autonomous navigation developer BlueBotics, which was recently acquired by Zapi Group, is heading to LogiMAT 2022 to launch a new educational resource for prospective buyers of AGVs, and to showcase a multi-brand fleet of automated vehicles driven by its ANT technology.

On May 31, BlueBotics will also unveil a brand-new online education platform.

This comprehensive new website will enable supply chain decision makers to learn about AGVs, automated forklifts and AMRs, explore the return on investment possible with these solutions, and browse a wide range of approximately 100 different automated vehicles based on the company’s ANT navigation platform. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to launch new educational AGV resource 
at LogiMAT

Oceaneering chooses BlueBotics navigation technology 
for new product lines

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Oceaneering International has chosen BlueBotics to provide navigation technology for its line of industrial autonomous mobile robots.

Henny Bouwmeester, vice president and general manager of Oceaneering Mobile Robotics, says: “Our goal is to unlock the full potential of mobile robotics and enable widespread adoption in all industries.

“To achieve this, our technology offering needs to be accessible, easy-to-use, and flexible to accommodate our client’s needs. [Read more…] about Oceaneering chooses BlueBotics navigation technology 
for new product lines

Advanced Navigation launches AI-powered autonomous undersea robot

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Advanced Navigation, a manufacturer of artificial intelligence-based navigation and robotics systems, has launched Hydrus, an autonomous subsea robot that combines “the most advanced navigation, sonar and communication capabilities of any autonomous underwater vessel”.

This advanced technology is combined with a 4K 60 camera in an “incredibly small form factor”.

Advanced Navigation says Hydrus “hugely simplifies” underwater data collection and inspection and overcomes many existing cost barriers. [Read more…] about Advanced Navigation launches AI-powered autonomous undersea robot

BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

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Autonomous navigation systems developer BlueBotics, which was recently acquired by ZAPI, is heading to Modex 2022 to showcase a unique multi-brand fleet demo of vehicles driven by its ANT technology.

The company’s booth will feature several different brands of vehicles, spanning automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from across the ANT navigation ecosystem.

This example fleet operation will be the main draw of the company’s show stand. The vehicles will run a small pallet-moving operation, all controlled by one ANT server software project. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

BlueBotics acquired by Zapi Group

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BlueBotics, a developer of navigation systems for automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots, has been acquired by Zapi Group.

Zapi is a global provider of electrification and manufacturer of electronic speed controllers, electric motors, battery chargers, and associated products for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Zapi’s acquisition includes the shares held by investor Forestay Capital. The transaction was closed on December 21, 2021, but no financial details have yet been disclosed. [Read more…] about BlueBotics acquired by Zapi Group

ExcelsiusGPS robotic system used for brain surgery

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Christus Health has become the first health provider to use a robotic system for brain surgery, describing the ExcelsiusGPS as “a world-class robotic guidance and navigation system”.

The ExcelsiusGPS system, built by Globus Medical, was used in the first Christus Ochsner Health case this week, setting a new standard for robotic neurosurgery procedures in Southwest Louisiana.

Bringing the ExcelsiusGPS to the region was made possible with the help of the Christus Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana Foundation and its generous donors who gifted more than $1.1 million to make the purchase possible. [Read more…] about ExcelsiusGPS robotic system used for brain surgery

Kivnon’s AGV ROI Calculation Starts on Product Delivery Date

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By Mike Kotzian, managing director, Kivnon USA

Modex 2022 in Atlanta March 28-31 will feature many AGV vendors who cannot deliver product this year. Too much emphasis has been placed on features, advantages, and benefits; too little attention has been paid to delivery dates.

AGV vendors must promise a delivery date with a guarantee not to exceed 180 days from purchase order to delivery. Failing to provide that commitment is unacceptable.

Solving the immediate challenges in production by delivering product by Q3 2022 and mitigating the hiring constraints plaguing industries must be the top priorities. The current state of the supply chain has exacerbated the situation. [Read more…] about Kivnon’s AGV ROI Calculation Starts on Product Delivery Date

Sea Machines Robotics and HamiltonJet unveil new autonomous vessel technology

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Sea Machines Robotics and HamiltonJet, a marine propulsion systems provider, have launched a new intelligent voyage control product, named JETsense, that utilizes autonomous navigation, multi-sensor fusion and computer vision.

The two companies say the new system is designed to “move waterjet vessels to the forefront of 21st century navigation and utility”.

JETsense utilizes artificial intelligence and advanced autonomy to perceive the domain and maintain precise control of steering and speed during a voyage and re-route to avoid traffic and obstacles, while enabling a new level of streaming data to improve on-water operations.

This new HamiltonJet product, which features Sea Machines’ technology at its core, is the culmination of a partnership announced earlier this year to offer a helm-based system to advise, safeguard or assume active control of open water vessel transits. [Read more…] about Sea Machines Robotics and HamiltonJet unveil new autonomous vessel technology

ABB invests in autonomous mobile robot startup Sevensense

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ABB is investing in, and entering into a strategic partnership with, Swiss-based start-up Sevensense, founded in 2018 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich.

ABB says the partnership will enhance its new autonomous mobile robotics offering with artificial intelligence and 3D vision mapping technology.

It adds that the technology will “offer customers unprecedented levels of flexibility as mobile robots will be able to navigate autonomously in complex, dynamic indoor and outdoor environments close to people”. [Read more…] about ABB invests in autonomous mobile robot startup Sevensense

Seeing the wood for the trees: Why natural feature matching navigation works so well for mobile robots

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For automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots to operate, they need to know where they are, where they need to go, and how to get there.

While simple “line following” technologies have their place, they have high installation overheads and, because they require changes to permanent infrastructure, do not lend themselves to adaptation to new requirements.

Natural feature matching navigation is based on using permanent features along the route of the AMR, is easier to install and more flexible for future needs. But how does it work and why does it work so well? [Read more…] about Seeing the wood for the trees: Why natural feature matching navigation works so well for mobile robots