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Verizon Robotics selects Pendleton Range to advance robotics proofs of concept

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Verizon Robotics is advancing its testing and proof-of-concept capabilities at Pendleton Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Range, a leading FAA-designated test range that offers diverse testing environments for drones and ground robotics.

Verizon Robotics will expand its operations, and base its advanced air R&D, drone partner and long range robotics at the Pendleton Range.

This includes training Pendleton Range staff to control a rapid-response command mobile unit vehicle, capable of deploying mission-critical communications, applications and advanced computing solutions that can address robotics use-cases in the air and on the ground. [Read more…] about Verizon Robotics selects Pendleton Range to advance robotics proofs of concept

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

Geek+ reinforces goods-to-person safety and efficiency with new picking station

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Geek+, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, has upgraded its flagship goods-to-person system with a new picking station compatible with P-series robots carrying mobile shelves and racks.

Kai Liu, Geek+ co-founder and head of smart warehouses, says: “We want to make picking operations safer and less strenuous for warehouse employees. Our robots are there to not only increase efficiency, but also to improve the working environment for operators.”

Geek+’s new picking station includes several improved elements: a wrist-worn scanner that eliminates the need for excess walking; a stepladder that locks in place, reducing the danger of falling; and a projector that instantly indicates where goods are to be placed and taken. [Read more…] about Geek+ reinforces goods-to-person safety and efficiency with new picking station

Kodiak Robotics and US Xpress to pilot new autonomous truck route

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Kodiak Robotics, a developer of self-driving trucks, has teamed up with US Xpress, one of America’s largest carrier fleets, to launch Level 4 autonomous freight service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta using Kodiak’s self-driving trucks.

US Xpress will become the first cornerstone truckload partner in Kodiak’s Partner Deployment Program, working hand-in-hand with Kodiak to deploy self-driving technology.

This strategic partnership also marks the launch of the first commercial autonomous trucking lane to the East Coast. [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics and US Xpress to pilot new autonomous truck route

Kärcher and Brain Corp debut first professional robotic scrubber

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Kärcher has expanded its autonomous product line by introducing a professional robotic scrubber. The KIRA B 100 R is powered by Brain Corp’s BrainOS, a software platform for powering autonomous mobile robots operating in indoor public spaces.

KIRA is an acronym for Kärcher Intelligent Robotic Applications.

Rex Shull, VP of product management and engineering, says: “We at Kärcher are pleased to offer yet another innovative robotic solution. [Read more…] about Kärcher and Brain Corp debut first professional robotic scrubber

Geek+ launches ‘ground-breaking’ four-way shuttle warehouse storage and picking solution

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Geek+, the warehouse automation specialist, has launched its multilevel storage and retrieval system: Sky-Storage & Ground-Pick.

The solution uses Geek+’s X-series four-way shuttle robots to boost storage density while devoting the ground floor to picking operations entrusted to the flagship P800 robots.

On the upper levels of the warehouse, the four-way shuttles utilize every inch of vertical space for pallet storage and quick and flexible replenishment of the lower level. Below them, picking robots move shelves, pallets, and racks containing the most in-demand goods. [Read more…] about Geek+ launches ‘ground-breaking’ four-way shuttle warehouse storage and picking solution

Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

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Murata Machinery USA has expanded its logistics & automation product offerings with an extensive line of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The A-Series adds seven standard base models to their existing Muratec Premex Series that are customizable for a wide range of load capacities, lift heights, navigation methods, temperature ratings, and software applications.

From their Charlotte headquarters, Murata Machinery will take over and lead all North American operations in partnership with the AGVE Group, directing day-to-day North American sales, installation, service, and marketing operations. [Read more…] about Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

Skyline Robotics unveils ‘world’s first high-rise window-cleaning robot’ Ozmo

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Skyline Robotics has unveiled “the future of window cleaning” with Ozmo, describing it as the “world’s first high-rise window-cleaning robot”, and investors are taking notice. (See video below.)

The company has closed a successful pre-Series A funding round led by Standard Industries with contributions from Karcher New Venture and Gefen Capital.

Skyline will use the funding across a variety of business operations including expanding its New York City team, as well as continued product development and new capabilities to own the facade operations of the future. [Read more…] about Skyline Robotics unveils ‘world’s first high-rise window-cleaning robot’ Ozmo

Motiv Space Systems wins contract to supply NASA with new type of actuation system

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Motiv Space Systems is has won a key contract with NASA that will continue to power the future of space exploration and innovation, with eyes set on NASA’s Artemis program.

Motiv was recently awarded a $5 million contract to begin development of the Distributed Extreme Environments Drive System (DEEDS) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Sequential Phase II Program.

This revolutionary technology has applications across a broad spectrum of missions, including in-situ resource utilization systems, robotics, payload offloading systems and mobility systems on the Lunar and Martian surfaces. [Read more…] about Motiv Space Systems wins contract to supply NASA with new type of actuation system

John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

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Deere & Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and forestry vehicles, is expanding its US footprint and technology operations with a new office in Austin, Texas.

Deere says the new location enables it to further strengthen its technology capabilities and attract talent interested in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges – including feeding a growing population.

Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, says: “Austin is a growing destination for some of the brightest minds in technology. Opening this office was a strategic decision from both a talent and collaboration perspective, particularly in software and data analytics. [Read more…] about John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas