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Fernride and Terberg partner to take automated terminal tractors into series production

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Fernride, which specializes in autonomous trucking, and Terberg, a maker of terminal tractors, have agreed a collaboration to develop an automated terminal tractor CE certified for commercial production.

This solution offers both teleoperated and autonomous driving capabilities to ensure a smooth and gradual transition to full autonomy with human-in-the-loop. The partnership started in 2021 and the series-production of these trucks will start in 2024, ready for gradual autonomy.

The first 100 trucks will be rolled out to Fernride and Terberg’s customers in container terminals, production plants, and distribution centers to lower logistics costs, boost efficiency, and guarantee safety. [Read more…] about Fernride and Terberg partner to take automated terminal tractors into series production

New York Power Authority cleared to fly drones beyond line of sight

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The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has received its first federal approval to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the pilot in command.

In a significant step forward, this Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver enables NYPA to conduct fully remote drone operations such as asset and vegetative management inspections at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County.

NYPA’s growing drone program supports its industry-leading asset management strategies and is part of an Authority-wide digitization initiative to modernize grid infrastructure to advance the efficient delivery of clean power statewide. [Read more…] about New York Power Authority cleared to fly drones beyond line of sight

Global cement producer Votorantim Cimentos achieves multi-site digitalization with ABB

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ABB has delivered advanced automation and digital technologies to global building materials and sustainable solutions company Votorantim Cimentos, as it embraces Industry 4.0 in cement to simultaneously optimize production and decarbonize operations.

Industrial companies, including Votorantim Cimentos Europe, Asia and Africa Region (VCEAA) – which has the worldwide capacity to produce 55.7 million tons of cement per annum, are ramping up their efforts to ensure lower emissions as governments and international organizations push for net-zero emissions by 2030.

Digital solutions ABB Ability Expert Optimizer and ABB Ability Knowledge Manager have recently been installed in the customer’s plants in Spain, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco with proven impacts for enhanced productivity, streamlined processes, reduced maintenance and energy savings. [Read more…] about Global cement producer Votorantim Cimentos achieves multi-site digitalization with ABB

Geek+ launches RoboShuttle Plus to compete with AutoStore

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Geek+, a provider of mobile logistics robots, has released its latest solution, RoboShuttle Plus, which looks similar to, and may compete with, the AutoStore system. 

Geek+ says its new RoboShuttle Plus system achieves one-stop storage and picking of all types of goods and delivers higher throughput and flexibility, adding that “this marks a significant advance in the interoperability of Geek+’s various robot models and a stride towards full warehouse automation”.

The upgraded solution fills the market gap for an all-in-one picking solution by coordinating of three types of robots around one centralized workstation: RoboShuttles handle vertical storage and retrieval of totes, P40 picking robots move smaller items, and P500 and P800 robots move medium to large items. [Read more…] about Geek+ launches RoboShuttle Plus to compete with AutoStore

Berkshire Grey and FedEx expand their robotic automation solutions partnership

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Berkshire Grey, a provider of AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, and logistics giant FedEx have expanded their strategic relationship.

As part of the expansion of this relationship, Berkshire Grey and FedEx have entered into an agreement for new development activities that will provide broader AI robotic automation capabilities to help improve the safety and efficiency of FedEx package handling operations globally.

The two companies also expect to execute a master system purchase agreement in 2022, which will streamline and expedite the procurement process for Berkshire Grey solutions across all FedEx operating companies globally. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey and FedEx expand their robotic automation solutions partnership

ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations

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ASI Logistics and SICK Sensor Intelligence say they have achieved another milestone in the development of autonomous yard truck operations.

Together, the two companies have “solved the issue of reversing into trailers autonomously”. This is one of the final steps in completing fully autonomous yard operations.

ASI Logistics utilized is robust Vehicle Automation Kit (VAK) and SICK’s industry-leading LiDAR to overcome this challenge. [Read more…] about ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations

Fugro provides uncrewed surface vessel to TAQA

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Fugro has completed its first fully remote offshore survey inspection in the European North Sea for energy company TAQA using one of its Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessels (USV) with Blue Volta electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV).

The complex project, in Europe’s busiest part of the North Sea, involved the inspection of two platforms and over 40 kilometres of pipeline off the coast of the Netherlands.

The inspection investigated the mobility of the seabed, pipeline depth measurements, visual inspections and cathodic protection measurements within the 500-metre zone to ensure the integrity of TAQA’s assets. [Read more…] about Fugro provides uncrewed surface vessel to TAQA

Radial selects Covariant to automate e-commerce fulfillment with AI-powered robotics

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E-commerce company Radial, a Belgian Post group company, the leader in e-commerce solutions, has agreed a new partnership with Covariant, an artificial intelligence robotics company, to automate sortation in their batch-picking operations through the installation of 12 Covariant Robotic Putwalls.

The Robotic Putwalls sort a high variety of health and beauty items for one of the world’s leading retailers in Radial’s fulfillment center in Louisville, Kentucky.

The integration of Covariant’s Robotic Putwalls into the existing facility operations delivers more optimal e-commerce fulfillment performance and accuracy – providing high quality, reliable and consistent customer experience for Radial’s clients. [Read more…] about Radial selects Covariant to automate e-commerce fulfillment with AI-powered robotics

Scythe Robotics secures $42 million new financing to accelerate production of zero-emissions autonomous mower

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Scythe Robotics, a startup company developing advanced, commercial-grade autonomous solutions for the professional landscape industry, has raised $42 million in Series B financing.

The round was led by Energy Impact Partners and included additional new investors ArcTern Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Amazon’s Alexa Fund alongside participation from existing investors True Ventures, Inspired Capital and more.

The funding will help Scythe meet demand for the more than 7,500 reservations for its all-electric, fully autonomous M.52 mower placed by commercial landscape businesses nationwide. This financing round brings the company’s total capital raised to date to $60.6 million. [Read more…] about Scythe Robotics secures $42 million new financing to accelerate production of zero-emissions autonomous mower

2023 Predictions & Forecasts: Berkshire Grey expects RaaS to get bigger

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Insights from Chris Geyer, VP at Berkshire Grey

Since Berkshire Grey designs and deploys AI and robotics technology to Fortune100 customers like FedEx, Target and Walmart, they have an expansive view of what’s happening across retail, e-commerce, grocery, package handling and logistics industries.

Chris Geyer, vice president at Berkshire Grey, works closely with these customers on product development and implementation and is well-equipped to see what the new year has in store. [Read more…] about 2023 Predictions & Forecasts: Berkshire Grey expects RaaS to get bigger