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Global food and beverage robotic systems integration market for pick and place application to surpass $40 million by 2025

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The global food and beverage robotic system integration market for pick and place application was estimated at $17.5 million in 2017 and is projected to reach $40.1 million by 2025, according to a new market study published by Coherent Market Insights.

The North America market is projected to reach $11.12 million by 2025 with a compound annual growth rate of 11.02 percent. Increasing demand for robotics for application in various industries has become one of the key factors for growth of this market.

According to Robotic Industries Association, in 2015, a total of 31,464 robots valued at $1.8 billion were ordered by North American companies of different industries, an increase of 14 percent in units and 11 percent in revenue over previous year. [Read more…] about Global food and beverage robotic systems integration market for pick and place application to surpass $40 million by 2025

Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation

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Over the past year, Grenzebach and Geodis, a global supply chain operator, have been engaged in a joint project setting up a Grenzebach Goods-to-Person solution for a large consumer electronics customer.

The Goods-to-Person solution has been installed at Geodis’ Nashville, Tennessee campus. It features Grenzebach L600 automated guided vehicles, mobile storage units and picking stations as well as software.

The project has been run as a pilot program, designed to make the jobs of Geodis teammates easier, safer and more productive. Following the success of the pilot program, Geodis is now introducing Grenzebach AGV solutions to additional clients. [Read more…] about Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation

IAM Robotics wins contract with global health and beauty retailer

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IAM Robotics, makers of autonomous mobile manipulation robots, has won a contract with new client A.S. Watson Group, one of the world’s largest international health and beauty retailers with over 15,700 stores in 25 markets.

A.S. Watson will implement a fleet of Swift robots from IAM Robotics at its Benelux e-commerce fulfillment center in the Netherlands to help solve labour and capacity constraints due to a fast-growing, high-volume health and beauty retail business.

Ed van de Weerd, CEO of A.S. Watson health and beauty Benelux, says: “Our business in e-commerce is growing rapidly, and we need a way to keep up with the growth while offering next-day delivery within our existing fulfillment center, which is important for us to deliver the group’s online and offline strategy. [Read more…] about IAM Robotics wins contract with global health and beauty retailer

Universal Robots launches ‘world’s first’ autonomous bin picking kit for machine tending

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Universal Robots has launched what it says is “the world’s first” autonomous bin picking kit for machine tending applications.

“ActiNav” is a new UR+ application kit for companies of all sizes that, Universal says, simplifies the integration of autonomous bin picking of parts and accurate placement in machines using UR cobots.

ActiNav synchronously handles vision processing, collision-free motion planning and autonomous real-time robot control, eliminating the complexity and risk usually associated with bin picking applications. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches ‘world’s first’ autonomous bin picking kit for machine tending

Boston Dynamics partners with Otto Motors to co-ordinate mobile robots in the warehouse

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Boston Dynamics, a developer of mobile manipulation robots, and OTTO Motors, a maker of industrial autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), have unveiled what they describe as “a demo of the future of warehouse automation”.

In a video (see below), Boston Dynamics’s logistics robot, Handle, can be seen picking boxes and building pallets on top of OTTO AMRs in a distribution center testbed.

Last year, Boston Dynamics announced its efforts to add flexible, highly mobile automation technology to the warehouse with its Handle robot and Pick computer vision system. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics partners with Otto Motors to co-ordinate mobile robots in the warehouse

SICK launches versatile new software development platform

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Sensors giant SICK has launched a new software development platform that it says is versatile enough to enable programmers to create solutions for the entire industrial process.

SICK says its AppSpace (see video below) offers system integrators and original equipment manufacturers the “freedom and flexibility” to independently develop application solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of any task.

Whether it’s designing the ideal online user interface, selecting the most suitable programming technology, or distributing the sensor app on various SICK sensors, SICK says AppSpace gives developers the power to develop their own customized solutions. [Read more…] about SICK launches versatile new software development platform

SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

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Misumi, a global manufacturer and provider of mechanical components and indirect materials for special machine construction and assembly automation, has commissioned SSI Schaefer to implement a new logistics center in Frankfurt / Main.

The distribution center will be built in several stages and have a capacity for 450,000 items on more than 10,000 sq m of storage area.

Core elements of the system are an automated shuttle warehouse, a four-storied rack system, ergonomic work stations connected via a conveying system and the logistics software Wamas. [Read more…] about SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

Fanuc showcases its robotic technologies at CES for the first time

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Fanuc, the world’s leading supplier of robotics, CNCs, Robomachines and industrial internet-of-things solutions, has been showcasing its technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show for the first time.

After nearly 40 years of providing robots and automation for manufacturing, Fanuc says it is experiencing “rapid growth in consumer-oriented and service markets including e-commerce and warehousing, food preparation, agriculture and entertainment”.

At CES, Fanuc offered visitors the opportunity to interact with its robots in a wide range of demonstrations and contests including a selfie station, a voice-activated gift selection, hand-guided robot programming, and speed and dexterity challenges. [Read more…] about Fanuc showcases its robotic technologies at CES for the first time

Sportamore opts for Swisslog to expand automated warehouse

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Sportamore, one of the largest and fastest-growing online vendors of sports clothing and equipment in the Nordic countries, has expanded its automated central warehouse in Eskilstuna in cooperation with Swisslog.

The expansion began in February 2018 and was finished according to plan in February 2019.

Sema Söderhäll, chief logistics officer at Sportamore, says: “Together with Swisslog, we were able to complete the expansion without disrupting our regular production, something we’re very grateful for.” [Read more…] about Sportamore opts for Swisslog to expand automated warehouse

Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and smart glasses: ‘VIEW’ technology for the 2019 holiday season

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By Seth Patin, founder and CEO, LogistiVIEW

Warehouse workers can be faster, safer, and more accurate this holiday season.

LogistiVIEW’s “Visual Input Enabled Wearable” (VIEW) technology improves workforce productivity and job satisfaction by making processes hands free and eyes focused.

Intuitive voice and visual instructions make work easy and training rapid. These benefits can all be accomplished in time for the 2019 holiday season thanks to LogistiVIEW’s Connected Worker Platform. [Read more…] about Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and smart glasses: ‘VIEW’ technology for the 2019 holiday season