Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

picking

Zebra Technologies expands Fetch Robotics portfolio with solution to optimize fulfillment workflows

by

Zebra Technologies, which provides automation solutions to the supply chain sector, has introduced what it claims is “the industry’s most comprehensive picking solution to help businesses improve their fulfillment operations”.

The fulfillment solution uses machines from Fetch Robotics, which Zebra recently acquired, and consists of three new autonomous mobile robots – FlexShelf, FlexShelf Guide, and RollerTop Guide – and a new FetchCore fulfillment software package for order or batch picking.

These new offerings further extend Zebra’s position as a leader in automating and digitizing critical workflows in warehouses, distribution and fulfillment centers as order volumes increase, labor pools get more competitive and customer expectations continue to rise. [Read more…] about Zebra Technologies expands Fetch Robotics portfolio with solution to optimize fulfillment workflows

SICK presents intelligent sensor solutions for the ‘factory of the future’

by

At PackExpo this year, SICK is presenting numerous demonstrations and one educational session that highlight how intelligent sensors can help you create the factory of the future that includes robotics, quality inspection, and digital transformation.

Intelligent sensor solutions from SICK enhance mobile and stationary robotic applications. In its booth (C-2160) at PackExpo 2021, demos about sensor solutions for robotics and quality inspection are available throughout the show.

From 3D vision robot guidance systems for more efficient bin picking to safety and LiDAR solutions for AMRs, SICK prioritizes improving the supply chain with solutions for mobile robot safety, LiDAR localization, and robot vision systems. [Read more…] about SICK presents intelligent sensor solutions for the ‘factory of the future’

Estée Lauder invests in robotics from Inther Group

by

Inther Group, international system integrator headquartered in Venray, the Netherlands, has signed an agreement with cosmetics giant Estée Lauder to implement the Gantry Robotic Intelligent Piece Picker (GRIPP).

This fully automated, compact, gantry robot picking technology developed by Inther has now made its first entry into the intralogistics market place.

Estée Lauder and Inther Group
Estée Lauder was founded in 1946 and has worldwide sales in the skin care, make-up and fragrance markets. The company has built a reputation for elegance, luxury and superior quality. [Read more…] about Estée Lauder invests in robotics from Inther Group

Pickit unveils its first gripper with integrated vision and software aimed at forging and automotive sectors

by

Robot vision specialist Pickit has unveiled its first gripper. Aimed at the forging and automotive sectors, the end-of-arm-tool has integrated vision and software.

“The bin picking revolution is happening now,” says Pickit. “With matured 3D vision and software, the implementation risks for bin picking revolve around the gripper design. We have integrated gripper, vision, and software to achieve unprecedented reliability. Here’s our new Billet Picker for forging and automotive applications.”

The company’s new product is called the “Billet Picker”, and is a combination of Pickit EOAT + Pickit 3D vision + Pickit software. [Read more…] about Pickit unveils its first gripper with integrated vision and software aimed at forging and automotive sectors

Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

by

Lucas Systems, a provider of voice and warehouse optimization software for fulfillment and distribution centers, has entered a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses.

Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimize how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots.

Fulfillment and distribution centers are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labor market. [Read more…] about Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

Geek+ and WSR Solutions launch smart palletizing solution

by

Geek+, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, has launched a new solution for “Smart Mixed Case palletizing”, co-developed with WSR Solutions, a provider of intelligent warehouse management tools.

The solution combines Geek+ autonomous mobile robots and WSR’s intelligent palletizing algorithm to help warehouse operators systematically handle the processing of multiple outbound orders in an efficient, safe, and flexible way.

Lit Fung, vice president of APAC, UK and the Americas at Geek+, says: “We are thrilled to work together with WSR Solutions to provide a tool that targets every aspect of the outbound logistics process, from how goods are stored and moved around the warehouse to how pallets are stacked, streamlining processes by eliminating the need for re-palletization, and optimizing overall space utilization.” [Read more…] about Geek+ and WSR Solutions launch smart palletizing solution

Fetch Robotics and Körber unveil new case picking solution for distribution centers

by

Fetch Robotics, a warehouse robotics and automation specialist, has unveiled a new integrated case pick-to-pallet solution with Körber, a multinational conglomerate with 10,000 employees worldwide.

The new solution dynamically orchestrates the movement of warehouse associates and robots, combining the power of Fetch’s Freight500 and Freight1500 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with the optimization capabilities of Körber’s warehouse management systems, supporting case picking workflows for facilities of all sizes.

Warehouse needs have risen dramatically over the past year, as a surge in consumer spending has increased demands on distribution centers. Additionally, distribution organizations face longstanding labor challenges. This includes hiring and retaining skilled staff, accommodating seasonal fluctuations, and relying on temporary workers to operate forklifts. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics and Körber unveil new case picking solution for distribution centers

SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

by

SVT Robotics, a developer of software for industrial robotics, has designed a new SoftBot Platform connector for RightHand Robotics, a specialist in autonomous robotic picking solutions.

SVT Robotics worked with RightHand Robotics to develop the pre-built connector between SVT’s SoftBot Platform and the RightPick 3 item-handling robot system, the company’s newest generation of the RightPick product suite and the world’s first autonomous piece-picking solution designed to be integrator-friendly.

T.J. Fanning, VP of sales for SVT, says: “By connecting to the pre-built standard integrations of our SoftBot Platform, RightHand Robotics customers who adopt the RightPick 3 system can now deploy without the need for custom integration code. [Read more…] about SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

SICK and Vention partner to bring enhanced robot guidance systems to manufacturers

by

SICK is partnering with Vention, a next-generation manufacturing automation platform.

This partnership combines SICK’s PLB and PLOC2D systems with Vention’s manufacturing automation platform to accelerate the design and deployment of applications custom-built for robot guidance systems.

Vention’s cloud-based platform allows customers to design, automate, and deploy SICK robot guidance systems with 2D and 3D vision solutions for use in automated bin picking applications. [Read more…] about SICK and Vention partner to bring enhanced robot guidance systems to manufacturers

DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics

by

DHL Supply Chain, part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, has signed a framework agreement expanding its collaboration with Locus Robotics.

Initial investments in assisted picking robots have proven effective in commercially scaled operations, and this multi-million dollar agreement will enhance DHL’s wider Accelerated Digitalization Strategy.

By 2022, the supply chain specialist plans to take on up to 2,000 robots, then being by far the largest customer of Locus Robotics worldwide. [Read more…] about DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics