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ABB integrates ASTI and rebrands autonomous mobile robot portfolio as Flexley

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ABB has launched its first range of rebranded autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) following its acquisition of mobile robot startup ASTI Mobile Robotics in 2021.

Since adding AMRs to its portfolio, ABB claims it is “the only company with a comprehensive and integrated offering of robots, AMRs and machine automation solutions”.

Marc Segura, president for ABB’s Robotics Division, says: “At a time when businesses are looking for a range of robotic solutions to help make them more efficient, flexible and resilient, we are the only company supporting them with our integrated offering of AMRs, robots, and machine automation technologies. [Read more…] about ABB integrates ASTI and rebrands autonomous mobile robot portfolio as Flexley

BMW’s idealworks partners with Linde Material Handling

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Cutting-edge improvements in technology, such as autonomous mobile robots, have been and continue to be the driving force behind automation.

Not least due to their flexible range of applications, AMRs have increasingly been taking over transport tasks in intralogistics. By collaborating with Linde Material Handling, idealworks – a business unit of auto giant BMW – is gaining an important international sales and service partner.

Linde Material Handling, a Kion Group company, is a globally active manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse technology equipment as well as a provider of services and solutions for intralogistics. [Read more…] about BMW’s idealworks partners with Linde Material Handling

Vanderlande selects Kollmorgen to supply robots to further automate warehouses

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Warehouse automation giant Vanderlande has selected Kollmorgen NDC Solutions as a technology and service partner for their automated guided vehicle (AGV) applications.

Based on Toyota Material Handling forklifts equipped with the Kollmorgen NDC Solutions technology, Vanderlande aims to strengthen and grow their portfolio of complete logistic and warehouse solutions.

Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. [Read more…] about Vanderlande selects Kollmorgen to supply robots to further automate warehouses

Saildrone develops ‘next generation ocean data products’ with Siemens Xcelerator as a Service

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Siemens Digital Industries Software says that Saildrone, a California-based company that designs, manufactures, and operates a fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), has adopted Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio, including cloud-enabled Xcelerator as a Service solution, enabling it to innovate faster and more collaboratively across the entire organization without the burden of a traditional IT infrastructure. (See video below.)

Saildrone has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio for product design, engineering and manufacturing, including NX software for 3D product engineering and Teamcenter® X for product lifecycle management (PLM).

The interoperability offered by Siemens Xcelerator enables Saildrone to easily integrate mechanical and electronic design information. In addition to helping manage product engineering complexity, Saildrone has used Teamcenter X to improve data and collaboration between disciplines. [Read more…] about Saildrone develops ‘next generation ocean data products’ with Siemens Xcelerator as a Service

Berkshire Grey launches new robotic system for autonomous e-commerce autobagging

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Berkshire Grey, a developer of in AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, has introduced its new Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system, which now includes advanced auto-identification and item manipulation technology, for touchless eCommerce autobagging.

Using Berkshire Grey’s advanced AI-enabled robotic technology, this system combines automated picking with intelligent placement for packing eCommerce items directly into autobagging equipment, thereby increasing throughput capacity without adding additional labor.

Kishore Boyalakuntla, VP of Product at Berkshire Grey, says: “Berkshire Grey’s Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system for autobagging is the newest addition to our innovative portfolio of eCommerce solutions. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey launches new robotic system for autonomous e-commerce autobagging

Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion 

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Schaeffler, a billion-dollar German company which supplies bearings and other components to the automotive and aerospace industries, has signed an agreement to acquire all of the shares of Melior Motion.

The acquisition of this supplier of precision gearboxes for robotics and other applications in automation expands the robotics portfolio of the Schaeffler Group’s industrial division.

As automation of simple, repetitive tasks as well as complex mounting and manufacturing processes is progressing rapidly, Schaeffler’s industrial division is expanding its position as a supplier for robotics components and systems. [Read more…] about Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion 

New Kuka robotic technology ‘guarantees highest hygiene standards’

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Kuka says it is now using a range of new lubricants in its robotic technology which “guarantees the highest hygiene standards”.

The food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries impose special requirements on robotics.

Kuka says its new “Hygienic Oil” (HO) portfolio and “Hygienic Machine” (HM) variants are designed to avoid potential contamination and comply with the highest hygiene requirements. [Read more…] about New Kuka robotic technology ‘guarantees highest hygiene standards’

Sole Source Capital raises $555 million for second fund

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Sole Source Capital, an industrial-focused private equity firm, has closed its second fund, SSC Partners II or “Fund II”, with aggregate total commitments of $555 million.

Fund II was significantly oversubscribed with an initial target of $400 million and reached its hard cap. With the closing of Fund II, Sole Source Capital now manages in excess of $1 billion just three years after the launch of Fund I.

Since 2016, Sole Source has completed 24 transactions focusing on driving rapid value creation in lower middle market companies. [Read more…] about Sole Source Capital raises $555 million for second fund

Berkshire Grey partners with AHS to develop warehouse robotics services

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Berkshire Grey, a developer of robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, is partnering with Advanced Handling Systems, a system integrator of fulfillment and distribution solutions within the supply chain.

The partnership aims to help companies grow despite the labor shortages and logistics challenges that are straining the supply chain.

The two companies will combine their AI-enabled robotic automation and system design and integration services to deliver “next-generation warehouse robotics” to the world’s largest and best-known e-commerce and third party logistics providers. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey partners with AHS to develop warehouse robotics services

Hardinge to acquire J.G. Weisser

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Hardinge and J.G. Weisser have entered into a definitive agreement under which Hardinge will acquire Weisser, enhancing Hardinge’s Turning and Milling platform with an attractive portfolio of products and technologies.

Weisser is a German manufacturer and solution provider of high precision, multifunctional turning machines and turning centers as well as automation solutions.

Weisser is based in Germany with sales of approximately $90 million. [Read more…] about Hardinge to acquire J.G. Weisser