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Robotic Research raises $228 million in Series A funding round

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Robotic Research, a developer of autonomous mobility and robotics solutions, has raised $228 million in its Series A funding round – the first outside capital the company has raised.

This funding will drive further innovation and expansion of Robotic Research’s commercial division, RR.AI, which is focused on delivering comprehensive autonomous driving solutions for commercial truck, bus, drayage and logistics vehicles.

Investors in the Series A round include SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Enlightenment Capital, Crescent Cove Advisors, Henry Crown and Company, and Luminar Technologies. [Read more…] about Robotic Research raises $228 million in Series A funding round

Geek+ and DHL showcase ‘the future of robotics automation’ in DHL’s Asia Pacific Innovation Center

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Geek+, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, is partnering with DHL’s Asia Pacific Innovation Center. Located in Singapore, the center will be home to a new exhibit that showcases a cutting-edge, automated, and completely integrated e-commerce solution.

Named the “Warehouse of the Future”, the exhibit integrates RoboShuttle tote-picking robot and robot-arm technology for full-scale automation.

The project represents the shared values and commitments of both Geek+ and DHL to accelerate innovation and educate supply chain leaders on the opportunities that come with robotics automation. [Read more…] about Geek+ and DHL showcase ‘the future of robotics automation’ in DHL’s Asia Pacific Innovation Center

Sea Machines completes ‘world’s first’ 1,000 nautical mile autonomous voyage

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Sea Machines Robotics​​​​, a developer of autonomous command and control systems for the maritime industry, has completed what is believed to be the world’s first 1,000+ nautical miles autonomous and remotely commanded journey of a commercial vessel at sea.

Under the project name The Machine Odyssey, the autonomous tug Nellie Bly completed its journey in just 129 operational hours over 13 days.

The program was commanded by US Coast Guard-licensed mariners remotely stationed 3,000 miles away in Boston, many of whom are also members of the American Maritime Officers union. [Read more…] about Sea Machines completes ‘world’s first’ 1,000 nautical mile autonomous voyage

Aim Robotics becomes part of Kassow Robots’ ecosystem

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Aim Robotics, a Danish company with headquarters in Copenhagen and an R&D centre in Odense, and Kassow Robots, also a Danish company with its headquarters in Copenhagen, have entered into a partnership.

The two companies have developed an “innovative dispensing solution” for collaborative robot use, and Aim is now part of the Kassow Robots ecosystem.

Dieter Pletscher, sales manager at Kassow Robots, says: “Innovation is crucial to us, also when it comes to our network. This electronically based robotic dispenser by Aim Robotics offers great advantages to our customers. High repeatability and quality control help companies automate their dispensing application very efficiently and effectively.” [Read more…] about Aim Robotics becomes part of Kassow Robots’ ecosystem

Berkshire Grey launches ‘Robotic Shuttle Put Wall’

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Berkshire Grey, a provider of robotics and automation systems for supply chain processes, has launched its AI-powered Robotic Shuttle Put Wall (RSPW) solution for e-commerce order fulfillment.

The RSPW is an automated put wall that increases capacity and throughput with robotic automation, which the company says is “more important than ever”, given today’s heightened customer expectations for fast and efficient fulfillment and the parallel industry pressure of labor scarcity.

Kevin Prouty, analyst at IDC, says: “Businesses will continue to see e-commerce orders rise as global e-commerce sales expect to approach $5 trillion by the end of 2021. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey launches ‘Robotic Shuttle Put Wall’

Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines partner to develop smart ship and autonomous ship control solutions

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Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines Robotics have agreed a collaboration that they say will deliver “comprehensive remote command, autonomous control and intelligent crew support systems to the marine market” and complement Rolls-Royce’s mtu NautIQ marine automation portfolio.

The companies say the plan is to provide customers with “complete automation solutions from a single trusted source”.

As part of this agreement, Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems and Sea Machines, the leading developer of remote-vessel command and autonomous control systems, will join forces on the development and sale of fully and semi-autonomous vessel control systems. [Read more…] about Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines partner to develop smart ship and autonomous ship control solutions

Velodyne to provide its lidar sensors to Renu Robotics

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Velodyne Lidar has reached a multi-year agreement to provide its Puck lidar sensors to Renu Robotics, an industry leader in autonomous vegetation management systems.

Renu Robotics’ Renubot, a fully autonomous, all-electric mower, helps solar and energy facilities cut costs, time and carbon emissions, while maintaining the grounds for maximum performance of the facility.

Renu Robotics selected the Puck after a competitive product review. The company found that Velodyne’s Puck offered superior quality, reliability and performance, including significantly less system interference for optimal positional accuracy. [Read more…] about Velodyne to provide its lidar sensors to Renu Robotics

ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

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Industrial automation giant ABB has launched a virtual technical assistance support service.

With the theme of “A problem shared” – the new virtual assistance support service from ABB provides instant access to virtual face to face expert technical advice.

Getting to grips with robotic automation is “now even easier” with the launch of ABB’s Virtual Assistance support service, says the company. [Read more…] about ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

ABB to continue online robot masterclass training courses

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ABB says it will continue the online versions of its popular classroom-based robot training courses, helping organisations ensure that staff still get training on robots.

ABB Robotics range of robot training courses have been available online for almost 12 months.

Built on the same materials used in its popular classroom-based courses normally run at ABB’s Robot Training Centre in Milton Keynes, UK, the Virtual Classroom Training programme is ideal for beginners and experts alike, covering topics including programming, safety and operation. [Read more…] about ABB to continue online robot masterclass training courses

ANYbotics boosts autonomous mobile robots with Velodyne lidar sensors

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ANYbotics is equipping its autonomous mobile robots with Velodyne’s Puck lidar sensors. ANYbotics robots provide industrial operators with an automated robotic inspection solution to support efforts in monitoring and maintaining plants.

ANYbotics’ four-legged robot ANYmal performs inspection and monitoring tasks in challenging industrial terrains such as mining and minerals, oil and gas, chemicals, energy and construction.

ANYmal’s legs provide unparalleled mobility when moving up and down stairs, climbing over obstacles, steps and gaps, and crawling into tight spaces. ANYmal’s inspection payload provides visual, thermal and acoustic insights for condition monitoring of equipment and infrastructure. [Read more…] about ANYbotics boosts autonomous mobile robots with Velodyne lidar sensors