Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

retailers

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

GreyOrange launches gStore retail stock management app

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GreyOrange, a warehouse robotics and automation company, has launched a new app for retail stock management.

The mobile-first software-as-a-service app “transforms stores into tech-enabled, personalized experience hubs and centers for online fulfillment using in-store inventory”, claims GreyOrange.

Retailers know they need to harmonize digital and physical experiences in their stores, but have struggled to find a fast and easy way to do so. [Read more…] about GreyOrange launches gStore retail stock management app

Berkshire Grey launches ‘reverse logistics’ solution to deal with e-commerce goods returns

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Berkshire Grey, a warehouse robotic solutions company, has introduced its “Reverse Logistics solution” to help retailers accelerate the resale of returned goods and improve labor utilization in the returns process.

Projections indicate that by the end of January, consumers will return approximately $120 billion of goods following the holiday season, creating a significant inventory and cost challenge for retail.

By implementing Berkshire Grey’s Reverse Logistics solution for returns processing, e-commerce providers and retailers can reduce the time to recirculate returned items back onto the shelf and optimize labor productivity, ultimately improving profitability. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey launches ‘reverse logistics’ solution to deal with e-commerce goods returns

Opinion: Warehouse robots are playing a vital role in keeping supply chains from completely toppling

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In the warehouse, robots aren’t replacing workers. They’re playing a vital role in keeping the supply chain from completely toppling, says Mike Futch, CEO of Tompkins Robotics

What do robotics look like in the modern world of warehousing and distribution?

If you’re like many, you might envision a large, heavy, steel system that’s bolted to the floor, with an arm twirling in a repetitive motion performing some task of sorting or tagging. The machine is stationary. It stays in one spot, performing the same function, day after day.

Let me tell you: That’s your grandad’s robotics. Today, the supply chain relies on a growing fleet of small, automated robots that are portable, scalable and modular. They’re also configurable, so their jobs can change as needed by their users, whether it’s warehouses and distributors, retailers, manufacturers, third-party logistics providers, freight shippers and so on. [Read more…] about Opinion: Warehouse robots are playing a vital role in keeping supply chains from completely toppling

Berkshire Grey launches new robotic shuttle solution

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Berkshire Grey, a provider of AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, has launched its Robotic Shuttle Product Sortation (RSPS) solution for order fulfillment.

The system supports filling e-commerce orders through stores and in-person shopping by automating store replenishment, allocation order processing, split-case cross docking, sortation, and packing.

RSPS increases processing capacity and throughput for existing operations without adding labor, helps right-size store inventories, and enables e-commerce fulfillment from stores to scale. Following a series of successful installations at major US retailers, the solution is now generally available for global deployments. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey launches new robotic shuttle solution

Fabric raises $200 million in new funding, bringing total to $336 million to date

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Fabric, a company specialising in retail supply chain automation, has raised $200 million in Series C funding.

The latest round was led by existing investor Temasek, with participation from Koch Disruptive Technologies, Union Tech Ventures, Harel Insurance & Finance, Pontifax Global Food and Agriculture Technology Fund (Pontifax AgTech), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), KSH Capital, Princeville Capital, Wharton Equity Ventures, and others.

With a valuation of more than $1 billion, Fabric has established itself as a market leader in the on-demand fulfillment space, leveraging its proprietary robotic micro-fulfillment technology stack designed from the ground up to make on-demand fulfillment profitable and scalable for all retailers. [Read more…] about Fabric raises $200 million in new funding, bringing total to $336 million to date

Ambi Robotics launches ‘multi-robot kitting system’ aimed at e-commerce operations

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Ambi Robotics, a developer of robotics systems, has launched AmbiKit, which the company says is “the industry’s first multi-robot kitting system that leverages AI data collection to expedite e-commerce kitting operations”.

AmbiKit automates product bundling for faster delivery, increasing order accuracy and reducing operating costs.

The new kitting system includes a five-robot picking line, currently deployed to augment the pick and place tasks associated with one of today’s fastest growing e-commerce opportunities: online subscription boxes. [Read more…] about Ambi Robotics launches ‘multi-robot kitting system’ aimed at e-commerce operations

Automation and the Fashion Industry: A Quiet Revolution

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Many believe that we have recently entered the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is characterized by new modes of design, production and marketing. Being one of the world’s largest and most innovative industries, fashion is at the center stage of this shake-up.

This is not surprising, since fashion is big business. In the UK, for example, the fashion industry is valued at £26 billion, making it the country’s biggest creative industry.

From algorithms that detect what we will be wearing next season to targeted pricing, here are just a few ways automation technology is transforming the fashion industry. [Read more…] about Automation and the Fashion Industry: A Quiet Revolution

Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million

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Refraction AI, the robotics startup and creator of the REV-1 autonomous delivery robot, has raised $4.2 million in new seed funding led by Pillar VC.

The company says the capital will be used for customer acquisition, geographic expansion and product development.

Founded in July 2019, Refraction AI solves last-mile delivery logistics with a practical, economical and sustainable application of mobile robot technology. [Read more…] about Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million

Dematic automates Landmark Group’s main distribution centre

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Dematic has completed a new automated distribution centre for the Landmark Group in Dubai, UAE, allowing the multinational retailer to consolidate the logistics activities for part of its five existing manual distribution sites.

Mihin Shah, chief supply chain officer of Landmark Group, says: “The automation solution designed by Dematic allows our supply chain network to now operate with enhanced efficiency, productivity and transparency.

“With this investment, we are advancing technological progress and taking a pioneering position in our region.” [Read more…] about Dematic automates Landmark Group’s main distribution centre