Robotics & Automation News

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Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

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Associated Food Stores (AFS), a provider of groceries and other goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic, a developer of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, have entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s robotic warehouse automation technology in AFS’ Utah distribution center.

Symbotic says its end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to “improve a variety of retail-facing experiences”, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores.

David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO, says: “We appreciate the partnership with Symbotic which enables us to cast an exciting vision for future growth and long-term relevance with the shoppers and retailers we serve. [Read more…] about Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

Osaro targets fast-growing subscription market with AI-powered kitting robots

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Osaro, a developer of machine-learning-enabled robotics for e-commerce, has launched the Osaro Robotic Kitting System.

This addition to its range of e-commerce robots is equipped with advanced piece-picking skills and end effectors to handle the constantly changing array of product SKUs that must be organized, placed, and packaged into custom kits.

The new system addresses the exploding market for subscription products that require kitting. Kitting is both a merchandising strategy and a logistics technique whereby curated boxes of complementary items are packaged and shipped together as a single “kit” with a unique SKU. [Read more…] about Osaro targets fast-growing subscription market with AI-powered kitting robots

BrainBox AI receives $20 million investment from Québec Government and ABB. Then decides to buy ABB business unit

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BrainBox AI, a developer of autonomous building technology, has raised $20 million to support the continued development of BrainBox AI’s decarbonization technology and its global commercialization efforts.

The company raised the funds from the Government of Québec, the lead investor for 10 million US dollars; and ABB, a returning lead investor and global partner to BrainBox AI.

Sam Ramadori, CEO at BrainBox AI, says: “We are grateful for this significant investment from the Québec Government and ABB. Having their support propels our mission to provide commercial real estate owners and retailers around the globe with a scalable and impactful decarbonization tool. [Read more…] about BrainBox AI receives $20 million investment from Québec Government and ABB. Then decides to buy ABB business unit

ASRS revenue forecast to reach $1 billion in micro-fulfilment centers

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As retailers build micro-fulfilment centers (MFCs) to augment their distribution networks, automated picking solutions provide the speed and space maximization necessary for e-commerce efficiency and profitability.

According to a report by technology intelligence firm ABI Research, Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) revenue within MFCs is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027, with uptake primarily seen in the grocery and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industries.

Ryan Wiggin, supply chain management and logistics industry analyst at ABI Research, says: “The need for high-density storage and fast fulfillment capabilities allows technologies to scale down and enable a flexible, bespoke frontline distribution network. [Read more…] about ASRS revenue forecast to reach $1 billion in micro-fulfilment centers

Covariant raises $75 million in Series C funding

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Covariant, an AI robotics company, has raised an additional $75 million in Series C funds, bringing its total funding to $222 million.

Returning investors Radical Ventures and Index Ventures co-led the round, which also saw additional funding from returning investors Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Amplify Partners.

The round also welcomed new investors Gates Frontier Holdings, AIX Ventures, and Northgate Capital. [Read more…] about Covariant raises $75 million in Series C funding

Ottonomy unveils new delivery robot

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Ottonomy has unveiled Yeti, which it describes as “the first fully autonomous unattended delivery robot on the market”.

Ottonomy adds that the robot as ideal for curbside, first mile and last mile deliveries, locker integration and automating the return process for retailers.

Ottonomy is focused on innovating and paving the way for efficient and sustainable delivery logistics. With its global pilots throughout 2022, Ottonomy successfully demonstrated autonomous deliveries across a range of terrain and in varying inclement weather conditions, in order to provide sustainable solutions for automating deliveries for multiple use cases at scale. [Read more…] about Ottonomy unveils new delivery robot

Brain Corp partners with Google Cloud to introduce analytics solution for retailers

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Brain Corp, an artificial intelligence company creating technologies in robotics, is partnering with Google Cloud to launch “BrainOS Inventory Insights”, a new and proprietary solution able to deliver next generation in-store inventory analytics to retailers. 

Brain Corp, which already powers the largest global fleet of autonomous robots in public spaces and the world’s largest fleet of robotic inventory scanners, will now offer retail customers “a true end-to-end solution” for analyzing the inventory data collected by its BrainOS powered inventory scanning robots.

Using BrainOS Inventory Insights, retailers will be able to quickly identify out-of-stock and low stock events, assess product details such as where an item is (product location), if it’s in the correct location (planogram compliance) and ensure it’s priced correctly (​​price tag compliance). [Read more…] about Brain Corp partners with Google Cloud to introduce analytics solution for retailers

AutoStore launches new robotic system for warehouses

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AutoStore, a warehouse automation company, has launched Pio, short for “Product In/Out”, which is basically an automated storage and retrieval system, or ASRS.

The company describes it as a “plug-and-play version” of its AutoStore cube storage technology tailored.

Pio has been specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses.

Based on a pay-per-pick service model, Pio allows SMBs, such as retailers of apparel, sporting goods, crafts, and cosmetics, to deploy robotic automation for a relatively low investment – enabling more businesses to gain access to the world’s best automation technology. [Read more…] about AutoStore launches new robotic system for warehouses

Locus launches new system for optimizing e-commerce delivery schedules

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Locus, a technology company developing solutions for last-mile logistics (not to be confused with Locus Robotics), has launched its Delivery Linked Checkout, a “first-of-its-kind” integrated capability that enables retail businesses to achieve profitability in their last-mile logistics.

By deploying this new feature, retailers can deliver orders on customer-preferred timelines while maintaining optimal capacity and service efficiencies.

The surge in e-commerce deliveries, coupled with the heightened customer expectations for more efficient and predictable delivery options, has added yet another layer to last-mile complexities. [Read more…] about Locus launches new system for optimizing e-commerce delivery schedules

Fabric and Reply partner to expand robotic capabilities for warehouses

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Fabric, a retail fulfillment automation company, and Reply, which specializes in new communications channels and digital media, have entered into a strategic partnership to offer brands and retailers “seamless integration” to a single point solution for a warehouse management system and automated robotic fulfillment.

Fabric will use the LEA Reply supply-chain execution platform – developed by Logistics Reply – to integrate with its automation solution and provide a ready-to-use connector to Reply’s leading WMS in the market.

This will also allow both Fabric and Reply to quickly develop new features for their customers to improve the performance of the robotics, WES, and WMS with minimal additional integration efforts and no disruption to the customers’ operations. [Read more…] about Fabric and Reply partner to expand robotic capabilities for warehouses