Robotics & Automation News

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robotics as a service

Interview with Workr Robotics CEO Ken Macken: ‘Paying for automation by the hour’

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Industrial robotics is entering a new phase. Advances in artificial intelligence, large language models, and so-called embodied AI have sparked renewed excitement about robots that can understand, reason about, and interact with the physical world.

High-profile collaborations between companies such as Google DeepMind and Boston Dynamics have fueled speculation that increasingly capable general-purpose robots may soon find their way onto factory floors.

But not everyone in the industry is convinced that these developments represent an immediate breakthrough for manufacturing. [Read more…] about Interview with Workr Robotics CEO Ken Macken: ‘Paying for automation by the hour’

Robots on demand: Why robotics-as-a-service on its own won’t solve warehouse automation

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By Kevin Price, logistics consultant, Dematic

Supply chains are under intense pressure due to constantly shifting order volumes and increased customer expectations, which has made effective management essential.

At the same time, rising operational costs are pushing many warehouse operators to test new ways of running their businesses.

To meet this challenge many organisations have turned to on-demand robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) and warehouse-as-a-service (WaaS), particularly small and midsized operators. [Read more…] about Robots on demand: Why robotics-as-a-service on its own won’t solve warehouse automation

RobCo unveils ‘Autonomous Alfie’ humanoid robot for industrial automation at Hannover Messe

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RobCo is announcing a strategic expansion of its industrial robotics with a new humanoid robot, “Autonomous Alfie”, at Hanover Messe.

With Alfie, RobCo is opening a new category of industrial robotics as manufacturers look to automate tasks that involve variability, sensitivity and changing inputs. This capability marks a step toward Level 4 autonomy, where robots learn, adapt and execute tasks with minimal human intervention.

Autonomous Alfie combines bimanual manipulation with tightly integrated hardware and software across perception and execution. Alfie can handle everything from precision assembly to sensitive material handling and intralogistics processes such as picking, kitting and palletizing. [Read more…] about RobCo unveils ‘Autonomous Alfie’ humanoid robot for industrial automation at Hannover Messe

NEOintralogistics secures €3 million to ‘democratize warehouse automation’ through RaaS

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NEOintralogistics, a German robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) provider in warehouse automation, has closed a €3 million seed funding round, led by the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund and strong participation from Cetus Holding.

The urgency for accessible automation solutions has never been greater. Despite the clear business case for automation with potential operational cost reductions of up to 65 percent, adoption has been severely limited by the high upfront investment required.

80 percent of global warehouses still operate manually, largely due to cost barriers that have made traditional automation accessible only to the largest operators. [Read more…] about NEOintralogistics secures €3 million to ‘democratize warehouse automation’ through RaaS

Konnex raises $15 million to develop autonomous robotics platform

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Konnex, a startup developing software infrastructure for autonomous robots, has raised $15 million in funding as it looks to expand its platform for implementing robots across industrial and commercial applications.

The company said the funding came from a group of venture investors including Cogitent Ventures, Liquid Capital, Leland Ventures, Covey, M77 Ventures and Block Maven.

Konnex describes its focus as enabling autonomous robots to be deployed and managed more flexibly, rather than operating as closed, proprietary systems tied to specific vendors or environments. [Read more…] about Konnex raises $15 million to develop autonomous robotics platform

Miso Robotics selects Roboworx to provide integration services for its fast food robots

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Miso Robotics, a provider of restaurant robots and AI kitchen automation, has signed up robot field service organization Roboworx to provide installation, maintenance and ongoing support for Miso’s restaurant automation systems.

This collaboration combines Miso’s cutting-edge AI-powered Flippy Fry Station robots with Roboworx’s nationwide network of robot technicians to provide restaurant operators with a complete, powerful and reliable solution, and a rapid return on investment (ROI).

With the restaurant industry facing persistent labor shortages and operational challenges, automation has become essential for improving efficiency, reducing food waste, and enhancing customer satisfaction. [Read more…] about Miso Robotics selects Roboworx to provide integration services for its fast food robots

Körber chooses robotics-as-a-service for next phase of e-fulfillment journey

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Körber has decided that the next phase of its journey in e-fulfillment will use robotics-as-a-service.

The technology company which employs more than 12,000 people worldwide says RaaS “empowers businesses to adapt and thrive in new era of supply chain complexity”.

Ever-increasing consumer demand and labor challenges are top of mind for many supply chain executives amid double-digit growth rates in e-commerce. [Read more…] about Körber chooses robotics-as-a-service for next phase of e-fulfillment journey

Plus Automation wins its first robotics-as-a-service contract

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Logistics and supply chain technology startup Plus Automation has won its first robotics-as-a-service contract with Jun Co, a Japanese company with diversified interests including fashion, food and fitness products. 

The company was jointly established in June 2019 and is 60 per cent owned by Mitsui, a Japanese conglomerate, and GLP Japan, said to be the largest Japanese logistics company but also has real estate and other interests.

The contract between Plus and Jun consists of a standard annual subscription together with the option to add robots when cargo volumes increase, making it “a highly convenient service package”, says Plus. [Read more…] about Plus Automation wins its first robotics-as-a-service contract

Geek+ smart warehouses break Single’s Day record with 8 million orders delivered in 72 hours

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Geek+ says it implemented and completed large-scale scheduling of more than 4,000 robots in its smart warehouses during this year’s 11.11 Singles’ Day shopping festival.

China’s largest smart warehouse network processed a record 8 million orders in 72 hours.

Geek+ says “the successful deployment is a fantastic validation of the strength of the robotics-as-a-service business model” and the flexibility and efficiency of smart warehouses during periods of peak orders, including the ultimate challenge of the world’s largest shopping festival. [Read more…] about Geek+ smart warehouses break Single’s Day record with 8 million orders delivered in 72 hours

Cobalt Robotics raises $35 million Series B funding with Coatue

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Cobalt Robotics has raised $35 million in its Series B funding round, led by Coatue.

The company says the investment round will enable it to expand its security robots-as-a-service throughout the US.

Cobalt Robotics is a physical security service provider that builds indoor autonomous robots to make security and facility operations more effective. [Read more…] about Cobalt Robotics raises $35 million Series B funding with Coatue