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NEC develops AI technology to enable robots to handle disorderly placed items

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NEC – a large Japanese multinational information technology and electronics company – says it has developed AI technology for robotics that enables “precise handling operations on unorganized and disorderly placed items”.

By predicting both the areas hidden by obstacles and the results of a robot’s actions, this technology makes it possible for robots to perform tasks that were previously performed manually, thereby contributing to the improvement of productivity and work-styles.

In recent years, due to labor shortages and other factors, the need for automation through the introduction of robots and large-scale equipment has been increasing in logistics warehouses and factories. [Read more…] about NEC develops AI technology to enable robots to handle disorderly placed items

Saudi Arabia announces spectacular $100 billion investment to establish industrial robotics and automation business

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Alat – a PIF company launched on February 1, 2024 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alat – has announced the establishment of a strategic partnership with SoftBank Group to establish a next generation industrial automation business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that will manufacture groundbreaking industrial robots.

PIF is short for the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. PIF is one of the largest investment funds in the world, with approximately $776 billion in assets.

Alat, headquartered in Riyadh, has been established to create a “global champion” in electronics and advanced industrial segments and mandated to create world class manufacturing enabled by global innovation and technology leadership. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia announces spectacular $100 billion investment to establish industrial robotics and automation business

Stäubli invests in company developing robot for solar industry

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Stäubli, one of the world’s largest industrial robot suppliers, says it has become involved in innovative Computer Vision, AI, and robotics solutions development with the California-based OnSight Technology.

Active since the early beginning of the Photovoltaic industry, Stäubli is a pioneer for durable and robust PV DC connectors. The Original MC4 PV connector has set the industry benchmark and is currently the most installed worldwide, connecting more than 50 percent of the global PV capacity.

Based on Stäubli’s longstanding expertise, the company says it is committed to sharing its knowledge and investing in future technology to increase safety in the solar industry. [Read more…] about Stäubli invests in company developing robot for solar industry

Nauticus Robotics raises $12 million in new investment

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Nauticus Robotics, a developer of subsea robots and software, has raised an additional $12 million as part of a second tranche of investment.

The new investment will expedite certification of Nauticus’ flagship robot, the Aquanaut, which facilitates the transformation of tethered ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations to fully autonomous operations.

It is expected to perform numerous tasks in water depths ranging from 200 to 2,000+ meters during February in preparation for an inaugural job inspecting a deep-water production facility of a major oil and gas company in the Gulf of Mexico. [Read more…] about Nauticus Robotics raises $12 million in new investment

SpartanNash introduces ‘retail innovation’ with in-store robot from Simbe

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Food solutions company SpartanNash has agreed plans to implement Simbe Robotics’ autonomous inventory robot Tally in 60 additional company-operated stores across the Midwest USA.

This opportunity to generate actionable, real-time inventory insights represents SpartanNash’s continued investment in technology to enhance the store guest and Associate experiences.

Tom Swanson, SpartanNash executive vice president, corporate retail, says: We first piloted Tally in 15 stores, and the success of that launch motivated us to expand Tally across more locations to help Associates save time in inventory tracking and spend more time on the floor serving our store guests. [Read more…] about SpartanNash introduces ‘retail innovation’ with in-store robot from Simbe

Hannover Messe forms ‘close co-operation’ with German Robotics Association

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The topic of robotics is an integral part of Hannover Messe. Robots of all sizes and shapes – from industrial robots and cobots right through to autonomous mobile robots – can be found throughout the exhibition grounds of the world’s leading trade fair for industry.

A special highlight this year is the Application Park in Hall 5, which has a strong partner at its side in the form of the German Robotics Association (DRV).

Among other things, the DRV has made it a mission to promote and foster the use of robotics in Germany. Given the shortage of skilled workers, there is undoubtedly potential in this direction, with Germany ranking fifth behind China, Japan, Korea and the USA in global comparison. [Read more…] about Hannover Messe forms ‘close co-operation’ with German Robotics Association

RightHand Robotics partners with Staples to install robots in fulfillment centers

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RightHand Robotics, a provider of autonomous AI robotic picking solutions for order fulfillment, has agreed a multi-year partnership with Staples, one of America’s best-known suppliers of workspace products and solutions.

The agreement allows Staples to deploy and install the company’s RightPick item-handling system to automate operations for higher service levels and Next-Day Delivery to over 98 percent of the US.

Managing an industry-leading distribution and fulfillment network with various levels of AI and automation, Staples has long been an innovator in the US market. [Read more…] about RightHand Robotics partners with Staples to install robots in fulfillment centers

Carbon Robotics adds new capabilities to meet ‘strong global demand’ for LaserWeeder

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Carbon Robotics has launched the Track LaserWeeder, a new model of its LaserWeeder, and two software enhancements: spatial data intelligence in the Carbon Ops Center and multi-language support in the iPad operator app.

By incorporating these advancements, Carbon Robotics not only addresses the diverse needs of farmers in various regions but also empowers them with actionable farm data, aligning seamlessly with the evolving demands of agriculture.

Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics, says: “We are excited to introduce the new Track LaserWeeder unit and software upgrades that will further improve the efficiency and capabilities of our industry-leading LaserWeeder for growers. [Read more…] about Carbon Robotics adds new capabilities to meet ‘strong global demand’ for LaserWeeder

Quasi Cloud Connect Simplifies Mobile Robots Control

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Quasi Robotics, based in the tech hub of Frederick, Maryland, is a leading robotics and artificial intelligence company providing mobile automation solutions for laboratory, healthcare, warehousing, and manufacturing businesses alike.

The robotic process automation offered by Quasi combines a trio of elements: the proprietary intelligence suite Qai, which powers the operations of two autonomous mobile robots – Model R2 and Model C2 – all managed through an integrated, user-friendly, all-encompassing, mobile robot platform, Cloud Connect. [Read more…] about Quasi Cloud Connect Simplifies Mobile Robots Control

Anyware Robotics emerges from stealth mode to reveal robotic container and truck unloading system

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Anyware Robotics has emerged from stealth mode to unveil its AI-powered robotic solution, Pixmo, for container and truck unloading. Every year an estimated 28 million containers enter the US with contents, usually boxes, that need to be unloaded.

Anyware Robotics Pixmo robots enable companies to ease the heavy burden on human workers who currently unload these. The versatile mobile robots autonomously unload boxes in containers and trucks more safely, cost-effectively, reliably, and quickly than humans can – without the related injuries.

The autonomous mobile Pixmo robots are ideal for unloading at transload facilities, cross docks, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), distribution centers, and e-commerce fulfillment warehouses. The robots can be installed within days and provide enhanced operational efficiencies and predictability.  [Read more…] about Anyware Robotics emerges from stealth mode to reveal robotic container and truck unloading system