Robotics & Automation News

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Fetch Robotics and Körber unveil new case picking solution for distribution centers

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Fetch Robotics, a warehouse robotics and automation specialist, has unveiled a new integrated case pick-to-pallet solution with Körber, a multinational conglomerate with 10,000 employees worldwide.

The new solution dynamically orchestrates the movement of warehouse associates and robots, combining the power of Fetch’s Freight500 and Freight1500 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with the optimization capabilities of Körber’s warehouse management systems, supporting case picking workflows for facilities of all sizes.

Warehouse needs have risen dramatically over the past year, as a surge in consumer spending has increased demands on distribution centers. Additionally, distribution organizations face longstanding labor challenges. This includes hiring and retaining skilled staff, accommodating seasonal fluctuations, and relying on temporary workers to operate forklifts. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics and Körber unveil new case picking solution for distribution centers

MassRobotics partners with Procter & Gamble to develop automation and manufacturing-related applications

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MassRobotics, a hub for entrepreneurs starting robotics and automation companies, has launched a new partnership with consumer goods multinational Procter & Gamble to collaboratively explore technologies around automation and manufacturing-related applications.

The goal of the partnership is to develop ideas to improve productivity, drive increased value for consumers, accelerate agility from more automation, and allow more flexibility in meeting the manufacturing deadlines of customers.

In addition to exploring and accessing innovations from resident startups, MassRobotics’ overall community will help P&G remain on the cutting-edge of the robotics and automation industry and more closely collaborate with existing P&G robotics partners in Massachusetts. [Read more…] about MassRobotics partners with Procter & Gamble to develop automation and manufacturing-related applications

SICK earns Innovation Award from Robotics Business Review for LiDAR Localization Product

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SICK has received an Innovation Award from the Robotics Business Review for its LiDAR-LOC product, a software solution that enables contour-based localization using LiDAR technology.

This is the third consecutive year that SICK has been given an award from the Robotics Business Review.

RBR50 is an annual list that recognizes and celebrates forward thinking companies and the original, impact solutions created by these companies. [Read more…] about SICK earns Innovation Award from Robotics Business Review for LiDAR Localization Product

RoboCup Federation and UBTech Robotics team up to improve robots’ football skills

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The RoboCup Federation, famous for organising football matches between teams of tiny Nao humanoid robots, and UBTech Robotics have formed a strategic partnership.

The two companies say they are aiming to achieve “the highest-quality artificial intelligence and robotic research and education as well as respective worldwide visibility”.

Both organizations share the goal of intelligent robots serving and supporting humans in various challenging tasks both at home and at work. [Read more…] about RoboCup Federation and UBTech Robotics team up to improve robots’ football skills

SoftBank to halt production of Pepper and reduce its robotics business, says Reuters

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SoftBank, the Japanese telecommunications giant which has in the past few years become a huge force in the robotics market, is set to halt production of Pepper, the humanoid robot, according to a report by Reuters. 

The news agency cites sources and documents to say that “production of the humanoid Pepper… was stopped last year”, adding that “it would be costly to restart production”.

Pepper was being manufactured by Foxconn, famous for being Apple’s main manufacturer. [Read more…] about SoftBank to halt production of Pepper and reduce its robotics business, says Reuters

Robots in automotive manufacturing: Top 7 applications

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With the advancement in technology ever since the first car came into existence, things have changed drastically. Not just for the driver but also for manufacturers. The way we have learned to automate our tasks is remarkable.

We created machines that helped us create more machines. That is essentially what car manufacturing is these days. We don’t need huge human labor to achieve our task, we could just use robots. Robots have been used for automotive manufacturing for over 50 years now. They have lots of advantages.

These robots give the manufacturer a big competitive advantage over their competitors. You cannot expect an automaker to pump millions of vehicles per year by creating all of them by hand. [Read more…] about Robots in automotive manufacturing: Top 7 applications

Pitney Bowes to install Ambi Robotics systems in US to support global ecommerce network

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Pitney Bowes, a provider of ecommerce solutions, has selected automated systems from Ambi Robotics.

The company has decided to install AmbiSort robots in ecommerce hubs within the US over the next five years.

The AmbiSort AI-powered systems will help Pitney Bowes speed parcel sortation to last-mile delivery providers on behalf of its ecommerce clients, while improving operational efficiency, accuracy and worker safety as parcel volumes continue to surge. [Read more…] about Pitney Bowes to install Ambi Robotics systems in US to support global ecommerce network

Path Robotics expands headquarters and production, creating 140 new jobs

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Path Robotics, a Columbus-based artificial intelligence robotics company producing the world’s first truly autonomous robotic manufacturing system, announced plans to expand its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, creating 140 new jobs.

Hiring for software development, engineering and product positions is under way.

Path Robotics plans to expand personnel throughout Columbus at both its existing facility at 524 Maier Place, as well as at its additional facility at 3950 Business Park Drive. [Read more…] about Path Robotics expands headquarters and production, creating 140 new jobs

SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

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SVT Robotics, a developer of software for industrial robotics, has designed a new SoftBot Platform connector for RightHand Robotics, a specialist in autonomous robotic picking solutions.

SVT Robotics worked with RightHand Robotics to develop the pre-built connector between SVT’s SoftBot Platform and the RightPick 3 item-handling robot system, the company’s newest generation of the RightPick product suite and the world’s first autonomous piece-picking solution designed to be integrator-friendly.

T.J. Fanning, VP of sales for SVT, says: “By connecting to the pre-built standard integrations of our SoftBot Platform, RightHand Robotics customers who adopt the RightPick 3 system can now deploy without the need for custom integration code. [Read more…] about SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

Toyota Research Institute reaches ‘new technical milestones in robotics’

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Toyota Research Institute (TRI) says it has reached “new technical milestones in robotics”. The company has unveiled new robotics capabilities aimed at solving complex tasks in home environments.

Specifically, TRI roboticists were able to train robots to understand and operate in complicated situations that confuse most other robots, including recognizing and responding to transparent and reflective surfaces in a variety of circumstances.

As TRI demonstrates in a new video (see below), this robust system allows robots to make generalizations in a range of scenarios, including in different homes. [Read more…] about Toyota Research Institute reaches ‘new technical milestones in robotics’