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Autonomous mobile robots in warehouses: What justifies the recent high valuations?

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Analysis by IDTechEx

The trend of investment in, and acquisition of, mobile robotic companies seeking to automate the movement of goods within warehouses, fulfilment centres, and manufacturing facilities is still rising.

Only in recent months, we have seen three notable activities: Amazon, Shopify, and Teradyne acquired Canvas Technology, 6 River Systems, and AutoGuide, respectively.

In this article, IDTechEx discusses some notable acquisitions whilst considering relevant technology and market trends. [Read more…] about Autonomous mobile robots in warehouses: What justifies the recent high valuations?

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

Nokia provides venue to showcase 5G technology for last-mile delivery robots

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Engineers attending this year’s 5G Days at Nokia’s Paris-Saclay campus were likely to stumble into an unusual gofer rambling the streets of the 4,000 employees’ facility: a small autonomous delivery robot, with parcel lockers, delivering goods without human intervention or guidance. 

The robot was part of a one-shot demonstration for Nokia customers and partners, but it could soon become the default option for the delivery of small parcels across the campus.

Jean-Philippe Bellaiche, of EIT Digital, says: “Campus facility manager Sodexo, together with Nokia have decided not to deliver parcel below 5 kilos to the personnel on the campus anymore. [Read more…] about Nokia provides venue to showcase 5G technology for last-mile delivery robots

Massive growth in mobile robots expected as 6 million forecast to be shipped in 2030

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The robotics industry is set for “seismic change”, according to a report by ABI Research, which says that, of the 8 million robots forecast to be shipped in 2030, nearly 6 million will be mobile.

ABI says it has released its “most comprehensive robotics tracker yet”, and it shows that the robotics market is “set to transform over the next 10 years”.

There will be enormous growth across all sub-sectors, highlighted in a total market valuation of $277 billion by 2030, says ABI. [Read more…] about Massive growth in mobile robots expected as 6 million forecast to be shipped in 2030

Teradyne completes acquisition of AutoGuide Mobile Robots

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Teradyne has completed the acquisition of AutoGuide Mobile Robots, a leading supplier of high payload autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AutoGuide’s advanced products deliver easy deployment, improved safety, reduced costs and increased efficiency of industrial and warehouse material-handling operations.

Mark Jagiela, president and CEO of Teradyne, says: “AutoGuide’s safe, high-payload AMRs for the global forklift market provide a powerful, additional growth engine to Teradyne’s Industrial Automation group. [Read more…] about Teradyne completes acquisition of AutoGuide Mobile Robots

GROUND unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

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GROUND has unveiled a new autonomous collaborative robot that will start selling in Japan at the end of 2019.

The autonomous mobile robot was exhibited at the Daiwa House Group booth at the “1st Kansai Logistics Exhibition” held at INTEX Osaka recently.

GROUND is jointly researching and developing the machine jointly with China’s leading robot company HIT Robot Group. [Read more…] about GROUND unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

OnRobot ‘One System’ grippers receive UR+ certification for operation with Universal Robots

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OnRobot’s “One System Solution Grippers” have received UR+ certification for seamless operation with Universal Robots. UR+ is like an app store for hardware and software solutions that are compatible with Universal Robots’ collaborative robots.

The certified URCap software provides a unified interface for OnRobot’s new versions of RG2, RG6, and VG10 grippers with Universal Robots (UR).

The URCap allows the OnRobot grippers to work seamlessly with UR’s collaborative robot arms in a single program with no need to change cables or load new software when deploying additional products. [Read more…] about OnRobot ‘One System’ grippers receive UR+ certification for operation with Universal Robots

Automation increases productivity in materials science by 384 times, say researchers

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An automated method of conducting materials science research can increase productivity by 384 times when compared to a human, according to researchers. 

The robot-plus-software system also makes it easier for people who are not expert researchers or scientists to create new materials.

A Rutgers-led team of engineers has developed an automated way to produce polymers, making it much easier to create advanced materials aimed at improving human health. [Read more…] about Automation increases productivity in materials science by 384 times, say researchers

Blue Ocean Robotics raises $12 million to develop service robotics market

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Blue Ocean Robotics, said to be the “world’s first” robot venture factory, has raised almost $12 million to develop its position in the service robotics market.

Blue Ocean Robotics is entering new robot markets with service robots for the healthcare, hospitality, construction and agriculture industries.

The new investment is described as a recognition of the strength of Blue Ocean Robotics’ business model and success. [Read more…] about Blue Ocean Robotics raises $12 million to develop service robotics market

Retailers expected to buy more than 150,000 robots by 2025

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The retail sector is expected to buy more than 150,000 robots by 2025, according to a study by ABI Research.

The next generation of mobile robots for cleaning, inventory management, and material handling are “passing the test in retail”, says ABI.

Several robotics companies have grown their autonomous mobile robot fleet in 2019 and are poised to scale exponentially over the next five years. [Read more…] about Retailers expected to buy more than 150,000 robots by 2025