Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

robots

Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

by

Lucas Systems, a provider of voice and warehouse optimization software for fulfillment and distribution centers, has entered a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses.

Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimize how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots.

Fulfillment and distribution centers are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labor market. [Read more…] about Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

Deutsche Bahn invests in Gideon Brothers 
in $32 million financing round

by

Gideon Brothers, a robotics and AI solutions company, has received a new investment from Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures, the venture capital arm of Deutsche Bahn Group, as part of the recent Series A financing round led by Koch Disruptive Technologies valued at $32 million.

The Series A investment will accelerate the development and commercialization of Gideon Brothers’ AI and 3D vision-based autonomous mobile robots that automate horizontal and vertical material handling operations.

The company is also expanding its manufacturing, sales, customer success, and marketing operations across key markets of the EU and United States, by opening offices in Munich, Germany and Boston, Massachusetts. [Read more…] about Deutsche Bahn invests in Gideon Brothers 
in $32 million financing round

Norway prime minister officially opens AutoStore Innovation Hub

by

AutoStore, the leading robotic technology company, has created a pioneering test facility that can allow for faster fitting of automated systems for its clients to keep up with order demand.

Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg (pictured below cutting ribbon), was said to be “deeply impressed” by AutoStore’s success when she officially opened the new test center and had it demonstrated.

As she officially opened the Innovation Hub, Solberg said: “AutoStore is a guiding star showing the way towards growth for the Norwegian private sector.” [Read more…] about Norway prime minister officially opens AutoStore Innovation Hub

Geek+ and WSR Solutions launch smart palletizing solution

by

Geek+, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, has launched a new solution for “Smart Mixed Case palletizing”, co-developed with WSR Solutions, a provider of intelligent warehouse management tools.

The solution combines Geek+ autonomous mobile robots and WSR’s intelligent palletizing algorithm to help warehouse operators systematically handle the processing of multiple outbound orders in an efficient, safe, and flexible way.

Lit Fung, vice president of APAC, UK and the Americas at Geek+, says: “We are thrilled to work together with WSR Solutions to provide a tool that targets every aspect of the outbound logistics process, from how goods are stored and moved around the warehouse to how pallets are stacked, streamlining processes by eliminating the need for re-palletization, and optimizing overall space utilization.” [Read more…] about Geek+ and WSR Solutions launch smart palletizing solution

ANYbotics boosts autonomous mobile robots with Velodyne lidar sensors

by

ANYbotics is equipping its autonomous mobile robots with Velodyne’s Puck lidar sensors. ANYbotics robots provide industrial operators with an automated robotic inspection solution to support efforts in monitoring and maintaining plants.

ANYbotics’ four-legged robot ANYmal performs inspection and monitoring tasks in challenging industrial terrains such as mining and minerals, oil and gas, chemicals, energy and construction.

ANYmal’s legs provide unparalleled mobility when moving up and down stairs, climbing over obstacles, steps and gaps, and crawling into tight spaces. ANYmal’s inspection payload provides visual, thermal and acoustic insights for condition monitoring of equipment and infrastructure. [Read more…] about ANYbotics boosts autonomous mobile robots with Velodyne lidar sensors

Getting dressed with help from robots

by

MIT has demonstrated a “human-aware motion planning algorithm” that addresses the safety gap in collaboration between robots and humans – and could be used to make robots help people get dressed. (See video below.)

Basic safety needs in the paleolithic era have largely evolved with the onset of the industrial and cognitive revolutions. We interact a little less with raw materials, and interface a little more with machines.

Robots don’t have the same hardwired behavioral awareness and control, so secure collaboration with humans requires methodical planning and coordination. You can likely assume your friend can fill up your morning coffee cup without spilling on you, but for a robot, this seemingly simple task requires careful observation and comprehension of human behavior.

Scientists from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have recently created a new algorithm to help a robot find efficient motion plans to ensure physical safety of its human counterpart. In this case, the bot helped put a jacket on a human, which could potentially prove to be a powerful tool in expanding assistance for those with disabilities or limited mobility. [Read more…] about Getting dressed with help from robots

Robots who goof: Can we trust them again?

by

When robots make mistakes – and they do from time to time – re-establishing trust with human co-workers depends on how the machines own up to the errors and how human-like they appear, according to University of Michigan research.

In a study that examined multiple trust repair strategies – apologies, denials, explanations or promises – the researchers found that certain approaches directed at human co-workers are better than others and often are impacted by how the robots look.

Lionel Robert (main picture), associate professor at the U-M School of Information, says: “Robots are definitely a technology but their interactions with humans are social and we must account for these social interactions if we hope to have humans comfortably trust and rely on their robot co-workers. [Read more…] about Robots who goof: Can we trust them again?

DroneDeploy acquires Rocos to ‘accelerate job site automation’

by

DroneDeploy, a mapping and drone data specialist, has acquired Rocos, a New Zealand-based robotics software company.

The acquisition will enable DroneDeploy customers in construction, energy, agriculture, and more to deploy and orchestrate both aerial and ground robots on their job sites.

This acquisition will make physical workflow automation possible, creating more efficient and safer workplaces. [Read more…] about DroneDeploy acquires Rocos to ‘accelerate job site automation’

Starship Robots to launch almost 100 delivery robots at multiple new college campuses

by

Starship Technologies, a provider of autonomous delivery services, says it will begin its robotic delivery services on four additional college campuses:

  • University of Illinois Chicago (UIC);
  • University of Kentucky (UK);
  • University of Nevada, Reno (UNR); and
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach, Florida campus.

These campuses join the list of college campuses across the US where Starship robots will continue to provide deliveries this fall with its global fleet of over 1,000 robots. [Read more…] about Starship Robots to launch almost 100 delivery robots at multiple new college campuses

Yandex partners with Grubhub to operate delivery robots on college campuses

by

Yandex Self-Driving Group, an autonomous vehicles developer owned by Russia’s largest internet search engine company, has agreed a multi-year partnership with Grubhub, an online and mobile food-ordering and delivery platform on college campuses.

The partnership between Grubhub and Yandex SDG will create faster and more cost-effective deliveries on college campuses in the United States.

Yandex autonomous delivery robots will join Grubhub’s robust food delivery platform built specifically for life on campus. [Read more…] about Yandex partners with Grubhub to operate delivery robots on college campuses