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Labor shortages set to propel shipments of outdoor mobile robots to 350,000 by 2030

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Rapid advancements in fundamental techniques, such as navigation, manipulation, and functional safety, have made robots more intelligent, agile, and safer.

Mobile robots are a proven ideal companion for humans performing mission- and business-critical tasks in outdoor environments. According to global intelligence firm ABI Research, shipments of outdoor mobile robots will grow from 40,000 units in 2021 to reach 350,000 by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 27 percent.

With the successful deployment of mobile robots for successful navigation, manipulation, and functional safety in material handling, transporting, and cleaning, companies are now looking to deploy robots for outdoor applications for the same reasons. [Read more…] about Labor shortages set to propel shipments of outdoor mobile robots to 350,000 by 2030

Veo Robotics launches ‘new and improved’ safeguarding system for human-robot collaboration

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Veo Robotics, the industrial automation company that created FreeMove, a 3D safeguarding system for industrial robots that enables dynamic human-robot collaboration, has released its new and improved FreeMove 2.0 Engine. 

The redesigned FreeMove 2.0 Engine is a high-performance industrial computer with a proprietary safety architecture that works alongside FreeMove Sensors to monitor workcells in 3D. It implements dynamic Speed and Separation Monitoring to enable safe interaction between humans and robots.

The launch coincides with a growing need for manufacturers to create safer facility floors as their use of automation – and in particular robots – increases. [Read more…] about Veo Robotics launches ‘new and improved’ safeguarding system for human-robot collaboration

Trimble and Exyn Technologies launch autonomous construction surveying technology

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Industrial technology company Trimble and Exyn Technologies, a developer of multi-platform robotic autonomy for complex, GPS-denied environments, have agreed a strategic collaboration to explore the use of autonomous construction surveying technology.

The solution will integrate Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot, the ExynPak powered by ExynAI and the Trimble X7 total station. It will enable fully autonomous missions inside complex and dynamic construction environments, which can result in consistent and precise reality capture for production and quality control workflows.

Aviad Almagor, vice president of technology innovation, Trimble, says: “The integration of autonomous surveying technology into a construction workflow has groundbreaking potential. [Read more…] about Trimble and Exyn Technologies launch autonomous construction surveying technology

AutoStore launches first consumer-facing automated warehouse

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AutoStore has launched its latest innovation, the PickUpPort, a public-facing port that lets customers shop online and pick up their order directly from the AutoStore System. 

Carlos Fernández, chief product officer at AutoStore, says: “It’s important for us to help retailers stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.

“With the new PickUpPort, retailers can offer a hassle-free pick-up option in-store, and customers can see how Robots pick, organize, and store items. When retailers adopt this technology, their customers get even more flexibility and freedom.” [Read more…] about AutoStore launches first consumer-facing automated warehouse

Indy Autonomous Challenge to race at iconic Texas speedway

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The Indy Autonomous Challenge will return to racing at another iconic track with “The Indy Autonomous Challenge Powered by Cisco” at the Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, November 11th in Fort Worth, Texas.

This follows a record setting competition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last October, and making history at CES 2022 in January with the world’s first-ever, head-to-head autonomous racing competition.

Presenting sponsor Cisco Systems will enable critical in-vehicle and car-to-trackside connectivity with Dallara AV-21 racecars using ultra-low latency wireless technology for the head-to-head autonomous racecar competition where nine IAC teams will seek to compete. [Read more…] about Indy Autonomous Challenge to race at iconic Texas speedway

ForwardX Robotics releases new fully autonomous forklift

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ForwardX Robotics, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and warehouse solutions provider, has added the Apex 1400-L to its list of AMRs available in the United States.

Apex 1400-L is a fully autonomous forklift which further enhances ForwardX’s capabilities in warehousing workflows including receiving, putaway, replenishment, raw material movement, and shipping.

Forklifts have always played an important role in the warehousing industry. With the acceleration of e-commerce in recent years, companies are facing new challenges that come with traditional manual forklift operations. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics releases new fully autonomous forklift

Robot cell guarding: When adaptability trumps strength

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Luke Wilkinson, design and product development manager at Matara, looks at the growing use of aluminium over steel in robot guard frames and the reasons behind its rising popularity

It is estimated that there are around 23,000 robots operating in industrial settings in the UK. The automotive sector is the largest user employing over 9,000, with the food and drink sector recently rising to second place.

With their ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately, swiftly and consistently, it’s not hard to understand why the use of robots across industry is growing. A survey conducted by the British Automation & Robot Association showed sales of robots in the UK to be 7.5% higher in 2020 from the previous year.

Whilst the benefits of using robots in industrial settings are clear, it’s important to take into account the potential safety risk they pose; not of a science fiction nature, but a very real, present in the here and now type risk that primarily stems from people accidentally getting in their way which can have serious consequences if the machine is fast moving, carrying a heavy payload and so on. [Read more…] about Robot cell guarding: When adaptability trumps strength

Sarcos demonstrates robotic technologies for shipyard operations

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Sarcos Technology and Robotics, a developer of highly dexterous exoskeletons and robotic systems that augment humans to enhance productivity and safety, says it has executed field trials demonstrating improved worker safety and productivity for shipyard operations.

Sarcos robotic systems are designed to carry out maintenance, inspection, and repair activities, on and around ships that are underway and pier side, creating safer and more effective shipyard operations and improving the efficiency of sailors and shipyard workers.

In September, the company completed a successful field trial for the US Navy at the Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) at the Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, California. [Read more…] about Sarcos demonstrates robotic technologies for shipyard operations

Auve Tech launches new generation self-driving vehicle

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Estonian company Auve Tech has launched a new generation self-driving vehicle.

MiCa is the latest self-driving shuttle from Auve Tech, which specializes in developing and producing autonomous vehicles.

The startup says MiCa takes safety, practicality and self-driving to “a new level” and allows autonomous driving in various weather and traffic conditions. [Read more…] about Auve Tech launches new generation self-driving vehicle

Robotics and Health and Safety

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One of the areas where robotics can make a real difference is in the health and safety world.

Although robotics have their own health and safety challenges, there is o denying that they can and are being used to change the face of health and safety in many workplaces around the world.

When used in conjunction with existing measures like key clamp fittings and hazmat suits, for example, which is why anyone who is interested in improving their health and safety record should be looking at robotics as a solution. [Read more…] about Robotics and Health and Safety