Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

savioke

Top 20 autonomous delivery robots: Ready to take over the streets

Despite some occasional antipathy towards them, autonomous delivery robots are gaining ground in urban landscapes. 

While some local authorities are unsure about allowing machines to roam free on city streets, most people probably accept that it’s only a matter of time before regulations accommodate the new technology.

Universities, meanwhile, as well as other organizations such as hotels, airports and large companies with extensive grounds of their own, have the opportunity to allow relatively large numbers of these autonomous mobile robots to deliver such things as snacks and maybe books, documents, and other items to students, guests and staff.  [Read more…] about Top 20 autonomous delivery robots: Ready to take over the streets

Swisslog and Savioke introduce new autonomous service robot to healthcare industry

Swisslog Healthcare, in conjunction with robotics company, Savioke, have launched Relay robot, a new autonomous service robot for application in healthcare settings.

Initially deployed for pharmacy and laboratory pick-up and delivery, the Relay robot helps hospitals optimize labor productivity.

Cory Kwarta, North America president, Swisslog Healthcare, says: “Today’s healthcare environment challenges nurses, lab techs, and pharmacists to decide how they spend their valuable time.  [Read more…] about Swisslog and Savioke introduce new autonomous service robot to healthcare industry

New service robot for hospital deliveries

Swisslog Healthcare, in conjunction with robotic pioneer, Savioke, Inc., announces the full market launch of Relay robot, a new Autonomous Service Robot (ASR) for deployment in healthcare settings.

Initially deployed for pharmacy and laboratory pick-up and delivery, the Relay robot helps hospitals optimize labor productivity.

The Relay robot safely and reliably transports items throughout the hospital; freeing up nurses, pharmacists, lab techs, and other skilled workers to focus on more valuable work and patient care.

[Read more…] about New service robot for hospital deliveries

FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

Logistics company FedEx is reportedly increasing its robotics operations to see off the challenge from Amazon, according to the New York Times. 

The company has been testing a number of robotic vehicles in its warehouses since last year and is said to be ready to take the next step.

FedEx is said to be partnering with Vecna, a supplier of logistics robots, to automate its warehouses and take the load off human employees.

FedEx also seems to be employing Savioke robots (unit in main picture) for work in the repair and maintenance department.

[Read more…] about FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

Konica Minolta steps up its activities in robotics

Konica Minolta, the Japanese tech giant best known for office equipment, looks to be increasing its activities in the robotics sector. 

Konica claims to be one of the first companies to commercialise automated solutions for business, and also says it’s been making “ground-breaking strides” within robotics through proprietary technology.

But it doesn’t seem to have launched a robot of its own. Rather, what it has done is partnered with a range of companies which are developing robotics solutions for a wide variety of settings.  [Read more…] about Konica Minolta steps up its activities in robotics

Robotic concierge: Exclusive interview with Savioke boss

Just ahead of appearing at the Consumer Electronics Show, Steve Cousins, CEO of Savioke gives Robotics and Automation News an exclusive interview

Some months ago, just after we started this website, we published a story about a new robotic concierge for hotels, launched by Savioke.

The company calls the robot “Relay”, although its buyers often give it nicknames – Dash, Botlr, and Wally are just some examples. 

Relay is not really a concierge – we just like that word… concierge… makes our website sound sophisticated. But anyway, the robot is smart enough to navigate its way within complex hotel interiors, with all their zig-zagging corridors and winding hallways, as well as their lifts with the slight gaps and uneven surfaces at the entrances.

These navigational challenges would of course not be a problem for most humans – we wouldn’t even think about them. Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to get around in hotels or in any other buildings quite easily – all the manoeuvring involved doesn’t present any difficulty, no matter how complex it may be.  [Read more…] about Robotic concierge: Exclusive interview with Savioke boss