Robotics & Automation News

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Wiferion launches compact wireless charging system for small mobile robots

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Wiferion, an energy solution supplier powering mobile robots and autonomous industrial vehicles through wireless charging, introduced its new inductive etaLINK 1000 charging system to the US market, making its successful wireless charging technology available to smaller robots for the first time.

The new mobile charging unit integrated into the robot measures just 160 mm – making it 36 percent smaller than the etaLINK 3000, Wiferion’s standard charging system for autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and autonomous guided vehicles (AGV).

etaLINK 1000 has all the advantages of the larger models, such as high positioning tolerance, maintenance-free operation, and fast start up of power transfer in around one second. Wiferion will debut the etaLINK 1000 at Automate, May 22-25, 2023, in Detroit. [Read more…] about Wiferion launches compact wireless charging system for small mobile robots

Ouster expansion supply agreements with May Mobility for autonomous vehicles

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Ouster, a provider of high-performance lidar sensors, and May Mobility, a developer of autonomous vehicle technology, are expanding their supply agreements to provide lidar sensors for May Mobility’s autonomous vehicle solutions.

These expansions include a binding commitment for a combined purchase of over one thousand Ouster OS1 and Alpha PrimeTM VLS-128 sensors through 2024 to meet demand for new AV deployments starting this year.

Edwin Olson, CEO of May Mobility, says: “We are rapidly growing our operations and technology and need partners that deliver high-performing, reliable and scalable products to be successful. [Read more…] about Ouster expansion supply agreements with May Mobility for autonomous vehicles

DHL to install 5,000 Locus warehouse robots across multiple sites

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DHL Supply Chain, the world’s largest logistics provider, says it will expand its partnership with Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

The expansion will increase DHL’s use of Locus AMR robotics within its supply chain operations. As part of this new partnership, DHL Supply Chain will deploy 5,000 Locus Origin AMRs across its global network of warehouses and distribution centers, representing the industry’s largest AMR deal to date.

The expanded fleet of Locus AMRs will provide DHL Supply Chain with advanced automation technology to optimize its supply chain operations, and improve worker productivity, order accuracy, speed, and efficiency. [Read more…] about DHL to install 5,000 Locus warehouse robots across multiple sites

Africa Automation Technology Fair: Inspiring enterprise for the future

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Technology is always evolving to improve modern life. The latest in artificial intelligence (AI), technology-based tactics, automation and cybersecurity are essential to master, particularly for those working in these sectors, and there is always something new to discover.

Just last month, South Africa introduced the first formally recognised Robotic Process Automation qualification in the EMEA region, opening new opportunities in education.

Technology shapes so many facets of life and is likely to create an unimaginable and exciting future. What is crucial now however, is to use advancements to solve problems wherever possible. [Read more…] about Africa Automation Technology Fair: Inspiring enterprise for the future

Addverb partners with Purdue University to offer engineering students real-world experience of industrial automation

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Automation solutions provider Addverb has launched a smart factory with Purdue University’s School of Engineering Technology.

Addverb’s live automation system comprising both hardware and software will enable Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MFET) undergraduate students and faculty to interact with real-world applications of modern industrial automation in supply chain management and warehouse design.

Purdue University offers leading STEM undergraduate programs in the United States. Addverb’s on-campus smart factory will help students better understand how flexible automation works in various industry settings, and can scale to meet the needs of a specific factory or warehouse without significant infrastructural changes. [Read more…] about Addverb partners with Purdue University to offer engineering students real-world experience of industrial automation

ZF partners with STMicroelectronics to develop silicon carbide devices

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Automotive technology group ZF will, from 2025, purchase silicon carbide devices from STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications.

Under the terms of the multi-year contract, ST will supply a volume of double-digit millions of silicon carbide devices to be integrated in ZF’s new modular inverter architecture going into series production in 2025.

ZF will leverage ST’s vertically integrated silicon carbide manufacturing in Europe and Asia to secure customer orders in electromobility. [Read more…] about ZF partners with STMicroelectronics to develop silicon carbide devices

Körber develops new robotic system for de-palletizing pallets to trays

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Körber Supply Chain says it has “solved” the pallet-to-tray issues many warehouses face – the company has developed a new “turnkey system solution” for de-palletizing pallets to trays.

With the launch of a new de-palletization system, Körber Supply Chain claims it has become “the first supplier of automated logistics solutions to offer a total turnkey solution for the separation of goods from pallet to tray”.

Körber says its goal is to fully automate and eliminate risks and sudden downtime in the sorting process. [Read more…] about Körber develops new robotic system for de-palletizing pallets to trays

Autonomous logistics startup Venti Technologies raises $28.8 million in Series A funding

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Venti Technologies, a provider of autonomous logistics for global supply chain and industrial hubs, has secured $28.8 million in a Series A financing.

The financing round was led by LG Technology Ventures, the Silicon Valley-based venture capital arm of the LG Group, with participation from Safar Partners, UOB Venture Management, and existing investors Alpha JWC and LDV Partners.

The funding will be used to accelerate Venti’s growth and meet increasing demand from customers worldwide. [Read more…] about Autonomous logistics startup Venti Technologies raises $28.8 million in Series A funding

Hannover Messe: Connectivity and climate neutrality

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The list of challenges facing industry is long: climate change, energy shortages, disrupted supply chains and a shortage of skilled labor. The solution to these challenges lies in the targeted use of technology.

At the same time, governments need to get their economic policy right. Hannover Messe 2023 covers not only technologies for connected, climate-neutral industry, but also provides a forum for a global policy discussion among industry, government, science and social representatives.

Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of the Deutsche Messe group of companies, says: “Carbon-neutral production, artificial intelligence, hydrogen technologies, energy management and Industrie 4.0 – those are the overarching themes of Hannover Messe 2023. [Read more…] about Hannover Messe: Connectivity and climate neutrality

Körber chooses robotics-as-a-service for next phase of e-fulfillment journey

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Körber has decided that the next phase of its journey in e-fulfillment will use robotics-as-a-service.

The technology company which employs more than 12,000 people worldwide says RaaS “empowers businesses to adapt and thrive in new era of supply chain complexity”.

Ever-increasing consumer demand and labor challenges are top of mind for many supply chain executives amid double-digit growth rates in e-commerce. [Read more…] about Körber chooses robotics-as-a-service for next phase of e-fulfillment journey