Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

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ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations

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ASI Logistics and SICK Sensor Intelligence say they have achieved another milestone in the development of autonomous yard truck operations.

Together, the two companies have “solved the issue of reversing into trailers autonomously”. This is one of the final steps in completing fully autonomous yard operations.

ASI Logistics utilized is robust Vehicle Automation Kit (VAK) and SICK’s industry-leading LiDAR to overcome this challenge. [Read more…] about ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations

Outrider equips autonomous trucks with deep-learning driven robotic arms

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Outrider, the startup developing autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, has releaseed TrailerConnect – a patented technology that robotically attaches the needed brake and electric lines from yard trucks to any of the over 10 million trailers and chassis circulating globally.

A deep-learning based technology, TrailerConnect is now available as part of the Outrider System, which automates distribution yards for large, logistics-dependent enterprises.

In distribution yards around the globe, yard trucks transition semi-trailers from dock doors to parking spots to public roads. To move these trailers, truck drivers connect pressurized brake lines to semi-trailers to release the parking brake and move the trailers around the yard – a hazardous manual task that requires the driver to get in and out of the cab constantly. [Read more…] about Outrider equips autonomous trucks with deep-learning driven robotic arms

Outrider releases new autonomy kit for scaling distribution yard automation

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Outrider, the developer of autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, has released its next-generation autonomy kit for its yard automation solution.

Supporting over-the-air software updates and field-swappable units, the latest autonomy kit is designed to deliver enterprise-class reliability, enable remote technical support, and efficiently service the system in the field – all at scale.

Andrew Smith, founder and CEO of Outrider, says: “Distribution yards are harsh industrial environments with around-the-clock operations, which means our autonomous system must be rugged, easy to service, and remotely supportable. [Read more…] about Outrider releases new autonomy kit for scaling distribution yard automation

Einride unveils expanded lineup of autonomous trucks

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Swedish freight technology company Einride has unveiled additional product offerings to its hardware and software lineups including designs for an Einride Trailer and new features and functionality on the Einride Saga platform.

These build outs of the Saga UI experience via new apps and a new API (application programming interface) developer platform, in addition to presenting what is possible for the future of Einride’s hardware, further underline the company’s deepening offering of freight mobility solutions for customers.

Robert Falck, Founder and CEO of Einride, says: “By offering these latest product offerings with Saga and showcasing our latest designs for future electric freight hardware, we are able to tap into an even larger potential to help shippers transition towards electric and being able to cost competitively reach their sustainability goals. [Read more…] about Einride unveils expanded lineup of autonomous trucks

Gideon launches autonomous forklift for trailer loading and unloading

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Gideon, the robotics and AI solutions company, has launched what it describes as “a pioneering new solution” – Trey, an autonomous forklift for truck trailer loading and unloading operations. 

Trey loads and unloads pallets entirely autonomously, saving more than 80 percent of a worker’s time. It operates safely, consistently, and reliably in dynamic environments, working side by side with people.

Matija Kopić, Gideon CEO and co-founder, says: “We at Gideon believe that we can help exponentially grow humanity’s ability to move goods by automating the most complex material handling workflows. [Read more…] about Gideon launches autonomous forklift for trailer loading and unloading

Outrider releases ‘fully autonomous’ truck parking system

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Outrider, a developer of autonomous technology for yard operations at logistics hubs, has released “fully autonomous” trailer backing capabilities to its fleet.

This proprietary technology enables autonomous yard trucks to back trailers into tight spaces with precision and without modifications to trailers.

These capabilities are now available as part of the Outrider System, which automates distribution yards for large, logistics-dependent enterprises. [Read more…] about Outrider releases ‘fully autonomous’ truck parking system

MIT startup unveils robot that unloads trailer ‘blazingly fast’

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MIT startup Pickle has unveiled a new robot that works with people to get online orders delivered sooner by unloading trailers “blazingly fast”. (See video below.)

The secret, says the company, is to “keep people in the picture”.

How has a team of 15 solved one of the biggest challenges in logistics automation in only 18 months and with limited funding? [Read more…] about MIT startup unveils robot that unloads trailer ‘blazingly fast’

Autonomous Solutions Inc launches robotic unmanned yard truck solution

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Autonomous Solutions Inc has launched an unmanned yard truck solution. The system is basically an industrial robotic arm on the back of a driverless truck. (See video below.)

The technology combines the expertise of four companies:

  • Autonomous Solutions Inc, which specialises in vehicle automation;
  • Phantom Auto, a provider of remote communication software for unmanned vehicles;
  • Fanuc America, a manufacturer of industrial robots, CNC systems, and factory automation products and services; and
  • Terberg, a truck manufacturer.

ASI’s Mobis software gives operators real-time awareness and control of a fleet of unmanned trucks, each of which is driven by ASI’s proven autonomous vehicle technology. [Read more…] about Autonomous Solutions Inc launches robotic unmanned yard truck solution

The Benefits of Automatic Truck Loading Systems: Reduce loading and unloading times to a few minutes

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By Jack Smylie, North America sales manager, Ancra Systems

As 3PLs (third-party logistics) companies, distribution centers, and warehouses all get ready for the all-important holiday picking, packing, and shipping season there is a fundamental flaw in how space utilization is conceived.

Most warehouse managers are sure if they had double the number of loading and unloading bays, their operation would be twice as efficient. Nothing could be further from the truth. The efficiency of truck unloading and loading occurs when that process is automated.

Fully automatic loading and unloading always require two combined systems: one system in the truck or trailer and a fixed installation on the loading platform or in the warehouse. Truck loading conveyors and other automated solutions allow increased efficiency. [Read more…] about The Benefits of Automatic Truck Loading Systems: Reduce loading and unloading times to a few minutes

Honeywell unveils automated robotic unloader for distribution centres

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Honeywell has announced a new automated robotic solution for unloading packages from truck trailers and shipping containers at distribution centres.

The robotic unloader uses artificial intelligence to operate fully autonomously inside of a trailer, which significantly reduces the manual effort required to operate receiving docks for retail merchandise and parcel distribution centres.

It drives into a trailer or container and uses machine vision to identify various package shapes and sizes as well as the optimal approach to unloading.

[Read more…] about Honeywell unveils automated robotic unloader for distribution centres