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NEC unveils autonomous mobile robot control system

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NEC has developed a control technology that the company claims “doubles the efficiency of autonomous mobile robots” in warehouses while maintaining a high level of safety.

NEC plans to put this technology into practical use by March 2024 and to have it installed in NEC’s co-operative AMRs in Japan.

In recent years, the introduction of robots for transporting materials has accelerated due to labor shortages and large warehouses. [Read more…] about NEC unveils autonomous mobile robot control system

Starship Technologies launches robot delivery service at Dallas university

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Starship Technologies has rolled out its robot food delivery service at SMU, a Dallas-based private university.

Starship’s fleet of 16 autonomous, on-demand robots will deliver from 10 campus eateries.

The University’s students, faculty and staff can now use the Starship Food Delivery app (iOS and Android) to order food and drinks from Cinco Taco, Einstein Bros Bagels, Lawyers Inn, Mac’s Place, Panera Bread, Rollin’ & Bowlin’ Acai Bowls, Starbucks, Sushic, and The Market to be delivered anywhere on campus, within minutes. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies launches robot delivery service at Dallas university

Finland university aims to solve cruise liner passenger safety issues with ‘coughing robot’

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Finland’s Healthy Travel project, based at the Åbo Akademi University, is aiming to offer the global cruise industry a lifeline as cruise lines aim to set sail safely once again – through the use of a “coughing robot”.

In the multi-disciplinary initiative, Finnish academic researchers, cruise companies, shipyards, and subcontractors are coming together to develop and implement science-based solutions that will improve health and safety on cruise ships and in terminal buildings.

Finland’s Ambassador to the United States, Mikko Hautala, and his team are now connecting American cruise companies with their Finnish counterparts to ensure that the US cruise industry – the largest in the world – is an active participant in the recovery and future of the global cruise industry. [Read more…] about Finland university aims to solve cruise liner passenger safety issues with ‘coughing robot’

Ottonomy provides ‘first’ fully autonomous delivery robots for airport

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A company called Ottonomy is providing a fleet of its fully autonomous delivery robots – called Ottobots – for food and retail at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

This is said to be the first autonomous robotic delivery of food, beverage and lifestyle products in an airport environment.

Officially launched for the holiday travel season, passengers are now able to order contactless delivery directly to their location in Concourse B of the airport, delivered by an autonomous robot. Customers can select grab and go, beverage and travel items sold at select retail stores operated by Paradies Lagardere via orderatcvg.com on mobile devices. [Read more…] about Ottonomy provides ‘first’ fully autonomous delivery robots for airport

Starship Technologies launches robot delivery service at South Dakota State University

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Starship Technologies has rolled out its robot food delivery service on the campus of South Dakota State University. SDSU becomes the first campus in the state of South Dakota to implement robot food delivery service.

Starship’s fleet of 30 autonomous, on-demand robots will deliver from three campus eateries to start: Grille Works, Papa Johns and Starbucks. Additional locations will be added soon.

The school’s nearly 14,000 students and faculty can now use the Starship Food Delivery app (iOS and Android) to order food and drinks from local retailers to be delivered anywhere on campus within minutes. The service works in conjunction with the student meal plan. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies launches robot delivery service at South Dakota State University

Starship Technologies launches North Carolina’s first robotic delivery service

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North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T) and its food services provider, Sodexo, have partnered with robot maker Starship Technologies to roll out the university’s food delivery service via autonomous robots.

A&T is the first historically Black college or university to partner with Starship, as well as its first partnership in North Carolina.

Starship’s fleet of 20 autonomous, on-demand robots will deliver from three campus eateries: Qdoba, 1891 Bistro and the new Paavo’s Pizza with the goal to expand additional retail locations by next spring. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies launches North Carolina’s first robotic delivery service

Methods Machine Tools adds next generation of RoboCut to product line

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Methods Machine Tools, a supplier of machine tools and automation equipment in North America, recently added the Fanuc RoboCut α- CiC series to its line of wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) products.

Steve Raucci, Methods’ technical sales director and RoboCut product manager, says: “The α-CiC series continues to push the boundaries of speed, precision, and reliability.

“The redesigned α-CiC series creates a faster, more exact EDM experience.” [Read more…] about Methods Machine Tools adds next generation of RoboCut to product line

The 4 longest and most dangerous haulage routes in the world

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The haulage industry has come a long way from steam powered carts; technological revolution and globalisation have pushed the industry to the forefront, today “85 per cent of everything Brits buy, eat, wear and use is moved by a UK-registered lorry”. From the clothes on your back, to the bricks and mortar that are used to build your home – it probably came in a lorry.

Long haul trucking is defined as any form of trucking that requires the driver to stay away from home because the journey cannot be completed in a day. HGVs are everywhere and are used in all industries, from huge scale machinery movers to retail product delivery.

Drivers are often required to live a partially nomadic lifestyle because the role requires them to regularly commit to long time periods away from home, It is not uncommon for a long-haul driver to travel the whole length of a country and even travel internationally, however, some journeys are considerably longer than others and some pose a greater risk. [Read more…] about The 4 longest and most dangerous haulage routes in the world

Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation

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Over the past year, Grenzebach and Geodis, a global supply chain operator, have been engaged in a joint project setting up a Grenzebach Goods-to-Person solution for a large consumer electronics customer.

The Goods-to-Person solution has been installed at Geodis’ Nashville, Tennessee campus. It features Grenzebach L600 automated guided vehicles, mobile storage units and picking stations as well as software.

The project has been run as a pilot program, designed to make the jobs of Geodis teammates easier, safer and more productive. Following the success of the pilot program, Geodis is now introducing Grenzebach AGV solutions to additional clients. [Read more…] about Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation

Alio launches ‘world’s first and only’ 6 degrees-of-freedom nano-positioner

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Alio Industries has launched what it claims to be the “world’s first and only 6 degrees-of-freedom nano-positioner with 60 degrees tip and tilt travel.

Alio Industries says the 60-degree tip/tilt travel of its Angulares Hybrid Hexapod is “by far the most angular travel range available from any 6-degrees-of-freedom positioner on the market”.

The Angulares features precision crossed roller bearing guides, optical incremental or absolute encoder feedback on all axes, linear motor and/or servo ball screw drives, unlimited programmable tool center point locations and coordinate offsets, and zero backlash on all axes. [Read more…] about Alio launches ‘world’s first and only’ 6 degrees-of-freedom nano-positioner