Robotics & Automation News

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Can Self-Driving Trucks Reduce the Risk of Accidents?

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As autonomous vehicle technology rapidly advances with new self-driving capabilities, the trucking sector and automotive safety regulators envision automation as a pathway towards improving public safety by potentially reducing truck accident rates.

While self-driving trucks aren’t currently deployed outside controlled pilots and testing programs, widespread adoption may be on the horizon.

But can robotic truckers truly outperform human truck drivers when it comes to avoiding crashes, injuries, and loss of life? [Read more…] about Can Self-Driving Trucks Reduce the Risk of Accidents?

Rocla expands the existing AGV line and introduces shorter automated reach truck

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Rocla AGV Solutions expands the existing AGV line and introduces ARTsmf, a shorter version of our automated reach truck, offering our customers a more versatile product range to fit their unique needs even in aisles with free space as narrow as 2.85 metres.

Warehouses are designed to maximise storage capacity and support processes as efficiently as possible. Tight aisles and high-racking solutions offer space efficiency, and to maximise that efficiency, your warehouse can also be automated.

Our goal is to offer solutions that are defined by customer needs. No matter how tight the aisles might be, to consider automation in any warehouse, AGVs must be able to perform efficiently within the same space requirements as driver-operated forklifts – and that is what Rocla AGVs are able to do. [Read more…] about Rocla expands the existing AGV line and introduces shorter automated reach truck

Anyware Robotics emerges from stealth mode to reveal robotic container and truck unloading system

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Anyware Robotics has emerged from stealth mode to unveil its AI-powered robotic solution, Pixmo, for container and truck unloading. Every year an estimated 28 million containers enter the US with contents, usually boxes, that need to be unloaded.

Anyware Robotics Pixmo robots enable companies to ease the heavy burden on human workers who currently unload these. The versatile mobile robots autonomously unload boxes in containers and trucks more safely, cost-effectively, reliably, and quickly than humans can – without the related injuries.

The autonomous mobile Pixmo robots are ideal for unloading at transload facilities, cross docks, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), distribution centers, and e-commerce fulfillment warehouses. The robots can be installed within days and provide enhanced operational efficiencies and predictability.  [Read more…] about Anyware Robotics emerges from stealth mode to reveal robotic container and truck unloading system

Kodiak unveils industry-first semi-truck designed for scaled driverless operation

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Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving trucking company, has introduced what it says is “the world’s first driverless-ready semi-truck designed for scaled deployment”.

It is equipped with all the necessary redundant safety-critical hardware, including braking, steering and sensors, as well as the software required for driverless operations at scale.

Kodiak’s sixth-generation truck further enhances the overall reliability of the technology by building on Kodiak’s five years of real-world testing that includes 5,000 loads carried over more than 2.5 million miles. [Read more…] about Kodiak unveils industry-first semi-truck designed for scaled driverless operation

RRAI and TSIS partner to use autonomous trucks to increase nationwide freight efficiency

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Robotic Research Autonomous Industries (RRAI), a developer of ground vehicle autonomy technology, has agreed to a partnership with Truck Specialized Information Services (TSIS) to begin “ushering in the era of autonomous trucking in the Detroit area”.

TSIS is a company on a mission to build out a North American Truck Parking Availability Network. Starting with extensive yard properties located around two railheads in Detroit, TSIS is taking the lead in embracing autonomy as one of the core components of its business operations.

TSIS is committed to becoming the first movers in yard autonomy and have chosen to collaborate with RRAI on the road to autonomy. [Read more…] about RRAI and TSIS partner to use autonomous trucks to increase nationwide freight efficiency

Boston Dynamics gives new powers to truck-unloading robot

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Boston Dynamics says it has introduced “a major advancement” in its robotic truck-unloading system.

The system, which is built around Boston Dynamics’ Stretch robot, can now pick and place multiple boxes at the same time – “currently up to four at once”.

The company calls this new feature “multipick”. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics gives new powers to truck-unloading robot

Dexterity AI and FedEx unveil ‘first-of-its-kind’ robotics trailer loading technology

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Dexterity AI has agreed a collaboration with FedEx to leverage AI-powered robotic technology to load boxes into trucks and trailers.

Truck loading has long been considered one of the most challenging tasks in parcel hubs. Manual loading is taxing and previous technology approaches have not been able to handle the complex decision making required to stack the wide range of shipments encountered in the FedEx network, which vary in size, shape, weight, and packaging material.

Dexterity AI focuses on the complexity of truck loading by giving mobile robots a suite of intelligence ranging from the ability to see, touch, think, and move quickly to pack trailers with stable, dense walls of randomized boxes. [Read more…] about Dexterity AI and FedEx unveil ‘first-of-its-kind’ robotics trailer loading technology

Fernride raises $50 million in Series A funding to scale autonomous yard trucking

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Germany-based autonomous trucking innovator Fernride has closed a further $19 million in its Series A funding, pushing the total round amount to $50 million.

This comes as the company strengthens its focus on advancing the transition towards automated and sustainable logistics by creating the world’s leading human-machine collaboration technology.

The funding increase will further cement Fernride’s position as a leader in autonomous, electric trucking by accelerating its growth. [Read more…] about Fernride raises $50 million in Series A funding to scale autonomous yard trucking

Autonomous electric truck startup Fernride raises $31 million in Series A funding

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Fernride, a German autonomous, electric trucking company, has secured $31 million in Series A funding to accelerate the transition towards automated and sustainable logistics by creating the world’s leading human-machine collaboration technology.

Fernride’s unique approach has already convinced leading industry players such as Volkswagen, DB Schenker, BSH, and HHLA. The company has integrated automated trucks into the productive operations of these enterprises over the past 12 months.

The latest funding will be used to scale Fernride’s operations with existing and new customers globally and boost the technological development of their unique approach to human-assisted autonomy. [Read more…] about Autonomous electric truck startup Fernride raises $31 million in Series A funding

Toyota and Daimler partner to advance autonomous truck technologies in Japan

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Following the news that Daimler Truck and Toyota have entered into a partnership to combine their truck businesses in Japan, Varshini Shetty, automotive analyst at GlobalData, offers her view.

Shetty says: “To accelerate the development and manufacture of CASE (Connected / Autonomous & Automated / Shared / Electric) technology and hydrogen vehicles, many businesses are forming alliances with other automakers, start-ups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“Aligning with this trend is the deal between Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd. and Daimler-owned Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. to combine their truck businesses in Japan. [Read more…] about Toyota and Daimler partner to advance autonomous truck technologies in Japan