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Vecna Robotics launches new autonomous forklift truck

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Vecna Robotics, the autonomous mobile robot and workflow orchestration company, has launched its autonomous counterbalanced fork truck, which it describes as “a highly versatile, safe, intelligent and integrated pallet-handling solution”.

The first in the company’s Silverback Series of counterbalanced fork trucks, this next-generation autonomous mobile robot offers vertical lift of up to 72” to help distribution, warehousing, and manufacturing organizations move a wider range of payloads and pallet types, lift inventory to and from equipment, and seamlessly work alongside other materials handling vehicles and human workers to improve efficiency and throughput.

The autonomous mobile robot (AMR) segment is expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2025, according to Frost & Sullivan. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics launches new autonomous forklift truck

Vecna Robotics headquarters switches to 100 percent renewable energy

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Vecna Robotics has switched to 100 percent renewable energy at its headquarters.

The company says it has a culture of “giving back and going green”.

The company’s Mass Save energy assessment audit found that the office building was fully up to code with the most efficient lighting and utilities. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics headquarters switches to 100 percent renewable energy

Vecna Robotics expands partnership with UniCarriers Americas on automated materials handling equipment

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Vecna Robotics, an automation provider in the materials handling space, has expanded its partnership with UniCarriers Americas, part of the Mitsubishi Logisnext family companies – the third largest forklift manufacturer in the world.

Through this partnership, UniCarriers will manufacture and promote their best-in-class pallet jacks running Vecna Robotics’ Pivotal automation software.

With UniCarriers’ manufacturing capabilities, this alliance enables Vecna Robotics to satisfy soaring demand for automation solutions amongst their customer base, including the largest retailers, third-party logistics (3PLs) and manufacturers in North America. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics expands partnership with UniCarriers Americas on automated materials handling equipment

Vecna Robotics raises $50 million to expand business

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Vecna Robotics, the workflow orchestration and self-driving forklift provider, has raised $50 million in Series B funding.

With double-digit annual growth forecast for the mobile robot market over the next five years, the new capital will expand Vecna Robotics’ industry-leading footprint and accelerate the development of new product offerings.

This round is led by Blackhorn Ventures, with participation from new investors Highland Capital and Fontinalis Partners, and additional funding from existing investors Drive Capital and Tectonic Ventures. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics raises $50 million to expand business

Vecna Robotics partners with UniCarriers to launch new line of autonomous material handling solutions

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Vecna Robotics is teaming up with UniCarriers Americas, a manufacturer of material handling equipment and part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The two companies are collaborating on a line of autonomous material handling vehicles for warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing environments.

Vecna Robotics is integrating its autonomous navigation technology, learning algorithms, and workflow orchestration software into UCA vehicles turning them into autonomous mobile robots, capable of moving bulk material through dynamic warehouse environments. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics partners with UniCarriers to launch new line of autonomous material handling solutions

Vecna Robotics to showcase automated solutions at new DHL Innovation Center

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Vecna Robotics, a developer of autonomous logistics solutions, has installed a permanent display of their robotic vehicles at the new DHL Americas Innovation Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

The DHL Americas Innovation Center will foster research and collaboration focused on logistics and supply chain solutions.

The new 24,000 square foot center has the capability to host innovation events with high-tech features and meeting spaces for up to 300 guests. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics to showcase automated solutions at new DHL Innovation Center

Humatics partners with Vecna Robotics on navigation systems

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Humatics Corporation, microlocation products and software company, is to partner autonomous logistics solutions company Vecna Robotics on navigation of self-driving vehicles and industrial robots in materials handling.

The integration of Humatics’ KinetIQ 300 microlocation system into Vecna’s fleet of self-driving vehicles enables them to navigate outdoor environments and access areas of the warehouse that had previously been considered difficult, such as loading docks.

Humatics’ technology also helps Vecna vehicles to detect centimetre size objects from over four and half football fields away. This increases navigation efficiency in warehouses with limited permanent infrastructure, as opposed to fixed shelving.

[Read more…] about Humatics partners with Vecna Robotics on navigation systems

Vecna Robotics raises new investment and launches in new direction

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Vecna Robotics now a standalone company, separates from Vecna Technologies

Vecna Robotics, a developer of autonomous material handling technologies including warehouse robots, has separated from Vecna Technologies, creating two distinct companies.

As a standalone business, Vecna Robotics plans to play a major role in the coming transformation of industrial automation and robotics.

Powering this transformation, Vecna Robotics finalized an investment led by Drive Capital this summer to chart a new direction that will maximize both robotics and human workflow in the industrial sector.  [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics raises new investment and launches in new direction

New CEO at Vecna Robotics

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Vecna Robotics, a provider of robotic material handling autonomous ground vehicles, has appointed Dr Daniel Patt as its CEO.

Dr Patt served as Deputy Director for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Strategic Technology Office (STO) prior to his new position.

“Dan’s proven leadership abilities and diverse technology experience will further drive our rapid progression to becoming the automated logistics leader, building upon our position delivering superior materials handling solutions in unstructured warehouse environments,” said Daniel Theobald, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Vecna Robotics.

[Read more…] about New CEO at Vecna Robotics

Opinion: Materials handling automation and robotics requires IIoT monitoring

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By John Hayes, Vecna Robotics

There is a frequent complaint of Industry 4.0, Big Data, and the Industrial Internet of Things. Too much data, little of which can be accessed and used effectively.

From tuggers, automated guided carts, and automated guided vehicles, there is a real need to include IIoT monitoring which defines the next phase of automation and robotics in materials handling.

Without IIoT monitoring, plant managers, operations managers, logistics coordinators throughout manufacturing and distribution sectors lack the data collected which offers real-time continuous status and health information.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Materials handling automation and robotics requires IIoT monitoring