Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

warehouse

GreyOrange enhances GreyMatter software for robot management

by

GreyOrange, a provider of autonomous warehouse solutions, has added a new optimization in its GreyMatter AI software that delivers assisted picking in order fulfillment, supported through the new Ranger Assist robot.

GreyMatter and Ranger Assist dynamically optimize and orchestrate how order fulfillment workers and robots work together.

Enhanced by artificial intelligence, the advanced assisted picking robot enables collaborative picking for faster, more accurate fulfillment, particularly for fast-moving items in e-commerce orders. [Read more…] about GreyOrange enhances GreyMatter software for robot management

Ouster and Vecna Robotics partner to accelerate material handling automation

by

Ouster, a provider of high-resolution digital lidar sensors, has signed a strategic customer agreement with Vecna Robotics, a material handling automation company and autonomous mobile robot maker.

The agreement includes a non-binding forecast for approximately 3,000 OS digital lidar sensors through 2025 as Vecna Robotics scales production to meet increasing customer demand for warehouse and logistics automation.

Vecna Robotics plans to fuse Ouster lidar into its multi-sensor autonomy stack to equip self-driving pallet trucks, tow tractors, and lift trucks for high-capacity material handling operations. [Read more…] about Ouster and Vecna Robotics partner to accelerate material handling automation

GXO pilots customised robotic arm for fashion e-commerce logistics

by

GXO Logistics, which claims to be the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, has launched an “industry-first” pilot of intelligent automation at its fashion e-commerce warehouse in Tilburg, the Netherlands. 

GXO’s pilot of the Pick-it-Easy Robot station is tailored for one of its key global customers, in collaboration with value chain tech provider Knapp AG.

The pilot is the first application of Knapp’s Pick-it-Easy Robot technology for automated pocket induction in the sector for apparel logistics. [Read more…] about GXO pilots customised robotic arm for fashion e-commerce logistics

DHL Supply Chain accelerates roll-out of autonomous forklifts with largest single implementation

by

DHL Supply Chain has introduced its largest ever single implementation of autonomous forklifts to date, with 15 embedded in its warehouse operations at Tyrefort, United Kingdom.

The autonomous forklifts form part of DHL’s operation for a major customer in the automotive sector, taking over picking, put-away and replenishment of products and empty media in the warehouse. The vehicles reduce the number of manual pallet transfers without requiring significant changes in warehouse infrastructure.

The indoor robotics transporters work safely up to 11.5 metres high – believed to be a first in the logistics industry – easily reaching the highest warehousing racks to handle a range of pallets, stillages and waste cages. [Read more…] about DHL Supply Chain accelerates roll-out of autonomous forklifts with largest single implementation

Opinion: Warehouse robots are playing a vital role in keeping supply chains from completely toppling

by

In the warehouse, robots aren’t replacing workers. They’re playing a vital role in keeping the supply chain from completely toppling, says Mike Futch, CEO of Tompkins Robotics

What do robotics look like in the modern world of warehousing and distribution?

If you’re like many, you might envision a large, heavy, steel system that’s bolted to the floor, with an arm twirling in a repetitive motion performing some task of sorting or tagging. The machine is stationary. It stays in one spot, performing the same function, day after day.

Let me tell you: That’s your grandad’s robotics. Today, the supply chain relies on a growing fleet of small, automated robots that are portable, scalable and modular. They’re also configurable, so their jobs can change as needed by their users, whether it’s warehouses and distributors, retailers, manufacturers, third-party logistics providers, freight shippers and so on. [Read more…] about Opinion: Warehouse robots are playing a vital role in keeping supply chains from completely toppling

Top 3 Predictions on the Future of Automation in Warehousing

by

In recent years, warehouses worldwide have adapted advanced technologies to automate processes to enhance efficiency.

In fact, a report by Research and Markets reveals that the global warehouse automation market will reach $30.99 billion in 2025, according to PR Newswire. But that’s not all there is in warehouse automation.

There are plenty of reasons to use automated warehousing for your small business, such as cost savings, improved services, and increased customer satisfaction. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your warehouse processes, you might want to learn more about the predictions on the future of automation in warehousing discussed below. [Read more…] about Top 3 Predictions on the Future of Automation in Warehousing

New Honeywell warehouse automation technology allows sites to maximize storage and increase order fulfillment

by

Honeywell has launched its latest solution in intelligent automated handling designed to help warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing sites receive, process and fill orders faster and more accurately while potentially reducing storage footprint.

Honeywell’s next-generation Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to allow warehouse and distribution center operators to better keep up with unprecedented ecommerce growth.

Ben Cardwell, president of Honeywell Intelligrated, says: “The rapidly evolving retail market is pushing distribution centers to find and use innovative, flexible and automated approaches to e-commerce order fulfillment. Growing inventories, the rising cost of land and other pressures are pushing operations to make the most efficient use of available space. [Read more…] about New Honeywell warehouse automation technology allows sites to maximize storage and increase order fulfillment

Locus Robotics opens European headquarters in Amsterdam

by

Locus Robotics, a maker of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses and distribution centers, is opening its European headquarters in Amsterdam.

The new facility will support Locus’s existing EU and UK customer base and develop new opportunities within the fast-growing European warehouse fulfillment and distribution segments.

Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, says: “Our decision to expand our presence in the European market was a logical step in our business growth strategy.

“Choosing Amsterdam gives us a central location that is ideal for serving our customer base, as well as giving us access to a vibrant and diverse talent pool to recruit from.” [Read more…] about Locus Robotics opens European headquarters in Amsterdam

Geek+ introduces robotic picking for e-commerce operations at CEVA warehouse

by

Geek+, a maker of autonomous mobile robots, says it has successfully installed its AMRs in a CEVA Logistics warehouse in Truganina, located in Melbourne, Australia.

CEVA is a global third-party logistics (3PL) provider looking for new and innovative automation solutions to better serve its Australian e-commerce clients.

Implemented by Körber Supply Chain, the project “greatly improves efficiency and productivity” in the warehouse, ensuring smoother order fulfillment for CEVA’s customers, says Geek. [Read more…] about Geek+ introduces robotic picking for e-commerce operations at CEVA warehouse

Zebra Technologies expands Fetch Robotics portfolio with solution to optimize fulfillment workflows

by

Zebra Technologies, which provides automation solutions to the supply chain sector, has introduced what it claims is “the industry’s most comprehensive picking solution to help businesses improve their fulfillment operations”.

The fulfillment solution uses machines from Fetch Robotics, which Zebra recently acquired, and consists of three new autonomous mobile robots – FlexShelf, FlexShelf Guide, and RollerTop Guide – and a new FetchCore fulfillment software package for order or batch picking.

These new offerings further extend Zebra’s position as a leader in automating and digitizing critical workflows in warehouses, distribution and fulfillment centers as order volumes increase, labor pools get more competitive and customer expectations continue to rise. [Read more…] about Zebra Technologies expands Fetch Robotics portfolio with solution to optimize fulfillment workflows