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Locus Robotics acquires Waypoint Robotics

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses, has acquired Waypoint Robotics, a builder of omnidirectional mobile robots. Financial details were not disclosed.

Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, says: “Locus is the proven leader in the development of highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimization.

“As order fulfillment and labor shortages continue to grow around the world, the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics will accelerate our ability to meet these global needs in just months rather than years, helping us drive the digital transformation of the warehouse.” [Read more…] about Locus Robotics acquires Waypoint Robotics

Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

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Lucas Systems, a provider of voice and warehouse optimization software for fulfillment and distribution centers, has entered a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses.

Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimize how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots.

Fulfillment and distribution centers are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labor market. [Read more…] about Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

Why Use Automated Warehousing for Your Small Business

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Whether it’s about a new mechanical invention or new methods and means of finishing a task, innovations have indeed propelled the industrial sector. Technology has improved functionality on various aspects, particularly in the management of warehouses.

When it comes to stock management, warehouse owners have several alternatives to choose from. Some people select fulfillment services such as Printful, in which third-party warehouses assist in making shipment preparation and delivery easier and more straightforward.

However, as distribution channels couldn’t satisfy their needs entirely with human workforces and as mechanical advancements dominated the industrial sector, warehouse automation has come to life. [Read more…] about Why Use Automated Warehousing for Your Small Business

DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics

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DHL Supply Chain, part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, has signed a framework agreement expanding its collaboration with Locus Robotics.

Initial investments in assisted picking robots have proven effective in commercially scaled operations, and this multi-million dollar agreement will enhance DHL’s wider Accelerated Digitalization Strategy.

By 2022, the supply chain specialist plans to take on up to 2,000 robots, then being by far the largest customer of Locus Robotics worldwide. [Read more…] about DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics

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’

Otto Motors’ heavy-class warehouse robots exceed 1 million production hours

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Otto Motors, a leading provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has launched the next generation of its market-leading heavy-class AMR.

The new AMR – Otto 1500 – is designed to autonomously move pallet-scale loads up to 1900 kg (4,189 lbs) through busy factories and warehouses.

With a top speed of two meters per second, Otto 1500 swiftly and safely delivers more payload than any other AMR in its class; making it the most productive AMR on the market. [Read more…] about Otto Motors’ heavy-class warehouse robots exceed 1 million production hours

Organic wholesaler ‘doubles output’ with AutoStore and Swisslog warehouse automation

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A top wholesaler in the Swiss organic market, Bio Partner, has “doubled its output” following the implementation of innovative robotic logistics from Swisslog at its facility in Aargau, Switzerland, according to the company. 

Bio Partner supplies business customers in the organic specialist trade as well as the rest of the retail and food industry from its location in Seon, in Switzerland.

As a result of the merger with Somona, the warehouse reached its performance and capacity limits, and the wholesaler turned to a local partner with a global footprint to deliver an automated storage system. [Read more…] about Organic wholesaler ‘doubles output’ with AutoStore and Swisslog warehouse automation

Organic products wholesaler doubles output with AutoStore installed by Swisslog

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The leading wholesaler in the Swiss organic products market, Bio Partner, has doubled its output following the implementation of robotic logistics from Swisslog at its facility in Aargau, Switzerland.

Bio Partner supplies business customers in the organic specialist trade as well as the rest of the retail and food industry from its location in Seon.

As a result of the merger with Somona, the warehouse reached its performance and capacity limits, and the wholesaler turned to a local partner with a global footprint to deliver an automated storage system. [Read more…] about Organic products wholesaler doubles output with AutoStore installed by Swisslog

Locus Robotics reaches picking milestone of 250 million units in warehouses

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses, says that it has now passed the 250 million units picked volume level heading into the 2020 holiday peak season.

Locus robots now pick more than 10,000 units every 15 minutes, a 263 percent increase in units picked compared with the same period last year.

Locus’s 250 million pick milestone reflects the rapidly growing volumes at customer sites throughout this pandemic-impacted year, with some customers’ daily orders often reaching Black Friday levels. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics reaches picking milestone of 250 million units in warehouses

Logistics companies turning to robotics and automation as way out of coronavirus crisis

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Logistics companies are turning to robotics and automation as way out of the coronavirus crisis, according to the a new report by the International Finance Corporation, an arm of the World Bank.

Governments around the world have responded to the crisis by designating logistics and supply chain companies as “essential” business and have exempted them from lockdown measures.

But even though they have been allowed to continue operating, logistics and supply chain companies have struggled, particularly with labor shortages. [Read more…] about Logistics companies turning to robotics and automation as way out of coronavirus crisis