Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

worth

Berkshire Grey confirms acquisition interest from SoftBank

by

Berkshire Grey, a provider of AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, has confirmed that it has received a non-binding indication of interest from SoftBank Group to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of the company for $1.30 per share in cash.

Given that Berkshire Grey has more than 230 million shares outstanding, that would make the offer worth approximately $300 million. Bloomberg, meanwhile, says he deal would be worth $218 million.

The terms of any potential agreement between Berkshire Grey and SoftBank would be contingent on certain conditions, including completion of due diligence review and negotiation of definitive transaction documents. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey confirms acquisition interest from SoftBank

Autonomous delivery vehicle maker Clevon expands in America

by

Clevon, an autonomous delivery vehicle maker, is expanding the company’s operations to North America with the opening of its Center of Excellence and US headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ).

As part of the celebration today, Clevon will also host President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis; Brandom Gengelbach, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; and Ross Perot, Jr, chairman for the Perot Group and Hillwood at the company’s opening commemoration.

Clevon is expanding into the North American market as the pressure from businesses to offer on-demand, same-day or next-day delivery of goods and services continues to skyrocket. To meet this demand, Clevon has brought its autonomous delivery vehicles to North America. [Read more…] about Autonomous delivery vehicle maker Clevon expands in America

Digital manufacturing startup Bright Machines raises $132 million in new funding

by

Bright Machines, a startup which describes itself as “an innovator in software-defined manufacturing”, has raised $132 million in debt and Series B equity funding.

The equity portion of the funding, worth $100 million, was led by Eclipse Ventures. The debt portion of the funding, worth $32 million, was led by Silicon Valley Bank, and Hercules Capital.

Bright Machines intends to use the funds to accelerate the company’s growth, which includes continued expansion into high-demand industry verticals, and the development of new software and service offerings to complement its existing portfolio of products. [Read more…] about Digital manufacturing startup Bright Machines raises $132 million in new funding

Hanwha Aerospace earns ’Supplier Gold’ certification from Pratt & Whitney

by

Hanwha Aerospace has received a “Supplier Gold” certification from the one of the world’s top aircraft engine manufacturers, Pratt & Whitney (P&W).

The certification is the product of a partner evaluation program known as RTX Supplier Gold, which is run by P&W’s parent company, Raytheon Technology Corporation (RTX). It is awarded only to exceptional partners who have not missed deadlines or exhibited any quality control issues for 12 consecutive months, while exhibiting continuous improvements and satisfying customers.

Dongwan Yoo, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace USA, says: “We are pleased to see that our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has been recognized. [Read more…] about Hanwha Aerospace earns ’Supplier Gold’ certification from Pratt & Whitney

Mercedes-Benz plant ships 750,000th truck assembly kit

by

The Mercedes-Benz plant at Wörth has shipped its 750,000th truck assembly kit.

Called the CKD Centre, for “Completely Knocked Down”, the Wörth facility in Germany sent the 750,000th truck kit to South Africa.

The item was packed in a 40-foot sea container for its journey overseas. It will be shipped to Rotterdam before it embarks to Port Elizabeth, in South Africa, its destination country. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz plant ships 750,000th truck assembly kit

Trump trade tariffs to hit $300 billion worth of Chinese goods

by

US President Donald Trump’s proposed increase in tariffs will hit $350 billion worth of goods imported from China, according to economic analysts.

Trump announced his intention to impose the additional tariffs recently in a tweet, but the US and China are currently locked in trade talks and there may be some modifications to the proposal.

The effects of his announcement, however, have been far-reaching, and are said to be the reason for the $1 trillion fall in share prices around the world.

[Read more…] about Trump trade tariffs to hit $300 billion worth of Chinese goods

Samsung moves into the vertical farming market

by

Agricultural innovations are essential for feeding our ever-growing global population.

Especially these days, as industrialisation and global warming continue to negatively affect soil fertility and reduce the amount of arable land.

According to the United Nations, the world’s population is set to reach 9.8 billion by 2050.

[Read more…] about Samsung moves into the vertical farming market