Robotics & Automation News

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Logistics

FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

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Logistics company FedEx is reportedly increasing its robotics operations to see off the challenge from Amazon, according to the New York Times. 

The company has been testing a number of robotic vehicles in its warehouses since last year and is said to be ready to take the next step.

FedEx is said to be partnering with Vecna, a supplier of logistics robots, to automate its warehouses and take the load off human employees.

FedEx also seems to be employing Savioke robots (unit in main picture) for work in the repair and maintenance department.

[Read more…] about FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

New port technology conference debuts at CeMAT

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Digital processes for ports will be the main theme at the new CeMAT Port Technology Conference making its debut on 25 April as part of CeMAT 2018 in Germany.

Experts from industrial and transport enterprises estimate that 40 to 50% of total transport costs originate in ports.

This share of the overall cost of transport chains translates into enormous savings potential for inland and sea transport carriers – provided they are capable of implementing consistent digitization strategies when moving goods.

[Read more…] about New port technology conference debuts at CeMAT

CeMAT 2018: Knowledge platform for logistics providers and supply chain managers

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This year, CeMAT will feature another excellent set of forums. Together with major partners such as VDMA (Germany’s mechanical engineering industry association), BVL (Germany’s logistics association), the Fraunhofer IML Institute and the EHI Retail Institute, CeMAT will illuminate the opportunities presented by new Logistics 4.0 concepts while highlighting the latest best-practice solutions.

“Together with Hannover Messe, we are crafting a unique knowledge platform for the digitization of the supply chain, featuring numerous best-practice solutions and innovations like nowhere else in the world,” said Dr Jochen Köckler, member of the managing board at Deutsche Messe.

Below are some of the forums planned for CeMAT 2018.  [Read more…] about CeMAT 2018: Knowledge platform for logistics providers and supply chain managers

Material handling equipment supplier Nitco opens expanded facility in New Hampshire

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Material handling equipment supplier North Industrial Truck Company has opened a new and expanded facility in Concord, New Hampshire. 

The new site is designed to showcase the company’s forklifts, construction equipment, warehouse solutions, and other products.

Nitco says the new facility provides a “huge showroom” for its “cutting-edge” industrial equipment, as well as an expanded shop for top technicians working on the machinery.  [Read more…] about Material handling equipment supplier Nitco opens expanded facility in New Hampshire

Automated guided vehicles: Exclusive interview with Kivnon commercial director

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Automated guided vehicles could completely change the industrial technology ecosystem, ushering in the era of cyber-physical operations and reducing the reliance on traditional fixed infrastructure, like monorails and conveyors

Kivnon is probably the world’s leading manufacturer of automated guided vehicles. 

Its AGVs are particularly popular in the automotive sector, utilised by a large number of leading automakers – including Volkswagen, Renault, Nissan, Daimler, Seat and others.

Kivnon AGVs are also to be found in industrial companies from other sectors, being used to transport material from one place to another in their facilities.  [Read more…] about Automated guided vehicles: Exclusive interview with Kivnon commercial director

Framos presents logistics automation solutions at Logimat

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Image processing is one of the key technologies in automation and digitization. With the focus on dimensioning, classification and sorting intelligence, imaging specialist Framos will exhibit its range of logistics technologies and products at Logimat trade fair this March in Stuttgart, Germany.

Framos will showcase a new generation of cognitive systems powered by Intel®’s RealSense™ Technology, which adds human like sensing and intelligence to devices and machines.

The technology enables a complete new generation of logistics applications in the growing fields of drones, robots, virtual and augmented reality, mobile products and other segments.

[Read more…] about Framos presents logistics automation solutions at Logimat

Unex Manufacturing marks second year of record growth

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Unex Manufacturing, a provider of order picking solutions, is celebrating its second consecutive year of record business growth in 2017.

The company says it has added dozens of new products and solution patents, major industry awards and global sales throughout North America, Central America, Europe and Asia.

Unex now employs over 100 people, making the company one of the largest employers in Ocean County in New Jersey.  [Read more…] about Unex Manufacturing marks second year of record growth

Robotics and automation transformation: Omni-channel and supply chain

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By Vikrant Angia, founder and CEO of VCO Systems

The challenges an omni-channel environment places on retailers require the right solutions through this rapid transformational change.

In conducting hundreds of kaizen events and lean assessments there are specific omni-channel outcomes that must be supported in a wide range of solutions.  [Read more…] about Robotics and automation transformation: Omni-channel and supply chain

Leuze launches ‘smallest’ camera-based sensor for fine positioning in warehouse storage applications

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Leuze electronic claims it has launched the industry’s smallest camera-based sensor.

The IPS 200i is designed for compartment fine positioning with high-bay storage devices in single-depth storage.

Leuze says the sensor has some “powerful advantages”, particularly its fast commissioning and simple alignment.  [Read more…] about Leuze launches ‘smallest’ camera-based sensor for fine positioning in warehouse storage applications

Impinj ships 25 billionth Rain RFI­­­­­D endpoint integrated circuit

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Impinj, a provider of Rain RFID solutions, says it has now shipped its 25 billionth Monza endpoint integrated circuit, including 7.1 billion in 2017 alone.

Impinj claims it has shipped more endpoint ICs than all other Rain RFID suppliers combined.

Impinj’s vision is to deliver digital life to everyday items such as retail apparel, medical supplies, luggage, automobile parts and more, extending the reach of the Internet by a factor of 1,000.  [Read more…] about Impinj ships 25 billionth Rain RFI­­­­­D endpoint integrated circuit