Robotics & Automation News

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Logistics

7-Eleven Japan trials autonomous delivery robots built by Suzuki and robotics startup Lomby

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7-Eleven stores in Japan are trialling an autonomous delivery robot developed through a collaboration between automotive giant Suzuki and Tokyo-based robotics venture Lomby.

This initiative marks a significant step in addressing Japan’s growing labor shortage and exploring the potential of last-mile delivery automation in urban environments.

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven Japan has commenced real-world testing of autonomous delivery robots in a suburb of Tokyo. [Read more…] about 7-Eleven Japan trials autonomous delivery robots built by Suzuki and robotics startup Lomby

MEF enhances operations with new AutoStore solution from Swisslog

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MEF, a partner of Würth Electrical Wholesale WEG, is set to revolutionize its warehouse operations with the implementation of an AutoStore system from Swisslog.

This strategic move aims to enhance stock density, increase operability, and improve order preparation performance, ensuring high-quality omnichannel service for over 30,000 items in stock.

Founded in 1968, MEF has grown significantly, establishing various sales points across central and northern Italy. [Read more…] about MEF enhances operations with new AutoStore solution from Swisslog

Libiao robotic solution ‘optimizes high-end third-party logistics company’

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A compact and agile AirRob automated storage system by Libiao Robotics has been installed in the Shanghai warehouse of a specialist lean supply chain management service company.

Founded in 2001, Shanghai Shine-Link International Logistics (SLC) services the specific storage and distribution needs of precision-driven, high-end industrials, from medical devices to advanced electronics, and chemical reagents to mechanical parts.

It offers a wide range of services, including supply chain management, international transportation, and various value-added activities. [Read more…] about Libiao robotic solution ‘optimizes high-end third-party logistics company’

DHL orders 1,000 additional robots from Boston Dynamics

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DHL Group, the world’s largest logistics provider, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Boston Dynamics, a global leader in advanced robotics.

Building on the proven success of Boston Dynamics’ Stretch robot – designed for case handling and initially deployed by DHL to automate container unloading – the agreement paves the way for the global deployment of more than 1,000 additional units.

Looking ahead, DHL plans to expand the range of applications for the robots, including additional use cases such as case picking. [Read more…] about DHL orders 1,000 additional robots from Boston Dynamics

Dubai embraces robot food delivery

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Dubai, a city state within the United Arab Emirates, is rapidly becoming a hub for innovative delivery solutions, with several initiatives launched in the past year to utilize autonomous robots for food delivery services.

These projects align with Dubai’s Smart City vision and its goal to have 25 percent of all transportation be autonomous by 2030.

One of the latest developments is the pilot program by Yango Group at Expo City Dubai. This four-month trial involves robots delivering meals from select cafes and restaurants to the main office in Al Wasl Plaza. [Read more…] about Dubai embraces robot food delivery

DoorDash to acquire Deliveroo in $3.9 billion deal to expand global reach

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DoorDash, the largest food delivery service in the United States, has agreed to acquire British rival Deliveroo in a $3.9 billion all-cash deal, marking a major step in its international expansion strategy.

The San Francisco-based company will pay 180 pence per share for Deliveroo, representing a 44% premium over the UK firm’s stock price before the deal talks became public. Deliveroo’s board has unanimously recommended the offer, and the deal is expected to close later this year, pending shareholder approval.

Founded in 2013, Deliveroo operates in nine countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Despite rapid early growth, the company has struggled with profitability and intense competition, particularly after its disappointing 2021 IPO, where shares debuted at 390 pence and have since lost more than half their value. [Read more…] about DoorDash to acquire Deliveroo in $3.9 billion deal to expand global reach

Solutions to the ‘very complex problem’ of loading and unloading trucks

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As e-commerce volumes surge and labor challenges persist, logistics giants like FedEx are turning to automation to streamline one of the most grueling tasks in the supply chain: loading and unloading trucks.

Speaking in a recent interview, FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam acknowledged that automating truck loading and unloading remains a daunting engineering challenge.

“It’s a very complex problem,” he said. “Can you imagine trying to figure out how to (get the robot to) load or unload?” [Read more…] about Solutions to the ‘very complex problem’ of loading and unloading trucks

FedEx invests in robotic fulfillment company Nimble

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FedEx, one of the world’s largest logistics companies, has agreed a strategic alliance and investment with Nimble, an AI robotics and autonomous e-commerce fulfillment technology company.

The agreement will enable FedEx Fulfillment to scale with their fully autonomous 3PL model. To support this alliance, FedEx has made a strategic investment in Nimble.

FedEx offers a comprehensive approach to help e-commerce and omnichannel brands make faster, smarter decisions about their supply chain. [Read more…] about FedEx invests in robotic fulfillment company Nimble

Top 20 autonomous delivery robot companies in 2025

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Back in 2019, when we published a similar report, autonomous delivery robots were a futuristic curiosity – cute, slow-moving boxes trundling along sidewalks, mostly on college campuses or in pilot projects.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the ADR industry has grown up. While some early movers have vanished, others have scaled, raised millions in funding, and secured major partnerships.

From sidewalk robots to street-legal pods and long-range drones, the sector now spans a wide range of technologies and business models.  [Read more…] about Top 20 autonomous delivery robot companies in 2025

Automated electric truck points to the future of smart port logistics

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The integration of automated electric driving and hands-free charging systems took a major step forward this week, with a live demonstration at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, located at the Port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

The event, part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020-backed MAGPIE project, showcased how automation is poised to enhance efficiency, cut emissions, and future-proof port logistics.

The demonstration featured a heavy-duty electric truck autonomously connecting to a robotic charging system – a seamless operation designed to reduce downtime, optimize energy use, and boost the overall productivity of port infrastructure. [Read more…] about Automated electric truck points to the future of smart port logistics