Robotics & Automation News

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Logistics

Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

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Murata Machinery USA has expanded its logistics & automation product offerings with an extensive line of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The A-Series adds seven standard base models to their existing Muratec Premex Series that are customizable for a wide range of load capacities, lift heights, navigation methods, temperature ratings, and software applications.

From their Charlotte headquarters, Murata Machinery will take over and lead all North American operations in partnership with the AGVE Group, directing day-to-day North American sales, installation, service, and marketing operations. [Read more…] about Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

Honeywell partners with Otto Motors to develop robotic solutions for supply chain operations

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Honeywell has agreed a strategic collaboration with Otto Motors, a division of Clearpath Robotics, giving warehouses and distribution centers throughout North America an automated option to handle some of the most labor-intensive roles in an increasingly scarce job market.

The collaboration enables Honeywell customers to increase efficiency, reduce errors and improve safety by deploying Otto’ autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in their facilities.

These AMRs provide significant productivity benefits by automating the movement of carts used to transport picked orders or returns and can travel over any floor surface smooth enough to handle a traditional cart pushed by a worker. [Read more…] about Honeywell partners with Otto Motors to develop robotic solutions for supply chain operations

Walmart Canada investing $118 million to build new fulfillment centre in Calgary area

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Walmart Canada is investing more than $118 million to build a new high-tech sortable fulfillment cent Rocky View County, Alberta, located just outside of Calgary.

The investment is part of the retailer’s plan to expand, revolutionize and transform its best-in-class supply chain network while increasing its e-commerce capabilities to better serve Walmart customers.

It is part of Walmart Canada’s $3.5-billion investment to make the online and in-store shopping experience simpler, faster and more convenient for Walmart customers as the retailer plans to invest for continued growth in Alberta and across Canada. [Read more…] about Walmart Canada investing $118 million to build new fulfillment centre in Calgary area

Berkshire Grey launches new robotic system for autonomous e-commerce autobagging

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Berkshire Grey, a developer of in AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, has introduced its new Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system, which now includes advanced auto-identification and item manipulation technology, for touchless eCommerce autobagging.

Using Berkshire Grey’s advanced AI-enabled robotic technology, this system combines automated picking with intelligent placement for packing eCommerce items directly into autobagging equipment, thereby increasing throughput capacity without adding additional labor.

Kishore Boyalakuntla, VP of Product at Berkshire Grey, says: “Berkshire Grey’s Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system for autobagging is the newest addition to our innovative portfolio of eCommerce solutions. [Read more…] about Berkshire Grey launches new robotic system for autonomous e-commerce autobagging

Starship rolls out its food delivery robots at University of Idaho

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Vandals on the University of Idaho Moscow campus can have robots deliver food from several Idaho Eats locations, including Qdoba, True Burger, Einstein Bros Bagels and Cravings by Joe via Starship Technologies’ fleet of 15 autonomous food delivery robots.

Cami McClure, assistant vice president for auxiliary services at U of I, says: “We’re excited to bring this service to a wide array of our dining options.

“The university community is eager for on-campus dining delivery and now, with Starship Technologies, we are able to offer a fun, fast and friendly way to deliver.” [Read more…] about Starship rolls out its food delivery robots at University of Idaho

OTTO Motors launches ‘world’s smartest autonomous forklift’

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OTTO Motors, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, has launched the OTTO Lifter, describing it as “the smartest autonomous forklift on the market”.

With more than a decade of autonomous material handling expertise, OTTO Motors has built the most productive AMRs with the best driving capabilities for some of the biggest brands in the world.

With the addition of OTTO Lifter and its ability to pick up and drop off pallets autonomously, OTTO Motors now has the most comprehensive offering of material handling robots on the market. [Read more…] about OTTO Motors launches ‘world’s smartest autonomous forklift’

Seegrid agrees strategic partnership with RōBEX

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Seegrid, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has agreed a strategic partnership with RōBEX, a systems integrator specializing in industrial robots.

The collaboration agreement enables RōBEX to introduce their customers to the full portfolio of Seegrid Palion autonomous mobile robots and Fleet Central enterprise software solutions.

RōBEX automates critical production processes for leading manufacturing and consumer goods brands to increase productivity, improve safety, and enhance quality. [Read more…] about Seegrid agrees strategic partnership with RōBEX

Starship Technologies raises $100 million in 30 days as demand for delivery robots skyrockets

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Starship Technologies, a provider of autonomous delivery services, has raised $100 million in the last 30 days, including a new $42 million Series B funding round.

The Series B funding will help Starship further scale its service and meet increasing demand for its autonomous delivery service by launching in tens of new cities and campuses, including Pleasanton in the Bay Area as well as University of Tennessee, Knoxville and University of Idaho.

Some of this funding is immediately going to support people by donating directly to the Red Cross in Ukraine, says Starship. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies raises $100 million in 30 days as demand for delivery robots skyrockets

New cart from Roeq ‘doubles payload’ of autonomous mobile robots

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A new cart solution developed by Roeq will double the payload of autonomous mobile robots from Mobile Industrial Robots.

Roeq says it followed the principle of “Doing more with less” because this is what users of the MiR250 mobile robot will realize with its new Roeq TMS-C500 Ext and S-Cart500 Ext.

As the product name indicates, the new top module/cart combo enables the robot to carry up to 500 kg payload (1102 lbs), effectively doubling the payload of MiR’s best-selling AMR. [Read more…] about New cart from Roeq ‘doubles payload’ of autonomous mobile robots

RightHand Robotics raises $66 million in Series C funding

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RightHand Robotics, a startup developing autonomous robotic picking solutions for order fulfillment, has secured $66 million in a Series C financing.

The funding round was led by investors Safar Partners, a technology venture fund; Thomas H. Lee Partners, an investor in automation and supply chain; and SoftBank Vision Fund 2, which is part of the SoftBank Group.

Zebra Technologies, Epson and Global Brain also join this round, along with previous investors GV, F-Prime Capital, Menlo Ventures, Matrix Partners and Tony Fadell’s Future Shape. Previous rounds were led by Menlo Ventures and Playground Global. [Read more…] about RightHand Robotics raises $66 million in Series C funding