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XPO Logistics adds Covid-19 dashboard to XPO Connect

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XPO Logistics, a global provider of supply chain solutions, has introduced a new digital dashboard for shippers and carriers in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company integrated the tools with its XPO Connect digital freight platform in North America and Europe.

Mario Harik, CIO, XPO Logistics, says: “We’re giving our customers a central source of vital information as they manage their supply chains in uncharted waters. [Read more…] about XPO Logistics adds Covid-19 dashboard to XPO Connect

Kindred unveils new robotic solution for e-commerce fulfillment

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Kindred has unveiled a new robotic solution for e-commerce fulfillment.

The company debuted the Kindred Sort 3.7 piece-picking robot at the recent Modex Show.

The enhanced Sort 3.7 system features eight additional cubbies, for a total of 27, translating into a 42 percent increase in the number of items it can sort at e-commerce fulfillment centers and warehouses, says Kindred. [Read more…] about Kindred unveils new robotic solution for e-commerce fulfillment

Lidl and Einride partner to electrify supply chain in Sweden

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Einride will supply electric trucks to grocery chain Lidl this year as the next step in a long-term partnership to transform Lidl’s supply chain to be emissions-free.

Lidl and Einride have been ambitious, since the start of their partnership in 2017, to electrify and automate deliveries to Lidl locations in Sweden.

The transformation to a zero-emissions transport network will take place in stages and focus mainly on electrification in the short term, with automation coming in the next phase. [Read more…] about Lidl and Einride partner to electrify supply chain in Sweden

Mobile robots and autonomous vehicles: Coronavirus pushes logistics automation higher up the agenda

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Last month, Amazon announced that it planned on hiring 100,000 extra workers to meet the rise in demand for online shopping created by Coronavirus-caused shutdowns and social distancing.

In late March, unions said workers were demanding that Amazon takes their lives seriously. The night before a facility in Queens, NY, had been closed for deep cleaning after an employee tested positive for the virus.

There are reports that some Amazon warehouse workers in Italy and Spain have tested positive. [Read more…] about Mobile robots and autonomous vehicles: Coronavirus pushes logistics automation higher up the agenda

Locus Robotics launches new design service for fast implementation of warehouse robots for rapidly growing e-commerce sector

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment centers, has unveiled a new service which is says will speed up the implementation of warehouse robots for the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

The Locus Rapid Assessment & Design Service, or “RAD” is said to enable prospects and customers to quickly evaluate the productivity benefits and return on investment of installing Locus’ collaborative robotics solution.

The company says this will help ensure that businesses are “ready to meet high demand in the post-pandemic economy”. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics launches new design service for fast implementation of warehouse robots for rapidly growing e-commerce sector

Ecentria Distribution Center installs inVia Robotics to increase e-commerce throughput and accuracy

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inVia Robotics, a provider of warehouse automation solutions, says Ecentria has deployed its robotics-as-a-service system to automate order fulfillment in the Ecentria Distribution Center in Aurora, Illinois.

inVia’s integrated automation system, which includes a fleet of autonomous mobile robots and artificial intelligence-driven software, is now live in EDC, the primary distribution center supporting OpticsPlanet, an Ecentria company and a “Top 200 Online Retailer for more than 12 years”.

The system gives Ecentria a flexible robotics solution that can scale along with dynamic e-commerce order volumes. [Read more…] about Ecentria Distribution Center installs inVia Robotics to increase e-commerce throughput and accuracy

Fetch Robotics launches integrated fulfillment solution with Zebra Technologies

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Fetch Robotics, a provider of warehouse robots, has agreed a collaboration with Zebra Technologies, a warehouse solutions specialist, to optimize and automate warehouse picking processes through the integration of Fetch autonomous mobile robots and Zebra FulfillmentEdge software.

The two companies say the unique solution optimizes picking across multiple orders for piece, case, and pallet workflows.

By dynamically optimizing and orchestrating the movement of warehouse workers and robots, FulfillmentEdge and Fetch AMRs enable collaborative picking for faster, more accurate fulfillment and improved workflows that allow workers to spend more time in the aisle instead of manually moving material throughout a facility. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics launches integrated fulfillment solution with Zebra Technologies

Omron launches new software for its mobile robots

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Industrial automation solutions provider Omron Automation Americas has released a new software package designed to simplify integration, maximize reliability and support flexibility in mobile robot applications.

Omron says its Fleet Operations Workspace Core – shortened to “Flow Core” – is aimed at increasing the robots’ performance and ease of use while laying the foundation for future service-focused capabilities.

Among the primary advantages that Flow Core provides are a user-focused design that simplifies integration, charge management functionality that maximizes uptime, and intelligent fleet management capabilities that increase flexibility and efficiency. [Read more…] about Omron launches new software for its mobile robots

Starship Technologies launches autonomous robot delivery service in Tempe

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Starship Technologies has rolled out its robot food delivery service in Tempe.

Locals can now order contact-less delivery from three area restaurants – Fate Brewing Company, Tempe City Tacos and Venezia’s Pizza, which is famous for its multiple references in the popular TV shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

More restaurants and grocery stores will be added to the service soon. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies launches autonomous robot delivery service in Tempe

Covid-19 pandemic impact: Mobile robotics market to grow to $23 billion by next year

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The Coronavirus outbreak has highlighted use cases for mobile robotics to successfully disinfect, monitor, survey, and handle and deliver materials.

These proven use cases will propel the overall mobile robotics market to $23 billion by 2021, according to a report by technology market advisory firm, ABI Research.

Rian Whitton, senior analyst at ABI Research, says: “Crises shift perceptions on what is possible regarding investment and transformative action on the part of both private and government actors. [Read more…] about Covid-19 pandemic impact: Mobile robotics market to grow to $23 billion by next year