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Amazon now has 200,000 robots working in its warehouses

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Online retail giant Amazon now has 200,000 robots in operation within its warehouses in the US, according to a report published by Associated Press.

The article, written by Matt O’Brien, doesn’t say where it got the figure, but it could be inferred from the rest of the article that it was provided by Amazon itself.

Amazon first became interested in warehouse robots in a big way when it bought Kiva Systems for $775 million, in 2012. [Read more…] about Amazon now has 200,000 robots working in its warehouses

Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions

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French robotics software startup Balyo has signed a seven-year commercial agreement with Amazon on robotic solutions.

Balyo says the deal is a “decisive step” in its development, and supports the added value of its robotic solutions and will potentially boost their deployment.

Under the agreement, Amazon would obtain the right to subscribe up to 29 per cent of Balyo’s capital depending on the level of potential future orders by Amazon up to €300 million. [Read more…] about Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions

Walmart integrates Alphabot into its warehouse operations

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Retail giant Walmart has integrated a warehouse automation system, Alphabot, into its operations after undertaking tests for almost a year. (See video below.)

Alphabot, technically an automated storage and retrieval system, was especially developed for Walmart by startup company Alert Innovation.

Walmart says the Alphabot system will “revolutionize the online grocery pickup and delivery process”. [Read more…] about Walmart integrates Alphabot into its warehouse operations

SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

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Misumi, a global manufacturer and provider of mechanical components and indirect materials for special machine construction and assembly automation, has commissioned SSI Schaefer to implement a new logistics center in Frankfurt / Main.

The distribution center will be built in several stages and have a capacity for 450,000 items on more than 10,000 sq m of storage area.

Core elements of the system are an automated shuttle warehouse, a four-storied rack system, ergonomic work stations connected via a conveying system and the logistics software Wamas. [Read more…] about SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

Zebra Technologies unveils new robot for retail operations

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Zebra Technologies has introduced SmartSight, a robot for mass merchants, grocers, and supermarkets and hypermarkets.

The company is showcasing the new machine at NRF 2020, the retail technology show currently being held in Chicago, USA.

SmartSight leverages the computer vision, machine learning, workflow automation and robotic capabilities of Zebra’s EMA50 enterprise mobile automation system to accurately identify out-of-stock conditions, pricing inconsistencies and planogram issues on the shelf. [Read more…] about Zebra Technologies unveils new robot for retail operations

IAM Robotics to open new HQ and showroom in Pittsburgh

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IAM Robotics, inventor of an autonomous mobile manipulation robot, is opening a new, headquarters and showcase innovation center.

The new 30,000 square foot facility will be located in the emerging high tech area of Pittsburgh known as Robotics Row, a stretch of land that has become a hotbed for robotics and technology companies along the Allegheny River.

The IAM Robotics Showcase Innovation Center will feature a distribution center environment where visitors will experience the company’s high tech robotic labor system in action. [Read more…] about IAM Robotics to open new HQ and showroom in Pittsburgh

Locus Robotics agrees reseller partnership with HighJump

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Warehouse automation company Locus Robotics has agreed a partnership with HighJump, a global provider for supply chain solutions.

Locus and HighJump will work together to facilitate the development of integration tools that will allow for faster, seamless implementations to improve productivity and efficiency for shared retail and third-party logistics (3PL) customers.

The partnership also makes HighJump a licensed reseller of Locus’s autonomous, multi-robot solution for warehouse fulfillment. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics agrees reseller partnership with HighJump

BlueBotics signs up South Korean distributor

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BlueBotics, the global reference in natural feature navigation for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has further strengthened its footprint in Asia by announcing a new distribution agreement with South Korean motion and control pioneer MacPion.

BlueBotics’ Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT) is being integrated by an ever-growing number of industrial vehicle original equipment manufacturers and system integrators across the globe, having been applied across a wide range of applications – from shop floors to warehouses, clean rooms, hospitals and more – over the past decade.

Nicola Tomatis, the CEO of BlueBotics, says: “Our ANT technology is fast becoming the localization and navigation solution of choice for Asia’s autonomous vehicle producers. [Read more…] about BlueBotics signs up South Korean distributor

Vecna Robotics raises $50 million to expand business

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Vecna Robotics, the workflow orchestration and self-driving forklift provider, has raised $50 million in Series B funding.

With double-digit annual growth forecast for the mobile robot market over the next five years, the new capital will expand Vecna Robotics’ industry-leading footprint and accelerate the development of new product offerings.

This round is led by Blackhorn Ventures, with participation from new investors Highland Capital and Fontinalis Partners, and additional funding from existing investors Drive Capital and Tectonic Ventures. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics raises $50 million to expand business

Geek Plus sells 10,000 warehouse robots

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Warehouse automation company Geek+ Robotics says it has sold more than 10,000 units of its autonomous mobile robots.

The company has seen a dramatic increase in demand for warehouse robots from sectors such as e-commerce and automotive supply chains.

Geek+ revealed the new sales figure in an update about its activity during Singles Day in China, occurring annually on November 11th, traditionally one of the busiest in the e-commerce calendar. [Read more…] about Geek Plus sells 10,000 warehouse robots