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Logistics

Honeywell establishes robotics innovation hub for distribution centres

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Honeywell has established an advanced technology center of excellence focused on innovating and developing artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and advanced robotics for use across supply chains – calling it Honeywell Robotics.

Based in Pittsburgh, Honeywell Robotics will help shape the warehouse and distribution center of the future, particularly as companies look to automated solutions, software and robotics to deliver increased speed, accuracy and throughput in complex material handling environments.

Pieter Krynauw, president of Honeywell Intelligrated, says: “Honeywell has been at the forefront of warehouse automation technology for more than 25 years helping customers improve productivity and efficiency. [Read more…] about Honeywell establishes robotics innovation hub for distribution centres

Teradyne doubles down on mobile robots with AutoGuide acquisition

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By Ash Sharma, research director, robotics, Interact Analysis

Teradyne this week announced that it would be acquiring mobile robot vendor AutoGuide Mobile Robots for $165 million.

This announcement comes 18 months after it acquired autonomous mobile robot vendor Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) for $148 million, illustrating its ambitions in the sector.

AutoGuide had revenues of just $4 million in 2018. However, the combined mobile robot business would place Teradyne as a top 15 vendor. [Read more…] about Teradyne doubles down on mobile robots with AutoGuide acquisition

HRG launches new ‘automated guided vehicle’

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HRG has launched what it describes as an “automated guided vehicle”, although it appears to have the technology that is also found in autonomous mobile robots, which are slightly different.

AGVs are older technology and are limited in their ability to navigate their way round a facility – usually, magnetic strips are fixed to the floor to guide them.

HRG says its AGV integrates “simultaneous localization and mapping”, or SLAM, the navigation technology that gives AMRs their autonomy. [Read more…] about HRG launches new ‘automated guided vehicle’

Geek+ launches smart factory with ‘robots making robots’

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Geek+, a supplier of robotics and AI technologies for warehouses, has launched what it claims is “the world’s first smart factory to use robot arms to make mobile robots”.

Based in Nanjing, the factory uses Geek+’ robots, AI algorithms and other automated solutions to manufacture new Geek+ robots. All of the company’s robots are produced at this factory.

With an increasing demand for customization and limited release products, product cycles are getting shorter and shorter, making flexible production an essential aspect of the manufacturing industry. [Read more…] about Geek+ launches smart factory with ‘robots making robots’

Factories yet to realise full potential of robotics

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Download our new white paper, Smart Factory: Material Handing in the Factory of the Future

The way manufacturers set up their production lines hasn’t fundamentally changed much in decades. For example, automakers use a linear assembly line where the bodies of cars are sometimes suspended above a linear production line and moved along slowly as robots or workers perform various tasks all the way along the line.

This method has been the main method of assembly for around a century, but autonomous mobile robots are now challenging this status quo.

Instead of using what could be described as an ground-based or overhead conveyor to move the cars along the assembly line, autonomous mobile robots could carry them along instead. [Read more…] about Factories yet to realise full potential of robotics

RightHand Robotics installs robotic picking solution PalTac

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RightHand Robotics has installed a multi-robot picking solution PalTac, which is said to be Japan’s largest wholesaler of consumer packaged goods.

The US company has also established a new corporate entity in Japan, RightHand Robotics GK.

The subsidiary will enable RightHand to better serve the fast-growing demand for robotic piece-picking in Japan and the rest of Asia Pacific. [Read more…] about RightHand Robotics installs robotic picking solution PalTac

UPS attains FAA’s first full approval for drone airline

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UPS subsidiary UPS Flight Forward says it has received the US government’s first full Part 135 Standard certification to operate a drone airline.

The company will initially expand its drone delivery service further to support hospital campuses around the country, and to provide solutions for customers beyond those in the healthcare industry.

UPS Flight Forward plans in the future to transport a variety of items for customers in many industries, and regularly fly drones beyond the operators’ visual line of sight. [Read more…] about UPS attains FAA’s first full approval for drone airline

Kuehne + Nagel breaks ground for new Luxembourg logistics hub

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Kuehne + Nagel held the ground-breaking ceremony of a new contract logistics centre in Luxembourg.

The event also marked the 10-year contract extension between Kuehne + Nagel and sports equipment supplier On AG, a co-operation that started in 2010.

The new contract logistics centre, due to open in the second half of 2020, will serve On as its advanced European distribution centre for both off- and online channels and will play an important role in the rapid international expansion of the Swiss company specialized in performance running shoes. [Read more…] about Kuehne + Nagel breaks ground for new Luxembourg logistics hub

Swisslog to install ‘highly automated’ warehouse for Jaycar Electronics

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Swisslog is to install a purpose-built, high-tech, highly automated storage, handling and picking solution for Jaycar Electronics.

Jaycar, an electronics retailer and e-tailer, says it is investing in the advanced warehouse in Sydney so it can deliver the efficiency and performance needed to drive its growing business into the future.

Logistics automation specialists, Swisslog, has been chosen to provide the highly automated storage, handling and picking solution at the core of the new-build site. [Read more…] about Swisslog to install ‘highly automated’ warehouse for Jaycar Electronics

Honeywell Intelligrated to help Apparel Logistics ‘triple’ daily output using automation

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Honeywell Intelligrated says it is helping Apparel Logistics Group to “triple daily output” from its e-commerce distribution center by using automation technologies.

The two companies signed an agreement to automate third-party logistics company Apparel Logistics Group’s fulfillment services for apparel, footwear and accessories.

Honeywell Intelligrated’s technology and technical support services will help the logistics provider expand its e-commerce parcel shipping capability, increase productivity at the shipping dock, ensure order accuracy and expand its value-added services capacity, which includes returned merchandise management and product customization. [Read more…] about Honeywell Intelligrated to help Apparel Logistics ‘triple’ daily output using automation