Robotics & Automation News

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warehouse automation

Opinion: ‘Specialized robots – not humanoids – will dominate robotics’, says Exotec CEO

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In an opinion piece published on the Fortune website, Romain Moulin, CEO of Exotec, argues that specialized robots, designed for specific tasks, are more efficient and cost-effective than humanoid robots.

This perspective, also highlighted in the Fortune article, suggests that the future of robotics lies in purpose-built machines rather than those mimicking human form.

Moulin uses the analogy of a dishwasher versus a humanoid robot washing dishes to illustrate his point: “The dishwasher is faster, more efficient, and vastly more cost-effective because it’s designed specifically for one task.” [Read more…] about Opinion: ‘Specialized robots – not humanoids – will dominate robotics’, says Exotec CEO

Amazon unveils Project Vulcan: A ‘fundamental leap forward in robotics’ with a sense of touch

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Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer and one of the world’s biggest users of robotics technology, has recently unveiled Project Vulcan – a new robot designed to work alongside human employees in its warehouses and fulfillment centers.

This innovative robot is equipped with “force feedback sensors” at the end of its arm and grabbing tool, giving it a sense of touch.

This allows Vulcan to understand and control the amount of force it applies when pushing or grabbing items, enabling it to handle a wide range of products, including fragile ones, without causing damage. [Read more…] about Amazon unveils Project Vulcan: A ‘fundamental leap forward in robotics’ with a sense of touch

Spotlight on humanoids: A deep dive into Figure AI

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Founded in 2022, Figure AI, a US-based company, has quickly become a notable player in AI-powered humanoid robots.

In this article, we explore Figure AI’s technology, potential impact, and future within the robotics market. We will examine the company’s background, technology, applications, and prospects, considering the competitive landscape and challenges in installing humanoid robots at scale.

The intense early interest in Figure AI suggests a groundbreaking approach in the robotics sector, potentially addressing critical market needs with unique technological advantages. [Read more…] about Spotlight on humanoids: A deep dive into Figure AI

GreyOrange selects enVista to join its certified partner network

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GreyOrange, a provider of warehouse automation software and robots, has agreed a partnership with enVista, a supply chain and enterprise solutions provider.

enVista joins GreyOrange’s Certified Partner Network of system integrators providing custom automation and store solutions powered by GreyOrange software.

With this partnership, supply chain and retail leaders will benefit from enVista’s proven and industry-trusted implementation, integration and deployment consulting services for GreyOrange’s GreyMatter and gStore Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. [Read more…] about GreyOrange selects enVista to join its certified partner network

Superior Communications installs 37 Brightpick robots at Tennessee facility

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Brightpick, a provider of warehouse automation solutions for order fulfillment, has installed 37 Autopicker multi-purpose robots at Superior Communications, a North American distributor of mobile accessories, to automate their distribution center in LaVergne, Tennessee.

The fleet of Autopicker robots will handle all aspects of the fulfillment process, from picking and buffering orders of screen protectors, phone cases, accessories, and telecommunication equipment, to consolidating and dispatching shipments to retail stores.

The robots will be rolled out in two phases to ensure optimal integration. Phase one will introduce 19 Autopickers into Superior’s operations this summer. [Read more…] about Superior Communications installs 37 Brightpick robots at Tennessee facility

Universal Robots and MiR to debut new AI-powered automation solutions at Automate 2025

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Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) will demonstrate “a diverse range of automation applications” at Automate 2025 at joint booths #4023#4023 and #3623 from May 12-15 in Detroit.

Ujjwal Kumar, group president of Teradyne Robotics, parent company of UR and MiR, says: “Our combined presence is a powerful demonstration of how Teradyne Robotics addresses the complete spectrum of automation needs across diverse industries.

“The applications on display across automotive, electronics and logistics emphasize our holistic approach to automation that empowers businesses to optimize their entire workflow, from component handling to final palletization.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots and MiR to debut new AI-powered automation solutions at Automate 2025

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

Locus Robotics surpasses ‘5 billion picks’ in warehouse operations

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Locus Robotics, a provider of AI-driven, mobile warehouse automation, says it has “surpassed the 5 billion units picked milestone” across its global installations for its customers.

In what the company describes as “a powerful display of industry momentum and customer-driven growth”, Locus achieved this key milestone just 24 weeks after reaching its 4 billionth pick in October 2024.

This rapid acceleration highlights the transformative impact of Locus’ mobile automation technology and the growing urgency among global brands to modernize their fulfillment operations to deliver consistent high productivity. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics surpasses ‘5 billion picks’ in warehouse operations

Dexterity launches dual-armed ‘superhumanoid’ robot

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Dexterity, a developer of robotics and physical AI, has launched what it describes as the world’s first “industrial superhumanoid” robot.

Named Mech, the new platform is designed to tackle strenuous and repetitive tasks in logistics and manufacturing environments – tasks traditionally handled by human workers.

Equipped with two powerful robotic arms mounted on a mobile base, Mech is built to autonomously navigate through warehouse aisles or industrial sites and perform physically demanding operations such as truck loading, palletizing, depalletizing, and order picking. [Read more…] about Dexterity launches dual-armed ‘superhumanoid’ robot