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Artificial intelligence, robotics, and related technologies have found a place in online retail. In fact, e-commerce providers such as Amazon.com, Asos, and Zalando have found AI and deep learning departments essential. Why do they invest in machine learning (ML)? It can helps them better understand their clients, customize offers for particular buyers, and automate manual tasks. Machine learning allows online…
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While Boston Dynamics Inc. is best known for videos of its legged robots, the company has continued to pursue commercial applications. DHL Supply Chain last week announced that it is investing $15 million in robots from Boston Dynamics to further automate its North American warehouses. According to their multiyear agreement, the companies will start with Stretch, a robot designed for…
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While autonomous and semi-autonomous warehouse systems may not yet be commoditized, their ability to make the most of scarce labor is increasingly valuable. Phantom Auto this week announced that it has received $42 million in funding, as well as purchase orders from logistics providers ArcBest and NFI Industries for thousands of its Phantom-powered forklifts in the coming years. “We have…
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While the holiday shopping rush may be over, retailers are still dealing with the increasing flow of returns. Berkshire Grey Inc. today introduced its Reverse Logistics system to help retailers accelerate the resale of returned goods and improve labor utilization in the returns process. “Returns processing has a significant adverse impact on the real profitability of e-commerce,” said Steve Johnson,…
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As automation adoption continues across supply chains, robotics suppliers and systems integrators are partnering and consolidating. Material handling integrator Hy-Tek Holdings today said it has acquired Advanced Handling Systems LLC, or AHS. The merged company now operates as Hy-Tek Material Handling LLC. Terms were not disclosed. “Hy-Tek’s acquisition of AHS broadens our offerings as the predominant player in material handling…
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Factories and fulfillment centers are huge, complex, and constantly changing. Whenever a new vehicle rolls off an assembly line or an e-commerce order arrives within hours, robots and artificial intelligence can enable greater efficiency. NVIDIA Corp. today introduced its Isaac AMR platform, which extends the company's toolkit for building and deploying robotics applications, bringing mapping, site analytics, and fleet optimization…
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Although the past year was full of challenges for businesses of all kinds, it provided opportunities for robotics users and providers. Plus One Robotics Inc. has not only weathered COVID-19 disruptions; it has also responded to fast-growing demand for smart automation. “The first half of 2021 was full of continued uncertainty on a global scale,” wrote Erik Nieves, co-founder and…
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HAI Robotics yesterday said it is celebrating its fifth anniversary at its new headquarters in Shenzhen, China, as the Hurun Research Institute ranked the company in this year's global unicorn ranking list. HAI Robotics makes autonomous case-handling robots, or ACRs, for warehouse order fulfillment. “It’s an extraordinary journey for us to grow from the cradle of a small workshop into…
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Small to midsize distributors have begun to adopt automation. For instance, we featured NorthShore Care Supply's use of autonomous mobile robots last year. Now, robotic palletizing has sped up receiving operations, taken labor out of the process, and created a safer work environment. In July of 2020, I toured NorthShore Care Supply's recently opened 173,000-square-foot distribution center (DC) north of…
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The pandemic has changed how consumers shop and make purchases. In spring 2020, nearly 70% of shoppers were reliant on online shopping. The infographic below outlines the top consumer shopping trends after COVID-19: The “2021 State of the U.S. eCommerce Consumer Survey” captures insights on shopping habits. Click here for the full infographic. Source: CGS The National Retail Federation (NRF)…
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As with other industries, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated demand for automation in the restaurant industry. However, small and midsize businesses, or SMBs, have tight profit margins and are understandably reluctant to invest in new, complex technologies even as they struggle with turnover and labor shortages, according to Haitham Al-Beik, CEO of Wings. Littleton, Mass.-based Letsbutterfly Inc., which does business…
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ForwardX Robotics, which develops mobile robots for warehousing and manufacturing environments, today announced that it has raised $31 million in its initial Series C1 funding round. The Beijing-based company said it plans to use the new capital to accelerate its research and development timeline, increase its deployment capabilities in key markets such as the U.S., and expand its sales reach…
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For automation to spread to more warehouses, it will have to connect easily and effectively with existing systems. NAI Group LLC last week announced the expansion of its capabilities to provide interconnect solutions for the growing warehouse automation industry. The Troy, Mich.-based company custom designs and manufactures cable assemblies and harnesses for equipment OEMs and system integrators. Only about 5%…
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Advanced technologies such as robotics can help companies, regions, and governments meet environmental sustainability goals. The AES Corp. yesterday announced the launch of Atlas, a new solar installation robot that it said will make the construction of new solar power facilities faster, more efficient, and safer. “Stakeholder commitment to a net-zero carbon energy future has never been higher, but our…
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Geekplus Technology Co. today said it has continued its expansion in South America with a successful robotics deployment at SP Digital, an e-commerce provider of computer hardware and gaming products in Chile. Beijing-based Geek+ worked with strategic partner Boreal Technologies SA, a supplier of mobile systems. The companies said autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) will give SP Digital the capacity to…
From geometry preparation to AI-assisted analysis, integrated CFD workflows…
Software-based GripperAI manages mixed picking through basic geometry
Safety, communication and motion control components enable smooth operation
North America’s largest robotics and automation event winds down
