Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P., or THL, today announced a definitive agreement with Brooks Automation Inc. to acquire its Semiconductor Solutions Group for $3 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2022 upon satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. “We are excited to be joining forces with THL, with whom we share a vision for the future of our business,” said David Jarzynka, president of Brooks Automation. “We are proud of the leadership position we’ve established in our industry, and THL’s resources and automation expertise will further strengthen our…
Locus Robotics Corp., which supplies autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, for fulfillment centers, today said it has acquired Waypoint Robotics Inc., which makes industrial-strength, omnidirectional mobile robots. The companies did not disclose terms but said the combination will enable them to better serve both warehouse and manufacturing operations. “Locus is the proven leader in the development of highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimization,” stated Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “As order-fulfillment and labor shortages continue to grow around the world, the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics will accelerate our ability…
Collaborative robots, or cobots, were not made to replace workers in supply chains. These machines were created to improve their working experience. Cobots help their human counterparts by assisting them in tasks that can be repetitive or even dangerous. In fact, collaborative robots offer advantages during the pandemic, given the strict social distancing protocols. With the help of cobots and other types of robots, companies like DCL Logistics have been able to increase their productivity by 300% without sacrificing employee safety. That said, here are a few ways cobots can assist their human counterparts: Improving workflow efficiency Related Content Register…
GrAI Matter Labs, a pioneer of brain-inspired, ultra-low latency computing, and ADLINK Technology Inc., an expert in edge computing, today announced that they have partnered to create a platform based on ADLINK’s SMARC I-Pi Development kits and the GrAI VIP (Vision Inference Processor). “We are so thrilled to be working with ADLINK as a provider of cutting-edge SMARC modules for scalable, low-power, industrial solutions to address the rapidly growing trend of systems with integrated AI,” stated Christian Verbrugge, senior director of business development for Europe at GrAI Matter Labs (GML). ” Together, we will deliver a SMARC platform that will…
Robotics may not be poised to take human jobs, but they have become a vital tool in a variety of industries. And they require a certain level of maintenance to keep running smoothly. What are some of the most common problems that each commonly used type of industrial robot experiences? What should operators and technicians look for when performing regular maintenance on industrial robots? Standard industrial robot maintenance Regardless of the type of robot on the floor and the type of productivity bonus it provides, there are going to be some standard types of maintenance that are present in each…
One of the major themes at Fabtech 2021 in Chicago this week was the need for small-to-midsize companies to add automation to their operations. There is not enough skilled or unskilled labor to fill the demand. Large companies with varied, small-batch production face a similar dilemma of a lack of workers to meet production needs. The COVID-19 pandemic did increase unemployment, and many people in the service industry have departed or changed jobs. However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted that “there are now half as many available workers for every open job across the country as there have been…
CHICAGO—Fabtech 2021 here this week provided robotics and other automation companies with the first chance to display their latest fabrication technologies and upgrades to an in-person audience, many for the first time in a couple of years. Attendance may have diminished since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, but exhibitors at Fabtech 2021 reported strong engagement with manufacturers. With shortages of skilled labor, it's no suprise that interest in automation continues to grow. The global market for robotic welding and peripherals could experience a experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%, growing by $2.3 billion (U.S.) between 2021 and…
Liquid handling can be a tedious and hazardous task for laboratory personnel. Copenhagen, Denmark-based Flow Robotics A/S, which makes the flowbot ONE system to automate pipetting tasks, this month announced the establishment of a North American subsidiary. Princeton, N.J.-based Flow Robotics Inc. will bring flowbot ONE to wider academic, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals markets. “We are excited to expand our operations in North America,” said Annika Isaksson, CEO of Flow Robotics. “The flowbot ONE helps labs achieve a more sustainable setup by taking over many repetitive and burdensome manual pipetting tasks. In turn, lab personnel can engage in other, more valuable…
Stord Inc. this week said it has raised $90 million in Series D funding, bringing its valuation to $1.1 billion. The Atlanta-based “cloud supply chain” company also announced the closing of its acquisition of Fulfillment Works LLC, a direct-to-consumer fulfillment provider. “The supply chain is the new competitive battleground,” said Sean Henry, co-founder and CEO of Stord. “Today's buying expectations set by Amazon and the rise of the omnichannel shopper have placed immense pressure on companies to maintain more nimble and efficient supply chains.” “This new funding and the outstanding Fulfillment Works team bring us that much closer to our…
Artificial intelligence is a warehouse game-changer, but organizations are struggling to use it optimally, according to Lucas Systems Inc., which released insights from a market study today. “These findings are consistent with what we’re hearing from our customers,” said Ken Ramoutar, chief marketing officer at Lucas Systems. “There’s a belief that AI is a heavy lift—that it’s difficult to use and risky or expensive. This thinking prevents widespread adoption in the warehouse and the ability to tap AI’s true potential.” The study was conducted by market research firm Vanson Bourne and examined AI’s use, perception, and value. Survey respondents included…
GEODIS SA yesterday said that it has partnered with Advanced Handling Systems LLC, or AHS, to implement the Skypod robotic system from Exotec Solutions SAS at its site in Nashville, Tenn. The companies said the automation will enable GEODIS to optimize its e-commerce fulfillment process for its direct-to-consumer customers. “eLogistics is an important strategic initiative for our company, and collaborating with our long-term partners at AHS in new technology with Exotec will be winning formula for our exciting new product,” said Eric Douglas, executive vice president of technology and engineering at GEODIS in Americas. “By implementing the Exotec Skypod System…
Ford Motor Co., Argo AI, and Walmart Inc. yesterday said they are working together to launch an autonomous vehicle delivery service in Miami, Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Walmart said it will be its first multi-city autonomous delivery collaboration in the U.S. The last-mile service will use Ford self-driving test vehicles equipped with the Argo AI Self-Driving System. “We're excited to expand our autonomous delivery efforts in three new markets alongside Argo and Ford,” stated Tom Ward, senior vice president of last-mile delivery at Walmart U.S. “This collaboration will further our mission to get products to the homes of our…