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…
Soft Robotics Inc. yesterday launched SoftAI, which incorporates proprietary 3D vision, artificial intelligence software, and compliant end effectors. The Bedford, Mass.-based company said the system will address the most pressing challenge for the food industry – the inability to meaningfully automate operations. “The food industry is critically dependent on labor to meet its production goals,” stated Mark Chiappetta, chief operating officer of Soft Robotics. “But challenges with workforce availability and productivity, tightening food-safety regulations, and global health crises have illuminated the need to break this dependency. SoftAI-powered robotic automation is the solution.” Soft Robotics designs and builds automated picking systems…
Engineer
Keenon Robotics Co. today announced that it has raised $200 million in Series D funding, which it claimed is the largest fundraising round in service robotics to date. The Shanghai-based company will use the funding to “drive innovation through its in-house R&D to provide new, efficient, and cost-saving applications, while scaling its current robot platform through the expansion in new markets and identifying new prospects to promote growth and boost revenue,” said Tony Li, founder of Keenon Robotics. Founded in 2010, Keenon said it has applied artificial intelligence to smart delivery systems. The company's service robots are used in industries…
Following a successful pilot run of the MassRobotics Jumpstart Fellowship Program, applications for its second cohort are now open through Nov. 1. The Jumpstart program provides opportunities for diverse Massachusetts high school girls to learn about careers in robotics, expose them to technical skills, and develop their professional networks through direct engagement with industry professionals. All female high school juniors and seniors, especially those who are Black and Latinx, with a passion for robotics and technology are encouraged to apply. MassRobotics offers registration online, and applicants can learn more by attending an upcoming virtual student information session. This cohort will…
Fabtech 2021 in Chicago this week was one of the first robot-related trade shows since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The show was had good attendance and thousands of exhibitors, even though the Delta variant is still putting a lid on many other conferences and events, with some returning to virtual formats. However, Fabtech 2021 was scaled back from the 2019 version, a decision that was made before the Delta variant hit the headlines. According to show management, there were 9,000 exhibitors and an expected 21,000 attendees this year. In comparison, more than 12,000 exhibitors and about 35,000 attendees…
DeepRoute.ai Ltd. today said it has closed it Series B funding round, with investment totaling more than $300 million (U.S.). The company is developing self-driving technology for robotic taxicabs and medium-duty trucks. It said the funding will further research and development, help scale automaker collaboration and fleet operation, and support the expansion of its team. “We appreciate our forward-looking investors for their support,” said Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai. “Our DeepRoute.ai team is excited to bring more robotaxis to the streets and expand to urban logistics. We are excited for the future of autonomous vehicles and the positive societal impact…
Ambi Robotics
As a record number of warehouse workers is needed to support e-commerce growth, global brands are seeking assistive automation to increase throughput and safety for warehouse associates. Ambi Robotics today said it has closed its $26 million Series A funding round. The Emeryville, Calif.-based company has developed simulation-to-reality artificial intelligence for highly dexterous robots. “Ambi Robotics combines cutting-edge AI technology with engaging user interfaces to transform the role of ‘item handlers’ to ‘robot handlers,’” said Jim Liefer, CEO at Ambi Robotics. “With our Series A funding, we will be able to empower more companies to help their associates work harmoniously…