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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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HAI Robotics yesterday announced that more than 100 units of its HAIPORT-powered Workstation have been put into operation globally since it launched the product a year ago. The Shenzhen, China-based company said the system has significantly improved order-fulfillment efficiency for its customers, which have been under pressure to update their warehouses with higher throughput capacity. “HAIPORT-powered Workstation offers an innovative…
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GXO Logistics Inc. today announced that it has deployed 6 River Systems Inc. collaborative mobile robots on multiple mezzanine floors in one of its distribution centers in Milton Keynes, U.K. The Greenwich, Conn.-based company said the deployment was an industry first. “This multi-tiered installation is groundbreaking for us and a first in our industry,” stated Gavin Williams, managing director for…
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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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Ryder System Inc. today announced that it has agreed to acquire Whiplash, a provider of omnichannel fulfillment and retail logistics services, for about $480 million in cash. “The acquisition of Whiplash is consistent with our strategy to accelerate growth in our higher-return supply chain business,” stated Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder. “It also expands our e-commerce and omnichannel…
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Editor’s note: This is the second of two stories focused on the adoption of automation by small to mid-sized distributors. In the November issue, we learned how Top Notch Distributors made the leap from paper-based, pick-to-cart operations to system-directed pick-to-robots. In this issue, we revisit NorthShore Care Supply, which we featured in the September 2020 System Report, to see how…
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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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Petra Inc. yesterday said that it has raised $30 million in Series A funding and successfully completed a 20-ft. demonstration tunnel “through the hardest rock on earth.” The San Francisco-based company claimed to be the first one capable of inexpensively placing critical utilities underground through hard geologies. “In the past, there have only been a handful of costly and inefficient…
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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…
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E-commerce expectations have increased demand for automation, not just during the holiday rush, but also year-round. Berkshire Grey Inc. today introduced the next generation of its Robotic Product Sortation system for order fulfillment. The Bedford, Mass.-based company said the latest version of BG RPS includes new features such as a dual-wing design that can increase automated picking, sorting, and packing…
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SolidRun Ltd. today announced its new system-on-module, or SOM, product powered by the AM64x processors from Texas Instruments Inc. Tel Aviv, Israel-based SolidRun said it system features best-in-class real-time and low-latency processing and is targeted at Internet of Things (IoT) and machinery applications. “Industrial automation, robots, smart buildings, and more all require powerful applications-processing capabilities as well as robust, real-time…
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Over the past two years, the boom in online shopping and labor challenges have increased demand for automated order fulfillment. Photoneo s.r.o. today announced $21 million in Series B funding. The Bratislava, Slovakia-based company said it plans to use its latest capital to accelerate its 3D sensor business and expand its Brightpick system for warehouses and so-called dark stores. “We…
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Hit Promotional Products Inc. claims to be the largest promotional product manufacturer in the U.S., nationally recognized for its value and customer service. To maintain its positive reputation and continue offering a wide range of products, the Largo, Fla.-based company decided to embark on a multi-year initiative to reimagine its business processes from end to end. Hit continually introduces more…
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