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If you're traveling through Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) this holiday season, you could see service robots in action. Ottonomy Inc. last week announced that a fleet of its Ottobot delivery robots is now available at CVG. The company claimed that it is the first fully autonomous delivery of food, beverage, and lifestyle products in an airport environment. “This launch…
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Velodyne Lidar Inc. yesterday announced that ROBORACE has selected it as the official lidar sensor provider for next generation vehicles in the Season One championship series, which is set to begin in 2022. ROBORACE use Velodyne‘s Velarray H800 sensors in its electric-powered autonomous race cars. “At ROBORACE, we are always searching for the best technology to build into our race…
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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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Nauticus Robotics Inc. today announced that it has agreed to a merger with CleanTech Acquisition Corp. that will result in Nauticus becoming a publicly traded company. The Houston-based developer of surface and subsea robots, software, and associated services said the transaction will result in a valuation of more than $500 million. “The passion and conviction of our team at Nauticus…
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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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Robotic vacuum cleaners are getting smarter. Brain Corp., which provides artificial intelligence for commercial robots, this week announced that it and Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. have launched the KIRA CV 60/1. The companies said the autonomous vacuum is the first product of their partnership. “It has become more important than ever for organizations to create high-functioning and sustainable operations,…
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Motional Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. today announced a partnership to launch autonomous deliveries for Uber customers, starting in Santa Monica, Calif., in early 2022. Motional said its all-electric vehicles will deliver a curated set of meal kits from select restaurants on Uber Eats. The companies said their partnership is an industry first between an autonomous vehicle technology developer and…
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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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Powermat Technologies Inc. today announced investment from Foxconn Interconnect Technology Ltd. (FIT) and Hudson Sustainable Group as part of its $25 million (U.S.) Series B round. The Tel-Aviv, Israel-based company said it plans to use the funding to continue its growth and entry into the automotive, micromobility, and robotics markets. It also said its partnership with FIT on go-to-market strategies…
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As mobile robots proliferate, suppliers are expanding their industry knowledge and working to differentiate themselves based on safety and reliability. OTTO Motors this week named two executives with engineering and integration experience as co-presidents. The Kitchener, Ontario-based company also recently announced a lifetime powertrain warranty for its autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs. “When we built our first prototype in 2013,…
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A major challenge for the freight industry is addressing underutilization and inefficient load procurement. Aurora Innovation Inc. and Uber Freight LLC today announced a multiphase commercial pilot to move freight in Texas and to explore integrating access to Uber Freight’s network within the Aurora Horizon trucking product suite. The companies said their combined offerings will enable carriers to maximize fleet…
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Before an operation brings robots in for the first time, simulation can help suppliers, integrators, and end users understand where to best apply automation and what process or infrastructure changes might be needed to maximize efficiency. Seegrid Corp. today announced that it has partnered with Applied Intuition Inc. to create 3D virtual warehouses, factories, and distribution centers to support the…
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As manufacturers looking for faster and more efficient means of production, robots are becoming more capable. ABB yesterday announced that it is adding the E10 and V250XT controllers to its OmniCore line. The company said they are available for robots across its portfolio and offer “best-in-class” motion control and 20% energy savings. ABB also said the new controllers provide future-proofing…
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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…
GENISOM AI makes ICRA debut at conference in Vienna
World's first omni-modal evaluation including tactile sensing for…
Ultrasonic sensing enhances robotics perception
North America’s largest automation and robotics event takes place June 22-25
