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The use of industrial robots in factories around the world has continued to accelerate, said the International Federation of Robotics today. The average robot density is now 126 robots per 10,000 employees in manufacturing – nearly double the number of 66 units in 2015, according to the “2021 World Robot Report.” By regions, the average robot density in Asia/Australia is…
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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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Flytrex Inc. today said it has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to expand its delivery radius to one nautical mile across all of its operating stations in North Carolina. The Tel Aviv, Israel-based company claimed that it has already completed more drone deliveries to homes than any other company in the U.S. “Drone delivery is reaching new heights…
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Apex.AI Inc., which has developed safety-certified software for mobility and autonomous applications, today said it has raised $56.5 million in Series B funding. The company said it plans to use the financing to scale up globally and expand into new markets. “Disruptions in mobility such as self-driving, connected vehicles, e-mobility, and shared mobility all rely on software but lack a…
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Winters in Norwich, Conn., are cold, snowy and long, and it can be a nightmare for those involved with trucking fleet maintenance—like Ken Cassar at a local US Foods distribution facility. One of the nation’s leading food and food service products distributors, US Foods serves independent restaurants as well as health care, hospitality entities, educational institutions, and retail operations across…
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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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Pick-and-place robots are increasingly helping manufacturers around the world. Scape Technologies A/S today announced a partnership with machine tools provider Demek CNC OÜ and an order from hand tool producer HEYCO-WERK SÜD as it continues to serve the automotive industry. Founded in 2004, Scape Technologies has developed patented technology to recognize, pick and place parts. The Odense, Denmark-based company works…
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German Bionic today announced the fifth generation of its Cray X exoskeleton. The Augsburg, Germany-based company said its new smart power suit includes several safety, robustness, and productivity enhancements and will ship worldwide early next year. “The fifth-generation Cray X underscores our technology leadership in the massively growing international exoskeleton market,” stated Armin G. Schmidt, CEO of German Bionic. “The…
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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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Symbotic LLC today announced a definitive merger agreement with SVF Investment Corp. 3 and plans to trade on the Nasdaq stock earket as “Symbotic Inc.” under the ticker symbol “SYM” in the first half of 2022. The Wilmington, Mass.-based company said its combination of artificial intelligence and fleets of autonomous robots can improve the movement of products in the supply…
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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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Last month, the Yara Birkeland completed its maiden voyage to Oslo and then sailed on to Posgrunn, the southern Norwegian production site of Yara International, a fertilizer manufacturer and owner of the vessel. The company claimed that it is the first fully electric and autonomous container ship. “Yara is constantly seeking opportunities to reduce its climate footprint and fulfil its…
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HAI Robotics this week announced that it has been awarded SGS and ETL Certifications for its HAIPICK A42 robots and HAIPORT-powered Workstation, respectively. The Shenzhen, China-based company has developed autonomous case-handling robots and associated systems for warehouses. “Our commitment to stringent certifications such as SGS, ETL, CE, and UL, as well as full compliance with local regulations and OSHA standards,…
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More autonomous trucks are coming to roads in the U.S. South and West. Embark Trucks Inc. yesterday announced its expansion into Texas and the launch of a new self-driving truck lane between Houston and San Antonio. The Belmont, Calif.-based company also unveiled a new autonomous trucking facility and said it plans to hire aggressively in the Houston area next year.…
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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…
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
