Found in
Artificial intelligence, robotics, and related technologies have found a place in online retail. In fact, e-commerce providers such as Amazon.com, Asos, and Zalando have found AI and deep learning departments essential. Why do they invest in machine learning (ML)? It can helps them better understand their clients, customize offers for particular buyers, and automate manual tasks. Machine learning allows online…
Found in
In warehousing and other sectors, tasks such as moving carts through a pick area or sending completed orders and totes downstream to packing or a conveyor system are increasingly carried out by mobile robots, not people pushing carts. Better coordination of people and robots can lead to even greater efficiencies, according to Zebra Technologies Corp. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can…
Found in
The meteoric rise of e-commerce has continued to challenge supply chains to keep prices low while also meeting consumer expectations of same-day or next-day delivery. Warehouse operators are increasingly investing in automation—specifically, autonomous mobile robots or AMRs. Global e-commerce sales have increased 26.7% year over year, from $3.3 trillion in 2019 to $4.8 trillion in 2021, according to market observers.…
Found in
Inventory control at the warehouse level is simple, right? You just need to follow warehouse management system processes, set some minimum SKU levels, and be diligent about scan verifications to track consumption. While that worked 20 years ago, in today’s world, with automated systems to store inventory, you may need a warehouse execution system or WES. Forget global supply chain…
Found in
TTTech Auto AG yesterday raised €250 million ($285 million U.S.) from Aptiv PLC and Audi AG in its latest funding round. Aptiv is investing €200 million ($228 million), while Audi is increasing its existing stake by €50 million ($57 million). With this latest funding round and a valuation of more than $1 billion, TTTech Auto said it is part of…
Found in
With the threat of the coronavirus still present around the globe, organizers of the Olympic Games Beijing 2022 are taking advantage of robotics to help keep athletes and attendees safe this year. An estimated 2,900 athletes are participating, according to the International Olympic Committee. The event will take place within a “closed-loop” bubble system to help minimize the spread of…
Found in
Cyngn Inc. and Greenland Technologies Holding Corp. yesterday announced a strategic partnership in which Cyngn will add its self-driving capabilities to Greenland forklifts with its proprietary Enterprise Autonomy Suite, or EAS. Integration of EAS will enable the forklifts to switch between fully autonomous, manual, and remotely-controlled modes, said the companies. “Currently, there are over 850,000 forklifts operating in the United…
Found in
Investors and innovators are working to make smart and self-driving cars more perceptive. LeddarTech today announced that it has raised $140 million (U.S.), including a first Series D close of $116 million and debt facility of $24 million. The Quebec City-based company said it plans to use the funding to accelerate the development and commercialization of its sensing technologies. “The…
Found in
Anduril Industries Inc. yesterday said it has acquired Dive Technologies Inc., adding autonomous underwater vehicles, or AUVs, to its portfolio of unmanned systems for military and other applications. “The world beneath the ocean is completely different than the one above it,” stated Brian Schimpf, co-founder and CEO of Anduril. “It requires different types of sensors, modalities, and problem solving than…
Found in
From pallets to warehouse workflows, Vecna Robotics provides robots and software to automate materials handling. Last week, the Waltham, Mass.-based company announced that it has raised Series C funding of $65 million. Vecna said it plans to use the investment to develop new robots and software, fufill orders, and expand operations as it serves a $165 billion market for autonomous…
Found in
Fully autonomous lift trucks aren’t in that many DCs just yet, but they are seen as a high-growth solution given issues like labor shortages and escalating fulfillment pressures. It’s estimated by research firm Interact Analysis that approximately 10,800 robotic lift trucks shipped globally in 2021, or about 0.6% of the total lift truck market. Still, the day may come when…
Found in
Rite-Hite’s Global Headquarters project in Milwaukee continues to advance on schedule with the recent installation of 900 roof-mounted solar panels on the Tech Building, which is on the south side of Freshwater Way. Expected to help offset the company’s energy costs for years to come, the solar panels will be one of several green building elements used in construction of…
Found in
In that same report, CBRE states that the average cost to return a $50 item is as much as 66% of the original sales price – up from 59% in 2020. That means greater pressure on already-thin profit margins and the risk that a successful, if challenging, peak season grows less successful over time. For sellers, that means time is…
Found in
The number of robots sold in North America set a new record in 2021, with 39,708 units sold at a value of $2 billion, a 14% increase over the previous high in 2017, said the Association for Advancing Automation, or A3, today. The organization said the growth was “propelled by a surge in non-automotive sectors.” “More industries recognized that robotics…
Found in
Consolidation is continuing among component makers and mobile robot providers. ZAPI Group today announced that it has acquired BlueBotics SA, including shares held by investor Forestay Capital. The companies said the transaction closed Dec. 21, 2021, but they did not disclose terms. “The acquisition of BlueBotics is a key strategic move for ZAPI Group as it further strengthens our position…
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
