As robot manufacturers develop their systems to work in tandem with humans, several regulatory bodies around the globe are working on making sure those vendors are building with safety in mind. From the International Organization for Standardization to the American National Standards Institute, experts regularly convene to outline what robot makers should consider when building their machines. That work is ongoing, and these organizations continue to make changes as technologies improve and robots begin to be used for more applications. Luckily, the groundwork has been laid, Aaron Prather, director of robotics and autonomous systems at ASTM International, a global standards…
Melonee Wise is Agility Robotics' new chief technology officer. Wise previously served as vice president and general manager of robotics automation at Zebra Technologies. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Fetch Robotics, which was acquired by Zebra in 2021. Wise is recognized as a pioneer in the robotics industry, particularly for her work in the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) space. In 2022, she was honored with an Engelberger Robotics Award, which is considered to be among the highest accomplishments in robotics. Wise will now help Corvallis, Ore.-based Agility Robotics improve Digit, its “multi-purpose” and “human-centric” robot. Specifically, she…
After going into stealth mode in late 2021, IAM Robotics is back with a new system aimed at increasing order-fulfillment productivity in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. The Pittsburgh-based company said its Meet Me system was designed to facilitate collaboration between workers and robots completing person-to-good tasks. The Meet Me system covers multiple steps. Using a wearable device attached to their wrists, workers are directed where to go in a facility and what items to pick. From there, a Lumabot autonomous mobile robot (AMR) meets the worker at the pick location; IAM Robotics' Pyxis workflow management software tells the associate how…
PITTSBURGH—For the past several months, CapSen Robotics has been gearing up for Automate, the Association for Advancing Automation's robotics trade show in Detroit. The Pittsburgh-based startup develops software for robot arms and has partnered with DENSO and Calvary Robotics to showcase its CapSen PiC System, which was designed to help customers program their robots to complete bin-picking tasks. “We do software for adding intelligence to robot arms,” Jared Glover, CapSen Robotics CEO and co-founder, told Robotics 24/7 during a recent visit to its headquarters. “We provide all the 3D vision software and the motion planning and control software to get…
If there is one thing Jenn Apicella values, it's partnerships. “I’m a passionate-partner person,” she said in a recent interview with Robotics 24/7. “You can only grow in this current world with strong business partnerships, and just great partners in your corner, whether those are the vendors you do business with or like-minded businesses that help you grow.” Apicella was recently named the interim executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN), a role that was previously held by Joel Reed, the former CEO and president of IAM Robotics and a known robotics expert in the Pittsburgh area. Apicella previously…
A familiar face has been named the new interim executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, or PRN. Jenn Apicella, who previously served as vice president at PRN, will lead the organization following Joel Reed's announcement yesterday that he is stepping down to explore other opportunities in robotics. “I am excited to continue this important work of expanding opportunities for our robotics workforce, companies and ecosystem, allowing our region to directly influence the advancement, adoption and commercialization of robotics worldwide,” Apicella said in a statement. “The Pittsburgh region is an established leader, known around the globe for our excellence in…
PITTSBURGH – Labor shortages continue to be a problem for some of the global economy's most vital industries. It's no secret that's partly why so many companies in warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics are turning to artificial intelligence and robotics. But despite the potential efficiency benefits, cost-savings, and worker retention gains, many companies aren't using robots at all. Take the warehouse market, for example. A 2021 report from Research and Markets found that more than 80% of all warehouses have no automation. Last week during the Cascadia Connect event in Pittsburgh, a group of robotics executives, investors, and systems integrators tackled…
PITTSBURGH—A venture capitalist has plenty to consider when investing in a robotics or artificial intelligence startup. Is the company developing a product or service that has a strong product-market fit? Does its leadership team understand the industry it is serving? How does this company's technology stand out among the competition? The past year has undoubtedly been challenging for technology companies seeking funding, and hundreds have either shut down or reduced their headcount in response to the tough financial market. Yesterday, e-commerce company Shopify announced the sale of mobile robot maker 6 River Systems to Ocado Group. Shopify also said it…
