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 acceleration of material handling automation.
“Consumer demand and a shrinking labor force are putting pressure on nearly every industry, and in turn, putting pressure on AMRs [autonomous mobile robots] to effectively and consistently interpret and respond to ever-changing situations,” said Jim Rock, CEO of Seegrid.
“Our customers rely on Seegrid to deliver industry leading automation solutions that can safely ensure productivity—highly advanced simulation during ideation, test, and development speeds up our ability to deliver next-generation AMRs best equipped to address the unpredictable events in facility workflows,” he added.
Pittsburgh-based Seegrid said it combines AMRs, enterprise software, and services to support the world's largest manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics companies. The company was recently named the No. 1 mobile robot provider in the U.S. and No. 1 in market share worldwide for automated tow tractors.
Seegrid launched several new robot models in 2021, including the Palion Lift, which it said is the only autonomous lift truck in the market with “industry-leading” 3D perception.
Seegrid and Applied Intuition
Seegrid said the partnership “involves a significant invesment” and will enable it to quickly validate product innovations in more supply chain environments and use cases than is feasible with manual testing.
Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Applied Intuition provides simulation tools for high-fidelity modeling used in autonomous vehicle development, testing, and deployment. The company said its suite of products, focused on simulation, validation, and drive data management, can deliver sophisticated infrastructure built for scale.
With offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Munich, Tokyo, and Seoul, Applied’s team consists of autonomy, software, and automotive experts from around the world. It raised $175 million in Series D funding last month.
“Applied Intuition’s platform simulates a wide range of environments, layering in different conditions to safely pressure-test next-generation ideas in autonomous vehicle technology,” said Peter Ludwig, co-founder and chief technology officer of Applied Intuition. “Manufacturing and distribution facilities are a complex, highly dynamic operational design domain—we’re thrilled to collaborate with industry leader Seegrid to help enable the rapid acceleration of the growing AMR market.”
The two companies, which are both known for their focus on creating safe and efficient autonomy solutions, will also co-develop advanced simulation features and environments to support use cases unique to mobile robots in the supply chain.
The collaboration will involve Seegrid’s new Blue Labs research and development team, which is dedicated to quickly identifying new automation technologies for their leading global brand customers in logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
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