Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.42
January 02, 2022
…for order-fulfillment automation is rising exponentially each year. The COVID-19 pandemic has just added urgency to this trend. Customers expect ultra-fast deliveries, while e-commerce retailers struggle with a serious lack of workforce and increasing labor costs. Machine vision, artificial intelligence, and mobile robots are among the technologies helping warehouses, “dark stores,” and distribution centers consolidate orders and quickly, efficiently, and flawlessly prepare them for delivery. When it comes to warehouse automation, the sorting of parcels for shipment is a key part of successful order fulfillment. Robotics can help optimize the flow of goods, keep track of all parcels, and prevent…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.36
January 01, 2022
…than words. Material handling market grows Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer behavior had been shifting more and more toward online shopping. Material handling automation has become increasingly important for businesses to efficiently fulfill orders and stay competitive during supply chain disruptions. As the table below shows, statistics of the global material handling market show tremendous growth potential. Being currently valued at just over $27 billion (U.S.), Grand View Research predicted that the market to grow to a value of more than $43 billion by 2028, following a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. Courtesy of Meili Robots Manual…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.09
December 30, 2021
…providers. Plus One Robotics Inc. has not only weathered COVID-19 disruptions; it has also responded to fast-growing demand for smart automation. “The first half of 2021 was full of continued uncertainty on a global scale,” wrote Erik Nieves, co-founder and CEO of Plus One, in a blog post. “We had great people on board, the right technologies in development, and clients who were excited about what we were doing. But things were moving slowly in the face of this 'new normal' that COVID-19 had wrought on the population and the global economy. Many of our partners were in a wait-and-see…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.30
December 29, 2021
In 2021, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic aggravated labor shortages, increased the demand for social distancing, and changed consumer behavior. The restaurant industry was particularly hard hit, and several robotics developers rose to address these challenges. This past year, Miso Robotics Inc. announced partnerships with major chains, announced its Flippy 2 system, and closed on its latest equity crowdfunding round. The Pasadena, Calif.-based company has worked with White Castle and Inspire Brands, the owner of Buffalo Wild Wings, to test its Flippy frying robots. Miso also collaborated with Lancer Worldwide on an automated beverage dispenser for quick-serve restaurants (QSRs). Last month,…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.98
December 24, 2021
…and retail industries wait for full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, more robots are offering to help shorthanded staffs. Savioke last week announced Relay+, the latest generation of its service robot for hotels, offices, restaurants, and hospitals. “Service robots are becoming increasingly common in the hospitality and foodservice industries,” stated Steve Cousins, founder and CEO of Savioke. “Our safe, efficient robots have made more than 850,000 deliveries since 2014. What's more, they can work 24/7/365, only need to be trained once, enable service staff to spend more time with customers, and heighten employee job satisfaction.” Founded in 2014, Savioke provides…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.14
December 22, 2021
…come. After nearly two years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain snafus, and shifting demand, multiple industries are looking to robots and automation to improve efficiency and mitigate widespread labor shortages. Robotics 24/7 asked the following thought leaders among robotics associations, end users, and suppliers about their thoughts: Susanne Bieller, general secretary of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) Tom Ryden, executive director of MassRobotics Suzy Teele, vice president of strategic initiatives and outreach at the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute Aaron Prather, senior technical advisor at FedEx Express Fergal Glynn, vice president of marketing at 6…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.69
December 22, 2021
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains and exacerbated labor shortages, more operations are adopting automation. Rhenus Hong Kong and Geekplus Technology Co. today said they have successfully deployed autonomous mobile robots at a Rhenus warehouse in Asia. “Our goal is to provide the best and most innovative logistics service to achieve faster and more flexible movement of goods, to cater to the rapid growth in e-commerce,” stated Cliff Xu, CEO of Rhenus Air & Ocean Greater China. “By working closely with Geek+, we not only realize warehouse digitalization, but also improve operational efficiency and accuracy, translating to…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.35
December 19, 2021
…contactless deliveries of food and beverage and retail products. COVID-19 has changed the way we all interact and relate to travel, making contactless delivery even more relevant and essential.” Ottonomy said its primary focus is on helping retailers and restaurants automate indoor and outdoor contactless deliveries. The Santa Monica, Calif.-based company has won the Mobility Startup Award given by Plug & Play Accelerator and the Sustainability Product of the Year Award given by the Business Intelligence Group. It is backed by Connetic Ventures and angel investors. Ottonomy began pilot last year Ottobots navigate autonomously through crowds and unpredictable environments using…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.14
December 17, 2021
…“That was a challenge for the five years before COVID-19.” Cartons are conveyed to a palletizing cell. Source: NorthShore Care Supply Robots grow with inventory Fast forward to July 2021, when I toured the Green Oaks facility once again. The AMRs were still traveling through the aisles, associates were busy picking to the robots and moving product through the packing stations, and lift truck operators were moving pallets to replenish pick locations. I saw two big differences: Significantly more inventory was in the warehouse than in July 2020, and at the receiving dock, two associates were unloading cartons onto a…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.78
December 17, 2021
…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) estimates that holiday retail sales will increase between 8.5% and 10.5% this year. The NRF reports that online and non-store sales continue to experience significant gains, growing 11% to 15% in a market of about $218.3 billion to $226.2 billion. This growth is predicted to occur during the continued pandemic, supply chain constraints, inflation, and other market factors. Retail distribution efficiencies are critical…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.42
December 16, 2021
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 as Wings, is developing proprietary systems in its HiveRobotics Lab for “autonomous sustainable retail” (ASR). Al-Beik has spoken with several restaurant franchises about the challenges they face and what they want from robotics suppliers. He shared his findings with Robotics…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.37
December 14, 2021
…and Europe.” ForwardX follows supply chain demand Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, ForwardX said it has seen strong growth. Named by LinkedIn China as a Top 13 Startup, the company claimed that its flexible automation platform can “deliver better performance for customers at a better value.” “It’s an exciting time for us and the industry as a whole,” said Yaxin Guan, chief operating officer of ForwardX. “COVID-19 made it difficult to expand overseas during 2020, but this year has brought us a lot more success in that regard. E-commerce in the U.S. has seen its 18-month spike become the new base…
