Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 19.53
October 08, 2021
…at AutoStore. “We've always aimed to provide an autonomous robotic solution that empowers our customers to fully leverage their warehouse operations to ensure an efficient, reliable, and sustainable supply chain.” “Now, in partnership with GEODIS and Bastian Solutions, we're proud to continue empowering retailers with a system that delivers the highest throughput globally,” he added. Founded in 1996, AutoStore claimed that it invented cube storage automation. The Nedre Vats, Norway-based company has more than 600 automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) installed in over 30 countries. In April, SoftBank Group Corp. acquired a 40% stake in AutoStore for $2.8 billion.…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 23.18
September 24, 2021
When Modern Materials Handling (a sibling site to Robotics 24/7) is interviewing companies for a “System Report,” one of the questions we always ask is: What were your goals for the project? After all, most distribution teams have a bulleted list of three or four high-level goals for a project or a new facility. Typically, they are along the lines of increase productivity without increasing headcount or improve order fulfillment times by 25%. Every now and then, we come across a company with a far-reaching vision for its operations that extends beyond pick and error rates. For instance, we covered…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 44.69
September 23, 2021
…healthcare.” Opentrons products and units Opentrons said it integrates robotics, assays, and operations to create high-quality and cost-effective laboratory automation. The company has several subsidiaries that serve different life science and healthcare markets. Opentrons Robotics is an industry leader in flexible, user-friendly lab automation, said Opentrons Labworks. It flagship product, the OT-2, can be found in thousands of research and development labs for life sciences in more than 40 countries. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, OT-2 robots were deployed to hospital labs around the world to test millions of patient samples. Pandemic Response Lab (PRL) uses the Opentrons platform to provide…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 47.58
September 21, 2021
SoftBank Robotics Group Corp. today announced a global partnership with Keenon Robotics Co., which focuses on indoor service robots. The global launch expands on Keenon's announcement last week of $200 million in Series D funding and collaboration with SoftBank Robotics. The companies said they will work together to expand the use of robotics in the service industry. They said that service robots will provide efficiency and productivity gains that will allow businesses to allocate more time and resources for staffers to refocus on customer service. “We are proud to partner with SoftBank Robotics, the leader in the robotics solutions industry,”…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 16.15
September 20, 2021
…in May 2021. Brooks Semiconductor Solutions provides precision vacuum robotics, integrated automation systems, and contamination-control products to semiconductor chip makers and equipment manufacturers. The unit also supplies collaborative robotics and automation capabilities for multi-market applications. Brooks acquired Precise Automation Inc. in April for $70 million. After the acquisition, the automation unit will retain the Brooks Automation name and focus on semiconductors. It reported approximately $613 million in revenue in the 12 months ended June 30, 2021. Brooks' Life Sciences business provides a suite of cold-chain, sample-management systems and genomic services across areas such as drug development, clinical research, and advanced…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 45.07
September 15, 2021
Keenon Robotics Co. today announced that it has raised $200 million in Series D funding, which it claimed is the largest fundraising round in service robotics to date. The Shanghai-based company will use the funding to “drive innovation through its in-house R&D to provide new, efficient, and cost-saving applications, while scaling its current robot platform through the expansion in new markets and identifying new prospects to promote growth and boost revenue,” said Tony Li, founder of Keenon Robotics. Founded in 2010, Keenon said it has applied artificial intelligence to smart delivery systems. The company's service robots are used in industries…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 39.65
September 13, 2021
…a $220 million Series C funding round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The robotics software startup claimed to be “the only unicorn in the intelligent robotics field with a valuation exceeding US$1 billion globally.” Agile Robots said it will use the financing for product development, mass production, and sales expansion. “With the unique technology by combining a robotic OS [operating system] and the world's leading sensitive robots, Agile Robots is seeking fundamental breakthroughs in robotics,” said Dr. Zhaopeng Chen, the founder of Agile Robots. He added that it is “applying the next generation of robots to intelligent precision assembly…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 10.14
July 23, 2021
…has also held senior roles at Amazon and Qualcomm. Robotics 24/7 spoke with Thomason about his experience, his views on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and his plans for Brain Corp. You've been a software leader at tech companies like Uber ATG, Oculus, and Qualcomm. What brought you to Brain Corp? Thomason: While it seems like they're all different, the big commonality is that there's a lot of systems software. While artificial intelligence and deep learning are obviously components, there's a lot of other software—Web portals, interactions, real-time pipes, updates—with remarkable parallels in my 30 years in the industry. So much…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 28.17
July 08, 2021
Berkshire Grey Inc., which makes supply chain automation including robotics and artificial intelligence, yesterday announced the completion of its new Robotics Innovation Center and headquarters in Bedford, Mass. The company said the new center will showcase its capabilities for customers, partners, and investors. “Our new Innovation Center is strategically located in the Boston metro area, allowing us to leverage the strong regional talent pool in AI and robotics,” stated Tom Wagner, CEO of Berkshire Grey. “This center provides the space needed to continue our technology development and to help our customers adapt and transform their supply chain operations.” “Competitive pressures…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 38.25
June 28, 2021
…integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, increasing the likelihood of robotic minimal access surgery (MAS), said CMR. The system's portable and modular design allows a surgeon to only use the number of arms needed for a given procedure. Biomimicking the human arm, Versius gives surgeons the choice of optimized port placement along with the dexterity and accuracy of small fully-wristed instruments, said CMR. It includes 3D high-definition vision, easy-to adopt instrument control, and a choice of ergonomic working positions The open surgeon console can reduce stress and fatigue and allows for clear communication with the surgical team, CMR added. By thinking…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 47.52
June 21, 2021
…of a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics Inc. from SoftBank Group Corp., following the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The deal valued the Waltham, Mass.-based mobile robot company at $1.1 billion, and additional financial details were not disclosed. Seoul, South Korea-based Hyundai now holds an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics, while Tokyo-based SoftBank retains the remaining 20% through one of its affiliates. Hyundai reportedly spent $880 million on the acquisition. “By acquiring Boston Dynamics and securing a leading presence in the field of robotics, the group takes another major step toward its strategic transformation into a…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 46.35
June 20, 2021
RobotLAB Inc. and SoftBank Robotics America last week announced that SoftBank' Pepper and NAO humanoid robots are now available in North America exclusively through RobotLAB. The partnership also expands Pepper's educational and industrial focus areas to a broader range of applications, and it marks RobotLAB's debut as a integrator for SoftBank's Whiz cleaning robots. The companies said their collaboration builds on their long-standing partnership in advancing automation and bringing SoftBank Robotics America's (SBRA) business-to-business systems to market. San Francisco-based RobotLAB has already deployed and supported thousands of robots in the field, including Pepper and NAO. “We are pleased to expand…
