ABB recently opened its refitted U.S. robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Mich., which will support ABB Robotics’ global leadership in developing and manufacturing robotic products in the U.S., for the Americas. The expanded facility reflects ABB’s commitment to long-term growth in the US market, as well as the company’s global investment to build Robotics and Automation capacity and create new, highly skilled jobs. This is ABB’s third global robotics factory expansion in three years across China, Europe and the Americas and is part of its efforts to further strengthen its local-for-local footprint. Further investment in the U.S.…
Floor-cleaning vehicle provider Tennant Company recently unveiled the full specification and capabilities of its X4 ROVR autonomous floor scrubber. The X4 ROVR is Tennant’s first purpose-built autonomous floor cleaning machine and fourth robotic scrubber in its product line. The X4 ROVR’s autonomous operation technology is provided by robotic navigation and fleet management systems provider Brain Corp’s BrainOS robotics platform. Brain Corp recently entered an exclusive partnership to supply automation technology for Tennant’s floor-cleaning robots. The new Tennant X4 ROVR robotic scrubber is available to order immediately. Floor scrubber designed for numerous commercial applications The autonomous Tennant X4 ROVR is equipped…
Commercial landscaping robot provider Scythe Robotics recently opened the doors of its newly expanded headquarters and manufacturing facility in Longmont, CO. Scythe said its expansion comes in response to demand from landscape contractors for its all electric, fully autonomous M.52 commercial mower that has a waitlist thousands of units long. More than double the size of its original space, Scythe said the 28,000-square-foot facility marks a pivotal step in accommodating its continued growth. The company will build and deploy more than 100 mowers in the coming months, ramping production to 8 units a week. Larger facility to accommodate projected headcount…
ABB, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, identified three key elements of artificial intelligence to focus on during the year. Marc Segura, president of ABB’s robotics division, identified the three following drivers for robotics-driven AI offerings in 2024, as ABB continues expansion into new segments not previously served by robotic automation. “The coming year will see a growing focus on the critical role of AI,” Segura said. “From mobile robots and cobots, to enabling new robotic applications in new sectors and creating new opportunities for people to learn and develop, these new frontiers for AI are redefining the future of…
Tompkins Solutions, a supply chain consulting and material handling integration firm, recently announced a strategic partnership with Softeon, a global provider of supply chain software. The companies said their collaboration will provide warehouse execution systems (WES), warehouse control systems (WCS), and warehouse management systems (WMS) to help organizations improve order fulfillment and overcome operational challenges. “We’re excited to join forces with Softeon to deliver customized, flexible solutions that enable our customers to drive value and future-proof their warehouse operations.” said David Latona, CEO of Tompkins Solutions. Tompkins Cornerstone WES paired with Softeon WMS Powered by Softeon, Tompkins Solutions’ Cornerstone WES…
Geekplus, in expansion of its partnership with Hy-Tek Intralogistics, completed the installation of a Shelf-to-Person system for a rural lifestyle retailer with stores in 49 states. By using the Geekplus Goods-to-Person system, the retailer compressed its entire e-commerce storage and picking operation by 45%, freeing up space for future expansion, according to the companies. Expanded offerings for the companies Hy-Tek Intralogistics is utilizing Geekplus’ P-Series shelf-level Goods-to-Person offering to handle various specifications. “We are excited to be expanding our partnership with Geekplus, a major innovator for the goods-to-person space,” said Donnie Johnson, president at Hy-Tek Intralogistics. “By leveraging their Shelf-to-Person…
Robotics startup accelerator The Robotics Factory, a division of Innovation Works dedicated to creating, accelerating, and scaling robotics companies in the Pittsburgh region, has opened applications for its Scale residency program. The program supports companies at various stages to foster a culture of growth and collaboration. The Robotics Factory recently accepted a pilot cohort of five innovative startups. Participants gain hands-on support, access to tools, grant funding, prototyping, educational resources, and space in the Tech Forge building in Pittsburg’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, part of “Robotics Row.” “Our staff of entrepreneurs has walked in these founders’ shoes, so we know how to…
Robotics and automation systems provider FANUC America Corporation recently unveiled its latest combined PLC/CNC motion controller Power Motion i-MODEL A Plus (PMi-A Plus) at MODEX 2024. FANUC said its PMi-A Plus enables the use of its controls for general motion control equipment. The PMi-A Plus can control multiple pieces of industrial equipment as well as run multiple programs simultaneously and independently. A maximum of 32 total control axes can be grouped in up to 10 independent control paths, with each path containing a maximum of 24 axes and four axes of simultaneous motion. PMi-A Plus’ functions enable flexible motion control…
On March 4, 2024 an autonomous robot cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of Boston University’s $8.8 million Robotics & Autonomous Systems Teaching & Innovation Center (RASTIC). The grand opening included talks from state, industry and university leadership; facility tours; and 16 student demonstrations of robotic projects, spanning smart cities, medical robotics, drones, autonomous driving, smart home applications and more. RASTIC opening years in the making In development over the past year, RASTIC brings together academia and industry to develop the next-generation competitive robotics and autonomous systems workforce. The state-of-the-art laboratory and industry-aligned, hands-on interdisciplinary training and education…
Liberty Robotics, a Michigan-based supplier of 3D volumetric vision guidance systems for robot applications, recently announced the official launch of its flagship suite of robotic palletizing and depalletizing offerings, VPick and VPack. The robots use AI vision systems to enhance warehouse efficiency and reliability, according to Liberty Robotics, formerly known as Liberty Reach until early 2024. VPick for picking options VPick guides robots in warehouse, distribution and fulfillment centers. The system enhances warehousing processes with its accurate 'pick on first sight' capabilities, achieving near 100% pick rates, according to the company. VPick is designed to pick from a diverse array…
Remote.It, a Petaluma, Calif. SaaS-based network connectivity management platform, recently announced the launch of its channel-focused full reseller program for businesses looking to use its remote networking service capabilities. Remote.It’s technology allows companies to replace manual network management with instant, secure and code-based networking that provides continuous network connectivity across all IoT devices and services. Networking options for partners The channel-focused model enables partners to provide networking capabilities to their customer base while also customizing the branding as their own. Further, this now allows resellers to bundle services for installation, monitoring, reporting and managing services. “Our clients are actively seeking…
