HAI Robotics, a high-density robotic inventory systems provider, recently announced a collaboration with full-service automation provider Honeywell Intelligrated to deploy high-density storage and retrieval systems. The partnership will integrate HAI’s Robotics’ autonomous storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) with Honeywell’s Momentum Warehouse Execution Software. The companies said their combined efforts enable warehouse operators to analyze real-time operating information across their facilities to prioritize and redirect work performed by both robotic systems and employees. “Companies face high costs for warehouse space, continued labor shortages and pressure to deliver goods quickly,” said Keith Fisher, President of Honeywell Intelligrated. “The combination of Honeywell and…
Virtual Incision, the developer of the mini robotic-assisted surgical device (MIRA), announced that spaceMIRA is headed to the International Space Station. The device is aboard a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The 2024 technology demonstration mission is driven by a grant awarded from NASA to the University of Nebraska through the Established Program to Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. Remote-controlled surgical devices on Earth Testing with spaceMIRA on the ISS will assess the impact of zero gravity when performing simulated surgical tasks. During a portion of the experiment, a surgeon operator at Virtual Incision’s…
Cimcorp, an automation integrator for food distribution and tire production, recently announced a partnership to automate German food retailer REWE Group’s Oranienburg, Germany distribution center near Berlin. Cimcorp said its automation system enables REWE to ensure on-time-in-full deliveries to its markets, overcome labor shortages, improve workplace safety, and support sustainable supply chain operations. Additionally, Cimcorp said it will provide 24/7 customer support to keep the system available and operational. Within the Oranienburg facility, Cimcorp’s intralogistics automation picks orders for fresh produce stored in plastic crates. “Fruit and vegetables are an extremely important commodity group for REWE customers -but characterized by…
Pudu Robotics, a commercial service robotics organization, announced the launch of its KettyBot Pro, the next generation of its delivery and reception robot. Enhancements in the new generation include immersive engagement and personalized advertising, cutting-edge cameras that allow for navigating even narrower passageways, smart tray inspection based on visual sensors and more color options. In 2024, restaurant and retail customers expect seamless experiences tailored to their preferences by brands that can anticipate their next desire. Businesses facing an unprecedented labor shortage are turning to robots to deliver such an experience. In addition to delivering food and returning items, KettyBot can…
AUTEC, a Japan-based commercial sushi robot provider, recently announced the release of its new maki-maker robot, the ASM890A. The robot produces high-quality rice sheets of various thickness and size for various foods, including sushi rolls, burritos, pizza, tacos and more. The robot’s rollers aim to imitate the quality of a rice sheet crafted by a sushi chef with an ideal air to rice ratio. The ASM890A also included a new LCD display that allows the user to customize the formation and wrapping of the rolls with easy-to-understand graphic displays. Robots in the commercial sushi industry AUTEC originally debuted in 1962…
Robotic inventory management providers Dexory and ID Logistics recently announced a collaboration to deploy inventory-checking autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) globally as part of ID Logistics’ ASTRID program. Through their collaboration, the companies aim to increase warehouse inventory-counting accuracy for their customers. Deployments have begun at sites in France, with the companies looking to expand to additional geographies in 2024. “We are thrilled to collaborate with ID Logistics to support the elimination of inventory visibility gaps in their warehouses using real-time data,” said Oana Jinga, Chief Operating and Product Officer at Dexory. “This partnership represents a significant leap forward in enhancing…
Brightpick, a provider of warehouse automation solutions for order fulfillment, recently announced that The Feed, a US-based sports nutrition and gear ecommerce retailer, has begun installation of 48 Brightpick Autopicker robots that will go live at their warehouse by the end of March 2024. The Kentucky-based company also announced a successful rollout of its Autopicker at Dr. Max distribution centers in Europe. Dr. Max is the second-biggest pharmaceutical company in Europe. Autopicker abilities in warehouses The Brightpick Autopicker is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that can pick and consolidate orders directly in the warehouse aisles. The robot’s patented two-tote design…
Warehouse robotics integrator Exotec recently announced the installation of its Skypod system at Lane Automotive’s Watervliet, MI facility. Robotics integrator Conveyco also provided integration services. The system has been fully operational since December 19, 2023. Lane Automotive, an aftermarket racing and high-performance automotive parts company, implemented the Skypod system to automate distribution operations. The company stocks over 100,000 automotive parts in its southwest Michigan facility. Lane Automotive regularly fulfills time-sensitive customer orders, many of which require expedited picking and shipping just ahead of special events and competition weekends. “The seasonal nature of our business generally sees its peaks between March…
Consumer cleaning robot manufacturer iRobot and e-commerce retailer Amazon recently announced they mutually agreed to forgo Amazon’s planned acquisition of iRobot. In a release, the companies announced they signed a termination agreement that resolves all outstanding transactional matters, including Amazon paying iRobot a previously agreed upon $94 million termination fee. The original $1.7 billion acquisition proposal was announced in August 2022. “Amazon and iRobot were excited to see what our teams could build together, and we're deeply grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to try and make this collaboration a reality,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon SVP and general counsel. “This…
