Ford Motor Company has announced it is investing $1 billion during the next five years in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence company, to develop a virtual driver system for the automaker’s autonomous vehicle coming in 2021 – and for potential license to other companies. Founded by former Google and Uber leaders, Argo AI is bringing together some of the most experienced roboticists and engineers working in autonomy from inside and outside of Ford. The team of experts in robotics and artificial intelligence is led by Argo AI founders Bryan Salesky, company CEO, and Peter Rander, company COO. Both are alumni…
In a new “manufacturing outlook” report focusing on the automotive and industrial sectors, AlixPartners observes that many of the labor-cost advantages associated with near-shoring may be lost if companies fail to spend more on automation in the future. The consultancy notes that automation capabilities have improved dramatically, and implementation expenses have come down. As a consequence this kind of technology can help manufacturers augment—or entirely replace— functions previously performed entirely by humans. “To exploit those technologies, manufacturers will likely have to make capital-intensive investments,” says Foster Finley, a managing director at AlixPartners in New York. “But they should understand, too,…
SencorpWhite, a global leader in customized, end-to-end solutions for automated packaging and AS/RS systems and software, has announced that Chris Lingamfelter has been named president, White Systems, effective immediately. As president Lingamfelter will have responsibility for White Systems, a leader in integrated inventory management systems and high-density storage solutions. White Systems is also a leading provider of storage and retrieval systems for the hospital pharmacy space, including standard vertical carousels, dual-sided clean room and refrigerated carousels for oncology applications and RFID-enabled carousels for tracking high-value pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He will report directly to SencorpWhite’s CEO Brian Urban. Lingamfelter has…
In a new “manufacturing outlook” report focusing on the automotive and industrial sectors, AlixPartners observes that many of the labor-cost advantages associated with near-shoring may be lost if companies fail to spend more on automation in the future. The consultancy notes that automation capabilities have improved dramatically, and implementation expenses have come down. As a consequence this kind of technology can help manufacturers augment—or entirely replace— functions previously performed entirely by humans. “To exploit those technologies, manufacturers will likely have to make capital-intensive investments,” says Foster Finley, a managing director at AlixPartners in New York. “But they should understand, too,…
When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight, your FedEx package might someday be delivered by a robot. Rob Carter, FedEx’s chief information officer, says the shipping giant is considering small vehicles that could drive around neighborhoods and make deliveries without human drivers. Carter is responsible for setting the technology agenda across FedEx’s various operating companies, including its planes-and-trucks Express shipping service and office-and-home Ground delivery service, which operate in 220 countries. He recently told MIT Technology Review about some of FedEx’s emerging technology initiatives in artificial intelligence and robotics. The investments FedEx makes in these technologies could shape…
Editor’s Note: The following column by Jim Lawton, chief product and marketing officer, Rethink Robotics, is part of Modern’s Other Voices column. The series features ideas, opinions and insights from end-users, analysts, systems integrators and OEMs. Click here to learn about submitting a column for consideration. ——— Change is inevitable. In manufacturing and distribution, we’re at a pivotal point, where technology and process intersect to drive wholesale change in the way things get done. Broadly captured by the moniker “Industry 4.0”, this era will be built on information-driven operations that optimize efficiency, capacity and innovation. It won’t happen overnight. It…
Wasion Group is a manufacturer of smart metering, smart power distribution and energy management in China and international markets. The company produces 35 million units of various equipment annually, including many products in lower volumes. After deploying collaborative robots, (Rethink Robotics), the company has optimized production to meet changing market demands and expedite delivery. The new robot was first used on an assembly line for manufacturing single-phase energy meters. They are now used at multiple workstations including loading electric meter boxes, PCBA loading and assembling, power testing and code scanning, and carrier loading and assembly. The robot features compliant motion…
In a new “manufacturing outlook” report focusing on the automotive and industrial sectors, AlixPartners observes that many of the labor-cost advantages associated with near-shoring may be lost if companies fail to spend more on automation in the near future. The consultancy notes that automation capabilities have improved dramatically, and implementation expenses have come down. As a consequence this kind of technology can help manufacturers augment - or entirely replace - functions previously performed entirely by humans. “To exploit those technologies, manufacturers will likely have to make capital-intensive investments,” says Foster Finley, a managing director at AlixPartners in New York. “But…
As seen in recent headlines, major companies like Kellogg Co., UPS and Google are executing large sustainable and “green” goals not only to benefit the company’s bottom line, but to accommodate consumers. An online study by Nielsen found that three-out-of-four millennials are willing to pay extra for sustainable products. Companies that market their sustainability practices are more likely to build brand reputation and grow loyalty among younger consumers. Three popular ways to “go green” in the workplace are to reduce carbon emissions, purchase green products, and implement automation into your warehouse. Adding automation, like an automated storage and retrieval system…
With high consumer demands comes more product and increased sales, resulting in growth. Growth is great, but where do you put all of the new product being produced and how do you get it to your customers quickly? In a recent study conducted by Peerless Media, it was confirmed that most of the respondents are indeed experiencing growth in their companies. Respondents also made it clear that their two largest issues were with insufficient space and outdated storage, picking or materials handling equipment. Aaron Corcoran, account executive at Westfalia, and guest speaker Dave Williams, director of software and solution delivery…
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a leading global advocate for the benefits of automating, has announced a call for startup companies in robotics, machine vision and motion control to enter the Automate Launch Pad Competition. The competition is a chance for the industry’s most innovative young companies to vie for the spotlight at the Automate 2017 Exhibition and Conference—the industry’s largest gathering in North America, taking place in Chicago, Ill., April 3-6, 2017—as well as a $10,000 cash award. The Automate Launch Pad Startup Competition seeks out startup companies looking to generate awareness of their technology and find new…
