The ability for autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, to work safely alongside people is key to their ongoing success, according to ROEQ. But safety in these applications is about much more than the navigation of the robot itself through your facility. Mobile robotic equipment (MRE) – including the lifts, carts, and top rollers that interface with conveyors and other surrounding equipment – are critical elements that allow the mobile robot to perform its tasks. And workers who load and unload material may actually have more interaction with those top modules than the AMR itself. How do safety standards apply to…
Among the “dull, dirty, and dangerous” tasks suitable for automation, grinding and finishing are now within reach of robotics, thanks to improvements in sensing and motion control. SUHNER Schweiz AG said its EFC-02 can measure forces and accelerations at high frequency, allowing for control with an advanced algorithm. Unveiled at Automate 2023, the fully electric Active Compliance System can ensure surface quality throughout a robotic grinding process, said Suhner. The Herisau, Switzerland-based company is a leading supplier of critical metal components and provides systems from the design phase to after-sales support. Suhner USA Inc.'s offices are in Rome, Ga. “The…
Fizyr BV, which provides computer vision software for robots, yesterday said it has won the 2023 AI TechAward in the Visual/Image Machine Learning category. The AI TechAwards celebrate technical innovation, adoption, and reception in the artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science industries. “Fizyr's computer vision is a great example of the newest AI and machine learning technologies now allowing developers, engineers, and professionals to build upon the burgeoning AI/ML industry,” stated Jonathan Pasky, co-founder and executive producer of DevNetwork, producer of the AI DevWorld conference and the 2023 AI TechAwards. “Today's digital economy increasingly runs on systems needing increased…
Vayu Robotics Inc. yesterday emerged from “stealth mode” and announced the closure of $12.7 million in seed financing. The startup claimed that it is a “non-traditional robotics company taking a principles-first approach to solve for cost and ease of deployment.” Palo Alto, Calif.-based Vayu said its principles include “a foundation model for mobility and a disruptive low-cost sensing technology that could replace lidar in many midrange applications.” The company said it will use the funding to scale product development for artificial intelligence and robotics across markets, including last-mile delivery, factory automation, and automotive. “Vayu is poised to disrupt the market…
Mobile robots are not yet a commodity, but they are spreading worldwide. Locus Robotics Corp. today announced that its award-winning autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, are now available in Italy and Poland. The company said its systems use artificial intelligence to cut costs and improve workplace ergonomics. “We are thrilled to bring Locus's transformative warehouse automation solutions to Italy and Poland as we continue expanding our European footprint,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, in a release. “Our AI-powered robotics solutions allow customers in these countries to optimize productivity, efficiency, and accuracy in their facilities, boosting output 2-3X while…
Thanks to improvements in motion control and artificial intelligence, numerous devices are becoming autonomous. Kabilan KB is one developer bringing autonomous navigation capabilities to wheelchairs that could help improve mobility for people with disabilities. The undergraduate at the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences in Coimbatore, India, is powering his autonomous wheelchair project using the NVIDIA Jetson platform for edge AI and robotics. The autonomous motorized wheelchair is connected to depth and lidar sensors—along with USB cameras—which allow it to perceive the environment and plan an obstacle-free path toward a user’s desired destination. “A person using the motorized wheelchair could…
Interroll AG last week announced an expansion to its light conveyor platform, or LCP, designed to facilitate the handling of lightweight goods with autonomous mobile robots from Mobile Industrial Robots ApS, or MiR AMRs. The companies said the integrated offering will serve as a flexible bridge between fixed conveyor systems and production lines, empowering customers worldwide to streamline internal logistics. “Selecting MiR as a partner for the LCP AMR top module was a strategic choice,” stated Jens Strüwing, executive vice president for product and technology at Interroll Group. “Like Interoll, MiR is a global market leader in material handling.” “After…
Mobile robots, data, and artificial intelligence promise to make automation easier than ever for warehouses to adopt. But we're not yet at automation nirvana, and operators should still carefully evaluate their own processes, vendors, and integrators before proceeding. Trimble Autonomy offers positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics technologies linking hardware and software. The Westminster, Colo.-based company said it can add capabilities for automotive, construction, and agricultural applications, among others. Robots and autonomous systems that can generate their own high-definition maps in real time can not only more easily navigate complex environments, but they can also help optimize fleets and provide…
Your next cup of coffee could be in part thanks to robots. ForwardX Technology Co. last week said that it has collaborated with DHL Supply Chain to deploy assisted picking systems in a flagship warehouse that provides daily replenishment for about 600 chain coffee shops in a single city. “By leveraging our solution, the DHL warehouse has empowered itself with the steadfast ability to expand in capacity and elasticity, a formidable force prepared to conquer the challenges of a rapidly expanding business,” stated ForwardX Robotics. Founded in 2016, ForwardX said it has more than 250 employees from leading universities and…
Locus Robotics Corp. today announced that it will showcase its autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, and present at two sessions at the Logistics Summit on Oct. 11 and 12 in Dusseldorf, Germany. “We're excited to showcase Locus's transformative warehouse technology again at this premier European logistics event,” stated Denis Niezgoda, vice president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC), at Locus. “Our robots deliver the ultimate in productivity and flexibility, optimizing warehouse operations today while rapidly scaling to meet future business needs,” he said. Wilmington, Mass.-based Locus Robotics said its AMRs collaborate with human workers, eliminating…
Hai Robotics Co., which produces Autonomous Case-handling Robots, or ACRs, today announced the launch of the telescopic Grapple Hook ACR, the HaiPick A42T-E2, and the HaiPick System 3. The Shenzhen, China-based company said its latest innovations can increase storage density and performance with a smaller warehouse footprint. “Businesses nowadays are struggling to not only optimize their warehouse space, but also strike a balance between automation and leaving room for growth,” said Peter Guan, general manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Hai Robotics, in a release. Hai Robotics claimed that its HaiPick system, independently developed in 2015,…
