More robots are coming to commercial landscaping. Environmental Management Inc. has begun deploying Autonomous Mowing Robots, or AMRs, developed by RC Mowers. Columbus, Ohio-said EMI said the technology will help it deal with labor shortages. “The future of mowing is here, and we're proud to be one of the early adopters of the AMRs,” stated Mark Wehinger, president of EMI. “This new technology is revolutionary as we look for solutions to offset the labor shortage. This allows us to scale our business with less labor, and it enables our high-value talent the opportunity to do more high-value work.” When Wehinger…
Equipped with snow jackets, gloves, and luggage containing a host of cameras and sensors, Professor Hanumant Singh and a team of Northeastern University robotics researchers recently traveled to the Arctic with the goal of helping to address the climate crisis. Using a robot boat, known as an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV), Singh’s team created 3D models of two glaciers to determine if they could track them melting in the span of hours and days. That timeframe will help shed new light on how fast they are dissolving, Singh noted. In addition, the robot provided the researchers with the opportunity to…
Sarcos Defense, a subsidiary of Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corp., this week announced that it has received a $13.8 million contract from Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The award came out of an AFWERX AFVentures call for its Strategic Funding Increase, or STRATFI, program. Sarcos said the contract will support the development, integration, and validation of its AI Computational Service. That service is a framework for success-based reinforcement learning in the Sarcos Guardian robots. The Salt Lake City-based company said it designs, develops, and manufactures advanced mobile robots and software “to enable the…
As supply chain operations bring in or add mobile robots, they quickly learn that adding hardware is only part of the process. Integrating and updating software, analyzing data, and building productive partnerships are crucial to ensuring a return on investment, noted industry experts. Robotics 24/7 previously examined how mobile robots can add flexibility to end-user operations. We continued our conversations with the following executives on how companies can get the most out of new or growing deployments: Jane Heffner, vice president of sales at Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) Jim Lawton, vice president and general manager for robotics automation at Zebra…
From warehouses to wind farms, Combilift has expanded its offerings as it marked its 25th anniversary this week. During the celebrations at its headquarters in Monaghan, Ireland, the company launched a new product designed to meet the load-handling demands of manufacturers of large-scale offshore energy systems. “We are thrilled to have launched this new product—the Combi-LC—and we hope it will act as a gateway for us to further progress within our venture into the wind energy sector,” stated Josh Moffett, heavy equipment manager at Combilift. “The scale of offshore wind projects around the world leads to a very unique set…
One of the biggest selling points for mobile robots is that they are not fixed infrastructure like conveyor belts and can thus change routes depending on seasonal volume, shifting workflows, or new products. In addition, increasingly sophisticated software promises to pick the best robots, manual and autonomous forklifts, and human workers as agents for a particular task. But this is easier said than done. As much as 70% of North American warehouses and distribution centers have yet to add any automation, industry experts have told Robotics 24/7. Even businesses that have robotics experience can run into problems growing their fleets…
United Parcel Service of America Inc. yesterday listed the ways in which it is using technology to improve package flow and the overall efficiency of its network. UPS also described its use of robotics and automation to reduce repetitive tasks and physical stress for its employees. Founded in 1907, the company claimed that it has a long history of driving innovations for logistics. Atlanta-based UPS noted that its use of automation and digital technologies has accelerated with advances in artificial intelligence. “UPS has been a technology company since its founding. Innovation is in our DNA,” stated Carol Tomé, CEO of…
Advanced Navigation this week announced a new high-tech facility for robotics and autonomous systems at the University of Technology Sydney Tech Lab in Botany, New South Wales, Australia. The facility will scale up production of Advanced Manufacturing's artificial intelligence navigation for GPS-denied environments. “Determined to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution, we are commercializing technologies that are key to addressing some of humanity’s biggest challenges” said Chris Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Advanced Navigation, in a release. “We are honored to partner with UTS, who has a reputation for supporting multidisciplinary research and opening access to next-generation technologies.” Shaw…
Cyngn Inc. this week said it is starting to deploy its DriveMod Stockchasers at a Fortune 100 heavy equipment manufacturer's facility in North America. Cyngn will also attend the American Automotive Summit next month. The agreement, first announced in July, is part of the manufacturer's plan to adopt more automation in its operations. The deployment will include Cyngn's DriveMod technology, which uses artificial intelligence to automate repetitive driving tasks. Its goal is to help the customer mitigate labor shortages while increasing efficiency and safety at the facility. “This deployment demonstrates Cyngn's ability to accommodate the growing industry demand for autonomous…
Geekplus Technology Co. and Adidas AG last week jointly announced the grand opening of an automated distribution center in Suzhou, China. The partners said the “state-of-the-art” facility “sets a new industry standard with its high degree of speed and flexibility in warehousing logistics.” “With the establishment of this center, Adidas aims to ramp up supply chain responsiveness, boost operational efficiency, and elevate the consumer experience,” said Harm Ohlmeyer, global chief financial officer of Adidas, in a release. “We envision these logistics advancements to provide valuable insights for Adidas' global expansion.” Founded in 1949, Adidas provides athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories.…
