PickNik Robotics, a Colorado-based developer of advanced robotic software offerings, announced the launch of MoveIt Pro Release 6, a platform the company says is “designed for the AI era.” This latest release enables organizations to quickly tackle robotics applications that previously were not possible or economically feasible with previous generation systems. PickNik says that MoveIt Pro 6 has a new high fidelity simulation engine for digital twins, powerful real-time control algorithms and support for mobile manipulation. Further funding, innovation from PickNik The company, which received $2 million in a pre-seed investment round in October 2023, has expanded its MoveIt platform.…
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – Robotics 24/7, the web’s most comprehensive resource for robot and automation system news in manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, warehouses and other industrial applications, and parent company Peerless Media, have announced the speaker and session lineup for the 2024 Robotics Application Conference (RAC ‘24). RAC ’24 is a virtual, one-day event where speakers from throughout the robotics landscape will provide thoughtful and insightful commentary on robotics applications, deployments and trends across industries where robots and automation are in use. RAC ’24 is the third virtual summit hosted by Robotics 24/7 and Peerless Media, and will begin at 12:00…
For nearly 100 years, researchers at Bell Labs have developed countless technological innovations. The research institution is credited with inventing numerous electronics components that are commonplace today, including the transistor, photovoltaic solar cells, and charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging sensors. Now Nokia Bell Labs, the New Jersey-based research subsidiary focuses on commercialization opportunities for new technologies. One project at Nokia Bell Labs involved flying drones equipped with cameras within vertical farming facilities. Drones enabled by AI and machine learning technologies allowed farmers to more efficiently monitor plant health without manual inspection. As the project continued, Nokia identified warehouse inventory monitoring as…
Electric motor and actuator, motion control subsystems, and related electro-mechanical components provider Johnson Electric recently announced a new fast rotary actuator designed specifically for divert motion in sliding shoe sorters - high-speed automated sortation systems essential to large ecommerce, postal, distribution, and shipping operations. The unit, known as “Solligence,” can deliver actuation times as low as five microseconds - faster than a bolt of lightning - and can perform more than five complete cycles in less time than an average person can blink. Although shoe sorters have dominated the warehouse automation industry for decades, increasing their performance has posed significant…
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. will be celebrating 50 Years of supporting the machine tool industry in North America at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024. IMTS 2024 will be held Sept. 9-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Mitsubishi Electric will showcase its latest automation and machining systems through interactive demonstrations at booth 338136 in the South Building “We are excited to be celebrating 50 years of supporting the machine tool industry with our new and existing customers,” said Scott Strache, Mitsubishi Electric Automation senior product manager for mechatronics. “To uphold our quality, performance, and compatibility promises, we proudly support…
Industrial manufacturing robotics provider Tormach recently presented its 2024 Instructor of the Year award to Danielle Ward, a teacher at Hilldale High School in Muskogee, Okla. The award was presented at the Annual Leadership Summit for the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) at Gateway Technical College. This award recognizes Ward’s outstanding contributions to STEM education, including her innovative approach and passion for hands-on learning. Bringing robotics into the classroom Ward’s journey to becoming an award-winning STEM educator was an unexpected one but is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the impact of dedicated teaching. “My…
Seegrid, a Pittsburgh-based provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for pallet material handling, announced the closure of its $50M Series D investment round, funded by existing lead investors Giant Eagle Incorporated and G2 Venture Partners, as well as smaller investments from other existing shareholders. The investment, according to the company allows Seegrid to accelerate its autonomous lift truck market initiatives, which are currently generating more growth than expected. Seegrid takes major steps in AMR, lift truck production Research firm Interact Analysis projected that mobile robot spending will reach nearly $3.5B by 2027. “We are thrilled to have secured this additional…
Leading organic vegetable freezing company Westhof BIO has significantly enhanced its storage capacity and operational efficiency with the implementation of Movu atlas pallet shuttles and a stow Racking silo. They combine to provide an automated system that can handle over 5,000 pallets of organic vegetables at -24°C (-11.2° F), ensuring reliable and efficient storage and retrieval processes year-round. The system achieves a throughput of 60 storage and retrieval operations per hour, meeting Westhof BIO’s goal of optimizing production and warehouse processes and delivering high-quality organic vegetables while making the best use of resources and reducing environmental impact. Germany's leading freezer,…
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) will host its third Global Artificial Intelligence (GAIN) Summit Sept. 10-12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together AI researchers and policymakers from around the world. SDAIA said GAIN 2024 will explore themes such as generative AI, AI in urban life, and the ethical governance of AI, aiming to provide a comprehensive discussion on the technology's impact on society, business, and government. Set to take place at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center, the event will have over 300 speakers from over 100 countries, including AI specialists from around the world who…
