Several mobile robotics technologies for supply chains will mature within the next two to five years, creating an accelerating market for increasingly capable mobile robots and drones, according to Gartner. Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Mobile Robots and Drones is a graphical depiction of a common pattern that arises with each new technology or other innovation through five phases of maturity and adoption. Chief supply chain officers can use this research to find robotic offerings that meet their needs. Expanded use of automation, AI-enabled systems Technologies that have passed the “Trough of Disillusionment” and are progressing on the “Slope of Enlightenment”…
Brightpick, a provider of warehouse automation offerings for order fulfillment, announced it has raised an additional $12 million in a mix of equity and debt. The round saw participation from new investor EBRD Venture Capital, alongside existing investors Pavel Baudiš and Eduard Kučera (founders of Avast), Miroslav Trnka (founder of ESET), Maximilian Kolowrat-Krakowsky and Juraj Duriš. New funds will accelerate deployment of Brightpick robots Founded in 2021 as a spin-off of Photoneo, a provider of 3D robotic vision sensors and intelligence software, Brightpick now has over 200 employees and 300 AI robots deployed across the US and Europe. Its customers…
Photoneo, a Slovakia-based developer of advanced 3D cameras and imaging technology, and Neousys Technology, a Taiwan-based provider of edge AI computing platforms and rugged embedded computers, have announced a strategic partnership. Neousys will deliver robust, high-performance computing platforms merged with Photoneo’s advanced 3D imaging technology - from Photoneo’s 3D scanners to 3D robotic intelligence software. Deploy 3D-vision guided robotics in harsh environments The integration of Neousys’ rugged, wide-temperature GPU computing systems and Photoneo’s high-resolution 3D cameras introduces a platform that can meet the demands of complex industrial environments. “Photoneo’s world-leading high-resolution and high-accuracy 3D cameras unlock the full potential of…
DEEP Robotics, a China-based embodied AI and robotics company, officially introduced its latest innovation, the DEEP Robotics Lynx all-terrain, off-road robot. The company says that Lynx has unparalleled off-road capabilities and a bold, dynamic design. Lynx robot offers wild performance, all-weather exploration DEEP Robotics Lynx features a wheeled-leg hybrid design, combining the wheels' speed with the legs' agility. Powered by DEEP Robotics' proprietary intelligent motion control algorithms, it achieves “1+1>2” in multi-terrain adaptability. According to the company, DEEP Robotics Lynx can climb 22 cm steps and tackle 45-degree slopes, showcasing off-road capabilities beyond traditional quadruped robots. Built on DEEP Robotics'…
Gather AI, a Pittsburgh-based provider of automated inventory intelligence drones and automation offerings, announced its expansion into freezer and cold storage warehouse environments. The company says the move represents an industry-first for inventory monitoring automation. Cold storage, e-commerce growth fuel Gather AI expansion Gather AI’s expansion to freezer and cold storage environments is based on the anticipated growth of the U.S. cold storage market and the rise of e-commerce with accelerated delivery timelines. Both elements rely on accurate warehouse inventories and technological advancements across temperature-sensitive item packaging, processing and storage. Gather AI computer vision technology enables drones to fly autonomously…
Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 United States Presidential Election, Association for Advancing Automation (A3) President Jeff Burnstein penned a letter to the President-Elect and his administration. The letter was posted on Burnstein’s LinkedIn page and A3 website as an appeal to the 47th President to focus on robotics and automation to bolster American manufacturing. Burnstein letter to President Trump To: President-Elect Donald Trump From: Association for Advancing Automation (A3) We congratulate you on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America. As an association dedicated to leadership in automation, we very much appreciate your…
MassRobotics, in collaboration with Chewy, a trusted destination for pet parents and partners everywhere, announced the launch of the CHAMP (Chewy Autonomous Mobile Picking) Challenge. This innovation challenge invites robotics developers and innovators to tackle a pressing issue in warehouse automation: designing a system that efficiently grasps, lifts and places heavy, awkwardly shaped items in confined warehouse spaces. CHAMP Challenge details The CHAMP Challenge focuses specifically on the challenges of grasping and picking large, bulky items, such as bags, boxes and pails of dog food and cat litter. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, support worker safety, and advance…
Cambridge, Mass. based Pickle Robot, a developer of “Physical AI” delivering robotic automation systems that unload trucks, announced it has raised $50 million in Series B funding with participation from a strategic customer, Teradyne Robotics Ventures, Toyota Ventures, Ranpak, Third Kind Venture Capital, One Madison Group, Hyperplane, Catapult Ventures and others. Additionally, Pickle announced that it received orders from six customers in the third quarter of 2024 for over 30 production robots. The company expects these robots to deploy in the first half of 2025. Funding will be used on current, new technology The new orders include pilot conversions, existing…
FANUC America introduced its new M-950iA heavyweight industrial robot, capable of lifting 500 kg, including automotive components, construction materials and EV battery packs. The new robot, according to FANUC, fits between the company’s M-900iB and M-1000iA families. The company says its serial-link structured M-950iA/500 offers a wider range of motion than standard parallel-link robots, offering flexibility that easily adapts to tight workspaces and variable layouts. Expanded payload and reach in new robot A high-rigidity design makes the new robot suited for payloads up to 500 kg and its reach of 2,830 mm is paired with a range of motion on…
