Acquisition of industry leading mobile robotics website, together with Mike Oitzman continuing as editor, strengthens WTWH Media’s robotics brand and serves as catalyst for future growth.

BMW Group’s IDEALworks (IW) subsidiary stated goal is for IW to become a leading supplier of autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs) solutions in the logistics sector. BMW’s new initiative validates the AMR market, but also challenges existing AMR players.

Retailers and 3PLs are rapidly adopting a wide range of automation technologies – including robotics – to improve the operational efficacy and efficiency in warehouses and distribution centers. The primary demand driver is e-commerce.

In this podcast, Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, discusses $150 million Series E and the company’s unicorn status. Also Wilder Systems’ cobots, NASA JPL’s Mars rovers and Waymo’s robotaxi.

RBR essential announcements for the interval ranging from March 5 – 12, 2021 include notices from Nimble Robotics, Axon, Skydio, Bedrock Ocean Exploration, Refraction AI, ForSight Robotics, GreyOrange and Vicarious.

Tessella Automation’s PISMO platform and supporting technologies speed and ease the configuration and reconfiguration of collaborative robot production systems. The result? Reduced costs along with increased automation flexibility and business agility.

HeroWear’s back-assist Apex exosuit, which reduces back strain when objects are lifted, can be adjusted to fit workers of all sizes — both men and women. Imagine that.

While third-party logistics (3PLs) companies have offered Fulfillment–as–a–Service (FaaS) for years, automation technology vendors are now beginning to provide FaaS solutions along with their more traditional technologies, products and services offerings.

Waypoint’s easy to use and intuitive autonomous mobile robots can be set up and operating in under 15 minutes.

In this Robot Report podcast, Greg Smith, President of Teradyne’s Industrial Automation Group discusses the company’s robotics acquisition strategies and future plans.

The five most popular RoboBusiness Direct sessions are available on demand. Topics include 1) robotics investment models, 2) robotics for logistics tasks, 3) the frontiers of manufacturing, 4) robotics commercializing strategies, and 5) the future of human-robot-collaboration.

RBR essential announcements for the interval ranging from January 8 – 14, 2021 include notices from Hyundai Robotics, MakinaRocks, Oceaneering International, WeRide.ai, Energy Robotics, DreamVu, Quicktron, Leadec, maxon Group, Fourier Intelligence and Naïo Technologies.

Meili Robots’ universal fleet management solution supports multiple brands of mobile robots, and integrates with all ERP systems.

Boston Dynamics’ VP Michael Patrick Perry discusses plans for the Spot quadruped and Hyundai’s acquisition of the company. Also, DARPA’s Timothy Chung reviews the DARPA SubT Challenge.

While the number of transactions involving robotics companies has held steady through this year, the total value in November 2020 was half of that in November 2019.

RBR essential announcements for the interval ranging from December 11, 2020 to December 18, 2020 include notices from Flyability, Fellow AI, Berkshire Grey, Locus Robotics, AutoGuide Mobile Robots, German Bionic, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, Innoviz Technologies and Universal Robots.

How can robotic automation be applied within warehouses and distribution centers to improve efficiency, increase flexibility, and reduce costs? Attend this webinar to find out.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve many operational aspects of AGVs and AMRs, and increase worker satisfaction. As such, AI must be a fundamental building block in robotics design and harnessed by management.

Distribution Centers are exploiting data and using Labor Management Software (LMS) to optimize processes, overcome labor challenges, and drive automation deployments, including robotics systems.

Flexiv provides turnkey automation solutions based on adaptive robots powered by advanced force control, computer vision and AI technologies.

Unloading shipping containers is a difficult task to automate, but one with a very compelling business case and consequent mandate by logistics and shipping companies. In this Robot Report podcast, Evan Drumwright, CEO of Dexterous Robotics discusses his company’s unique approach to identifying, grasping and manipulation objects in shipping containers. Other news and discussion follows.

FedEx’s Aaron Prather discusses the four critical steps robotics start-ups must take to in order to have their solutions reviewed, acquired and successfully deployed by Global 2000 businesses.

Walmart’s decision to end its five year experiment with Bossa Nova Robotics and their in-store robot program was unexpected, but upon further analysis not without merit, at least in the short term. Other robotics companies servicing the retail sector are progressing, but they must continue to innovate to be successful.

In this Robot Report podcast, Aaron Prather, Senior Advisor for Technology, Research, and Planning at FedEx discusses emerging logistics technologies, robotics start-ups and more.

As application opportunities increase, the mobile robotics sector continues to expand rapidly, with funding to start-ups continuing, and larger established technology companies, including AGV suppliers, entering the market with solutions developed in-house or acquired. As standardization and commoditization looms, companies emphasize SW, RaaS and specialization as differentiators.