InOrbit’s cloud-based, robot-agnostic software solution for deploying, managing and optimizing autonomous mobile robots is delivered as a service.

The RBR50 awards honor technology, business, and market innovations, as well as the robotics and automation organizations worldwide that were responsible for them.

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.

The RBR50 awards honor technology, business, and market innovations, as well as the robotics and automation organizations worldwide that were responsible for them.

Robotics industry experts to address critical robotics business development issues through integrated series of online presentations, follow-on Q&A, and continuing media coverage and analysis.

Robotics in retail are essential for companies to transform and to respond to rapidly changing market demands. Amazon, Bossa Nova, and Brain Corp provide examples.

Which players are on the right track in scaling and maturing their retail-focused robots?

Automation solutions pitched to address stockouts, product compliance and price accuracy.

Program for autonomous floor cleaning robots to expand to 360 stores by end of January 2019.

Delivery and service robots are already in use at several major retailers, conducting tasks such as inventory tracking, moving goods, and delivering parcels.

While not yet a commonplace sight, retail robots are starting to conduct many tasks to help stores manage inventory, address worker shortages, and extend operations.

Tally autonomous robots combine RFID with computer vision to track inventory across multiple product types, including clothing, consumer electronics and sporting goods.

This week saw variations across the robotics funding landscape, artificial intelligence support companies and Internet of Things systems.

New investment also includes Bossa Nova’s partnership with a major contract manufacturer Flex to increase production of mobile inventory robots.

Companies whose products include 3D-printed bikes and vehicles that can self-drive — or self-float, made waves this week in the robotics and AI investment space this week.