Robot Round Up - Volume 15

Nimble Close $106m Series C

Nimble has successfully closed a $106 million Series C funding round, pushing its valuation to $1 billion. The round was led by 联邦快递 , with co-lead support from Cedar Pine . As part of the strategic alliance, FedEx has entered a commercial agreement to scale its FedEx Fulfilment service using Nimble’s cutting-edge technology and autonomous 3PL model. The investment reflects FedEx’s confidence in Nimble’s innovative technology and its potential to revolutionise logistics.

The new capital will be used to expand robot manufacturing, system deployments, and further research and development to advance Nimble’s mission of creating autonomous logistics solutions.

Today, over 90% of warehouses still rely on manual operations, with even the most automated ones using robots only for limited functions. Nimble ’s intelligent, general-purpose warehouse robot changes this by handling all core fulfilment tasks, including storage, retrieval, picking, packing, and sorting. This makes it the most versatile turnkey fulfilment solution in the market.

Simon Kalouche , Nimble ’s founder and CEO, highlighted how traditional warehouse systems require fragmented solutions, leading to inefficiencies and high costs. Nimble’s approach addresses these challenges with fully autonomous fulfilment centres, reducing costs by up to 70% and simplifying installation, operations, and maintenance.

Nimble’s Cloud Logistics Platform manages fleets of its robots, providing omni-channel brands with an all-in-one solution for warehouse management, order processing, transport, and more, while offering real-time supply chain visibility.

FedEx Supply Chain President Scott Temple expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Nimble’s technology will streamline operations and provide a leading fulfilment service. This strategic alliance positions Nimble as a key player in the future of warehouse automation.

Tompkins Solutions Partner with Agility Robotics

Tompkins Solutions has recently announced a partnership with Agility Robotics , the company behind the bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) known as Digit. This collaboration will see Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot integrated into Tompkins Solutions’ service offerings, marking a significant step forward in the provision of advanced robotic solutions for warehouse operations, according to Tompkins Solutions.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Agility Robotics on several customer engagements,” said Anders Brown , Chief Executive Officer of Tompkins Solutions . “We strongly believe the future will be filled with innovative advancements that improve warehouse operations. Humanoid robots and the broader category of mobile manipulation robots will undoubtedly play a key role in driving these developments.”

As part of the collaboration, Tompkins Solutions will provide tailored integration services to deploy Digit alongside existing warehouse automation systems, with the aim of enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency. The partnership will also enable scalable solutions that not only increase productivity but also reduce labour costs, particularly in high-demand sectors such as ecommerce, retail, and food and beverage industries.

“Tompkins Solutions’ extensive experience in supply chain and warehouse automation, spanning over 40 years, makes them an ideal partner for helping businesses implement sophisticated robotic solutions such as Digit,” said Peggy Johnson , Chief Executive Officer of Agility Robotics . “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Tompkins Solutions in assisting customers to deploy Digit and address the critical labour shortages that many companies are currently facing.”

One of the key projects underway as part of this partnership involves LT Apparel Group , a leading children’s apparel design and manufacturing firm whose brands include adidas kids, Carhartt kids, and French Toast, the leading school wear brand. Tompkins has maintained a long-standing relationship with LT Apparel Group, supporting the design and construction of their supply chain and distribution infrastructure since 2015. Currently, Tompkins and Agility Robotics are working on a proof-of-concept to deploy Digit in LT Apparel’s new distribution centre in Greensboro, North Carolina, which was designed and built by Tompkins Solutions.

Richard Sutton , Chief Executive Officer of LT Apparel Group , commented: “For over 65 years, we’ve prioritised innovation in every aspect of our global operations. We have great confidence in our partnership with Tompkins Solutions, and we’re excited to see what the future holds with Agility Robotics and this cutting-edge technology.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone for Tompkins Solutions and Agility Robotics as they work together to revolutionise warehouse operations, bringing the future of humanoid robots closer to reality in practical, commercial applications.

UBTech Secures Hundreds of Orders

Chinese robotics firm UBTECH Robotics has reportedly secured over 500 orders for its industrial humanoid robot, the Walker S1, from major automotive manufacturers. This surge in demand is seen as a pivotal step in addressing China's labour shortage in the manufacturing sector, as more companies turn to automation to enhance operational efficiency.

The Walker S1, officially launched earlier this week, is already in use at various factories, including those of 比亚迪 , the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer. Working in tandem with unmanned logistic vehicles and intelligent manufacturing systems, the Walker S1 is one of the first robots globally to automate large-scale industrial processes to this extent.

Addressing the Labour Shortage in Manufacturing

China's manufacturing industry has long been facing a significant labour shortage. A 2017 report from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security projected that key industries, such as automobile manufacturing, could experience a shortfall of 30 million workers by 2025. As noted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Tan Min, UBTech’s Chief Brand Officer, explained that currently, robotic arms handle about 70% of the tasks in automated factories, while the remaining 30% still rely on human labour.

UBTECH Robotics ’s goal is to reduce human involvement to around 10% by deploying humanoid robots like the Walker S1, allowing human workers to focus on more complex tasks such as tool management and collaborative roles. “The aim is to replace approximately 20% of the labour with humanoid robots,” Tan said. This transition towards greater automation is becoming increasingly urgent, as vocational training struggles to keep pace with the demand for skilled technicians, and fewer young university graduates opt for blue-collar careers.

Walker S1’s Capabilities and Impact on Worker Safety

Standing at 5.6 feet (172 cm) tall and weighing 167.6 pounds (76 kg), the Walker S1 is designed to mirror human proportions. It is capable of performing a range of tasks in factory environments, such as visual quality inspections, carrying parcels of various sizes, tightening screws with an electric screwdriver, assembling components, and sorting parts.

One of the key advantages of utilising humanoid robots like the Walker S1 is the potential to improve worker safety by reducing the risks associated with physically demanding and repetitive tasks. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or exposure to hazardous materials can lead to long-term health problems for workers. By handling such tasks, the Walker S1 can significantly reduce the physical strain and injury risks faced by human employees, according to UBTECH Robotics ’s official website.

Collaborations with Leading Industries

UBTECH Robotics has established itself as a major player in the automation space, supported by partnerships with several leading companies. Backed by 腾讯 , UBTech debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in December and has since expanded its clientele. In addition to its work with 比亚迪 , the company has also secured contracts with state-owned Dongfeng Automobile Co., Ltd. , 一汽-大众 , and 吉利控股集团 .

UBTech’s influence extends beyond the automotive sector. The company is collaborating with electronics giant 富士康 and logistics firm 顺丰速运有限公司 to implement large-scale automation solutions. These partnerships underscore the broad potential of UBTech’s humanoid robots to revolutionise not only manufacturing but also logistics and electronics industries.

Takayuki Ito Elected IFR President

@Takayuki Ito, former Vice President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), has dedicated over 40 years to the robotics industry. He began his career as a software engineer before progressing to the role of Vice General Manager at FANUC America Corporation 's Robot Laboratory. In 1997, he was appointed Executive Vice President for FANUC America Corporation in North America.

In 2002, he returned to FANUC's headquarters in Japan to become General Manager of the Robot Technology Centre. By 2010, he had moved to the company's Robot Sales Division, where he initially managed local sales before overseeing international operations. He later advanced to General Manager of the division. In July 2023, Ito assumed the role of Chief Technical Advisor within FANUC's Robot Research and Development Division.

Throughout Ito's tenure at FANUC, the company has grown into a major force in the global robotics market, achieving a significant milestone in 2023 with the production of its one millionth robot. FANUC, which introduced its first robot in 1974, now offers a portfolio of more than 200 models, including the industry’s most extensive range of collaborative robots, or cobots.

"I am honoured to continue the work of my predecessor, Marina Bill, who has been an outstanding ambassador for the robotics industry," said Takayuki Ito. "We are seeing remarkable advances in the automation of both industrial and service sectors across the globe. I look forward to working alongside Jane Heffner of Mobile Industrial Robots , who is the newly appointed Vice President of the IFR, as we move forward with our mission."

99-Ton Robot Printing Rocket Lab’s Neutron Rocket

At Rocket Lab ’s manufacturing facility in Maryland, a colossal robot is transforming the way rockets are built by stacking layers of carbon composite material with remarkable speed. This custom-built 3D printing machine, weighing 99 tons and standing 39 feet (12 metres) tall, is the largest of its kind. It plays a crucial role in constructing Rocket Lab ’s upcoming Neutron rocket by producing key components such as domes, barrels, and the panels for the 91-foot (28-metre) interstage and fairing stage.

Rocket Lab ’s founder and CEO, Peter Beck , commented, “As we build the world’s largest carbon composite rocket, it’s only fitting we use the world’s largest carbon composite fibre placement machine.”

The Neutron rocket is a medium-lift, two-stage launch vehicle expected to make its debut flight in 2025. It is designed to deliver payloads of up to 28,700 pounds (13,000 kilograms) to low Earth orbit. The rocket's reusable first stage is built to return to its launchpad after re-entering Earth's atmosphere. Made from carbon composite material, the Neutron’s production process has been streamlined by this enormous 3D printer, which can lay down carbon fibre composite at a rate of 328 feet (100 metres) per minute, massively accelerating the process.

The automated fibre placement (AFP) machine is currently building the Neutron’s 22.9-foot-wide (7 metres) first stage and 16.4-foot-wide (5 metres) second stage tank. Rocket Lab estimates that this giant robot will save more than 15,000 hours of manufacturing time. What would have taken weeks to complete manually is now achieved in a single day.

Equipped with a real-time inspection system, the machine detects defects as it works, notifying operators before moving on to the next layer, ensuring quality control throughout the process.

In addition to Neutron, Rocket Lab plans to use the machine for manufacturing stages of its Electron rocket and other spacecraft components like structural panels, solar substrates, and carbon composite tanks.

3D printing technology is reshaping the space industry by making rocket production more efficient and cost-effective. While companies like Relativity Space have made strides, Rocket Lab has also pioneered with the world’s first 3D-printed rocket engine, the Rutherford engine, used in its Electron rocket. With the Neutron rocket and its giant 3D printer, Rocket Lab is edging closer to achieving full reusability, positioning itself as a strong competitor in the space race.

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