Robot Roundup

Symbotic Acquires Veo Robotics to Enhance Warehouse Automation

Symbotic, a pioneer in AI-powered warehouse automation, has acquired the assets of Veo Robotics, Inc. in a deal valued at $8.7 million. The acquisition includes Veo's FreeMove 3D depth-sensing computer vision system and associated intellectual property.

By integrating FreeMove into its existing technology, Symbotic aims to enhance productivity and safety within warehouse environments. The system's ability to dynamically anticipate human and object movement within a robot's workspace promises to facilitate more flexible and efficient human-robot collaboration.

Rick Cohen, CEO of Symbotic, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting the potential for increased productivity and safety through the integration of FreeMove technology. The acquisition was finalised on July 19th, 2024.

“The innovative FreeMove vision system allows Symbotic to enhance productivity for customers and provide the highest levels of safety in environments where humans interact with robots,” said Cohen, “We are pleased to have the former Veo Robotics team join Symbotic where they will continue this exciting work as they bring their talent, expertise, and cutting-edge technology to our company.”

URBX and Mainway Forge Strategic Partnership

Urbx, a leader in robotic automation for high-density warehousing, has established a strategic alliance with Canadian-based material handling specialist, Mainway Handling Systems. This partnership designates Mainway as an authorized integrator of URBX's innovative goods-to-person automated storage and retrieval systems.

The collaboration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of warehouse automation within the Canadian market. Mainway's established reputation for optimizing warehouse operations, coupled with URBX's cutting-edge robotics technology, presents a formidable synergy. The partnership is expected to redefine operational efficiency and productivity standards within the sector.

With a proven track record of delivering tailored solutions to high-profile clients such as Longo's, FedEx, IKEA, and Walmart, Mainway brings a wealth of industry experience to the partnership. This collaboration is anticipated to drive innovation and deliver substantial benefits to both companies and their respective client bases.

"We are delighted to announce our partnership with Mainway Handling Systems, a prominent Canadian-based material handling company," said Lincoln Cavalieri, CEO of Urbx. "Mainway's exceptional skill in creating innovative automation solutions complements our goal to transform warehouse automation operations. This collaboration aims to elevate efficiency and reliability, establishing new benchmarks for our clients."

The Imperative for Warehouse Automation

The modern warehouse is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the relentless pursuit of efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. As e-commerce continues to reshape consumer expectations, the pressure on warehouse operations to deliver speed, accuracy, and flexibility has never been greater.

Automation has emerged as a critical enabler in this evolving landscape. Investments in material handling equipment and solutions have surged, with companies allocating significant budgets to enhance warehouse capabilities. A recent study by Modern Materials Handling Magazine revealed a year-on-year increase in automation expenditure, underscoring the industry's growing appetite for technological advancement.

The core drivers for automation adoption are clear: improving warehouse capacity utilization, enhancing picking efficiency, optimizing labour resources, and increasing order accuracy. While the journey to automation can be daunting, partnering with a reputable systems integrator is essential to navigate the complexities of technology selection and implementation.

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and advanced conveyor systems are among the key technologies driving warehouse transformation. These solutions offer a range of benefits, including increased safety, improved productivity, enhanced accuracy, and optimized space utilization.

To maximize the return on investment, businesses must carefully assess their specific needs and select automation technologies that align with their strategic goals. By embracing automation and working with experienced partners, companies can position themselves for long-term success in the dynamic world of logistics.

The future of warehousing lies in the intelligent integration of technology and human expertise. Those who fail to adapt to this evolving landscape risk falling behind in a highly competitive market.

Nokia Launches Ground-breaking Inventory Counting Drone

Nokia has unveiled a revolutionary inventory management solution, incorporating drone technology into its Autonomous Inventory Monitoring Service (AIMS). This industry-first capability enables warehouses to accurately and efficiently count individual items, from single units to full cartons, across all inventory locations.

The move is a direct response to the pressing challenges faced by warehouse operators. Shrinkage, often accounting for 3-5% of revenue, and the relentless pressure to expedite order fulfilment have necessitated innovative solutions. By automating the inventory counting process, Nokia AIMS addresses these issues head-on.

The drone-based system offers significant advantages over traditional methods. Unlike manual cycle counts, which rely on the ABC classification system, Nokia AIMS provides comprehensive and frequent inventory checks. This ensures a more accurate and up-to-date representation of stock levels.

The solution, delivered as a complete package including drones, software, and a cloud-based user interface, can deliver a 40% or greater return on investment. Existing Nokia AIMS customers will benefit from a free software update to access this new capability, while new customers signing up in 2024 will receive it complimentary for a year.

Paul Heitlinger, General Manager of Nokia AIMS, emphasized the company's commitment to empowering warehouse operators through automation. The new inventory counting feature is a testament to Nokia's dedication to leveraging emerging technologies to address industry challenges.

Building upon Nokia Bell Labs' heritage in technological innovation, Nokia AIMS represents a significant step forward in warehouse management. By combining advanced robotics with data analytics, the solution offers a compelling proposition for businesses seeking to optimize their operations and gain a competitive edge.

Thanks for reading into Volume 10. Please don't hesitate to get in touch on any other topics! Please get in touch at [email protected]!