Robot Roundup - Volume 9

Rounding up the headlines and trends over the last week in the industry. What's new this week?

PHINXT Robotics: Decentralized AI for Scalable Warehouse Automation

PHINXT Robotics , a trailblazing AI-led robotics software company, has secured €2.3 million in funding to revolutionize warehouse automation. The company's innovative cloud-based platform addresses the significant challenges associated with traditional robotic deployments, namely high costs and complex implementation.

PHINXT's core technology lies in its decentralized edge AI software, which enables seamless coordination of various robots within a warehouse environment. By eliminating the need for centralized servers, the platform offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability. This approach has led to substantial improvements in productivity and profitability for early adopters.

Founded by robotics experts Yanwen Chen and Quirino Zagarese , PHINXT is rapidly expanding its market reach. With a recent graduation from the Female Foundry Visionaries AI Incubator and the backing of prominent investors, the company is poised to become a dominant force in the warehouse automation industry.

The secured funding will be invested in expanding the engineering and sales teams, as well as exploring new markets, notably mainland Europe. PHINXT's long-term vision extends beyond warehouse automation, with plans to apply its technology to delivery drones and autonomous vehicles.

Yanwen Chen, Co-Founder and CEO, PHINXT Robotics, said: “At PHINXT, our mission is to revolutionise the logistics industry with our cloud-based platform that seamlessly integrates any type of robot, enabling them to collaborate and coordinate in a shared space without the need for a centralised server. Our robot-agnostic platform supports warehouses at every stage of their automation journey, providing unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. We aim to be the gateway for the logistics industry, facilitating the integration of these robots into operations and helping businesses achieve a rapid return on investment. By accommodating different types of robots, we ensure that warehouses can optimise various tasks, from picking to transportation, enhancing overall productivity.”

Amazon Eyes Covariant in Potential Warehouse Automation Powerhouse Move

Covariant , a developer of AI software for industrial robots, has reportedly attracted buyout interest from Amazon.com Inc., according to sources familiar with the matter. Neither Amazon nor Covariant have responded to requests for comment on this development.

Founded in 2017, Covariant has secured $245 million in investment from backers including Index Ventures and Radical Ventures . This most recent funding round, earlier this year, valued the company at $625 million (as reported by PitchBook).

亚马逊 has been a pioneer in warehouse automation since its acquisition of KIVA SYSTEMS INC in 2012. The company's pursuit of logistical advancements has been relentless. Kiva Systems revolutionised Amazon's order fulfilment process by introducing robots that navigate vast warehouses, retrieving products to expedite order processing.

According to Covariant's website, its customer base includes online retailer the Otto Group , logistics company Radial Inc. , and pharmaceutical distributor McKesson , all of whom utilise Covariant's software within their warehouse operations.

Former Amazon executive and current logistics industry consultant, Brittain Ladd , believes Covariant's software could offer significant advantages to Amazon. The platform's "machine-agnostic" nature allows it to seamlessly communicate and manage robots from various manufacturers, centralising control. "Essentially, it's a way for Amazon to power all of their automation through one platform," Ladd explained.

Beyond leveraging its Kiva robots, Amazon has demonstrated a continuous search for additional methods to enhance warehouse automation. In December, the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund spearheaded a $3.2 million investment in Instock.com , another company specialising in warehouse robotics. More recently, in 2022, Amazon invested in Agility Robotics , and participated in a July funding round for startup Standard Bots .

Covariant was co-founded by its CEO, Peter Chen , who at the time was an electrical engineering and computer science researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

This potential acquisition by Amazon signifies a step towards centralising and streamlining their warehouse automation procedures. Integrating Covariant's cutting-edge software would position Amazon far ahead of competitors in the logistics and fulfilment landscape.

BMW Tests Humanoid Robots in Production for the First Time

The 宝马 is venturing into new territory, exploring the potential of humanoid robots in car production. During a multi-week trial at their Spartanburg plant in the US, the Figure 02 robot, developed by California-based Figure , successfully inserted sheet metal parts into designated fixtures for chassis assembly. This task requires exceptional dexterity, highlighting the robot's capabilities.

Beyond efficiency gains, the use of robots can alleviate the physical strain on employees by automating ergonomically awkward and tiring tasks. Together with Figure, the BMW Group is currently evaluating the safe integration of humanoid robots within their production processes.

"Advancements in robotics hold immense promise," says Milan Nedeljkovi?, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG. "This early test operation allows us to identify potential applications for humanoid robots in production. We aim to support the development and industrialisation of this technology."

The vision for future production embodied by the BMW iFACTORY fosters continuous exploration of new technologies. Efficiency, digitalisation, and sustainability are core principles guiding this vision towards reality. The trial run provided valuable insights into the requirements for integrating such multi-purpose robots into existing production systems. One key area explored was how humanoid robots effectively communicate within the system under real-world conditions.

Following this initial deployment in car production, collaboration between BMW Group and Figure continues. Based on the findings, further development is underway to prepare Figure 02 for future production applications.

Soft Robotics Rebrands as Oxipital AI

Soft Robotics, a pioneer in soft gripping, 3D vision, and AI solutions for industrial automation, has undergone a strategic transformation. The company has rebranded as Oxipital AI and will henceforth concentrate on developing AI-enabled vision systems for robotic picking and inspection applications within the food industry.

This strategic shift is underpinned by the sale of the company's soft gripping business to Schmalz , a specialist in vacuum automation and ergonomic handling systems. The acquisition aligns with Schmalz's expansion into the food industry, where soft gripping technology is increasingly in demand.

Oxipital AI remains committed to serving the food industry, offering AI-powered vision solutions that are both user-friendly and adaptable. The company emphasizes the ease of integration of its technology into existing operations, requiring minimal machine learning expertise from end-users.

This strategic pivot positions Oxipital AI as a key player in the growing field of robotic vision, enabling increased automation and efficiency within the food industry. The collaboration with The Schmalz Group further solidifies the company's position as a provider of comprehensive solutions for food handling and processing.

“For years, our AI vision solutions have enabled the automation of labor-intensive processes in the food industry," says Mark J. Chiappetta , president/CEO of Oxipital AI. "Although under a new banner, we remain steadfast in our commitment to customers as they embrace Industry 5.0, and in providing the AI technology they need to unlock previously unattainable levels of resiliency, sustainability, and resource efficiency in their manufacturing operations."

Rockwell Automation Appoints New CFO

罗克韦尔自动化 , a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has announced the appointment of Christian Rothe as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Rothe will assume the role on August 19th, succeeding Nick Gangestad who is retiring after leading the company through the pandemic and supply chain challenges.

With a distinguished career spanning over thirteen years at Graco , Rothe brings extensive experience in finance, strategic planning, and operations to Rockwell. His tenure at Graco included the role of CFO and subsequent leadership of global business divisions.

Rothe's appointment aligns with Rockwell's strategic focus on driving growth and expanding margins, as outlined in its previous year's targets. His deep understanding of the manufacturing industry is expected to be instrumental in achieving these goals.

Blake Moret , Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, expressed confidence in Rothe's ability to lead the company's financial strategy and contribute to its ongoing success. Moret also acknowledged Gangestad's contributions during his tenure, particularly in navigating the complexities of the past few years.

Kuka Secures Major Order from Volkswagen

German robotics giant KUKA has secured a significant order from 大众 . The deal involves the supply of 700 robots over the next two years, which will be deployed at Volkswagen 's Navarra plant in Spain.

The robots will support the production of two new electric models: the Skoda Epiq small SUV and the forthcoming ID.2 X crossover. While details about the ID.2 X remain scarce, ?koda Auto has unveiled the Epiq, promising a spacious interior and a range exceeding 400 kilometres despite its compact exterior. Both models are slated for a 2025 launch with a starting price of approximately €25,000.

This collaboration marks a continuation of the long-standing partnership between Kuka and Volkswagen. The German automaker has been a major customer of Kuka for nearly three decades, with previous projects including the automated body construction system for the ID. Buzz.

Volkswagen's broader electric vehicle strategy involves substantial investments in Spain, including a €10 billion commitment to battery production and plant conversions. The company aims to produce three million electric small cars at its Spanish facilities by 2030.

Kuka's role in this ambitious plan highlights the increasing importance of automation in the automotive industry. As electric vehicle production ramps up, the demand for advanced robotics solutions is set to soar.

FANUC America Expands Footprint with New Michigan Campus

Robotics and automation giant, FANUC America Corporation , has unveiled its new 650,000-square-foot West Campus facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

This substantial investment of $110 million brings the company's total footprint in the state to over two million square feet.

The expansion, which includes advanced product manufacturing, customized automation systems, and a warehouse capable of storing over 6,000 robots, underscores FANUC America's commitment to driving industrial automation in North America. Since 2019, the company has invested over $187 million in the region, creating over 400 new jobs. ?

To complement its technological advancements, FANUC America is establishing the FANUC Academy, a dedicated training centre to nurture the talent necessary for the automation industry's growth. This investment in human capital further solidifies the company's role as a leader in its field. ?

With the new campus and training facility, FANUC America's total investment in North America surpasses $250 million, cementing its position as a pioneer in industrial automation. This expansion is a testament to the company's confidence in the region's economic growth and its determination to meet the evolving needs of its customers. ?

Astellas and Yaskawa Partner on Cell Therapy Innovation

Pharmaceutical giant Astellas Pharma and robotics leader YASKAWA Europe have announced a strategic partnership to develop an innovative platform for cell therapy manufacturing. This collaboration aims to address the significant challenges associated with commercializing cell therapies, including the substantial investment required for complex manufacturing processes.

The partnership will leverage Yaskawa's advanced robotics technology, including the humanoid robot 'Maholo', to create a seamless link between early-stage research and commercial-scale production. By combining Astellas' expertise in cell therapy with Yaskawa's automation capabilities, the companies aim to accelerate development timelines and reduce costs.

A key aspect of this collaboration is the potential to offer the platform as a service to start ups and academia, fostering innovation and accelerating the translation of research into commercial products. This ecosystem approach could significantly impact the future of cell therapy development and treatment.

The partnership builds on Astellas' previous work with Yaskawa, which began in 2017 with the introduction of the Maholo robot. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the pharmaceutical industry's adoption of automation and robotics to address complex manufacturing challenges.

Thanks for reading into Volume 9. Please don't hesitate to get in touch on any other topics! Please get in touch at [email protected]!