Latest warehouse automation trends reveal the market has been on a tear in recent years, driven by the need to augment operations with flexible automation to weather the next supply chain shock and address critical labor shortages.

What is the state of the robotics and automation sector at 2022’s midpoint? ABI Research’s Lian Jye Su has a few thoughts, five in fact.

Manufacturers must continue to automate to remain competitive, but the introduction of robotics systems will impact their facilities and human workers. The results of a recent survey by Veo Robotics of 500 manufacturers the US, UK, and Japan provides insights into the optimal path forward when introducing robotics systems, and challenges conventional thinking.

Edge ML and robotics technologies are critical enablers for ongoing digitalization and automation efforts. Also required?… robust development platforms (hardware and software) that speed and simplify robotics development and deployment.

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

Each year, the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards program receives more nominations than can fit in the annual list. This year, the final selection reflects more rigorous judging criteria, current technological and business trends in robotics, and the world. Since companies of different sizes build robots for widely differing applications, it is difficult to compare them…

Robotics and automation technologies are being adopted at record rates, with no signs of slowdown. The primary demand driver is e-commerce.

While articulated robots represent the biggest single market opportunity for robotics enabling tech providers, Interact Analysis’ Tim Dawson believes component suppliers should place greater emphasis on the more ‘open’, and burgeoning, collaborative robotics sector.

Robot Report’s Steve Crowe reviewed ABB’s Q3 2021 financials to learn how much the company paid out for Spanish AMR provider ASTI Mobile Robotics.

Business, technological, and social drivers, as well as the Covid pandemic, have had an accelerative effect on the mobile robotics sector, particularly for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Deployments are up and increasing rapidly, and you can expect more of the same in the future.

The Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) market continues to churn with investments, acquisitions and partnerships. Mike Oitzman, Editor of the Mobile Robot Guide, provides his take on Locus Robotics’ recent acquisition of Waypoint Robotics.

Field tests affirm the wearable, lightweight, non-powered HeroWear Apex exosuit device lends flexible support for heavy lifting.

ABB, a key supplier of industrial robots, extends its offering portfolio to include AMRs and AGVs. Other industrial automation providers – and not limited only to robotics suppliers – are sure to follow suit.

A growing number of opportunities exist for robotics-enabling technology OEMs and system integrators offering solutions that leverage the capabilities of the respective technologies for the benefit of the other. This is especially true for the use of 3D printing for the fabrication of robotics end-of-arm tooling.

Zebra Technologies announced that it would be acquiring autonomous mobile robotics supplier Fetch Robotics. Interact Analysis’ Ash Sharma breaks it all down.

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

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.

Robotics Business Review reviews Dive Technologies’ recent equity funding round.

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.

RBR’s provides hot takes on Tesla’s limited beta program for “Feature Complete Full Self-Driving” and the ARM Institute’s emphasis on robotic sewing, textile handling and apparel manufacturing.

Thanks to engineering partnerships with maxon and Solvay, Flybotix goes to market with a highly capable drone-based industrial inspection solution that addresses a real business need. For maxon and Solvay, their Flybotix work deepens their sector and technological expertise, extends their IP portfolio, and enhances their reputation in the commercial drone space. But is there more?

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) deployments are up substantially, with more to come. As the technology has proven to deliver business value, many new adopters are skipping long term pilot projects and moving directly to partial or full roll-outs.

Inspecting and repairing industrial piping systems is difficult, time consuming and costly. FLX Solutions provides a unique, cost effective solution in the form of a snake-like robot.

The total number of robotics transactions held steady year over year, but the autonomous vehicle and manufacturing automation providers received less investment. Healthcare systems, field robots, and drones got funding in September 2020.