Between new product releases, exciting research, and large funding rounds, there was no shortage of robotics news to cover this month.
Robots could help Japan combat 2024 trucker problem, IFR says
With new overtime regulations for truck drivers in Japan, the country could face labor shortages that robots can help address, said the IFR.
EU says Amazon, iRobot merger ‘may restrict competition’
The EU informed Amazon that its preliminary view is that the acquisition may restrict competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners.
Wizard Easy Programming now allows ‘no-code’ approach to ABB industrial robots
Wizard Easy Programming lowers barriers to automation for new users and offers ecosystem partners a tool to support their customers, according to ABB.
Symbotic riding wave of logistics automation demand
Symbotic’s revenue increased 98% to $1.18 billion in 2023 thanks to deals with Albertson’s, Target and Walmart.
Cobots are primed to take over the automotive industry, says Universal Robots
David Capellani, a regional key account manager at Universal Robots, explains how cobots can be used in the automotive industry.
Kyle Vogt resigns from robotaxi company Cruise
Vogt took over as interim CEO of Cruise in December 2021 and became CEO in February 2022.
Brown researchers simplify human-to-robot communication with large language models
Researchers at Brown University’s Humans to Robots Laboratory have developed software that helps robots understand plain-worded instructions.
SUS Corporation deploys ABB’s YuMi cobots to better manage lead times
SUS Corporation says that ABB’s robots are enabling it to reshore its production and address challenges presented by workforce shortages.
Agile Robots acquires Franka Emika
Agile Robots said it will take over Franka Emika’s operations, keeping its approximately 100-person staff with plans to grow the company.
ESA shares first images from Euclid space mission
The five images released are some of the sharpest astronomical images across a large patch of sky ever captured.
Webinar: Motion control solutions for robotics
In this webinar, attendees will learn how support for robotic motion control has improved with the introduction of new products and technologies.
China plans to mass produce humanoids by 2025
China said humanoids are likely to become another disruptive technology that could transform the way we produce goods.
Spot goes to work on the decommissioning team at Fukushima plant
In 2022, Spot began collecting data, shooting video, measuring radiation dose, and gathering debris samples for radiation testing at the plant.
ABB, Porsche collaborate to automate the construction industry
ABB and Porsche aim to help meet the need for more affordable and sustainable buildings and reduce the environmental impact of construction.
Promise Robotics brings in $15M to bring automation to homebuilding
The new funding will help Promise Robotics commercialize its robotic factory platform to support its growing demand from homebuilders.
Top 10 robotics stories of October 2023
From RoboBusiness, to International Women in Robotics Day, to more advancements for humanoid robots, there was no shortage of news to cover.
Geek+ introduces mobile ASRS that can reach 40 ft high
The robot has already been installed in Geek+ customers sites in North America and Asia, and is under deployment for several global retailers.
Doodle Labs launches Sense interference avoidance features
Doodle Labs’ Sense aims to help advanced robotic systems that regularly encounter signal interference in the field.
Boston Dynamics turns Spot into a tour guide with ChatGPT
Boston Dynamics integrated Spot with ChatGPT and other AI models as a proof of concept for the potential robotics applications of foundational models.
Underwater robot gives insight into ice shelf crevasses
A research team led by Cornell University is using an underwater robot, called Icefin, to gain a better understanding of ice shelf crevasses.
Microsoft, Rockwell Automation to bring Gen AI to robotics development
The companies will add Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service into FactoryTalk Design Studio to accelerate time-to-market for their customers.