In Episode 159 of The Robot Report Podcast, editors Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss the latest news. On today’s show, we also have a conversation with Chris Walti, co-founder and CEO of warehouse automation provider Mytra AI.
Mytra last month decloaked and unveiled its pallet-based ASRS-like storage array. Its robots can move up to 3,000 lb. (1,360.7 kg) through its storage array.
The company is beginning to deploy pilot projects with early access customers, and Walti discusses the ideal applications for the system.
Show timeline
- 4:23 – News of the week
- 31:50 – Interview with Chris Walti, co-founder and CEO of Mytra.ai
News of the week
Figure 02 humanoid robot is ready to work in warehouses, factories
Figure AI has unveiled its latest humanoid robot, Figure 02, a sleek upgrade from its predecessor, Figure 01. The new F.02 model sports a matte black finish and boasts enhanced capabilities.
With a 50% increase in battery life, hands with 16 degrees of freedom and capable of lifting up to 25 kg (55.1 lb.), the robot is poised to be a significant upgrade. The company is gearing up for mass production and plans to offer the robot for sale to industrial and warehouse applications.
Soft Robotics exits the gripper business, launches AI-focused company
Soft Robotics divested its soft robotic gripper business to J. Schmalz GmbH for an undisclosed amount. Glatten, Germany-based Schmalz is a leading developer of vacuum technology, making everything from suction cups and vacuum generators to complete gripping and clamping systems.
Mark Chiappetta, president and CEO told The Robot Report that Schmalz is acquiring Soft Robotics’ intellectual property as well as a number of employees and facilities.
READY Robotics, maker of ForgeOS, shuts down
READY Robotics, a startup aiming to develop a robot-agnostic operating system, has experienced a setback with the failure to secure additional funding, according to sources. The company’s ForgeOS, designed to operate across various robot brands, faced challenges in gaining traction within the manufacturing industry.
While robot programming interfaces have seen significant advancements and increased industry investment, sources emphasized the extensive training and support provided by established robot manufacturers like FANUC.
In response to market challenges, READY Robotics initially pivoted towards a palletizing system, a crowded market with numerous existing solutions. Ultimately, the company shifted its focus to robotics consulting.
Symbotic acquires Veo Robotics
Sources familiar with the matter said Symbotic has acquired Veo Robotics, a startup developing safety technology to transform industrial robots into collaborative ones. Veo’s flagship product, FreeMove, uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to create a safe working environment for humans and robots within a shared space.
The technology involves capturing and analyzing 3D images of a workcell to predict potential hazards and adjust robot behavior accordingly. Symbotic confirmed that it has acquired Veo’s technology related to industrial robot safety and has welcomed the Veo team.
Several former Veo employees have updated their LinkedIn profiles to reflect employment at Symbotic.
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