Postmates Spins Out Robotics Division, Now Called Serve Robotics
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Postmates Spins Out Robotics Division, Now Called Serve Robotics

Following Uber’s acquisition of Postmates, the robotics division of Postmates has been spun out to create an independent company, called Serve Robotics. The new company said it has closed its first round of funding, led by venture capital firm Neo, with participation by Uber and other investors. The spinout will continue to develop its autonomous robots to deliver goods in urban environments to provide contactless delivery options. Terms of the funding were not released.

Seegrid Launches Cloud-based Analytics Software for its Robot Fleet
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Seegrid Launches Cloud-based Analytics Software for its Robot Fleet

Pittsburgh-based Seegrid, which develops autonomous mobile robots for material handling processes, has introduced Fleet Geek, a cloud-based analytics software platform that provides data-driven views of material flow. The software will provide Seegrid customers with insights into the Seegrid Palion AMR performance across their entire network of facilities.

U.S. Autonomous Drone Maker Skydio Raises $170M
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U.S. Autonomous Drone Maker Skydio Raises $170M

U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio has announced it raised $170 million in Series D funding, bringing the total amount raised to more than $340 million (with a $1 billion valuation). The company said it will further accelerate product development and global sales expansion to support rapidly growing demand for its autonomous drone solutions.

 

COMSovereign Acquires Sky Sapience for Tethered Drone Tech for $12.7M
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COMSovereign Acquires Sky Sapience for Tethered Drone Tech for $12.7M

COMSovereign Holding Corp., a U.S.-based developer of 4G LTE and advanced 5G communications systems, has announced the acquisition of Israel-based Sky Sapience, a developer of field tethered aerial rotorcraft platforms for defense, homeland security and commercial markets. The $12.7 million purchase price consists of $2.7 million in cash and 2.55 million shares of common stock.

Avalon SteriTech, SoftBank Robotics Announce Joint Venture for Robot Cleaner
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Avalon SteriTech, SoftBank Robotics Announce Joint Venture for Robot Cleaner

SoftBank Robotics Group and Avalon SteriTech Ltd. have announced a joint venture to develop innovative products and technologies that “strive to empower and benefit public health and well-being.” The venture, known as Avalon Robotics, will leverage Avalon’s strengths in biotechnology and healthcare, along with SoftBank’s expertise in AI, automation and robotics (specifically the Whiz Gambit cleaning robot).

 

From the Warehouse to Assembly Line: 5 Ways AMRs Optimize Internal Transportation
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From the Warehouse to Assembly Line: 5 Ways AMRs Optimize Internal Transportation

Material transport workflows for production and assembly lines is a time-consuming, non-value adding task for most manufacturers. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a simple, efficient and cost-effective way to automate material handling and in-house transportation tasks in nearly any situation where employees would previously have been required to push carts around the facility.

Robotnik Gives Updates on its All-Terrain RB-CAR
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Robotnik Gives Updates on its All-Terrain RB-CAR

Barcelona-based Robotnik has provided some additional details on updates to its RB-CAR, an all-terrain autonomous vehicle it has developed. The vehicle has been designed to carry heavy loads and people, with autonomous and collaborative features to help make tasks in transporting heavy loads more safe.

Destaco Launches TC1 Quick-Install Manual Tool Changer for Cobots
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Destaco Launches TC1 Quick-Install Manual Tool Changer for Cobots

Destaco, which designs and manufactures high-performance automation solutions, has announced the TC1 manual tool changer, designed for collaborative robot pick and place, load and unload applications. The TC1 provides seamless integration for fast tool change operations, expanding cobot flexibility and increasing the return on investment for cobots.

Symbio Robotics Looks to Modernize Manufacturing Automation
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Symbio Robotics Looks to Modernize Manufacturing Automation

Symbio Robotics has emerged from stealth mode, announcing its goal of modernizing industrial manufacturing by making existing industrial robots faster, more capable and flexible through advanced software. The company also announced $30 million in funding to help reach its goal.

OnRobot Launches Electric Vacuum Gripper for Heavy Pallet Applications
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OnRobot Launches Electric Vacuum Gripper for Heavy Pallet Applications

Denmark-based OnRobot has released its new VGP20 gripper, an electric vacuum gripper that can handle payloads up to 20 kg (44.09 lbs), and compatible with all leading robot brands. The new gripper supports applications that range from cosmetics, electronics, to pharmaceuticals and food and beverage, among others.

 

New Mexico School District to Install UV-C Robots
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New Mexico School District to Install UV-C Robots

The Gallup-McKinley School District in New Mexico has announced it plans to install 37 UVD Robots across the district’s 34 schools and district offices to help protect students and staff from COVID-19, as well as be prepared for any future pandemics. The robots were purchased through SNAP Solutions, which specializes in medical products, and is the exclusive healthcare distributor of Denmark-based UVD Robots in the western U.S.

Elementary Robotics Launches AI Camera for Cloud-Based Inspection
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Elementary Robotics Launches AI Camera for Cloud-Based Inspection

Elementary Robotics, which develops artificial intelligence vision systems, has announced a new AI camera system for cloud-based inspection tasks. The new system combines software, deep learning AI and camera systems to make it faster and easier for manufacturers to deliver top-quality products to their customers, the company said.

ABB Expands Cobot Portfolio with GoFa, SWIFTI Families
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ABB Expands Cobot Portfolio with GoFa, SWIFTI Families

ABB has expanded its collaborative robot (cobot) portfolio by introducing the GoFa and SWIFTI families, which offer higher payloads and speeds. The new cobots will complement the company’s YuMI and Single Arm YuMi cobots, the company said. Both new cobots are available now through ABB’s distribution channels.

Berkshire Grey Merges with Robotics SPAC to Expand Warehouse Robotics
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Berkshire Grey Merges with Robotics SPAC to Expand Warehouse Robotics

Berkshire Grey, which develops integrated artificial intelligence and robotics solutions designed for e-commerce, retail replenishment and logistics companies, has entered into a definitive agreement with Revolution Acceleration Acquisition Corp (RAAC), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) to create a publicly listed robotics and automation solutions company. The company estimates a post-transaction equity value of up to $2.7 billion.

Tennant Launches New Robotic Scrubber Aimed at Logistics Facilities
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Tennant Launches New Robotic Scrubber Aimed at Logistics Facilities

Tennant Company, which designs and manufactures cleaning machines, announced its T16AMR Robotic Floor Scrubber, an industrial-grade automated scrubber aimed at logistics and manufacturing facilities. The T16AMR units are now available for pre-order in North America, and will begin shipping in the U.S. and Canada in April, the company said.