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From robotic tire changers, to Amazons iRobot acquisition, to Hyundais new Boston Dynamics AI Institute, there was no shortage of exciting robotics news last month.
Here are the 10 most popular robotics stories on The Robot Report in August. Subscribe to The Robot Report Newsletter to stay updated on the robotics stories you need to know about.
Will Astro,Amazons underwhelming consumer robot, soon be able to clean floors? Probably not. But Amazon upped the ante in its consumer robotics game by announcing its acquiring iRobot, maker of the popular Roomba robot vacuum series, for about $1.7 billion. Amazon will acquire iRobot for $61 per share in an all-cash transaction, including iRobots net debt. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Read More
GrayMatter Robotics announced that it has raised $20 million in Series A funding. The companys Scan&Sand system is a flexible robotic sander that can quickly adjust to objects with complex geometry. Scan&Sand works in high-mix, high-variety manufacturing facilities,and aims to increase productivity and enhance quality consistency while saving costs. The system stands out from typical robotic sanders that only work in mass production scenarios. Read More
Everyone wants to be innovative, but rarely is innovation a lightning strike of genius especially within the robotics industry. Instead, it is an intentional process and methodology. This process is refined and modified over time to enable an organizations ability to think creatively and execute effectively. This is particularly important when you are solving problems in robotics that have many variables and cannot be clearly defined. Read More
DHL is using robotics to support numerous warehousing and logistics tasks. DHL innovates its logistics workflow and the tools and technologies deployed in DHL distribution centers around the world, as the company continually improves its efficiency. Sally Miller, DHL Supply Chains chief information officer for North America, recently spoke toThe Robot Report about the types of robots the company uses and the innovation cycle it employs to find the most effective solutions. Read More
iRobot, the maker of the popular Roomba robot vacuum, is laying off 10% of its staff, or about 140 employees. The layoffs are part of a restructuring that iRobot said will save the company up to $10 million in 2022 and between $30-$40 million in 2023. iRobot announced the layoffs on August 5, 2022 in its Q2 earnings results. This was the same dayiRobot announced it was being acquired by Amazon for $1.7 billion. Read More
RBR50 2021 honoree Ottonomy.IO completed its seed round funding of $3.3M. Connetic Ventures, Deeptech fund pi Ventures, and Branded Hospitality Ventures participated in this round. The company also announced an updated version of its autonomous delivery robot called Ottobot 2.0. With the closing of the seed round,Ottonomy.IO has raised a total of $4.9M. The company has a wide range of investors across the hospitality sector. Read More
There have been significant layoffs atSeegrid, a Pittsburgh-based developer ofautonomous mobile robots(AMRs). Jim Rock, CEO of Seegrid, said about 90 employees were let go.The Robot Reporthas also seen multiple now-former employees post about the layoffs on LinkedIn. One of them said the layoffs were part of a company restructuring. Read More
A decade after Amazon made its first foray into robotics with its acquisition of Kiva Systems, the e-commerce giant isacquiring iRobot for $1.7 billion. While completion of the transaction is still subject to customary closing conditions, the deal expands Amazons already extensive robotics portfolio. Heres a look at the companys robotics acquisitions, some of its investments and its notable robots developed internally. Read More
Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai) announced the launch of the Boston Dynamics AI Institute. Hyundai andBoston Dynamics are making an initial investment of more than $400 million to make fundamental advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and intelligent machines. The institute will be led by Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics. Hyundai said the name of the institute could change after its corporate registration is complete. Read More
RoboTire announced that its installed and started operating its system at a Discount Tire in Fountain Hills, Arizona. The system can replace four tires on a passenger vehicle in less than 25 minutes. At the Discount Tire, the RoboTire System will remove, lift and install tire and wheel assemblies. RoboTire hopes that its system will reduce technician injuries that can be caused by repetitive heavy lifting. The system will be overseen by Discount Tires technicians, who will also provide pressure monitoring and balancing services. Read More
Read more:
Top 10 robotic stories of August 2022 - Robot Report
- Nickelytics and Starship release robots at UCLA and Utah universities - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Next-Level Robotics: Enhancing Accuracy with Advanced Multisensory Interfaces - AZoRobotics - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Death of Lake Orion teen on robotics trip determined to be suicide, Houston police say - Detroit News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Niqo Robotics Raises $9 Million In Funding Round Led By Brida Innovation Ventures: Report - Outlook India - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Mission to 'Holy Grail of Shipwrecks' Will Employ Robotics - USNI News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Kiwibot acquires Auto Mobility Solutions Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Untethered soft actuators for soft standalone robotics - Nature.com - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robotics in the restaurant industry are here to stay: Carlos Gazitua - Fox Business - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- It's time for UK business to embrace robotics - Design Products & Applications - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Meet the `One Percenters' - The Top Ranked Robotics Group from Franklin - Franklin Observer - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Atlas, forefather of humanoid robots, gives way to next generation - Marketplace - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- BlueBotics releases new version of its server fleet management software - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- U.S. manufacturers invested heavily in robotics in 2023, finds IFR - Robot Report - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- This is a unique time: ARK Invests chief futurist tackles tech innovation from AI to robotics - CNBC - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- U.S. Companies Invest Heavily in Robots - IFR Preliminary Results EMSNow - EMSNow - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- MiR launches new autonomous mobile forklift-type robot - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Rutland Area Robotics' IBOTS compete in FIRST World Championships finals for first time - Rutland Herald - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Micropsi Industries introduces new AI-vision software Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robots on a Roll: The Future of Farming Is Here Now - Growing Produce - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Grand Force, Grand Forks' only FIRST Robotics team, returns from world championship with good memories - Grand Forks Herald - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Reston Robotics Team Wins National Competition At Tech Conference - Patch - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- CapSen Robotics Introduces CapSen PiC 2.0 Bin-Picking Software - Supply and Demand Chain Executive - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Gecko Robotics and Al Masaood Energy Partner to Help ADNOC Gas Revolutionize Asset Operations and ... - Business Wire - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Vention Launches New Cloud-Robotic and AI Capabilities to Accelerate the Design and Deployment of Robot Cells - InvestorsObserver - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Inside Wilsonville High School's robotics team - KGW.com - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Talking AUTOMATE 2024 with TM Robotics | RoboticsTomorrow - Robotics Tomorrow - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Advancing obstetric and gynecologic surgery through robotic innovation - Contemporary Obgyn - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- On the Horizon: A Robot to Assist ALS Patients | RoboticsTomorrow - Robotics Tomorrow - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robots can use air to move objects - Earth.com - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Plymouth Robotics Team 586E takes 6th place VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, TX - WTCA - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- These flying origami-inspired robots change shape in mid-air - Engadget - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Industrial Robotics Market Size To Reach USD 94.8 Billion By 2032 ... - GlobeNewswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- ForwardX Robotics and DHL Collaborate To support Expansion - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Dexterity AI and FedEx Unveil First-of-its-Kind Robotics Trailer ... - Robotics Tomorrow - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Newton High Schools Team Aperture attends super bowl of robotics - New Jersey Education Association - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Exoskeleton Report eMagazine: The Latest in Wearable Robotics ... - Exoskeleton Report - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- 12.5m for robotics and automation to boost sustainable farming - GOV.UK - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Robotics As A Service (RaaS) Market size to increase by USD 1.50 ... - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Learn how to create socially intelligent robots at RoboBusiness - Robot Report - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Monument Health Welcomes Two New Robotics-Trained General ... - Newscenter1.tv - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- 3D-Printed Robotic Gripper Works Without Electronics - Design News - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- WVU Today | WVU researcher to help send swarm of marine robots ... - WVU Today - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Using robotics & AI to reduce water - Times of India - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- We need a new social contract for the coming golden age of robotics - Big Think - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- The Intersection of Autonomous Robotics and Solar Panel Cleaning ... - EnergyPortal.eu - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- RoboCat: Google DeepMind's innovative leap into AI-powered ... - The Jerusalem Post - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Seen at HIMSS: the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, mixed ... - Kevin MD - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- KEENON Robotics Empowers Future of Hotel Experiences as ... - PR Newswire - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Brief Overview of Investing in Robotics in 2023 - Analytics Insight - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Greek post office makes further commitment to Robotics parcel ... - Post and Parcel - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Robotic glove that 'feels' lends a 'hand' to relearn playing piano after ... - Science Daily - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- 'Bionic professor' aims to transform the field of wearable robotics - University of Toronto - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- The Advantages of Adopting Robotics for Energy Infrastructure ... - EnergyPortal.eu - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Upskill with course in robotics, IS handler told terrorists: NIA - Times of India - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Saving the World's Coral Reefs with AI and Robotics - TriplePundit - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- How To Learn Robotics and Coding - StartupGuys.net - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Transformative Impact of Robotics in the Healthcare Industry - Analytics Insight - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Implementing robotics could improve workplace safety, report says - HR Dive - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Rise of the machines: What will drive adoption of robotics and ... - AgFunderNews - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Robotics investments top $1.63B in April 2023 - Robot Report - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- We are pleased to announce our 3rd Reddit Robotics Showcase! - Robohub - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Jersey City's Oishii partners with robotics company to bring ... - ROI-NJ.com - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- New Dog, New Tricks: Reflections on Construction, Robotics, and ... - Archinect - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Underwater robots for operations in challenging and dangerous ... - Inceptive Mind - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- NVIDIA Brings Advanced Autonomy to Mobile Robots With Isaac AMR - Nvidia - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Robotic assisted surgery now available at Northeast Regional ... - Kirksville Daily Express and Daily News - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Robotic hand offers innovative nuclear solution : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Hy-Tek Intralogistics and Hai Robotics Announce Partnership ... - Robotics Tomorrow - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- UNA dubbed new home to BEST Robotics Competition - WHNT News 19 - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Serve Robotics to deploy up to 2000 delivery bots on Uber Eats - Supply Chain Dive - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Amazon executive joins Medtronic to spearhead development in ... - Vascular News - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Armach Robotics' To Showcase Their Novel Hull Cleaning Solution ... - Marine Insight - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- AMP Robotics breaks in Colorado headquarters as it eyes future ... - Waste Dive - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- West Linn robotics team 2B Determined learns to lead and change ... - West Linn Tidings - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- No Longer a 'Titan' in Surgical Robotics - Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- PERRONE ROBOTICS UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING FUSION OF ... - PR Newswire - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- uWare robotics map what lies beneath the ocean with its ... - Tech.eu - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Secretary of State's opening speech at Robotics and Automation ... - GOV.UK - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Mukilteo Robotics team Modulo reflects on their World ... - Lynnwood Times - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- ROBO A Buy Amid Robotics Optimism And Ongoing Re-Shoring ... - Seeking Alpha - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]