Articles tagged with "logistics"
Why a New US Fleet Payment “First” Is Routine in Europe & China - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the recent introduction by WEX, a major US fleet card provider, of a unified payment system that consolidates fuel and electric vehicle (EV) charging expenses into one account and invoice. While this is seen as a milestone in the US, the article emphasizes that such unified fleet payment systems have been standard practice in Europe and China for years. In Europe, mixed-energy fleets have operated with multi-energy cards covering diesel, gasoline, and various EV charging types since the late 2010s, supported by RFID activation and detailed transaction data integration for efficient fleet management. China, on the other hand, bypassed traditional fuel cards entirely by adopting mobile payments and integrated fleet platforms, making distinctions between fuel and electricity payments irrelevant at the transaction level. The US, contrastingly, developed payment systems centered on open loop credit cards designed for gasoline-dominant fleets, resulting in fragmented EV charging payments across multiple apps and billing models. This fragmentation persisted due to the dominance of gasoline in fleet energy use and
energyelectric-vehiclesfleet-managementpayment-systemscharging-infrastructuremobile-paymentslogisticsFAU to host Florida's first on-site 4,400-qubit quantum computer
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is set to become the first university in Florida to host a large, dedicated quantum computer on campus by installing a D-Wave Advantage2 annealing quantum system with over 4,400 qubits. This deployment, expected later this year at FAU’s Boca Raton campus, will provide students and researchers direct, onsite access to advanced quantum hardware, enabling faster experimentation and hands-on training beyond the limitations of remote cloud-based systems. The quantum annealing system is designed to tackle complex optimization problems relevant to fields such as logistics, supply chain management, transportation planning, materials science, and artificial intelligence. The partnership between FAU and D-Wave Quantum Inc. extends beyond hardware installation to include joint research projects, workforce development, academic training, and applied innovation. FAU will establish a D-Wave Quantum Applications Academy offering paid internships and experiential learning to prepare students for emerging quantum industry roles. The initiative is supported by state and local governments aiming to boost job growth and strengthen
quantum-computingmaterials-scienceoptimizationlogisticsadvanced-computingresearch-collaborationtechnology-innovationCleanTechnica Exclusive: Inside Santa's Global Refueling Network - CleanTechnica
The article, presented as a satirical piece by CleanTechnica, humorously explores a fictional global refueling network supporting Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve operations. It describes covert cryogenic depots embedded within civilian retail infrastructure across six continents, combining aerospace engineering, local logistics, and geopolitical considerations. The piece highlights key hubs such as the Asia-Pacific Primary Hub at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines, noted for its solar-powered liquefaction plant and record-fast 22-second refueling time maintained by Elf Division 63. The hub’s history is linked to early 20th-century military bases and Filipino inventor Leonardo Salvador Sarao, who supposedly influenced the design of Santa’s sleigh. The article also details the Asia-Pacific Secondary Hub at Alibaba’s Logistics Center in Hangzhou, China, established in 2018 following geopolitical tensions over airspace in the Taiwan Strait. This facility serves as a commercial front for Alibaba’s distribution network under the guise of aerospace diplomacy. Additionally, the Oceania Hub
energycryogenic-depotssolar-poweraerospace-engineeringlogisticsrefueling-networkgeopoliticalExpert roundtable to examine the future of warehouse automation - The Robot Report
The article announces an expert roundtable titled “The Future of Warehouse Automation,” scheduled for November 11, 2025, at noon ET, hosted by The Robot Report. The discussion will focus on how robotics and software have adapted to the evolving needs of warehouse operators and what future developments can be expected. Participants will include representatives from DHL Supply Chain, inVia Robotics, and Interact Analysis, who will explore current challenges, emerging technologies such as AI and humanoid robots, and strategies for selecting, scaling, and managing warehouse automation to maximize return on investment amid economic uncertainties. Key experts featured include Lior Elazary, CEO of inVia Robotics, who leads efforts to optimize warehouse operations through AI-powered robotics software; Rueben Scriven, an industry analyst at Interact Analysis specializing in warehouse automation research; and Rob Wright, Vice President of Automation and Engineering at DHL Supply Chain North America, who oversees complex automation projects and supports implementation and maintenance of robotic systems. The roundtable will offer attendees the
roboticswarehouse-automationAIsupply-chain-technologymobile-robotslogisticswarehouse-softwareKia PV5 Cargo Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORD - CleanTechnica
Kia has set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ with its PV5 Cargo electric van, which traveled 693.38 km (430.84 miles) on a single charge while carrying its maximum payload of 665 kg. The record, officially recognized as “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload,” was achieved using the PV5 Cargo Long Range model equipped with a 71.2 kWh battery. Notably, the test was conducted on public roads in Frankfurt, Germany, over a 58.2 km urban and extra-urban loop that included typical city driving conditions such as traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts, and an elevation gain of approximately 370 meters. The van completed 12 loops under these demanding conditions, demonstrating its efficiency and reliability for sustainable urban delivery operations. The record-setting drive lasted 22 hours and 30 minutes and was carried out by a team including Christopher Nigemeier, Senior Engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyclean-transportationsustainable-mobilitylogisticscommercial-vehiclesNeolix raises $600M to continue scaling autonomous RoboVan fleet - The Robot Report
Neolix Beijing Technology Co., a leading developer of SAE Level 4 autonomous delivery systems, has raised over $600 million in a Series D funding round—the largest private investment in China’s autonomous driving sector to date. Founded in 2018, Neolix operates a fleet of RoboVans that have autonomously delivered thousands of orders across China and other countries. The company emphasizes its full-stack capabilities, including proprietary software, hardware, vehicle manufacturing, and intelligent dispatching, enabling reliable, round-the-clock autonomous operations in diverse weather and traffic conditions. Its Neolix-VA vision-action model supports map-free, point-to-point delivery on public roads, while an AI-powered Dispatch Center optimizes fleet performance in real time. Neolix has deployed over 10,000 RoboVans in 300 cities across 15 countries, with significant usage in Qingdao, China, where more than 1,200 units operate. The company reports strong market demand, with its X3 and X
robotautonomous-vehiclesRoboVanAIlogisticsautonomous-drivingurban-mobilityLeapmotor Gets Its Own Ocean Vessel For Vehicle Shipments - CleanTechnica
Leapmotor, a rapidly growing Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has launched its own ocean vessel, the Grande Tianjin, to ship vehicles overseas, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The ship, chartered by the Grimaldi Group—Leapmotor’s logistics partner since 2022—will have a capacity to deliver over 2,500 cars to Europe on its inaugural voyage. This move follows a trend set by BYD, which has been expanding its fleet of ocean vessels for EV shipments worldwide, highlighting increased vertical integration in EV logistics. Leapmotor’s international presence is expanding swiftly, with business operations in more than 30 countries and regions, supported by over 1,500 sales and service outlets and cumulative deliveries exceeding 800,000 units. The company is preparing to launch the B10, a compact electric SUV priced at approximately $13,900 in China, which is expected to constitute a significant portion of its future exports. This development underscores Leapmotor’s growing competitiveness
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-shippingrenewable-energylogisticsclean-technologyLeapmotorHexagon launches AEON humanoid robot for industrial applications - The Robot Report
Hexagon AB has launched its first humanoid robot, AEON, designed specifically for industrial applications to address labor shortages and enhance operational efficiency. Unveiled at the Hexagon LIVE Global event, AEON integrates Hexagon’s expertise in precision measurement and sensor technologies with advanced locomotion, AI-driven mission control, and spatial intelligence. This combination enables the robot to perform a variety of tasks such as manipulation, asset inspection, reality capture, and operator support across industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. AEON features agility through bipedal locomotion and dexterity, environmental awareness via multimodal sensor data fusion, versatility in task execution, and power autonomy enabled by a battery-swapping mechanism. Hexagon is collaborating with partners such as Schaeffler and Pilatus to pilot AEON in real-world industrial scenarios like machine tending, part inspection, and reality capture. These pilots aim to demonstrate the robot’s capabilities and contribute to sustainable growth amid demographic changes affecting labor availability.
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAIsensor-technologymanufacturinglogisticsWebinar to discuss advances in mobile robots for warehouses - The Robot Report
The article discusses an upcoming webinar hosted by Vanderlande and Hai Robotics, focusing on the advancements in mobile robots for warehouse operations. As warehouse operators and third-party logistics providers face challenges such as rising customer demand, labor shortages, and trade disruptions, automation through mobile robots is becoming increasingly vital for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. The webinar, scheduled for June 10, 2025, will feature industry experts who will explore the integration of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), self-driving forklifts, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into existing workflows, as well as their impact on productivity, inventory management, and safety. Key topics to be covered include identifying workflows suitable for automation, various mobile robot options available, and the role of orchestration software in ensuring interoperability with other equipment. The experts will also emphasize the importance of understanding the operational environment and maintaining human oversight in automated processes. Attendees will gain insights into how mobile robots can improve visibility, reduce costs, and provide valuable data for digital twins and AI applications. The webinar will be available for on-demand viewing after the live session, allowing participants to engage with the panel and ask questions.
robotautomationmobile-robotswarehouse-solutionslogisticsinventory-managementAGVsWalmart and Wing expand drone delivery to five more U.S. cities
drone-deliveryWalmartIoTautomationretail-innovationlogisticsWingAmazon preps humanoid robots for faster doorstep delivery revolution
robotdeliveryautomationAIlogisticshumanoid-robotslast-mile-deliveryUK’s Humanoid teases new robot for retail and logistics revolution
robothumanoidautomationlogisticsretailAImodular-designChina’s 2,200-pound lifting monster drone completes maiden flight
robotdronelogisticsunmanned-aerial-vehicleaerial-transportcargo-dronesupply-chainChina’s marathon-winning humanoid moves from track to factory floor
robothumanoidautomationproductivitylogisticsartificial-intelligenceelectric-robot17 High-Powered Electric Truck Chargers To Be Installed At Three UK Sites
energyelectric-vehiclescharging-infrastructurezero-emissionfleet-electrificationhigh-powered-chargerslogisticsDoorDash & Coco Bring Robot Deliveries To The Sidewalks Of LA & Chicago
robotdeliverysustainabilitylogisticsautonomousemissions-freeurban-mobilityDHL buying 1,000+ Stretch robots from Boston Dynamics
robotlogisticsautomationBoston-DynamicsStretchsupply-chaindigitalizationElectric Depots: The Key To Electrifying Road Logistics
energyelectrificationbattery-electric-vehiclescharging-infrastructurelogisticsdepot-chargingsustainable-transportABB upgrades Flexley Mover AMR with visual SLAM capabilities
robotAMRautomationvSLAMAI-visionlogisticsindustrial-roboticsAmazon debuts a warehouse robot with a sense of ‘touch’
robotwarehouse-automationforce-sensorsroboticsAmazonself-improving-technologylogisticsXe tải lai tàu hỏa tự động
robotIoTenergysustainable-transportautonomous-vehicleslogisticsgreen-supply-chainLocus Robotics surpasses 5B picks with its warehouse automation
Locus-Roboticswarehouse-automationmobile-robotslogisticssupply-chaintechnology-innovationrobotics-industry