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Articles tagged with "logistics-robots"

  • European firm 1X to deploy 10,000 'home' humanoid robots in factories

    European robotics firm 1X, known for its consumer-ready humanoid robot Neo, is pivoting from home use to large-scale industrial deployment through a strategic partnership with Swedish investment firm EQT. This collaboration aims to deliver up to 10,000 Neo robots to over 300 companies within EQT’s portfolio across sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and healthcare between 2026 and 2030. The move leverages EQT’s global reach and operational expertise to integrate humanoid robots into real-world industrial environments, enhancing productivity, safety, and sustainable labor models. Originally marketed as a $20,000 personal robot for domestic chores, Neo’s industrial application addresses practical challenges such as labor shortages and workplace safety, which are less feasible in home settings due to cost, privacy concerns, and safety around pets and children. 1X plans to begin pilot deployments in the U.S. in 2026, followed by expansion across Europe and Asia. This partnership positions 1X to

    roboticshumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationmanufacturing-technologylogistics-robotsAI-roboticsworkplace-safety
  • Generative-AI robot unloads trailers at 1,500 boxes per hour

    The Pickle Robot Company has developed AI-powered, one-armed robots that autonomously unload trailers at rates of up to 1,500 boxes per hour, lifting boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. These robots combine generative AI, machine learning, sensors, cameras, and machine vision to quickly adapt to new warehouse environments and improve performance over time. Their hardware includes industrial robotic arms typically used in car manufacturing. Early deployments with companies like UPS, Ryobi Tools, and Yusen Logistics have demonstrated that these robots reduce the physical strain on human workers, allowing humans to focus on complex problem-solving tasks rather than repetitive, injury-prone labor. Founded by MIT alumni AJ Meyer, Ariana Eisenstein, and Dan Paluska, Pickle Robot Company pivoted from sorting robots to unloading systems after initial funding challenges. A proof-of-concept video showcasing a robot unloading trucks sparked customer interest and investor support. The robots use a KUKA arm mounted on a mobile base that autonomously drives into trailers

    roboticsgenerative-AIwarehouse-automationlogistics-robotsmachine-learningrobotic-armsindustrial-automation
  • MobED: Hyundai’s first mass-produced robot for logistics, home use

    Hyundai Motor Group has introduced MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid), its first mass-produced autonomous robot designed for both industrial logistics and everyday use. Developed by Hyundai’s Robotics Lab, MobED was showcased at the International Robot Exhibition 2025 in Tokyo and is slated for sale in the first half of 2026. The compact, four-wheeled robot features AI-powered route planning and obstacle avoidance, utilizing LiDAR and cameras for environmental perception. Its modular design allows adaptation to various roles, including delivery, research, media, and lifestyle services like golf assistance. MobED’s standout feature is its eccentric control mechanism, enabling it to adjust posture and height actively to maintain balance on uneven terrain and narrow indoor corridors. Each wheel integrates Hyundai’s drive-and-life (DnL) modules, combining driving, steering, and height adjustment in a compact unit. Two versions will be available: a pro model with full AI autonomy, advanced sensors, and a “follow-me” mode for logistics and inspection tasks

    roboticsautonomous-robotsHyundai-MobEDlogistics-robotsAI-navigationindustrial-robotsmobile-robots
  • China to deploy battery-swapping humanoid robots on Vietnam border

    China’s UBTech Robotics has secured a 264 million yuan (US$37 million) contract to deploy its Walker S2 humanoid robots at border crossings in Guangxi province, near the Vietnam border. Deliveries will start in December, marking one of China’s largest government deployments of humanoid robots. The Walker S2, launched in July, is notable for its industrial-grade design and autonomous battery-swapping capability, enabling nearly continuous 24-hour operation without manual intervention. The robots will assist with traveler guidance, personnel flow management, patrol duties, logistics, and commercial services at border checkpoints, as well as conduct inspections at nearby manufacturing sites for steel, copper, and aluminum. This deployment reflects China’s broader push to commercialize embodied AI and integrate robotics into public and industrial sectors, supported by strong government policy. Similar humanoid and service robots have been introduced in airports, government offices, and major events across the country. The Walker S2 features advanced capabilities including 52 degrees of freedom, dex

    roboticshumanoid-robotsbattery-swapping-robotsindustrial-automationAI-roboticssmart-manufacturinglogistics-robots
  • RoboCup Logistics League: an interview with Alexander Ferrein, Till Hofmann and Wataru Uemura - Robohub

    The RoboCup Logistics League, part of the Industrial League at RoboCup 2025 held in Salvador, Brazil, focuses on advancing intelligent robotics and AI in smart factory logistics. The league simulates an intra-production logistics scenario where teams of three robots manage the delivery and production of various products using six machines arranged on a playing field. Robots must navigate, avoid collisions, and handle simple manipulation tasks such as moving colored discs that represent product components. The primary challenge lies in production logistics and planning, requiring robots to collaboratively produce complex products within a limited timeframe. Unlike other RoboCup competitions, this league emphasizes long-horizon planning and real-time adaptation due to dynamic order arrivals and interactions with opponent teams. A key aspect highlighted by the league’s organizers is the necessity for online planning and execution monitoring. Since product orders are unpredictable and numerous, pre-planned sequences are ineffective. Robots must continuously replan and adjust their strategies during execution to respond to changing conditions on the field, including the actions of competing teams. This

    roboticssmart-factoryindustrial-automationRoboCuplogistics-robotsAI-in-manufacturingproduction-logistics
  • Learn at RoboBusiness how Sim2Real is training robots for the real world - The Robot Report

    The article highlights the upcoming RoboBusiness 2025 event in Silicon Valley, which will focus on advances in physical AI—combining simulation, reinforcement learning, and real-world data—to enhance robot deployment and reliability in dynamic environments such as e-commerce and logistics. A key feature will be a session showcasing Ambi Robotics’ AmbiStack logistics robot, which uses the PRIME-1 foundation model trained extensively in simulation to master complex tasks like 3D item stacking, akin to playing Tetris. This simulation-driven training, coupled with physical feedback, enables the robot to make real-time decisions and handle diverse packages efficiently. The session will be co-hosted by noted experts Prof. Ken Goldberg of UC Berkeley and Jeff Mahler, CTO and co-founder of Ambi Robotics. They will discuss scalable AI training approaches that improve robotic manipulation capabilities. RoboBusiness 2025 will also introduce the Physical AI Forum track, covering topics such as multi-model decision agents, AI-enhanced robot performance, and smarter data curation

    roboticsartificial-intelligencesimulation-trainingwarehouse-automationphysical-AIrobotic-manipulationlogistics-robots
  • Nimble moves to cloud-based PTC development tools for logistics robots - The Robot Report

    Nimble, a developer of AI-powered logistics robots designed for picking, packing, and handling warehouse items, is transitioning from legacy file-based design and management tools to cloud-native platforms provided by PTC Inc. Specifically, Nimble is adopting PTC’s Onshape CAD and PDM platform alongside the Arena PLM and QMS system to enhance collaboration, reduce latency, and improve reliability across its teams. This shift to connected, cloud-native development tools was made swiftly—within 60 days of evaluation—and is aimed at supporting Nimble’s scaling efforts in manufacturing and R&D for its advanced mobile manipulator robots. PTC highlights that Onshape and Arena facilitate digital transformation by enabling more agile, collaborative workflows and efficient scaling, replacing traditional file-based systems with integrated cloud solutions. Onshape offers capabilities such as CAD, simulation, and built-in product data management accessible from any web-connected device, while Arena centralizes product information and processes to accelerate product development and introduction. Founded in 2017, Nim

    roboticslogistics-robotscloud-computingAI-robotswarehouse-automationPTC-Onshapeproduct-lifecycle-management