The new M16 connectors have been redesigned to be modular and easier to handle. Source: binder

For demanding environments, Binder USA LP has introduced a new generation of molded M16 connectors, which it said are engineered to deliver reliability and performance even in the harshest conditions. The M16 circular connectors are designed for applications ranging from heavy-duty machinery like construction cranes and excavators to precision-driven laboratory equipment.

These connectors must meet diverse requirements, ensuring stable and reliable connections in extreme conditions, such as freezing temperatures and exposure to dirt and dust. To address these challenges, they must combine high electrical performance with durability and resilience, noted Camarillo, Calif.-based binder.

binder redesigns connectors to be modular

binder said it has completely redesigned its latest generation of molded M16 connectors. The previous version included many existing parts from field-wireable connectors, not all of which were ideal for the molded version, the company explained.

With an expanding portfolio and increasing demand, the company said it decided to fundamentally redesign the product to use a modular system, enabling many common parts between the unshielded and shielded variants.

“A key feature of the new connector design is the reduction in components,” said Sebastian Ader, product manager at binder. “Thanks to the modular system, we only need one additional part for the shielded and unshielded variants. This allows us to produce much more efficiently, offering cost advantages to customers without compromising on quality.”

Developing the new M16 connector was particularly challenging, said binder, because it had to comply with both the M16 standard (DIN EN 61076-2-106) and the stringent AISG standard (for the eight-pin shielded variant) in terms of IP68 sealing and compatibility between different manufacturers.

By optimizing the sealing system, the new M16 system resolves compatibility problems that have previously led to insufficient sealing, the company said. It added that the new generation of connectors is lead-free, meeting the EU RoHS2 Directive 2011/65/EU, including 2015/863/EU.

M16 suitable for industrial, field applications

When redesigning the M16 molded connectors, binder said it paid particular attention to applications in industrial machinery, camera systems, and pressure sensors. These areas require maximum electrical reliability, and therefore a robust connector system that functions under difficult operating conditions, it noted.

“Crane and excavator applications are a good example. Here, fixed-plug connections are required,” said Ader. “Particularly in critical moments, such as when lifting heavy loads, it is important that the connectors not only fit securely, but are also quick and easy to use.”

A triangular design is intended to make the new M16 connectors are easy to handle, even in sub-zero temperatures or when wearing gloves, for example.

“The new triangular design not only makes handling easier, but it also minimizes dirt-prone areas and undercuts, which enables use even in very harsh and demanding environments,” Ader said. “The new connectors can be reliably mated, unmated and locked at any time.’

The molded M16 connectors also meet requirements for shock resistance, vibration tolerance, and tightness, said binder. “In summary, the robust design ensures a reliable connection in extreme temperatures, dirt, and moisture, minimizes the risk of failure, and ensures the continuous operational readiness of the machines,” it asserted.

“With the molded M16 connector, we have succeeded in meeting market demands in terms of technical properties, handling, and price,” Ader said. “All this makes our solution a future-proof choice for demanding industrial applications.”

About binder

Binder USA LP is a subsidiary of binder Group, a leading global manufacturer of circular connectors, custom cord sets, and LED lights. The company‘s products are used worldwide in industrial environments for factory automation, process control, and medical technology applications.

Binder said its technical innovations meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. The company’s quality management system is ISO 9001 and 14001-certified, but binder said its solution-focused approach to customer applications and commitment to service differentiate it from the competition.

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AWS and Isaac Sim can help accelerate robotics development, says NVIDIA.

NVIDIA Corp. today announced at AWS re:Invent enhanced tools for robotics developers, as well as the availability of NVIDIA DGX Cloud on Amazon Web Services and offerings for artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

The company said that NVIDIA Isaac Sim is now available on NVIDIA L40S graphics processing units (GPUs) in Amazon Elastic Cloud Computing (EC2) G6e instances. It said this could double scaling robotics simulation and accelerate AI model training. Isaac Sim is a reference application built on NVIDIA Omniverse for developers to simulate and test AI-driven robots in physically based virtual environments.

With NVIDIA OSMO, a cloud-native orchestration platform, developers can easily manage their complex robotics workflows across their AWS computing infrastructure, claimed the company.

“This combination of NVIDIA-accelerated hardware and software — available on the cloud — allows teams of any size to scale their physical AI workflows,” wrote Akhil Docca, senior product marketing manager for Omniverse at NVIDIA.

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What is ‘physical AI?’

According to NVIDIA, “physical AI” describes AI models that can understand and interact with the physical world. The company said it “embodies the next wave of autonomous machines,” such as self-driving cars, industrial manipulators, mobile robots, humanoids, and even robot-run infrastructure like factories and warehouses.

With physical AI, developers are embracing a “three-computer solution” for training, simulation, and inference to make breakthroughs, NVIDIA said. Yet physical AI for robotics systems requires robust training datasets to achieve precision inference in deployment. Developing such datasets and testing them in real situations can be impractical and costly.

Simulation offers an answer, as it can accelerate the training, testing and deployment of AI-driven robots, the company asserted.

L40S GPUs in the cloud offer to scale simulation, training

Developers can use simulation to verify, validate, and optimize robot designs as well as the systems and their algorithms before deployment, said NVIDIA. It added that simulation can optimize facility and system designs before construction or remodeling starts for maximum efficiencies, reducing costly manufacturing change orders.

Amazon EC2 G6e instances accelerated by NVIDIA L40S GPUs can double performance over the prior architecture, while allowing the flexibility to scale as scene and simulation complexity grows, NVIDIA said. Roboticists can use these instances to train many computer vision models that power AI-driven robots.

This means the same instances can be extended for various tasks, from data generation and simulation to model training. NVIDIA added that OSMO allows teams to orchestrate and scale complex robotics development workflows across distributed computing resources, whether on premises or in the AWS cloud.

NVIDIA said Isaac Sim can foster collaboration and critical workflows, such as generating synthetic data for perception model training.

A reference workflow combines NVIDIA Omniverse Replicator, a framework for building custom synthetic data generation (SDG) pipelines and a core extension of Isaac Sim, with NVIDIA NIM microservices. With it, developers can build generative AI-enabled SDG pipelines, it said.

These include the USD Code NIM microservice for generating Python USD code and answering OpenUSD queries, plus the USD Search NIM microservice for exploring OpenUSD assets using natural language or image inputs.

The Edify 360 HDRi NIM microservice can generate 360-degree environment maps, while the Edify 3D NIM microservice can create ready-to-edit 3D assets from text or image prompts. Generative AI can thus ease the synthetic data generation process by reducing many tedious and manual steps, from asset creation to image augmentation, said NVIDIA.

• Rendered.ai’s synthetic data engineering platform is integrated with Omniverse Replicator. It enables companies to generate synthetic data for computer vision models used in industries from security and intelligence to manufacturing and agriculture.
• SoftServe Inc., an IT consulting and digital services provider, uses Isaac Sim to generate synthetic data and validate robots used in vertical farming with Pfeifer & Langen, a leading European food producer.
• Tata Consultancy Services is building custom synthetic data generation pipelines to power its Mobility AI suite to address automotive and autonomous use cases by simulating real-world scenarios. Its applications include defect detection, end-of-line quality inspection, and hazard avoidance.

NVIDIA, AWS help robots learn in simulation

While Isaac Sim enables developers to test and validate robots in physically accurate simulation, Isaac Lab, an open-source robot learning framework built on Isaac Sim, provides a virtual playground for building robot policies that can run on AWS Batch. Because these simulations are repeatable, developers can troubleshoot and reduce the number of cycles required for validation and testing, said NVIDIA.

The company cited robotics startups that are already using Isaac Sim on AWS: 

• Field AI is building robot foundation models to enable robots to autonomously manage a wide range of industrial processes. It uses Isaac Sim and Isaac Lab to evaluate the performance of these models in complex, unstructured environments in construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and more.
• Vention, which offers a full-stack cloud-based automation platform, is creating pretrained skills to ease development of robotic tasks, noted NVIDIA. It is using Isaac Sim to develop and test new capabilities for robot cells used by small to midsize manufacturers.
• Cobot offers Proxie, its AI-powered collaborative mobile manipulator. It uses Isaac Sim to enable the robot to adapt to dynamic environments, work alongside people, and streamline logistics in warehouses, hospitals, airports, and more.
• Standard Bots is simulating and validating the performance of its R01 robot used in manufacturing and machining setup.
• Swiss-Mile is using Isaac Sim and Isaac Lab for robot learning so that its wheeled quadruped robots can perform tasks autonomously with new levels of efficiency in factories and warehouses.
• Cohesive Robotics has integrated Isaac Sim into its software framework called Argus OS for developing and deploying robotic workcells used in high-mix manufacturing environments.
• Aescape’s robots are able to provide precision-tailored massages by accurately modeling and tuning the onboard sensors in Isaac Sim.

NVIDIA made other announcements in addition to the availability of Isaac Sim 4.2 on Amazon EC2 G6e Instances powered by NVIDIA L40S GPUs on AWS Marketplace.

It said that NVIDIA DGX Cloud can run on AWS for training AI models; that AWS liquid cooling is available for data centers using its Blackwell platform; and that NVIDIA BioNeMo NIM microservices and AI Blueprints, developed to advance drug discovery, are now integrated into AWS HealthOmics.

The company also said its latest AI Blueprints are available on AWS for video search and cybersecurity, the integration of NVIDIA CUDA-Q with Amazon Braket for quantum computing development, and RAPIDS Quick Start Notebooks on Amazon EMR.

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Optimization evaluates multiple paths, sequences, poses, end-of-arm tool rotations, and interlocks for robots within a workcell. Source: Realtime Robotics.

Realtime Robotics, a leader in collision-free autonomous motion planning for industrial robots, last week named industry veteran Ville Lehtonen as its vice president of product.

Lehtonen brings experience in technology, product, and management, said Realtime Robotics. He most recently served as head of product at Pickle Robot Co., which he guided to a leadership position in the truck and container loading and unloading industry.

“Ville’s track record speaks for itself, and we’re confident he will be an excellent addition to the team,” said Kevin Carlin, chief commercial officer at Realtime Robotics.

“Our Optimization solution is already helping several manufacturing companies to reduce cycle times and improve productivity,” Carlin stated. “With Ville’s expertise, we can evolve to meet additional customer needs and expand its adoption throughout the manufacturing and logistics industries.”

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Lehtonen expects ‘a massive gear change’

Prior to Pickle, Lehtonen was head of product for HighRes Biosolutions, a laboratory automation software company, and he was a co-founder and CEO of LabMinds Ltd., a laboratory automation company.

Lehtonen holds a BS and an MS in computer science from the Helsinki University of Technology and an MBA from Oxford University.

Ville Lehtonen. Source: LinkedIn

“I look forward to helping already highly automated production lines become even more efficient and cost-effective with the use of Realtime’s Optimization technology,” he said. “I am confident we can help manufacturers save tens of thousands of hours on their industrial robotics projects.”

“What Realtime is doing is a massive gear change in deploying automation,” Lehtonen added. “While this will be incredibly helpful for current manufacturers, the most exciting opportunities come from unlocking the economics for companies operating on a far smaller scale than the heavy users of robots. Realtime’s technology stack also can do for kinematics what real-time object-detection frameworks like YOLO [You Only Look Once] have done for computer vision, further lowering the barriers to entry in the robotics space.”

About Realtime Robotics

Boston-based Realtime Robotics said its technology generates optimized motion plans and interlocks to achieve the shortest possible cycle time in single and multi-robot workcells. The company claimed that its systems expand the potential of automation, empowering multiple robots to work closely together in unstructured and collaborative workspaces, reacting to dynamic obstacles the instant changes are perceived.

Realtime said its Optimization product uses a combination of proprietary software and experienced robotics and application engineering insights to drastically improve a manufacturer’s overall productivity. The system analyzes a customer’s existing digital twin, identifying bottleneck areas and recommending improvements based on desired parameters. 

Optimization can do all of this without interfering with ongoing production efforts, said Realtime Robotics.

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The VX2 Vision System uses AI for food-grade inspection and picking, says Oxipital AI.

Oxipital AI this month launched its VX2 Vision System, which uses artificial intelligence for inspection and high-speed picking applications across food-grade and industrial sectors. Built on the company’s proprietary Visual AI platform, the VX2 comes in a more compact package at a more accessible price than its predecessor.

“At Oxipital AI, we believe that listening to our customers and learning from real-world applications is the key to driving innovation,” said Austin Harvey, vice president of product at Oxipital. “The VX2 is the result of that philosophy in action. It’s smaller, more powerful, and more versatile, enabling our customers to build more resilient manufacturing processes.”

Formerly Soft Robotics, Oxipital is developing machine vision for product inspection and robotic process automation in critical industries such as food processing, agriculture, and consumer goods production.

The Bedford, Mass.-based company’s stated mission is “to deliver actionable insights through deep object understanding to customers as they embrace Industry 5.0 and unlock previously unachievable levels of resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability in their manufacturing operations.”

Oxipital AI recently launched its VX2 Vision System, which uses artificial intelligence for inspection and high-speed picking applications across food-grade and industrial sectors. Built on the company’s proprietary Visual AI platform, the VX2 comes in a more compact package at a more accessible price than its predecessor.

“At Oxipital AI, we believe that listening to our customers and learning from real-world applications is the key to driving innovation,” said Austin Harvey, vice president of product at Oxipital. “The VX2 is the result of that philosophy in action. It’s smaller, more powerful, and more versatile, enabling our customers to build more resilient manufacturing processes.”

The successor to Soft Robotics, Oxipital is developing machine vision for product inspection and robotic process automation in critical industries such as food processing, agriculture, and consumer goods production.

The Bedford, Mass.-based company’s stated mission is “to deliver actionable insights through deep object understanding to customers as they embrace Industry 5.0 and unlock previously unachievable levels of resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability in their manufacturing operations.”

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VX2 Vision System includes several enhancements

Oxipital AI said the VX2 Vision System represents a significant improvement over its first-generation vision platform. The company said it incorporated customer feedback and extensive field learning to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

The VX2 has enhanced capabilities for inspection, high-speed picking, and high-speed picking with inspection, said Oxipital. It asserted that the system ensures optimal efficiency and precision in a wide variety of environments and listed the following benefits:

Compact and powerful: The VX2 packs more processing power into a smaller, more efficient design, providing greater flexibility for installations in tight spaces or complex environments, said Oxipital.

Versatile application: Designed for food-grade and industrial use, the VX2 excels in inspection tasks, high-speed handling, and combining both, ensuring accuracy and speed in demanding workflows.

Enhanced Visual AI platform: Oxipital said its platform delivers faster, more accurate decision-making capabilities, ensuring high-performance, real-time operations.

Better price point: Despite significant improvements in power and versatility, the VX2 is available at a more competitive price, said the company. This makes it an attractive option for businesses seeking to upgrade their capabilities without incurring significant costs, it added.

Oxipital AI applies vision to industry needs

With the VX2 launch at PACK EXPO this month, Oxipital said the technology demonstrates its commitment to innovations that address the challenges that industry is currently facing.

“Oxipital AI continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with vision systems in automated environments,” it said. Soft Robotics previously made compliant grippers before pivoting to vision AI.

Oxipital has partnered with Schmalz and Velec, and its was nominated as a PACK EXPO Food and Beverage Technology Excellence Award finalist.

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The Southland Development Authority is reinvigorating manufacturing in Chicago’s suburbs through programs such as the Metals HUB. Credit: Adobe Stock

For decades, the Chicagoland area has played a pivotal role in American manufacturing capability. Unfortunately, the once-strong bastion of manufacturing and fabrication has lost much of its fervor following years of economic stagnation, outmigration, and a declining tax base.

However, as the global marketplace continues to evolve, American manufacturers must contend with an aging ownership base, greater competition, a more even playing field, and a severe labor shortage.

The technological revolution that has brought about artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning can play a quintessential role in reinforcing the once-great American manufacturing sector and transforming it into advanced manufacturing.

Using robotics and intelligent systems, manufacturers can retrofit their operations to be more productive with fewer available workers. Not only will specialized autonomous robots help operationally, but they could also be the product that drives international demand for “American-made.”

Initiatives such as the Metals HUB program, overseen by the Southland Development Authority (SDA), are examples of how local, community-driven policies can change the trajectory of American manufacturing and are models that can be imitated across the country in other historically manufacturer-led regions.

By examining the structure and intentions of the SDA Metals HUB program, we can evaluate how initiatives like these can make a significant impact on surrounding communities and local economies, how American manufacturers can cope with the foreseeable challenges of tomorrow, and how we can best prepare our nation to remain competitive in a global economy starkly different from today.

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More about the Metals HUB Program

The Metals HUB program was established by the SDA in 2021 and formally launched in June 2022 as a strategic initiative aimed at revitalizing the metals manufacturing sector in Chicago’s South Suburbs or Southland. This organization supports local metals, machinery, and equipment (MM&E) companies by helping them secure new business opportunities, access technical resources, plan succession and acquisitions, and foster collaboration within the industry.

The HUB connects Southland manufacturers to new markets, provides technical assistance, and encourages modernization through programs like the Metals HUB Sensor Kit. It uses digital manufacturing technology from MxD, the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, to boost efficiency.

By creating these resources, the Metals HUB aims to strengthen the local economy, enhance job opportunities, and sustain the Southland’s manufacturing legacy.

The HUB is particularly beneficial to the Southland due to its holistic approach to fostering advanced manufacturing and incorporating a robust workforce and infrastructure. Facing challenges like an aging labor pool and outdated technology, the HUB actively supports MM&E firms through workforce development initiatives, including a Department of Energy-funded internship program that prepares young talent for manufacturing careers.

It also fills critical gaps in sales and outreach for local firms, helping them connect with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and secure new contracts.

In addition, the Metals HUB plays a significant role in advising on the integration of robotics and new efficiency-boosting technologies. The work being done by SDA and the Metals HUB team is pivotal in transforming the Southland into a thriving manufacturing hub once again.

AI and robotics integration

Digital transformation and integrating new technologies are major focuses of the Metals HUB in its work with MM&Es. As CEO of the SDA, my team and I work closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure they are using a level of technology that is comfortable for their team yet comprehensive enough to tangibly boost productivity and efficiency.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are currently over 500,000 open manufacturing jobs in the U.S., and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) expects that shortage to rise to 2.1 million jobs by 2030. The combination of retiring laborers coupled with the increased demand for more domestic supply chains to offset international instability is driving the need for more integrated robotics plants without displacing skilled workers.

Skilled and knowledgeable workers will increase in value, but robotics must be strategically utilized to maintain a competitive volume of productivity.

U.S. manufacturing faces worsening labor shortages in coming years. Source: Deloitte

SDA sets an example for manufacturing nationwide

The SDA Metals HUB program serves as a prime model for other economic development initiatives across the U.S., particularly in areas facing similar challenges of deindustrialization and workforce shortages. The unique demographic and geographic makeup of Chicago’s South Suburbs — spanning a diverse population with a mix of rural, urban, and suburban landscapes — reflects the complexity of many American regions.

This diversity brings both challenges and advantages, allowing the Metals HUB leadership to develop adaptive, community-focused strategies that can be applied nationally.

By addressing the needs of a broad range of communities, the Metals HUB program demonstrates how local economies can use their specific assets to foster growth in manufacturing. In the Southland, where long-standing manufacturing traditions meet modern economic challenges, the SDA has prioritized initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional industry practices and the demands of a tech-enabled global market.

The result is a revitalized local economy that both retains and attracts skilled workers, laying the groundwork for sustainable, competitive manufacturing.

The SDA Metals HUB ran a summer internship program. Source: Southland Development Authority

Helping American manufacturing compete globally

The Metals HUB program isn’t only revitalizing manufacturing in the Southland; it’s also contributing to a vision of American manufacturing that is resilient, adaptable, and technologically forward. As global competitors invest heavily in automation, AI, and robotics, American manufacturing must keep pace to maintain its position on the world stage.

Programs like the Metals HUB, which actively integrate robotics and smart technology, are helping the industry adapt to these new standards and respond to a severe labor shortage expected to worsen in the coming decade. The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development provides ongoing support.

The Metals HUB’s approach equips manufacturers to contend with complex issues like international competition and economic shifts by modernizing production and enhancing operational efficiency. As a result, Southland manufacturers are better positioned to produce high-quality, American-made goods that can meet rising global demand.

This model of combining legacy manufacturing strengths with cutting-edge technology is a necessary step toward securing America’s future in the global manufacturing economy.

Manufacturers at the ready

Programs like SDA’s Metals HUB exemplify how public-private partnerships can foster innovation and address the multifaceted challenges Americans face today. As the Metals HUB expands, it continues to provide a framework for modernized manufacturing that other economic development councils can emulate.

Through strategic investment in technology, workforce development, and community-centered support, the Metals HUB program ensures that manufacturing in America not only survives but thrives. More than 110 MM&E companies operating in the region generate about $3 billion in revenue.

The Southland Development Authority has shown that with intentional and targeted initiatives, American manufacturing can rise to meet global challenges, ensuring long-term economic resilience. The Metals HUB program stands as a testament to the potential for regional initiatives to create meaningful change, offering a blueprint for economic revitalization that could strengthen manufacturing communities across the United States.

About the author

Bo Kemp is the CEO of the Southland Development Authority, a non-profit business organization designed to grow the economy of the South Suburbs. A graduate of Yale and the Harvard Business School, he has held positions at TSG Capital Group and Morgan Stanley and served as business administrator for Newark, N.J., under then-Mayor Cory Booker.

Kemp specializes in driving growth, managing major initiatives, and promoting efficiency through public-private partnerships. With his robust perspective, His expertise spans utilities, public infrastructure, economic development, and more.

The post Chicago’s South Suburbs see the future of manufacturing as American and robotic appeared first on The Robot Report.

In Episode 173 of The Robot Report Podcast, co-host Steve Crowe and I catch up on the news of the week, including several recent stories about mobile manipulators.

Featured interview with RGO Robotics and Wheel.Me

In the featured interview this week, I talk to Amir Bousani, CEO of RGO Robotics, and Jacob Petersen, chief commercial officer of Wheel.Me. We discuss the importance of perception for autonomous mobile robots, and discuss Wheel.Me’s decision to leverage RGO Robotics perception engine in its platform.

Show timeline

• 7:44 – News of the week
• 11:02 – Update on Proxie from Brad Porter, founder and CEO of Collaborative Robotics
• 24:15 – Interview with Amir Bousani, CEO of RGO Robotics, and Jacob Petersen, Chief Commercial Officer from Wheel.Me.

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News of the week

2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards open for nominations

You can now submit nominations for the 2025 RBR50 innovation awards. They will recognize technology and business innovations in the calendar year 2024, and the awards are open to any company worldwide that produces robotics or automation.

The categories include:

1. Technologies, products, and services: This category includes primary or applied research focusing on robotics and supporting technologies such as motion control, vision, or machine learning. It also includes new products and business, engineering, or technology services.
2. Business and management: This category covers initiatives positioning a company as a market leader or an organization as an important thought leader in the robotics ecosystem. Significant mergers and acquisitions are relevant, as are supplier, partner, and integrator relationships.
3. Applications and markets: The RBR50 will also recognize innovations that improve productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness, as well as those that automate new tasks.

In addition, the 2025 RBR50 awards will celebrate the following:

• Startup of the Year
• Application of the Year
• Robot of the Year
• Robots for Good Award

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

Podcast sponsored by RGO Robotics

The show this week is sponsored by RGO Robotics 

Is your autonomous mobile robot (AMR) struggling in dynamic environments? Is your business stuck because it takes months to commission a new site?

RGo Robotics’ Perception Engine is revolutionizing the AMR business through advanced Vision AI perception technology. Unlike traditional solutions, The company’s software enables AMRs to adapt to changing environments and navigate complex spaces with unprecedented accuracy and the commissioning process is shorter and simpler.

Leading AMR companies are enhancing their fleets with RGo’s AI-powered perception, enabling their teams to accelerate use of advanced AI capabilities like foundation models and digital twins.

Don’t let outdated navigation hold your business back.

To learn more about RGO’s solutions, go to: https://www.rgorobotics.ai/

The post How AI, perception are shaping mobile robotics appeared first on The Robot Report.

Robot orders and shipments declined over the past year, reported A3. Source: Association for Advancing Automation

Like other industries, robotics has faced uncertainty around the economy and U.S. elections. The number of robots ordered and their total value declined in the first nine months of 2024, according to the Association for Advancing Automation, or A3.

From January through September 2024, North American businesses ordered 23,034 robots valued at $1.4 billion, a 1.9% decline in units and a 2.2% drop in revenue in comparison with the same period in 2023. A3 reported declines in semiconductors, electronics, and photonics of -32% and automotive components of -21%. Robot orders had already dropped 30% in 2023 from 2022.

The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based organization attributed the slowdown to tight capital budgets, high interest rates, and slowed industrial output, particularly in electric vehicles. Also this week, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported on global robot adoption, noting that the U.S. ranks 11th.

The dollar value of orders and shipments reportedly declined in 2024. Source: Association for Advancing Automation

A3 finds signs for hope

However, there were some positive signs, noted A3. Orders increased in food and consumer goods (+60%), life sciences/pharmaceuticals/biomedical (+43%), and metals (+8%).

In the third quarter of this year, North American companies ordered ordered 7,329 robots valued at $475 million, reflecting a 14.1% increase in units and an 8.8% rise in revenue compared with Q3 2023. While non-automotive orders accounted for 4,113 units or 56%, automotive component orders increased by 61%, even as automotive OEM orders contracted by 15%.

“Industry feedback suggests cautious optimism, with many companies forecasting a stronger rebound in 2025,” the association stated in its latest report.

Non-automotive orders surpassed automotive orders in the first three quarters of 2024. Source: Association for Advancing Automation

Burnstein posts open letter, discusses outlook

Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, posted an open letter to President-elect Donald Trump, saying that automation is key to reshoring manufacturing to the U.S. He recommended that the federal government work with the robotics industry to develop a strategy to effectively compete economically and in national security.

The Robot Report spoke with Burnstein about his letter and A3’s latest report.

How do the latest quarterly statistics support your points?

Burnstein: We’re still seeing declines in robot orders, but they’re shrinking.

People in industry said once the elections are over, we’ll have clarity — we’ll see. It depends on industrial policy changes, such as support for electric vehicles versus internal combustion engines.

Your letter mentions the need for a national robotics strategy, as do A3’s advocacy principles. How would that mesh with the incoming administration’s stated goals of streamlining government?

Burnstein: They can happen at the same time. If the priority of the next administration is to bring back manufacturing, automation is necessary, regardless of whether it shrinks the federal government.

The [White House] Office of Science and Technology Policy could put more emphasis on robotics and automation.

With Tesla‘s Optimus, Elon Musk is a notable proponent of humanoid robots, and he has been named co-leader of the new Department of Government Efficiency. Do you think he’ll be helpful to the industry?

Burnstein: I don’t know exactly what his role will be, but you’d think that with somebody who knows and has applied the technology, he’s understand the robotics industry quite well.

New robot orders by types of application. Source: Association for Advancing Automation

Policy recommendations include more federal attention

Do robotics R&D and workforce development require more federal funding and coordination?

Burnstein: We’re trying to point to general principles. There should be someone in the government — a “robotics czar” — focused on how robotics, AI, and automation can make America more competitive. It is a priority in other countries.

If the priority is to create more jobs, then these fit together. One way is to automate; the other is to train the workforce. We have to have more state programs and coordination at the national level.

What are A3’s stances on issues like deregulation, tariffs, and tax cuts, which are mentioned in A3’s principles? How might they help or hurt the U.S. robotics industry?

Burnstein: On tariffs, I can’t comment yet. We have an advocacy committee meeting, chaired by Brendan Schulman of Boston Dynamics, in January.

On taxes, there should be incentives for companies that automate and expense it upfront.

We see a real need for looking at how we speak about automation and robotics. The last National Robotics Initiative was during the Obama administration. We can debate about whether investments were too focused on basic research, but coupled with tax incentives, it was a start.

As regulations go, there are some that if changed, they could help companies adopt automation. We’d need to explore that more closely, but A3 has pointed out that robots are a job creator, not a destroyer.

Now that the elections are over, what’s the status of the Congressional Robotics Caucus? Do you know any incoming members of Congress?

Burnstein: U.S. Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts and Rep. Robert Latta of Ohio are the co-chairs. I’ve heard that McGovern was very strong about wanting the caucus to be more active.

I appeared before the Senate AI Caucus, and there’s a growing awareness that AI and robotics go together, so I’m hopeful.

Do you expect a response to your letter from the White House?

Burnstein: We got a response that they received it, and I’m hopeful for outreach to work with A3 and other organizations. The National Association of Manufacturers [NAM] sent letters before and after the election, and a lot of people signed them.

A3’s advocacy principles. Source: Association for Advancing Automation

A3 to work with lobbyists, other organizations

Are A3’s principles in line with Henrik Christensen‘s National Robotics Roadmap? 

Burnstein: We are generally aligned, I participated in putting it together. I think there are other like-minded organizations, such as NAM. We want to focus on all industries that robots and automation can assist.

How can the robotics industry elevate its profile in Washington?

Burnstein: For the first time, we’ve hired a lobbying group, which will begin on Dec. 1. We think there’s a good opportunity, and both sides of the aisle are interested in the same things: bringing back jobs, keeping the U.S. competitive, and not falling behind in a whole bunch of areas, not just manufacturing.

Does A3 have plans to work with other organizations, such as the ARM Institute or robotics clusters, to advocate for the industry?

Burnstein: I haven’t seen much activity lately from the National Alliance of Robotics Clusters, but there will be coordination with similar groups.

As I said, our advocacy committee will meet right before the inauguration. At A3’s Business Forum in January, we may also talk with various groups.

Right now, we’re outlining general principles of working with the next administration on taxes, workforce development, and other issues.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with a link to A3’s full report, released today.

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The Falcon digital twin platform provides high-fidelity, domain-tailored simulation for a variety of use cases. | Source: Duality AI

Duality AI yesterday launched an EDU license and subscription for its Falcon simulation platform. The company said it designed this new program to equip aspiring artificial intelligence developers with the synthetic data skills needed to create advanced AI vision models.

This educational, non-commercial license is intended to expand access to digital twin simulation, said Duality. The San Mateo, Calif.-based company said it will enable students and developers to build cutting-edge AI models and meet the growing demand for AI professionals across industries.

“Digital twin simulation has unlocked a future where anyone can build AI models safely, rapidly, and affordably,” said Mike Taylor co-founder and chief product officer of Duality AI. “Now is the perfect time to invest in building a community that can harness these tools.”

“Whether learners come from an engineering, research, or creative background, we’re excited to share our expertise and help them discover how their skills can play a vital role in the evolving AI industry,” he stated.

Falcon generates accurate data for modeling, training

Founded in 2018, Duality AI said its multidisciplinary team includes engineers, simulation specialists, AI and machine learning experts, and technical artists. They have more than over 70 patents across robotics, simulation, and visualization.

The company specializes in cases where real-world data is insufficient for achieving the precision required for AI modeling and training of complex operations. Duality said it has developed proven techniques that drive successful outcomes for its customers. 

By bringing high-fidelity digital twins of environments and operating systems into Falcon, organizations can generate accurate data and predictive behavior modeling, said Duality AI. This enables them to deploy automated systems robustly and at scale, the company claimed.

Organizations are using the Falcon platform to help solve problems in AI, robotics, and smart system engineering, said the company. Their applications span off-road autonomous driving, high-volume manufacturing, warehouse automation, and disaster management.

Duality AI told The Robot Report that it is taking a similar approach with the EDU license to its work with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the DARPA RACER, enabling students to generate synthetic data for outdoor environments and train and test AI models for autonomous off-road vehicles.

Duality AI to extend its expertise to students

As the need for accurate AI vision models continues to grow, so does the need for skills in digital twin simulation and synthetic data generation, said Duality AI.

“There is currently a lack of some key skills — such as creating digital twins or best-practice techniques for getting the most out of synthetic data — that are not that difficult to learn, but make a huge difference,” said a Duality AI spokesman. “We’re helping close that gap.”

The EDU program offers subscribers full access to Falcon’s feature set. It also includes guided exercises and community resources developed by Duality AI’s experts.

“As an example: In Exercise 1 of the program, we are showing roboticists another way to develop the object-detection models that run on their systems,” the spokesman said. “In fact, it’s a method that many in our field don’t think is possible. We went to show them that not only is it possible, but [also] that we can teach them how to bring these skills into their own development patterns.”

To further support all learners, Duality is launching an online community where anyone can ask questions, collaborate on projects, and share their work.

The company said the curriculum itself is designed to build a strong foundation in digital twin and synthetic data workflows, equipping participants with the skills to create high-performance AI vision models independently.

“Falcon is the platform I wish I had as a graduate student,” said Dr. Felipe Mejia, an AI vision engineer at Duality. “I was always searching for datasets to test new algorithms, and working with digital twins in Falcon offers endless opportunities to experiment and explore.”

“It allows me to simulate scenarios not well-covered by real data, and easily investigate model failure modes — like how does object detection success rate change based on obstruction, distance, lighting? Or any other variable,” he noted.

Duality AI added that its EDU subscription is intended to inspire innovation, and it encouraged users to experiment, develop their projects, and apply their learnings across a variety of fields. The company said it “hopes to foster a vibrant community of innovators eager to explore the full potential of synthetic data and digital twin simulation in modern AI applications.”

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The MC600 is designed for reliable mobile manipulation, says MiR. Source: Mobile Industrial Robots

Mobile Industrial Robots ApS today announced the the latest addition to its growing list of MiR Go-approved products, the MC600 mobile collaborative robot.

“By integrating the ‘legs’ of a mobile robot with the ‘arms’ of a cobot, the MC600 addresses multiple automation workflow challenges such as palletizing and machine tending with one system,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR).

“While some companies have explored humanoid robots or one-off custom mobile cobot solutions for such tasks, they remain far from widespread industrial use,” he stated. “The MC600 is ready today to safely handle these complex automation challenges.”

Mobile Industrial Robots develops and manufactures autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) designed to automate internal logistics and optimize material handling for a wide range of payloads, including pallets. The Odense, Denmark-based unit of testing equipment maker Teradyne Inc. said it integrates robotics and artificial intelligence to serve businesses of all sizes in industries including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

MC600 combines Teradyne technologies

The MC600 combines the MiR600 AMR with the UR20 and UR30 collaborative robot arms from Universal Robots A/S, which is also owned by Teradyne. Mobile Industrial Robots said it can handle payloads up to 600 kg (1,322 lb.) and automate complex workflows in industrial environments.

A unified software platform by MiR Go partner Enabled Robotics controls the MC600. MiR said this coordinates its mobile base and robotic arms, simplifying integration into existing workflows and ensuring smooth operations.

“The smaller MC250 has proven especially popular in semiconductor fabrication facilities and other lower-payload manufacturing tasks, but there’s been a clear demand for a mobile cobot that could handle heavier manufacturing applications,” said Ujjwal Kumar, group president of Teradyne Robotics. “The MC600 meets these requirements, another example of how we consistently offer customers the flexibility, safety, and efficiency that meets their unique automation needs.”

Kumar participated in a fireside chat at the 2024 Robotics Summit & Expo.

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MC600 promises efficency, flexibility

The global market for mobile cobots, which offer efficient and flexible automation, is projected to grow 46% annually by 2030, said Mobile Industrial Robots. Hathout said the MC600 offers a proven, safe, and ready-to-deploy system designed for ease of use, repeatability, and ongoing support.

“For companies seeking scalable automation, the MC600 delivers operational efficiency and long-term reliability,” the company claimed.

Building on the success of the smaller MC250, the MC600 can handle heavier items to automate tasks such as palletizing, box handling, and machine tending, said MiR. The UR20’s extended reach allows the new robot to tackle tasks that were previously inaccessible to smaller cobots.

The MC600 can improve productivity by operating with little downtime, serving multiple machines, and performing continuous material-handling tasks, asserted MiR. This enables businesses to redeploy human workers to higher-value assignments, it said.

In addition, by taking over the movement of heavy goods, the MC600 can improve ergonomics, reducing physical strain on workers and enhancing workplace safety, said MiR.

Mobile Industrial Robots said it will demonstrate the MC600 for real-world applications next week at Logistics & Automation Madrid.

ASTM proposes mobile manipulation standard

In other mobile manipulation news, ASTM International’s F45 committee for robotics, automation, and autonomous systems has proposed a new standard, WK92144.

It provides guidelines for documenting disturbances of robot arms, such as by heavy equipment, in unstructured manufacturing environments. The proposed standard describes an example apparatus for testing.

“Many applications of mobile manipulators require high degree of position and orientation accuracy and repeatability,” said Omar Aboul-Enein, a member of ASTM International.

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Robot density in the manufacturing industry in 2023, according to the IFR. | Source: IFR

Factories worldwide are continuing to adopt more robots, according to the International Federation of Robotics, or IFR. The new global average robot density reached a record 162 units per 10,000 employees in 2023 — more than double the 74 unit average measured only seven years ago.

The Frankfurt, Germany-based IFR noted the growth in its “World Robotics 2024″ report.

“Robot density serves as a barometer to track the degree of automation adoption in the manufacturing industry around the world,” stated Takayuki Ito, the IFR’s new president. “This year’s runner-up is China, which ranks third worldwide behind Korea and Singapore, but right up with Germany and Japan.”

Europe leads in regional robot density

When breaking these numbers down by region, the European Union had the highest robot density, with 219 units installed per 10,000 employees. This is an increase of 5.2% from 2022, with Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Slovenia in the global Top 10. 

North America followed with 197 units per 10,000 employees, up 4.2% from 2022.

Asia has 182 units per 10,000 people employed in manufacturing — an increase of 7.6%. The economies of Korea, Singapore, mainland China, and Japan were among the top ten most automated countries in 2023.

Founded in 1987, IFR aims to connect the world of robotics around the globe. It’s institutional members come from the robotics industry, national or international industry associations, and research and development institutes. The non-profit organization directly represents more than 90 members from over 20 countries.

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IFR lists countries that are top robot users

The Republic of Korea was the world’s No. 1 adopter of industrial robots in 2023, with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees. Robot density has increased by 5% in the country on average each year since 2018.

With a world-renowned electronics industry and a strong automotive industry, the Korean economy relies on the two largest customers for industrial robots, said the IFR.

Singapore followed with 770 robots per 10,000 employees. It is a small country with a very low number of employees in the manufacturing industry, so it can reach a high density with a relatively small operational stock.

China took third place in 2023, surpassing Germany and Japan for the first time. It has been heavily investing in automation technology in recent years. This investment seems to have paid off, the IFR noted, as the People’s Republic of China reached a high robot density of 470 robots per 10,000 employees, compared with 402 units in 2022.

“China’s massive investment in automation technology has achieved this high robot density despite a huge manufacturing workforce of around 37 million people,” Ito said. “Robot density serves as a useful barometer for comparing the level of automation in manufacturing between countries.”

Germany and Japan followed China, in fourth and fifth place respectively. Germany has 429 robots per 10,000 employees, and its robot density has grown by 5% CAGR since 2018.

Japan is close behind with 419 units. The robot density of the world’s predominant robotics manufacturing country has grown by 7% on average each year from 2018 to 2023.

The U.S. reached 295 units per 10,000 employees in 2023, falling just outside of the top 10 by ranking eleventh in the world. While it has been increasing its robot density, the U.S. had 285 units per 10,000 robots installed in 2022. 

The U.S. hasn’t been able to keep up with the rest of the world’s pace. In 2022, it was the 10th most automated country worldwide, and in 2021, it was the ninth most automated country. 

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Collaborative Robotics Inc. today unveiled its Proxie mobile manipulator publicly for the first time. The startup has been secretive about the design of the robot since Brad Porter founded the company in 2022.

Porter has hinted at the design of the robot by alluding to the importance of a mobile manipulator for applications within the warehouse, with a kinematic better suited for warehouse workflows than a humanoid.

Porter brings robotics experience, vision

Porter has been a frequent contributor to The Robot Report and a guest on The Robot Report Podcast. He most recently shared his thoughts about Amazon’s acquihire of the Covariant leadership.

At Amazon, Porter led the deployment of more than 500,000 robots as vice president of robotics and distinguished engineer.  After Amazon, Porter saw an opportunity to accelerate more ubiquitous autonomy through better data and tooling, leading him to join Scale AI as chief technology officer.

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Proxie already in trials

In April 2024, Collaborative Robotics closed a $100 million Series B round toward commercializing its autonomous mobile robot (AMR). The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said Proxie can safely and affordably work alongside people in varied manufacturing, supply chain, and healthcare workflows.

In many cases, this is the same work humanoids are jockeying for. In June 2024, Collaborative Robots opened an office in Seattle and began adding to its AI team.

The base of Proxie includes four “swerve drive” motors that provide holonomic motion. | Credit: Collaborative Robotics

Porter told The Robot Report that Proxie is already in trials with several pilot customers, including a global logistics company. Featured clients include Moderna, Mayo Clinic, Owens & Minor, and Tampa General Hospital. He said Proxie has roughly the stature of a human. 

We asked Porter about the design intentions of going with the swerve drive versus other AMR base designs. Proxie has a base with four drive wheels in a “swerve drive” configuration. The AMR attaches to a cart and then pulls the cart to its next destination, navigating safely through the facility.

“The swerve drive gives you pseudo holonomic motion, enabling you to slide sideways into a set of shelving units. The swerve drive also enables you to snap the casters before you start to move. With a differential drive base, the AMR doesn’t have the degrees of freedom, so it’s more clumsy. Finally, mecanum wheels have other problems that are difficult to manage in production.”

On top of the base is a vertical linear axis that carries a dual arm cart interfacing gripper for cart-moving implementations. A six-degree-of-freedom collaborative robot arm will be an optional configuration for Proxie in the future.

Porter said the company has a dual-arm manipulator in its lab, equipped with the ALOHA grippers, for manipulation tasks.

Proxie can be equipped with a rolling cart gripper that attaches to the cart on the normal handle, and then guides the cart throughout the facility. | Credit: Collaborative Robotics

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The path toward general-purpose robots is being paved by software to accelerate application development. Flexiv last week launched Elements Series 3, the latest version of its adaptive robot control system to makes programming faster and easier.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said its engineers have simplified the user experience, focusing on human-centered design and semi-automated features.

Founded in 2016, Flexiv said it is dedicated to developing and manufacturing adaptive robots. The company said it has integrated industrial-grade force control, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to deliver “turn-key automation” that can enhance efficiency while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

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Teach pendant plus simulation

Flexiv asserted that its new, ruggedized Teach Pendant and intuitive software allows programmers of any skill level to easily create and manage robotics applications, whether they’re in an office or on the production-line floor.

In addition, the Elements Studio 3D simulation tool allows users to design, test, and refine their applications before deploying them in the real world.

Fully compatible across PCs, the Teach Pendant, and all Flexiv robots, Elements Studio can reduce deployment time and minimize risk by allowing thorough testing in a virtual setting, claimed the company.

Source: Flexiv

Flexiv redesigns Motion Bar

As part of the newly released Elements hardware, the Motion Bar has also been redesigned. Based on user feedback, it now includes a status-indicator light and dedicated buttons for mode switching, Freedrive, and Jogging.

Flexiv said operators can use the Motion Bar independently or docked to the Teach Pendant for convenient robot control.

When coupled with the ability to build applications by physically moving a robot into position in Freedrive mode, the need for complex and time-consuming programming is removed. This hands-on approach means anyone can quickly and efficiently build, test, and perfect their application.

Source: Flexiv

Elements 3 supports more motion

Flexiv said it has enabled support for multiple external axes, bringing users seven-plus degrees of freedom (7+N DoF) motion control, making the software suitable for complex tasks involving dual-axis rotary platforms or linear guide rails.

Elements 3 also features additional enhanced drag-and-drop function blocks — known as primitives—to accelerate programming and application building. Flexiv recently helped a seafood producer develop a fish fillet-shaping application with its Rizon 4 collaborative robots.

The company said its updated hardware and software are fully compatible with all of its robots, including the newly released Moonlight Adaptive Parallel Robot.

Source: Flexiv

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The M-950iA is designed to deliver a wide range of motion with precision—even in tight workspaces. | Source: FANUC

FANUC yesterday introduced the M-950iA industrial robot, which is capable of lifting heavy items including automotive components, construction materials, and electric vehicle battery packs. Fitting between FANUC’s M-900iB and M-1000iA families, the serial-link structured M-950iA/500 offers a wider range of motion than standard parallel-link robots. This offers adaptability for tight workspaces and variable layouts, said the company.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our new robot to the market,” said Eric Potter, general manager of FANUC America Corp.’s Robot Application Segment. “Its design is perfect for rapid and robust performance in heavy part lifting, palletizing, and demanding material-handling tasks.”

“With its exceptional strength and versatility, the M-950iA is set to become a powerhouse for customers seeking adaptable solutions in challenging industrial environments,” he added.

FANUC touts M-950iA agility and accuracy

A high-rigidity design makes FANUC’s latest robot capable of handling payloads up to 500 kg — and its reach of 2,829.5 mm is paired with a broad range of motion on the robot’s J3 axis, allowing it to flip over backward. The system can handle large and heavy workpieces thanks to its ultra-strong and powerful wrist.

The M-950iA is also available with stiffness options to maintain high accuracy even under the external force. FANUC said this makes the robot suitable for friction stir welding, drilling, and riveting applications. 

Features and benefits of the system include:

• 6 controlled axes
• 500 kg (1,102.3 lb.) maximum payload
• A 2,829.5 mm (111.4 in.) reach
• Serial link design with a wide J3 axis motion range
• High-performance servomotor drive system offering positioning repeatability of ±0.08 mm
• User-friendly FANUC iPendant teaching device and R-30iB Plus controller connectivity
• Accuracy and stiffness enhancement options are available for high precision or where external forces may act on the robot

Robot maker expands in Michigan

FANUC America, a subsidiary of Japan-based FANUC Corp., is a world leader in robotics, factory automation, CNC systems, and ROBOMACHINEs. The company said its innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers maximize efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.

In July, FANUC unveiled its 650,000-sq.-ft. (60,386-sq.-m) West Campus in Auburn Hills, Mich. It said the facility expands its total footprint in Michigan to more than 2 million sq. ft. (185,806 sq. m) and is part of its strategic investment to advance industrial automation in North America.

The company‘s new facility includes advanced product manufacturing and customized automation, as well as warehouse space for more than 6,000 quick-delivery robots and tens of thousands of parts.

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In Episode 172 of The Robot Report Podcast, co-hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman catch up on the news of the week, including several recent stories about self-driving vehicles. We also catch up with Yoshi Umeno and learn how Kollmorgen helps clients design and build surgical robots.

Featured interview with ABB

In the featured interview this week, Oitzman catches up with Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, to learn how the company is using artificial intelligence to make robotics easier to program and deploy.

Show timeline

• 7:50 – News
• 22:22 – Kayleen Brown interviews Yoshi Umeno from Kollmorgen (sponsored by Kollmorgen)
• 29:50 – Interview with Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics

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News of the week

Schaeffler plans global use of Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid

2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards open for nominations

You can now submit nominations for the 2025 RBR50 innovation awards. They will recognize technology and business innovations in the calendar year 2024, and the awards are open to any company worldwide that produces robotics or automation.

The categories include:

1. Technologies, products, and services: This category includes primary or applied research focusing on robotics and supporting technologies such as motion control, vision, or machine learning. It also includes new products and business, engineering, or technology services.
2. Business and management: This category covers initiatives positioning a company as a market leader or an organization as an important thought leader in the robotics ecosystem. Significant mergers and acquisitions are relevant, as are supplier, partner, and integrator relationships.
3. Applications and markets: The RBR50 will also recognize innovations that improve productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness, as well as those that automate new tasks.

In addition, the 2025 RBR50 awards will celebrate the following:

• Startup of the Year
• Application of the Year
• Robot of the Year
• Robots for Good Award

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

Podcast sponsored by RGO Robotics

The show this week is sponsored by RGO Robotics 

Is your autonomous mobile robot (AMR) struggling in dynamic environments? Is your business stuck because it takes months to commission a new site?

RGo Robotics’ Perception Engine is revolutionizing the AMR business through advanced Vision AI perception technology. Unlike traditional solutions, The company’s software enables AMRs to adapt to changing environments and navigate complex spaces with unprecedented accuracy and the commissioning process is shorter and simpler.

Leading AMR companies are enhancing their fleets with RGo’s AI-powered perception, enabling their teams to accelerate use of advanced AI capabilities like foundation models and digital twins.

Don’t let outdated navigation hold your business back.

To learn more about RGO’s solutions, go to: https://www.rgorobotics.ai/

The post The ABB Edge: Using AI and robotics to transform industries appeared first on The Robot Report.

CaseFlow orchestrates case-picking robots and workers, noted new CEO Karl Iagnemma. Source: Vecna robotics

Vecna Robotics today announced that it has closed $14.5 million in additional funding from existing investors and brought on Karl Iagnemma as CEO. The Waltham, Mass.-based company provides mobile robots for materials handling.

Iagnemma has been a robotics researcher and an entrepreneur. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he authored publications on robotics and artificial intelligence that have been cited more than 20,000 times.

“I got my Ph.D. in 2001 and led the Robotic Mobility Group at MIT from 2001 to 2013, where I did fundamental research into wheeled mobile robots, the foundational technology for autonomous mobile robots [AMRs] and robotaxis,” Iagnemma told The Robot Report.

At MIT, Iagnemma met Daniel Theobald, a fellow alumnus and founder and chairman of Vecna Robotics, while working on a DARPA project. In 2020, Iagnemma made an angel investment in the company.

“I was convinced that Vecna had the world’s best technology to address key workflows in this space,” he said. “It’s a $275 billion opportunity, with 2.5 billion sq. ft. of warehouse space.”

From autonomous vehicles to mobile robots

In 2013, Iagnemma co-founded and served as CEO of autonomous vehicle (AV) developer nuTonomy, which conducted public robotaxi pilots in Singapore.

“nuTonomy launched the first fully Level 4 self-driving vehicles in urban environments,” he recalled. “We raised about $20 million but saw that we needed billions to proceed.”

Tier 1 automotive supplier Aptiv acquired nuTonomy in 2017 for $405 million.

“We then saw that we needed an even bigger partner,” Iagnemma said. “That’s what led us to Hyundai in 2019.”

He was founding CEO of Motional, a $4 billion joint venture between Aptiv and Hyundai Motor Group. In May 2024, Hyundai acquired shares of Motional from Aptiv for $448 million.

“Automation in logistics today is similar to the current state of robotaxis, in that there is a massive market opportunity but little market penetration,” stated Iagnemma.

“I join Vecna Robotics at an inflection point in the material handling market, where operators are poised to adopt automation at scale,” he added. “Vecna is uniquely positioned to shape the market with state-of-art technology and products that are easy to purchase, deploy, and operate reliably across many different workflows.”

What’s the biggest difference between AVs and AMRs?

“With autonomous vehicles, you have to watch out for drunk jaywalkers, the weather, and baby strollers,” replied Iagnemma. “AMRs are ready to be deployed at scale today.”

“One of the first things I did when I joined Vecna is I went to a 1.2 million sq. ft. customer site,” he noted. “There were remarkably few people, and the robots were operating very reliably. It was a more constrained environment [than for AVs], but the robots are still complex. They’re not just technology but products that must operate continuously.”

Iagnemma joins as CaseFlow is released

Vecna Robotics makes autonomous forklifts, tuggers, pallet trucks, and pallet jacks. It also offers the Pivotal software and a round-the-clock Command Center to help manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution operators automate critical tasks, maximize throughput, and quickly scale.

“Pivotal is a great example of the large-scale thinking that is embodied in Vecna,” said Iagnemma. “Some competitors are building widgets for specific workflow products, but Vecna is developing an ecosystem. It’s not just a product for one use case but an AI system that optimizes the performance of every asset, including automation and workers.”

Last month, Vecna introduced the CaseFlow system for optimized human-robot case picking. It offers CaseFlow through a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model.

“I was excited to join with the release of CaseFlow,” Iagnemma said. “Case picking is one of the highest-value workflows, and this is the only truly flexible way to do it. We’ve seen customer sites with ROI [return on investment] in less than a year, with more than doubling of productivity. It’s not just a simulation.”

Vecna prioritizes strategic partnerships, enhanced products

In June, Vecna raised more than $100 million in a Series C round and named Michael Helmbrecht as chief operating officer. The company’s previous CEOs included Dan Patt and Craig Malloy.

Vecna said it plans to use its latest $14.5 million in funding to accelerate technology and product enhancements.

“My goal as CEO is to continue investing in product development and ‘deepen our moat’ in the automated forklift area,” said Iagnemma. “Another is to achieve scale through new products and strategic partnerships, not at the facility scale but at the enterprise scale.”

“Karl Iagnemma combines exceptional robotics expertise with hands-on leadership, making him the perfect fit to drive innovation and propel Vecna Robotics into its next phase of growth,” said Nick Solaro, general partner at Drive Capital. “We are confident that his extensive network will be instrumental in forging key strategic partnerships, securing the company’s long-term leadership in the market.”

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