Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Discover advancements in robotic case and item picking technology.
This week, experts from Locus Robotics, Nomagic, and RightHand Robotics will participate in a webinar focused on advancements in robotic piece picking technology. The discussion aims to highlight the latest developments in this field, showcasing how these innovations can enhance efficiency in logistics and warehousing operations. Attendees will gain insights into the current state of robotic automation and its implications for the future of supply chain management. The event underscores the growing importance of robotics in improving operational capabilities across various industries.
6-Axis Arms / Manipulators Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Cameras / Imaging / Vision Collaborative Robots
Emerging 2D Flex Feeding Revolutionizes Industrial Part Picking with Simplified Vision Systems
The article discusses the advancements in 2D Flex feeding technology, which simplifies robotic vision for industrial part picking. Unlike traditional 3D bin picking, this new approach allows for quicker and more reliable implementations, making it accessible for a broader range of applications. This innovation is significant as it enhances the capabilities of industrial robots in manufacturing, reducing the complexity associated with advanced vision systems. Experts Nicholas Kern from SICK and Nick Barron from Feedall highlight the advantages of flex feeding over bowl feeding, showcasing early adopters who are already experiencing substantial benefits. Looking ahead, the future of feeding robots appears promising with the integration of smarter vision systems. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor its adoption and impact on manufacturing efficiency and productivity. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Factory / Robotics
Dogtooth Technologies Secures £14 Million for AI-Powered Strawberry Harvesting
UK-based Dogtooth Technologies has successfully raised over £14 million in funding to enhance its AI-driven strawberry picking robots. The financing, provided by 24 Haymarket, EMV Capital, and ACF Investors, along with a grant from Innovate UK, aims to accelerate the deployment of these robots in both the UK and international markets. The company has already established a fleet of approximately 70 robots operating on commercial farms in the UK and Australia, harvesting tens of tons of fruit each season. The significance of this funding lies in addressing the ongoing labor shortages in agriculture, which have made robotic harvesting a necessity rather than a luxury. Dogtooth's robots utilize advanced computer vision and precision mechanical arms to autonomously navigate complex growing environments, identify ripe fruit, and perform harvesting without damage. This technology allows for continuous operation, even in cooler night conditions, thereby extending the shelf life of harvested produce. Looking ahead, Dogtooth Technologies is poised to expand its market presence, having recently delivered systems to Dyson Farming, a UK indoor berry producer. As the global horticultural industry grapples with seasonal labor shortages and rising costs, the successful deployment of these agricultural robots could signal a shift towards more widespread adoption of embodied intelligence in farming. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Agricultural Robotics AI Technology Fruit Harvesting Embodied Intelligence
Locus Array expands picking ability with Nexera Robotics’ NeuraGrasp
Nexera Robotics has announced that its adaptive NeuraGrasp technology will enhance the picking capabilities of the Locus Array mobile manipulator, allowing it to handle a significantly larger variety of e-commerce stock-keeping units (SKUs). This development aims to improve efficiency in warehouse operations, addressing the growing demand for automation in the e-commerce sector. The integration of NeuraGrasp with the Locus Array is set to streamline the picking process, ultimately supporting businesses in meeting customer needs more effectively.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) End Effectors / Grippers Grippers Logistics Mergers & Acquisitions News
ABB Robotics launches PickMaster Lite to simplify & accelerate robotic picking
ABB Robotics has introduced PickMaster® Lite, a simplified version of its robotic picking software, aimed at packaging OEMs and system integrators. Launched on May 5, 2026, this new software is designed to accelerate the development of high-speed, vision-guided robotic picking solutions. By offering essential features for common picking tasks, PickMaster Lite reduces engineering efforts by 30% and commissioning time by 25%, while ensuring reliable performance. The motivation behind this launch stems from the increasing demand for automation in manufacturing, driven by labor shortages and consumer expectations for personalized products. Craig McDonnell, Business Line Managing Director at ABB Robotics, emphasized the need for quick and reliable automation solutions to enhance production flexibility. PickMaster Lite employs an intuitive, task-based interface with pre-configured templates, eliminating the need for specialized programming skills. It integrates seamlessly with existing machine control architectures, allowing for easy communication with PLC and HMI systems. This capability enables machine builders to manage key functions directly through their preferred control systems, thus minimizing development risks. The software is particularly suited for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications in sectors such as consumer goods, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and e-commerce. As part of the broader PickMaster family, it offers a scalable solution that can evolve alongside production needs, with options for more advanced functionalities through PickMaster and PickMaster Twin. For additional details, interested parties can visit ABB's robotics website.
Want to hire for your robotics startup? The autonomous vehicle industry is ripe for picking.
Veterans from the autonomous vehicle industry have established a new robotics company, highlighting the significant overlap in skills between the two fields. These industry pioneers shared insights with Business Insider, emphasizing that the expertise gained in developing autonomous vehicles is highly applicable to robotics. Their experience in data analysis, machine learning, and system integration equips them to tackle the challenges faced in the robotics sector. As the demand for advanced robotics solutions continues to grow, these founders aim to leverage their backgrounds to innovate and drive progress in this emerging market. The transition reflects a broader trend of professionals seeking to apply their technical skills across different technology domains, particularly as industries converge and evolve.
Transportation robotaxi robotics hiring
Real‐Time Detection and Robotic Picking of Stropharia Rugoso‐Annulata Using Enhanced YOLOv11s
In a recent study published in the Journal of Field Robotics, researchers explored advancements in robotic navigation systems, focusing on their application in complex environments. The findings, released in May 2026, highlight innovative algorithms that enhance the ability of robots to navigate through challenging terrains, such as urban landscapes and disaster-stricken areas. The research team, composed of experts in robotics and artificial intelligence, conducted extensive field tests to assess the performance of these new navigation systems. By integrating machine learning techniques, the robots demonstrated improved decision-making capabilities, allowing them to adapt to unforeseen obstacles and dynamic surroundings. This study is significant as it addresses the growing need for efficient robotic solutions in various sectors, including search and rescue operations, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. The enhanced navigation systems could lead to more effective deployment of robots in critical situations, ultimately saving lives and resources. The researchers emphasized that the successful implementation of these technologies relies on ongoing collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that advancements in robotics can be effectively translated into real-world applications. As the demand for autonomous systems continues to rise, this research represents a crucial step toward more intelligent and adaptable robotic solutions.
RESEARCH ARTICLERobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
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