Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Exploring the Future Role of 3D Sensing in AMRs, Humanoids, and Industrial Robotics
Sonair's 3D ultrasonic sensor, Adar One, meets SIL2 and Pld requirements and is certified under the European Machinery Directive. In an interview with ROBOTIK UND PRODUKTION, CEO Knut Sandven discusses the advantages of 3D ultrasonic sensors and how Sonair's technology can address the challenges of real-time processing of 3D sensor data in humanoid robots. The development of 3D sensing technology is crucial for advancing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), humanoid robots, and industrial robotics. By enhancing real-time data processing capabilities, these sensors can significantly improve the operational efficiency and safety of robotic systems. The certification of Adar One under the European Machinery Directive further underscores its reliability and compliance with industry standards. Looking ahead, the integration of 3D sensing technology in robotics will likely lead to more sophisticated and capable robotic systems. As the demand for automation continues to grow across various sectors, the role of advanced sensors like Sonair's Adar One will be pivotal in shaping the future of robotics. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Allgemein Anwendungen & Lösungen Humanoide Robotik Menschen & Meinungen
ForwardX Robotics Releases Whitepaper on Scaling AMRs in Existing Manufacturing Facilities
ForwardX Robotics has launched a new whitepaper that explores the engineering capabilities necessary for deploying and scaling autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in existing manufacturing environments. This initiative comes as manufacturers seek to enhance automation in their facilities while ensuring production continuity. The whitepaper highlights the potential of AMRs to improve internal material flow in brownfield environments, which often require minimal changes to existing factory infrastructure. However, it also addresses the unique challenges posed by these environments, which extend beyond simple robot navigation. As the industry moves towards greater automation, stakeholders should monitor how ForwardX Robotics' insights can influence the adoption of AMRs in brownfield settings. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Panasonic Connect Launches Robo Sync for Mobility to Manage AMRs and Equipment This Fall
Panasonic Connect Group announced the launch of its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) control service, Robo Sync for Mobility, set to begin this fall. This service aims to support the introduction and operation of AMRs in logistics and manufacturing environments by integrating multiple manufacturers' AMRs and surrounding equipment for streamlined workflow management. The significance of this service lies in its ability to address the growing interest in AMR utilization amid labor shortages and rising costs in logistics and manufacturing. By providing a unified management system, Robo Sync for Mobility facilitates the ongoing use of AMRs, allowing for easier adjustments to workflows and quicker troubleshooting during operational disruptions. Looking ahead, Panasonic Connect plans to enhance the service by expanding compatibility with additional manufacturers and equipment, improving dashboard and log analysis features, and developing AI-driven operational support capabilities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Understanding Fleet Charging for AMRs: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Deployment
The charging strategy for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) is crucial for ensuring optimal fleet performance, particularly during peak demand periods. Properly managing battery chemistry and electrical infrastructure can significantly impact throughput, making it essential for organizations to model these factors before deployment. This issue is critical as many companies overlook the importance of charging logistics, which can lead to operational stalls and inefficiencies. As demand for AMRs increases, understanding and implementing effective charging solutions will be vital for maintaining productivity and meeting customer expectations. Looking ahead, organizations should prioritize the development of robust charging strategies to prevent disruptions in service. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
B-and-Plus Launches New Lithium Battery for AGVs and AMRs with Standard Connectors
B-and-Plus announced the launch of a new lithium battery on August 12, 2026, designed for AGVs, AMRs, and industrial robots. This battery features pre-installed charging and discharging connectors and includes a CAN level gauge for monitoring battery status. The product aims to simplify wiring and enhance space efficiency in various applications. The introduction of this battery is significant as it addresses the complexities of traditional battery systems, which often require external devices for monitoring and wiring for charging and discharging. By integrating these features, B-and-Plus enhances operational efficiency and provides a reliable solution for electric mobility and industrial applications, where accurate battery status is crucial. Looking ahead, B-and-Plus is also developing higher-output wireless charging systems for AGVs and AMRs. The company is focused on automating charging processes and reducing maintenance burdens through its wireless power technology, which is expected to address challenges in manufacturing and logistics sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
B-and-Plus Launches New Lithium Battery for AGVs and AMRs with Standard Connectors
B-and-Plus, a company specializing in wireless power and charging technology, announced the launch of a new lithium battery for AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) on August 12, 2026. This battery features pre-installed charging and discharging connectors and includes a standard CAN level gauge for monitoring battery status. The new battery, manufactured by Japan Storage Battery Co., integrates wireless charging-compatible connectors, simplifying the wiring typically required for charging and monitoring. With voltage options of 24V and 48V, it eliminates the need for series connections, thus enhancing space efficiency and ensuring cell balance. The CAN communication capability allows for seamless integration with external devices, making it suitable for electric equipment and control systems. Applications for this battery include electric mobility, AGVs, AMRs, and various electric equipment utilizing wireless charging systems. B-and-Plus is also developing higher-output wireless charging systems for AGVs and AMRs, aiming to address challenges in manufacturing and logistics through automated charging and reduced maintenance burdens.
Bonfiglioli Develops Integrated Solutions for AGV and AMR Handling
Bonfiglioli is enhancing its offerings for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) by developing integrated solutions that include complete drive and transmission control systems. This initiative aims to provide customers with a comprehensive movement package, minimizing the need for additional interface devices from manufacturers. The company's focus on increasing payload capacity and delivering customized solutions positions Bonfiglioli as a key player in the AGV/AMR sector. Their new product, 'BlueRoll', a wheel-mounted gearmotor platform, will be showcased at the Parcel+Post Expo in London, highlighting the company's commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability in logistics operations. Looking ahead, Bonfiglioli's advanced Industrial IoT solutions will play a crucial role in enhancing machine reliability and operational efficiency. The company emphasizes sustainability as a core value, guided by CEO Sonia Bonfiglioli's vision. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AMR and AGV Components and Parts Materials Handling AGV components BlueRoll Bonfiglioli
Tsubame Lab Showcases Automation Solutions at LADEC2026 with Robotic Arms and AMRs
Tsubame Lab Inc. participated in the Laboratory Automation Developers Conference 2026 (LADEC2026) held on July 2-3, 2026, at the Miraikan in Japan. The company demonstrated automation solutions for pre-processing tasks using robotic arms and introduced the concept of 'room-level automation' by integrating autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for sample transportation. This participation is significant as it highlights Tsubame Lab's ongoing efforts to create a 'Cloud Lab' that allows researchers to execute experiments remotely via APIs and MCPs. The conference featured over 40 speakers and approximately 60 sponsoring companies, emphasizing the importance of automating repetitive tasks in research environments, which are still largely performed manually by researchers and staff. Looking ahead, Tsubame Lab plans to expand automation elements for pre-processing tasks, enhance the application range of room-level automation through AMR integration, and continue collaborating with the research automation community. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Quick Take: Why Mobility Use Cases (AMRs, AGVs, etc.) Deliver Faster Payback than Stationary Applications
Private networks are increasingly being recognized for their potential in various sectors, with mobility emerging as a key entry point. This focus on mobility is seen as a strategic move, offering quick returns on investment for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency. As companies explore the benefits of private networks, the ability to leverage mobility solutions is becoming a critical factor in their decision-making processes. This trend highlights the growing importance of tailored network solutions in meeting the specific needs of organizations across different industries.
Factory / Mobility
Brownfield Is the Real Test of Automation: How ForwardX Scaled 484 AMRs in a Live Auto OEM Factory Without Production Downtime
Over a year since its implementation, ForwardX's autonomous mobile robot (AMR) system is successfully expanding within Chery Automobile's manufacturing facility in Dalian, China, while maintaining uninterrupted production. This project has emerged as one of the largest brownfield AMR deployments in the automotive sector, showcasing the effectiveness of integrating advanced robotics into existing manufacturing processes. The deployment aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline logistics within the facility, reflecting the growing trend of automation in the automotive industry.
Robot Bank announces AI platform "RobotBank Brain" for coordinating multiple robots like humanoids and AMRs.
Robot Bank Corporation has unveiled its latest initiative, the "RobotBank Brain," which is set to be the cornerstone of its next-generation robotics business. This announcement marks a significant step forward in the company's efforts to innovate and enhance its offerings in the robotics sector. The launch took place recently, highlighting the company's commitment to advancing technology and addressing the growing demand for intelligent robotic solutions. By developing the RobotBank Brain, the company aims to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into its robotics lineup, ultimately improving efficiency and functionality. This initiative reflects Robot Bank's strategic vision to lead in the evolving landscape of robotics and automation.
Toyota introduces over 400 Geekplus AMRs to multiple factories to enhance automated logistics.
Geek Plus has announced the implementation of its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in multiple Toyota manufacturing plants. Currently, over 400 Geek Plus AMRs are operational across Toyota's facilities, with each system managing up to approximately 200 units. This deployment aims to enhance efficiency in the production process, reflecting the growing trend of automation in the automotive industry.
SEER Robotics showcases capabilities of its all-robot platform with new AMRs at MODEX 2026
SEER Robotics showcased its latest advancements in intelligent automation at MODEX 2026, held in Atlanta. The company presented live demonstrations of its new autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), designed for a variety of applications across different industries. This event, which took place recently, highlighted SEER Robotics' commitment to innovation in automation technology. By utilizing its all-robots platform, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency and address the evolving needs of businesses seeking to integrate automation solutions. The demonstrations provided attendees with a firsthand look at how these AMRs can streamline processes and improve productivity in various settings.
AMRs in Real-World Warehouse Environments
Recent findings indicate that the efficiency of robotic systems does not improve proportionally with the addition of more robots. Researchers have observed that once a specific threshold is reached, issues such as traffic conflicts, task contention, and overlapping routes can lead to a decline in overall system performance. This degradation occurs particularly when the orchestration logic governing the robots is not sufficiently sophisticated to manage the complexities introduced by increased numbers. The study highlights the importance of advanced coordination strategies in optimizing robotic operations, suggesting that simply increasing the number of robots is not a viable solution for enhancing productivity. These insights are crucial for industries relying on automation, as they emphasize the need for careful planning and implementation of robotic systems to avoid inefficiencies.
AMRs in Rreal-World Warehouse Environments
Recent studies have revealed that the performance of robotic systems does not improve linearly with the addition of more robots. Researchers found that once a certain threshold is reached, issues such as traffic conflicts, task contention, and route overlap can significantly hinder overall system efficiency. This decline in performance highlights the necessity for advanced orchestration logic to manage the complexities introduced by multiple robots working simultaneously. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing robotic coordination to ensure that increased deployment leads to enhanced productivity rather than inefficiencies.
How AMRs Can Empower Employees and Create New Jobs
As autonomous mobile robots continue to expand their capabilities across various sectors, concerns about job displacement are growing. This emerging technology, while offering innovative solutions, has sparked fears among workers that automation may lead to significant job losses. The apprehension surrounding these robots reflects a broader anxiety about the impact of technological advancements on employment. As industries increasingly adopt these automated systems, the dialogue around their implications for the workforce intensifies, highlighting the need for strategies to address potential job disruptions.
AWD and SWD drive solutions for AMRs
In response to increasing challenges such as labor shortages, efficiency demands, and the complexities of managing a diverse range of stock-keeping units (SKUs), companies are advancing their development of semi-automated and fully automated solutions aimed at improving workplace ergonomics. This trend has gained momentum as businesses seek innovative ways to enhance productivity while addressing the physical well-being of their workforce. The push for automation is particularly significant in industries where manual labor is prevalent, as it not only streamlines operations but also mitigates the risk of workplace injuries. As of October 2023, the integration of these technologies is seen as a crucial step in adapting to the evolving landscape of labor and operational efficiency.
DHL Supply Chain Achieves 1 Billion Picks with Locus Robotics' AMRs
Locus Robotics Corp. announced that DHL Supply Chain has successfully completed 1 billion picks using its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This achievement highlights the sustained performance of warehouse operations, as emphasized by Mary Hart, senior content marketing manager at Locus. She noted that modern consumers expect reliability, which requires efficient warehouse orchestration to meet their demands. The significance of this milestone lies in the measurable improvements DHL has experienced since partnering with Locus Robotics in 2017. The deployment of thousands of AMRs across over 40 sites has resulted in substantial increases in units picked per hour, ranging from 30% to 180%, and an 80% reduction in training time. Brian Gaunt, vice president of digitalization at DHL Supply Chain, stressed the importance of software and data readiness in optimizing robotic deployments. Looking ahead, DHL Supply Chain plans to deploy an additional 5,000 AMRs in 2023, building on the success of its existing fleet. The billionth pick, a pink beanie, signifies not just a numerical achievement but also the potential for consistent fulfillment operations at scale. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Hy-Tek Intralogistics, Locus Robotics partner to deliver scalable warehouse AMRs
Locus Robotics and Hy-Tek have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency through advanced automation. By integrating Locus Robotics' autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technologies with Hy-Tek's expertise in systems integration and their IntraOne warehouse orchestration platform, the partnership seeks to streamline operations for businesses in the logistics sector. This initiative, which was unveiled in October 2023, is designed to address the growing demand for improved productivity and accuracy in warehouse management. The integration process will leverage cutting-edge robotics and software solutions to optimize inventory handling and order fulfillment, ultimately driving operational excellence for clients.
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