In Episode 170 of The Robot Report Podcast, co-hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman examine the latest video from Boston Dynamics showing Atlas electric humanoid autonomously moving materials. The video shows Atlas moving automotive parts from one storage bin to another. They discuss how Atlas appears to move differently from competing humanoids.
Featured interview with BionicHive
In our feature interview this week, Oitzman and fellow editor Eugene Demaitre sit down with Gili Ovadia, vice president of business development at BionicHive, to learn more about the company‘s warehouse automation.
The BionicHive Squid mobile robot can drive along the floor of the warehouse and climb into the warehouse racking to put or get boxes/totes from storage locations on higher shelves. Ovadia explains how the system works and where BionicHive is deploying these automated storage systems.
Show timeline
- 1:20 – Boston Dynamics humanoid video discussion
- 16:55 – News
- 27:05 – Interview with Gili Ovadia from BionicHive
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 calendar year 2024, and the awards are open to any company worldwide that produces robotics or automation.
The categories include:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Locus Robotics systems reach 4B picks as warehouse automation accelerates
Locus Robotics Corp. announced that its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have assisted in 4 billion picks across its customer deployments worldwide. The company noted that this milestone came just six months after passing the 3 billion pick mark and reflects its leadership in the warehouse automation industry.
“This is a truly momentous moment for everyone associated with Locus Robotics – from our global team of employees around the world to our expanding base of customers,” stated CEO Rick Faulk. “Reaching the 4 billion milestone in record time demonstrates the incredible momentum we’re generating in warehouse automation.”
In addition to the 4 billion-pick milestone, Locus recently celebrated the grand opening of Locus Park, its new global headquarters in Wilmington, Mass. It is now fully operational and home to hundreds of New England-based employees.
China launches data-sharing initiative for humanoid developers
China has launched a data-sharing initiative for domestic humanoid companies to accelerate innovation. The project is being spearheaded by the National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center (NLJIC) and various Chinese humanoid companies.
The NLJIC, China’s first public platform dedicated to this type of robot, is also building a training ground for manufacturers to collect high-quality data and promote industry-wide standards.
Xu Bin, general manager of the state-backed center, told Chinese media outlet Yicai Global that like autonomous vehicles, “humanoid robots require large volumes of high-quality data for development, and advanced models demand even stricter data standards.”
Bear Robotics expands from restaurants to warehouses with Carti AMRs
Bear Robotics Inc., which has previously created robots for the hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors, announced its foray into logistics. The company unveiled the Carti 100 robot for material handling tasks in warehouses and distribution centers.
Bear Robotics said it built the Carti 100 to handleup to 220 lb. (99.79 kg). It said this ensures automated efficiency and precision while reducing overtime.
The AMR’s features include multi-robot orchestration and an adaptable design suitable for a range of environments, including brownfield and greenfield sites, multi-level spaces, and mezzanines. The customizable robot includes adjustable shelves, smart conveyor belts, and advanced lighting to meet operational needs.
Podcast sponsored by RGO Robotics
The show this week is sponsored by RGO Robotics
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