Nov 1, 2024

In Episode 170 of The Robot Report Podcast, co-hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss the latest video from Boston Dynamics showing Atlas electric humanoid in an autonomous material movement demo. The video shows Atlas moving automotive parts from one storage bin to another bin. The hosts discuss the unique aspects of this video and how Atlas appears to move differently from the other competitive humanoid robots in recent demonstration videos. Read the entire video review here: https://www.therobotreport.com/atlas-humanoid-robot-shows-increasing-competence-in-latest-boston-dynamics-video/ Featured interview In our feature interview this week, Mike Oitzman and Gene Demaitre sit down with Gili Ovadia, VP of Business Development at BionicHive to learn more about their unique warehouse automation solution. 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. We learn how the system works and discuss where BionicHive is deploying these automated storage solutions. Squid video: Show timeline NEWS OF THE WEEK 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards open for nominations Submissions are now open for the 2025 RBR50 innovation awards. This awards program celebrates robotics innovation in calendar year 2024, and is open to any company worldwide that produces robotics or automation solutions. To learn more about the program and submit a nomination form, goto: https://www.therobotreport.com/2025-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards-open-for-nominations/ Categories: 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. Examples range from design, manufacturing, and legal services to new Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) offerings. 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. PLUS Special awards: Locus Robotics Corp. announced that its autonomous mobile robots 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 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 and various Chinese humanoid companies. The National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center (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 Inc., which has previously created robots for the hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors, last week 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 handle the complex demands of factories and warehouses, supporting up to 220 lbs (99.79 kg). It said this ensures automated efficiency and precision while reducing overtime. One key feature of the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is its multi-robot orchestration. This enables smooth collaboration across operations, boosting productivity, and cutting costs, asserted the company. The Carti 100 has 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 Is your autonomous mobile robot 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, RGo’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 goto: https://www.rgorobotics.ai/