Hyundai’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics can reinforce its position in smart mobility, says GlobalData

Hyundai Motor Group has agreed to acquire approximately 80% stake in American engineering and robotics design company Boston Dynamics from SoftBank Group for US$1.1bn.The move can fuel Hyundai’s long-term goal to become a smart mobility solutions provider by leveraging Boston Dynamics’ robots such as bipedal and quadruped equipped with 3D vision, navigation and advanced intelligence, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Venkata Naveen, Senior Disruptive Tech Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Hyundai’s move to acquire major stake in Boston Dynamics polarizes with many automakers competing to add their name to the me-too stack of autonomous carmakers by purchasing self-driving tech startups. Moreover, the strategic location of Boston Dynamics in the Silicon Valley gives an advantage to Hyundai to collaborate with tech startups as well as pool the right talent.”

‘In 2013, Google purchased Boston Dynamics to power its core robotic division and eventually create new robotics technologies for commercial applications. But the startup did not meet any commercial success and began losing talent after Google’s restructuring into Alphabet.

In 2017, SoftBank acquired Boston Dynamics to push its smart robotics capabilities. Apart from a few interesting videos of its humanoid and dog-like robots, there was no direct visible benefit to SoftBank.

Naveen continues: “Integrating Boston Dynamics’ robotic technologies with the automotive expertise can strengthen Hyundai’s position in smart mobility, especially in areas such as robo-taxis, personal air vehicles and last-mile mobility.”

The last two years saw both automakers and tech giants ramp up their bets on autonomous vehicles by acquiring startups into self-driving technology. Apple acquired Drive.ai, Amazon purchased Zoox and Daimler snapped Torc Robotics.

Naveen concludes: “In contrast, Hyundai’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics is the first in line of such strategies in the automotive industry to build a smart mobility ecosystem for faster, cheaper and sustainable transportation.”

Caja Robotics will bring fulfillment robotics to Sela Logistics

Israeli-based Caja Robotics, which offers a unique robotic order fulfillment solution, announced an important achievement of partnering with one of the leading Israeli 3PLs. Caja Robotics will upgrade a logistics center operated by Sela Logistics installing Caja’s innovative robotic solution.

Caja Robotics is a goods-to-person solution for unit picking that significantly increases order fulfillment productivity and storage capacity of a warehouse. The system employs two types of robots that collaborate with each other to share tasks and can adapt to any existing warehouse infrastructure. The robotic system is powered by software based in the cloud, that uses advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine and deep learning for navigation, fleet management, and inventory optimization.

Sela Logistics Ltd. is a leading supplier of general logistics solutions, one of the top players in the logistics field in Israel. The company provides its clients with a full range of services and owns seven logistics centers spanning an overall area of over 1.2 million square feet. The company’s clients include: Nike, Adidas, Levi’s, Diesel, Hugo Boss, and more.

„As a company striving to lead and innovate in our field, we welcome the commencement of cooperation with Caja Robotics, which offers a flexible, advanced and uniquely suitable solution for our clients, enabling us to continue to provide the best service possible,“ said Johnatan Grinbaum, CEO of Sela Logistics.

Caja’s robotic solution was selected by Sela Logistics to be implemented within a multi-staged automatization process at its logistics centers. In the initial stage, a fleet of dozens of robots will be incorporated, while at later stages operations will be expanded to include additional Sela Logistics activities. Caja Robotics will soon begin supplying the logistics center with a solution that includes two types of robots combined with unique software developed by Caja. Caja’s solution is already fully operational, at the logistics center of Bergen Logistics in New Jersey, handling the daily fulfillment for thousands of orders from the New York metropolitan area.

„Over the past few years the field of logistics has experienced major growth, due to the ever-increasing participation of new populations in the world of online purchases. This process has led companies that manage the supply chain to search constantly for solutions that support their suitability to this new, developing world,“ said Dr. Ilan Cohen, CEO of Caja Robotics. „We are pleased that a leading company in the field has chosen to substantially integrate automatization and robotics processes, and we view them as strategic partners. It is already clear that as the years go by, giant warehouses and logistic centers will not be able to rely solely on logistics workers, and there will be a need to integrate robots and smart systems in logistic processes. We anticipate that the recent increase in logistic activities will boost interest in the products the company develops.“

About Caja Robotics:
Caja Robotics was founded in 2014, with the vision to lead the transition to automated warehouses with smart systems and flexible robotics that pick-up order efficiency, lift storage capacity and optimize employees‘ workplaces. Caja’s team of visionary software and robotics experts is continuously striving to elevate warehouse operations through robotic fulfillment. Learn more at https://www.cajarobotics.com/.

One America Works Highlights Thriving Robotics Industry in Pittsburgh Through Virtual Recruitment Event

SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB) OCTOBER 27, 2020

To help continue to expand the Steel City’s world-class robotics and engineering expertise, One America Works, an organization that bridges the divide between Silicon Valley and emerging tech hubs across the U.S., is convening more than a dozen of the top robotics companies for its second Pittsburgh-based virtual recruitment event on November 13th, to help fill more than 100 available jobs. With high quality technical and business positions available, this event will showcase the opportunities available in Pittsburgh and attract both local talent and national talent looking to relocate from higher cost cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston and New York City to work in an emerging innovative tech hub with lower cost of living, higher quality of life and lots of professional opportunity.

What: Virtual Recruiting Event for Pittsburgh-Based Robotics Positions
When: November 13th from 11 am – 4 pm ET
Participants will be assigned a specific time slot to meet companies one-on-one.
Where: Register at https://oneamericaworks.org/robotics_recruiting_event/ by November 8th

“As we continue to see tech workers willingness to move away from traditional tech hub coastal cities in favor of mid-sized regional cities, Pittsburgh has become a key destination for top talent considering relocating, thanks to its thriving innovation driven culture, high quality of life and affordable cost of living,” said Patrick McKenna, founder of One America Works. “The city has established itself as a clear leader within the highly skilled robotics industry with both Big Tech and startups committing to the Steel City, in collaboration with the local talent and research resources available through the top-tier universities.”

Founded by Patrick McKenna – an entrepreneur and investor with experience co-founding, operating and investing in several highly successful technology companies – One America Works is bridging the divide in America by spearheading connections between high-growth companies looking to expand and emerging regions across the U.S. that provide high-quality talent and investment opportunities. And this concept is gaining momentum as it creates hundreds of jobs in emerging hubs around the country. Through a successful 2019 pilot program in Pittsburgh, One America Works is responsible for creating over 250 jobs and filling nearly 80 positions over the course of six months. The 501c3 non-profit is leveraging a grant from RK Mellon Foundation to expand into new emerging tech cities this year. To showcase well-paying innovation jobs in the Steel City and across the Heartland, One America Works has hosted a series of popular virtual recruitment events across America this year in Columbus, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

„Over the last decade, Pittsburgh has seen a revitalization, due in part to the success of the local tech scene in the region. The city has been able to reinvent itself as an emerging tech hub while still remaining an affordable and vibrant area,” said Joel Reed, Executive Director, [Pittsburgh Robotics Networ k. “There are many exciting, innovative robotics companies that have come as a result of the local talent and research resources that make this city such an amazing place to live, play and work.“

Employers attending the fair to hire for Pittsburgh-based robotics talent include IAM RoboticsHoneywellLocomationNRECQinetiqAgility RoboticsRE2 RoboticsNear Earth AutonomyCapSen RoboticsESTAT ActuationKomodo AnalyticsSKANeya SystemsBloomfield Robotics and more.

About One America Works
One America Works is a non-profit organization that connects growth companies and talented people across the country, bringing the country together around common goals and values. Founded by entrepreneur and investor Patrick McKenna in 2018, One America Works addresses the geographic economic divide across America by introducing innovative technology companies to new sources of talent located in middle American cities, to bring more people in more places into the modern economy. For more about One America Works, visit oneamericaworks.org or follow the organization on LinkedIn or Twitter.

About the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN)
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) represents the companies and leaders who make up the Pittsburgh robotics ecosystem, which is anchored by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and driven by 100+ robotics organizations, including the worldwide leaders in autonomous vehicle development. It is the PRN’s mission to accelerate the adoption of robotic solutions by bridging this large and dynamic community to the world. We do this by making connections, expanding our collective knowledge, and positively influencing the development and adoption of robotic and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Service Robots Record: Sales Worldwide Up 32%

•    Logistics Robots up 110%
•    Medical Robots up 28%
Frankfurt, October 28th, 2020 – Sales value of professional service robots increased by 32% to 11.2 billion U.S. dollars worldwide (2018-2019). The COVID-19 pandemic will further boost the market. High demand for robotics disinfection solutions, robotic logistics solutions in factories and warehouses or robots for home delivery are examples of this trend. This is according to World Robotics 2020 – Service Robots report, presented by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).


In terms of value, the sales of medical robotics accounts for 47% of the total professional service robot turnover in 2019. This was mainly driven by robotic surgery systems, which are the most expensive type in the segment. Sales hit a new record of 5.3 billion U.S. dollars – up 28%. By 2022, medical robot sales have the potential to more than double by reaching 11.3 billion U.S. dollars. About 90% of medical robots are from American and European suppliers.

Professional Service Robots – logistics

The market value of logistics robots sold or leased was up 110% to 1.9 billion U.S. dollars.
Almost all of the logistics turnover was generated with robots for indoor use. Autonomous mobile robots have initially been used in warehouses but with digitalization of production, they are also part of today’s smart factory. Therefore, a continued strong turnover growth of 40% or more per year seems possible. “The investment in service robots for logistics in manufacturing processes is amortized rapidly,” says IFR President Milton Guerry. “Assuming 24 hour operation, the investment in service robots for logistics may be repaid within 2‐3 years and often much quicker. Given a 15 year lifetime, operating costs are around 5% of the annual investment. Highly developed systems often provide operational availability in the 98% plus range.”

The trending Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) business models lower the hurdle for customers to automate with robots. The benefit is not to invest in hardware, so the companies have no fixed capital, no fixed costs and no need for robot operators. The use of logistics systems in non-manufacturing industries has been strongly driven by warehouse solutions for major e-commerce companies. A strong potential can also be found in hospitals running their logistics with the help of professional service robots. In the segment of professional service robotics, about 90% of the sampled logistics robots were produced in Europe and North America – about 10% in Asia.

Professional Service Robots – field

The segment of field robotics consists of robots for agriculture, dairy, livestock farming and other field applications. Sales value increased by 3% to USD 1.3 billion U.S. dollars. The Covid-19 pandemic might have an impact for further supply of such robots. Travel restrictions for workers from Eastern Europe for instance, who usually travel to Western Europe in harvest season, caused a shortage of labour supply. Farmers might compensate this with the use of field robots. Sales value growth rates of more than 30% for agricultural robots seem possible.

Personal and Domestic Service Robots

Service robots for personal and domestic use, which are produced for a mass market, are mainly in the areas of household robots. This include vacuuming and floor cleaning robots, lawn-mowing robots or entertainment robots. The total number of service robots for personal and domestic use increased by 34% to more than 23.2 million units sold in 2019. The value was up 20% to 5.7 billion U.S. dollars. Unit prices for the two major segments, robot vacuums and toy robots, have been declining in recent years. Today, basic robot vacuums are already available for less than 100 U.S. dollars. 75% of the sampled domestic service robots – vacuum and floor cleaners, lawn mowers and other domestic robots – were produced by American companies in 2019. Asian companies had a share of 19% – European companies of 6%.

A growing market is the use of assistance robots for elderly or handicapped persons. The estimated sales value increased by 17% to 91 million U.S. dollars. Numerous national research projects in many countries focus on this huge future market for service robots. In contrast to most entertainment robots, these robots are high-tech products.

“We expect sales of both professional and personal service robots will continue to increase strongly,” says Milton Guerry, President of the International Federation of Robotics.

LEGO MINDSTORMS: Pass the Build – Tricky (Robot Inventor 51515)

The Robotmak3rs have had a lot of fun recently playing with the new LEGO Robot Inventor kit (51515), released last week. Watch as Tricky is passed around the world to be built by a few of us.
Several RobotMak3rs from around the world take it in turns to pass the build of Tricky from the LEGO® MINDSTORMS 51515 Robot Inventor kit, released on 15th October 2020. Thanks goes out to LEGO and the RobotMak3rs RLOC for supporting this project. RobotMak3rs Community Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robotmak3rs/
Music: „Small Guitar“ from Bensound.com
And Robots-Blog is also part of this video 😉

Igus Robolink Programming Session #1

My workplace for today was kind of different. Thanks @igusgmbh (https://www.igus.de/robolink/roboter) for making this possible. I am learning a lot about robot programming today. I wish I could have such a powerful robot next to my desk any given day.

LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor #51515 Timelapse Video „Blast“

As one of the RobotMak3rs (http://www.robotmak3rs.com/Sebastian-Trella/) and with support by LEGO, I had the opportunity to get my hands on the new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Set #51515 early. Thank you to the RobotMak3rs RLOC and LEGO for making this possible! This is the second video featuring the new MINDSTORMS Set; you will see me doing a timelapse of the build of „Blast“. Blast is one of the 5 robots that come with the 5in1 Set #51515. The other robots will for sure also be shown on this website in the short future.

First LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor #51515 Timelapse Video „Tricky“

As one of the RobotMak3rs (http://www.robotmak3rs.com/Sebastian-Trella/) and with support by LEGO, I had the opportunity to get my hands on the new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Set #51515 early. Thank you to the RobotMak3rs RLOC and LEGO for making this possible!

In this first video featuring the new MINDSTORMS Set, you will see me doing a timelapse of the build of „Tricky“. Tricky is one of the 5 robots that come with the 5in1 Set #51515. The other robots will for sure also be shown on this website in the short future. But for now, enjoy the build of „Tricky“. The build of the first two stages took me about 20 minutes. So, after 20 minutes you have a driving base which can be extended with some „tools“ to make Tricky the amazing robot he is. More information about this amazing new LEGO MINDSTORMS set can be found here: https://robots-blog.com/2020/06/12/new-lego-mindstorms-robot-inventor-lets-creators-build-and-bring-to-life-anything-they-can-imagine/
There you will also find pictures and videos of the other robots, like Gelo, Blast, M.V.P. and Charlie.

Mayflower Autonomous Ship Launches

PLYMOUTH, England, Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Ocean research non-profit ProMare and IBM (NYSE:IBM) have announced the completion and launch of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) – an AI and solar powered marine research vessel which will traverse oceans gathering vital environmental data.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8wPUCPX6ss&feature=youtu.be

Following two years of design, construction and training of its AI models, the new fully-autonomous trimaran was today lifted into the waters off the coast of Plymouth, England ahead of its official launch tomorrow.

Designed to provide a safe, flexible and cost-effective way of gathering data about the ocean, the new-generation Mayflower promises to transform oceanography by working in tandem with scientists and other autonomous vessels to help understand critical issues such as global warming, micro-plastic pollution and marine mammal conservation. ProMare is co-ordinating the scientific studies working with IBM Research and a number of leading scientific organizations.

MAS features an AI Captain built by ProMare and IBM developers which gives MAS the ability to sense, think and make decisions at sea with no human captain or onboard crew. The new class of marine AI is underpinned by IBM’s latest advanced edge computing systems, automation software, computer vision technology and Red Hat Open Source software.

„Able to scan the horizon for possible hazards, make informed decisions and change its course based on a fusion of live data, the Mayflower Autonomous Ship has more in common with a modern bank than its 17th century namesake,“ said Andy Stanford-Clark, Chief Technology Officer, IBM UK & Ireland. „With its ability to keep running in the face of the most challenging conditions, this small ship is a microcosm for every aspiring 21st century business.“

To enable followers around the world to stay updated with MAS as it undertakes its various missions, IBM and ProMare have today launched a new interactive web portal. Built by IBM iX, the business design arm of IBM Services, the MAS400 portal is designed to provide real-time updates about the ship’s location, environmental conditions and data from its various research projects. Live weather data will be streamed from The Weather Company, as MAS is receiving forecast data and insight from the new IBM Weather Operations Center.

The portal even features a seven-armed, stowaway octopus chatbot called Artie, who claims to be hitching a ride on the ship. Powered by IBM Watson Assistant technology and created in partnership with European start-up Chatbotbay, Artie has been trained to provide information about MAS and its adventures in a lively, and accessible format.

„MAS400.com is one of the most advanced ocean mission web portals ever built,“ says Fredrik Soreide, Scientific Director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project and Board Member of ProMare. „Protecting the ocean depends on our ability to engage the public in important matters affecting its health. This MAS400 portal is designed to do exactly that and tell people where the ship is, what speed it’s travelling at, what conditions it’s operating in and what science we are conducting. Users can even help Artie the Octopus fish out surgical masks, cigarette butts and other increasingly common forms of ocean litter from a virtual ocean of facts and data.“

MAS will spend the next six months in sea trials and undertake various research missions and voyages before attempting to cross the Atlantic in Spring 2021. MAS’s transatlantic voyage will be based on a similar route and pioneering spirit to the 1620 Mayflower which made the same crossing 400 years ago.

MAS Facts:

Name: Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS)
Organizations and
companies behind it:   
ProMare, IBM and a global consortium of partners 
Mission:MAS and other autonomous ships and drones working in tandem with human scientists to collect vital oceanographic data
Humans on board:0
Autonomy level5 (can operate independently with no human intervention)
Sensors on board:30+
AI Cameras on board:   6
Octopuses on board:1
Science projects:Marine mammals, micro plastics, sea level height & wave patterns, oceanographic and environmental data collection
Length:15M
Width:6.2M
Max speed:10 knots
Weight:5 tons/4535KG
Equipment capacity:    0.7 tons/700KG
Hull design:Trimaran (central hull with two outrigger wings)
Power:Solar-driven hybrid electric motor
Software:IBM Visual Insights computer vision technology, IBM edge systems, IBM Operational Decision Manager automation software, IBM Maximo asset management software, data from The Weather Company        
Hardware:IBM Power Systems AC922, 6 Jetson AGX Xavier, 2 Jetson Xavier NX, 4+ Intel-based computers, 4+ custom microprocessor systems
Navigation equipment:Precision GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), IMU (Inertial Measurement Units), radar, weather station, SATCOM, AIS
Live mission portal:https://mas400.com
More information:https://newsroom.ibm.com/then-and-now
B-roll:  https://newsroom.ibm.com/mayflower-b-roll
Images:https://newsroom.ibm.com/mayflower-images