Check out the latest news in the logistics industry in the U.S. as Symbotic and SoftBank collaborate to introduce a WaaS called GreenBox. SoftBank has launched its Project R and Amazon is launching its Sequoia robot/AI overhaul in Houston. There are also developments in grippers and hands for industrial robots and cobots, and a historic connection of a robotic prosthetic hand to the brain.
Finally, tech help for SME warehouses
U.S.-based Symbotic and Tokyo-based SoftBank are partnering to create low-cost, AI-based logistics automation services for small-to-medium (SME) warehouses, forming a joint business called GreenBox Systems LLC. Initially capitalized 65% by Softbank and 35% by Symbotic for a total of $100 million, the business aims to offer warehouse as a service model to SME warehouses.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 21,000 warehouse establishments in the US, 80% of which have zero automation. GreenBox will offer a warehouse as a service (WaaS) monthly service to warehouses that do not have funds to purchase automated systems outright. Symbotic has already been selling AI-powered robotic warehouse management systems to large clients, and will now offer this as a service to smaller businesses.
SoftBank’s Project R is expected to make new investments in emerging technologies, with a focus on AI. SoftBank already has investments in Boston Dynamics, AutoStore, Berkshire Grey (acquired in 2023), and the recent joint venture with Symbotic called GreenBox Systems.
Amazon overhauls with new robotics & AI: Sequoia
Amazon has announced a new logistics overhaul using advanced robotics and AI called Sequoia. This system has been launched at one of its warehouses in Houston, aiming to speed up the process of fulfilling orders by up to 25% and reducing the time to store inventory by up to 75%.
Amazon has transformed its operations to a regionally focused model and sees a connection between delivery speeds and growth.
From grippers to hands for industrial robots
A robot hand developed at MIT could find applications in industrial robots and humanoid robots. The new design could be integrated with other robotic limbs to create scalable humanoid robots that are better at manipulating objects.
Real “mind control” for robot hand
For the first time, a robot hand has been made to connect directly with the brain and integrate with the nervous and skeletal systems, giving real control and real physical sensations to the recipient.
Osseointegration is the process that connects bones to the electrodes implanted in the nerves and muscles, allowing the brain to send signals to the prosthesis through the nerves, just like it would with a natural limb.