Warehouse automation update with Fetch Robotics and Anyware Robotics

The Robot Report Podcast · 22 Feb 2024 · 1h 01m

What this episode covers

Thomas Tang, CEO of Anyware Robotics, introduces Pixmo, a mobile manipulator designed for autonomous trailer unloading, leveraging heavy-payload collaborative arms and advanced perception algorithms to handle dynamic container contents. Matt Wicks, Senior Director of Robotics Automation at Zebra Technology, discusses Fetch Robotics' post-acquisition strategy, noting the discontinuation of larger AMRs like the Fetch 500 and 1500 in favor of the Fetch 100 platform for fulfillment and material movement. The episode also covers industry news, including ABB's insights on AI in robotics, Hippo Harvest's use of Fetch bases for greenhouse automation, and the departure of Jason Walker from Locus Robotics.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies and companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Anyware Robotics, Fetch Robotics, Zebra Technology, ABB, Hippo Harvest, Locus Robotics, Waypoint Robotics, GXO Logistics, Diligent
Products
Pixmo, Fetch 100, Fetch 500, Fetch 1500, Zebra Robotics Symmetry

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 21m

    BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)

    Host Chris Luecke and co-host Jake Hall interview leaders from Vecna Robotics, Waypoint Robotics, WiBotic, Fetch Robotics, Dexterity, and FedEx at the 2021 AMRs and Logistics Conference. Daniel Theobald of Vecna Robotics discusses the critical need for AMR interoperability and the role of Mass Robotics in setting standards. Jason Walker of Waypoint Robotics explains the company's acquisition by Locust Robotics and the importance of flexibility in AMR deployment. Ben Waters of WiBotic details wireless charging solutions for diverse fleets, including space applications, while Melonee Wise of Fetch Robotics reflects on her company's acquisition by Zebra Technologies and the evolving safety standards for AMRs. Michael Patrick Perry of Dexterity outlines the stages of autonomous transformation in warehousing, and Aaron Prather of FedEx emphasizes the industry's return to in-person collaboration and the necessity of solving specific customer pain points.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 50m

    BONUS: Leaders in Machine Vision and Robotics: Live from Boston, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)

    Host Chris Luecke interviews Laura Hoffman, Patty Ketseris of Locust Robotics, Matt Charles of Robex, Melanie Weiss of Zebra Technologies, and Alex Ciccaney of A3 at the 2022 Vision Show in Boston. The group discusses the convergence of machine vision and mobile robotics, the shift toward cloud-based automation, and how manufacturing can learn from the repeatability of warehousing. They also cover Robex's acquisition by private equity, Zebra's acquisition of Fetch Robotics, and the growing adoption of AI and vision in non-traditional verticals like medical devices.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 42m

    244: Automate LIVE 2025: Warehousing Innovations, AI at the Edge, and Interoperability

    Melonee Wise of Agility Robotics discusses the practical logistics applications of humanoid robots, emphasizing a tiered approach to complexity and the critical importance of new ISO safety standards for cooperative deployment. Glen Guernsey of JR Automation highlights advancements in warehouse automation, specifically random SKU palletization and automated truck loading/unloading, driven by labor shortages. Zoie Rittling of OnLogic and Michael Maxey of ZEDEDA explain the concept of 'right-sizing' AI at the edge to eliminate mundane operational tasks without over-engineering. Finally, Robert Ponsonby of Arduino details how open-source interoperability allows manufacturers to integrate legacy systems with modern cloud infrastructure, accelerating deployment and reducing costs.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 50m

    173: Leveraging Robotics in an Unstructured World with Dexterity's Michael Patrick Perry

    Michael Patrick Perry, Dexterity’s VP of Marketing, discusses how the company has scaled from a small team to nearly 260 employees, moving from bread packing to full warehouse automation. He explains Dexterity’s software-first approach, which allows robots to handle complex, unstructured tasks like truck loading and palletizing by combining vision, force control, and planning. Perry highlights the democratization of robotics, enabling smaller companies to deploy flexible solutions quickly without massive capital expenditure, while also detailing how AI is used to create customized marketing experiences for enterprise clients.

  • Over the Air · 29m

    The Rise Of Retail Robots With Simbe Robotics

    Shaw, CTO of Simbe Robotics, explains how the company pivoted from a generic autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platform to focusing on retail inventory management with their robot Tally. He details the evolution from early prototypes using GoPros and laser-cut wood to a sophisticated system combining computer vision, RFID, and AI to help retailers track stock levels and planogram compliance. Shaw also discusses the company's scaling journey, the integration of software stacks like ROS and AWS, and future innovations like the Cindy Mobile app and virtual tours.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Robot Report Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.