In episode 180 robot report The podcast features an interview with Chris Savoia, Head of Ecosystem Success, Americas, at Universal Robots A/S. He discusses the evolution of collaborative robots, the importance of automated training and retraining, and recent advances in higher payload robots and mobile manipulators.
Savoia also shares insights on his podcast “Re-Automated” and highlights the importance of Universal Robots’ new Polyscope X platform for developers. He talks about the value proposition of robotic connectivity, the improvements brought by MotionPlus, and the importance of cybersecurity in connected systems.
Savoia also details OptiMove’s capabilities to optimize collaborative robot control and the evolution of the UR+ ecosystem through new partnerships and products. He looks to the future of robotics, highlighting the potential growth of the industry and the impact of artificial intelligence.
Humanoid News of the Week
Figure AI has successfully delivered Figure 02, an advanced humanoid robot, to paying customers. The identity of the customer has not yet been revealed, but it is worth noting that the BMW Group tested the humanoid at its South Carolina production plant in August 2024. This test evaluated the robot’s ability to handle sheet metal parts.
In particular, BMW also evaluated Figure AI’s predecessor, Figure 01. It said the successful delivery of Figure 02 demonstrates growing commercial interest in the company’s technology. Figure AI won the 2024 RBR50 Award for its rapid pace of innovation. The Sunnyvale, California-based company has been building and iterating on working humanoids and testing robots on production lines since coming out of stealth in January 2023.
In a related story, OpenDroids has developed both single and dual arm mobile manipulators. Despite not bringing a robot, an open droid was on display at RoboBusiness. The R1D1, a single-arm mobile manipulator, will be showcased at CES in Las Vegas next week. Podcast co-host Mike Oitzman will visit the company’s booth at CES for a “Best of CES” episode.
Zebra Acquires Photoneo Brightpick Group
Zebra Technologies has announced its intention to acquire the vision unit from Photoneo Brightpick Group. Following the acquisition, Photoneo Brightpick Group will be rebranded as Brightpick and operate independently, focusing on the development and deployment of AI-based robots for warehouse automation.
Brightpick has been named the 2024 RBR50 Application of the Year winner. The acquisition builds on Zebra’s previous investments in robotics, including the 2021 acquisition of autonomous mobile robot (AMR) supplier Fetch Robotics for $290 million. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the companies said they expect the deal to close in 2021. First quarter of 2025.
