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Today’s number is 2025. This is the timeline for Didi's aim to roll out 24/7 self-developed robotaxis and trucking service in partnership with Chinese carmakers.

Hello and welcome back to news, trends & insights in the industry.

In today’s edition:

• 3 Start-ups ( Aurora,Didi, BlueRobotics)

• 2 Old guard (ASL Aviation Holdings, Google Cloud)

• 1 Tech in robotics & automation (Comau)

• 1 Logistics Origins (Mercedes Benz trucks)

Let’s dive in.

In the Box

BlueRobotics got acquired by the Zapi Group

The company specializing in making vehicle automation recently showcased some of its robotics technology in LogiMat 2023:

• two automated mobile robots (AMR)

• two automated pallet trucks,

• a larger forked automated guided vehicle (AGV) in simultaneous operation,

• all managed simultaneously by the company’s mission

• fleet management software, ANT server.

“With our unique multi-brand vehicle demo, our team will demonstrate how advanced, the interoperable fleet operation is already available today, with vehicles driven by ANT.” - Dr. Nicola Tomatis, BlueBotics CEO

Didi announces Kargobot for autonomous trucking

The SoftBank-backed ride-hailing company announced the deployment of a self-developed robotaxis to the public 24/7 by 2025. The goal is to complement its network of drivers.

Additionally, the Beijing-based company announced a brand new autonomous trucking subsidiary, Kargobot.

With a fleet of 100 autonomous trucks, the company has generated $14.6 million by the end of March this year.

Aurora’s South Dallas Autonomous Trucks Terminal

Aurora Innovation has ambitious plans to deploy autonomous trucks in Texas by end of 2024.

The Dallas-based start-up announced to launch of its first commercial-ready terminal for autonomous trucks in Palmer.

The terminal will be pulling freight for pilot customers like FedEx, Uber Freight, and Schneider between Dallas and Houston.

“The terminals are really essential to how we operate. Another big piece of Aurora’s strategy is that we want to own and operate our initial terminal so that we get it right. Right to us means providing a service that drives our customer’s vehicle uptime and high utilization.” - Kendra Phillips, vice president of service delivery at Aurora.

Technology

Comau’s powerful mobile robotics platform

The automation infrastructure company is building a mobile robotic platform using its proven expertise in IOT-enabled technologies and collaborative robotics.

Comau’s mobile robotics paradigm integrates the company’s high-payload Racer-5 Cobot, a 6-axis articulated robotic arm that can work at industrial speeds of up to 6 m/s when human operators are not present, and its Agile1500 autonomous mobile vehicle.

The solution is currently used in three European projects;

• DIMOFAC, an EU initiative aimed at helping companies implement a smart factory architecture, the platform is being used for pick and place and warehouse automation tasks within a machining scenario.

• Penelope for an end-to-end digital manufacturing solution that facilitates bidirectional data flows across the entire manufacturing value chain.

• ODIN to support the manipulation of mechanical parts for automotive applications with the aim of demonstrating the technical and performance feasibility of collaborative robotics on the factory floor.

Old Guards

Google Cloud

The release of the Cloud Cortex Frameworks launched by Google Cloud for inventory management will include the following solutions;

• New data marts

• Templates of Lookers dashboards to show operational analytics and metrics of inventory management.

“By keeping track of inventory levels, businesses can ensure that they have the right amount of products on hand to meet customer demand, while also avoiding overstocking or understocking,” - Blog post-release.

Side note: Microsoft recently launched its own supply chain visibility solutions and AWS is set to enter into the market as well.

ASL Aviation Holdings

The airline giant that operates cargo flights for global couriers like Amazon, DHL, and FedEx has plans to launch cargo drone delivery services.

ASL Airline Ireland was issued a provisional operator certificate for unmanned aircraft systems by the Irish Aviation Authority.

“This light unmanned certification shows ASL’s commitment to be ready, willing, and able as unmanned aircraft become larger and capable of operating over wider networks delivering cargo up to 500 kgs [1,100 pounds] or more,” - ASL Airlines Ireland Managing Director John Rawl.

Logistics Origins

Mercedes Benz Trucks

Mercedes Benz Trucks is a division of the German automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, which is part of the Daimler AG group.

The history of Mercedes Benz Trucks dates back to the early 20th century when Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz invented the first petrol-powered truck in 1896.

In the 1920s, Mercedes Benz began producing heavy-duty trucks for cargo delivery, and by the 1930s, they had become a leader in the industry.

During World War II, the company produced trucks for the German army, but after the war, it shifted its focus back to commercial vehicles.

In the post-war period, Mercedes Benz continued to innovate and improve their truck models, introducing new technologies like air suspension and electronic systems.

The company also expanded its production facilities, establishing new factories in Germany and other countries.

By the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes Benz had become one of the most popular brands of trucks for cargo delivery, known for their durability, reliability, and safety features. In the 1990s, the company introduced a new generation of trucks, including the Actros, which was named Truck of the Year in 1997.

Today, Mercedes Benz Trucks is one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles, producing a wide range of models for different applications, including long-haul transport, construction, and distribution.

The company continues to innovate and invest in new technologies, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, to meet the changing needs of the industry and stay ahead of the competition.

The popularity of Mercedes Benz Trucks for cargo delivery can be attributed to several factors, including their reputation for quality and durability, their innovative technology and safety features, and their extensive network of service and support centers.

Additionally, the company has built strong relationships with customers and dealerships around the world, providing them with personalized service and support to meet their unique needs.

Thank you for reading.

My goal is to break down complex logistics and supply chain technologies. Hope it is worthwhile.

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Over and out,

Okerosi