29 September, 2025

Robotics Giant Backs AI Startup in Bid to Revolutionise Robotics

Posted on 29 September, 202530 September, 2025 by Will Priestman

ABB Robotics has invested in California-based LandingAI to accelerate the transformation of vision AI, making it faster, more intuitive, and accessible to a broader range of users. This first of its kind collaboration will integrate LandingAI’s vision AI capabilities, like LandingLensTM, into ABB Robotics’ own software suite, marking another milestone in ABB’s journey towards truly autonomous and versatile robots.

“This announcement is the latest in our decade-long journey to innovate and commercialize AI, benefitting our customers by enhancing robot versatility and autonomy to expand the use of robots beyond traditional manufacturing,”

said Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation.

“The demand for AI in robotics is driven by the need for greater flexibility, faster commissioning cycles and a shortage of the specialist skills needed to program and operate robots. Our collaboration with LandingAI will mean installation and deployment time is done in hours instead of weeks, allowing more businesses to automate smarter, faster and more efficiently.”

As part of the collaboration ABB has made a venture capital investment through ABB Robotics Ventures, the strategic venture capital unit of ABB Robotics, driving collaboration and investment in innovative early-stage companies that are shaping the future of robotics and automation. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

LandingAI’s LandingLens is a vision AI platform that enables the rapid training of vision AI systems to recognize and respond to objects, patterns or defects with no complex programming or AI expertise required.

Through this collaboration, ABB Robotics will reduce robot vision AI training and deployment time by up to 80 percent. Once deployed, system integrators and end users can retrain the AI for new scenarios on their own, unlocking a new level of versatility. This is a critical step in scaling robot adoption in dynamic environments,

beyond traditional manufacturing, especially in fast-moving sectors such as logistics, healthcare and food and beverage. ABB is already piloting LandingAI’s technology and actively working to integrate it into existing vision AI applications, including item-picking, sorting, depalletizing and quality inspection.

“AI is advancing quickly, creating many opportunities, but also requiring us to keep learning and adapting new skills,”

said Dan Maloney, Chief Executive Officer of LandingAI.

“By combining LandingAI’s vision AI capabilities with ABB’s robots and software, we can make automation more accessible. This makes it easier for businesses to deploy and scale intelligent robotic systems that are practical and useful.”

ABB Robotics is the only robotics company offering a fully integrated AI training tool within its software suite. It will be available alongside ABB’s powerful simulation and programming tool RobotStudio®, which features digital twin capabilities to further simplify commissioning.

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors – from automotive to electronics and logistics – to outperform by becoming more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future, operating leaner and cleaner for a better future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries.

Pallet Shuttle Transforms Coca-Cola HBC Warehousing

Posted on 29 September, 202529 September, 2025 by Will Priestman

Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, the strategic bottling partner for The Coca-Cola Company, has installed a new finished-goods warehouse with Mecalux’s semi-automated Pallet Shuttle system in Lisburn (Northern Ireland). This solution provides high-density storage, direct access to 9,000 pallets and strict inventory control, supporting distribution to the island of Ireland.

Opened in 2010, the Knockmore Hill production facility in Lisburn operates nine production lines and continues to expand its operations. It supplies beverage brands throughout the island of Ireland, ranging from Coca-Cola classics to Dr Pepper, Monster Energy, Powerade, Schweppes and Sprite, as well as various locally owned brands, including Deep RiverRock.

“As a fast-moving consumer goods company, speed is everything. We need to manage our warehousing, inventory control and distribution processes efficiently to optimise customer service and operate cost-effectively,”

says Karl Quinlivan, Logistics Route to Market Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The new warehouse maximises available space with Mecalux’s semi-automated Pallet Shuttle system, accommodating 9,000 pallets. The storage solution is equipped with four motorised shuttles. Once operators position them in the storage channels, these vehicles deposit and retrieve pallets autonomously. Mecalux’s warehouse control system enables staff to issue commands to the shuttles via a tablet.

The decision to equip the new finished-goods warehouse with Mecalux’s semi-automated Pallet Shuttle solution underlines Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland’s commitment to innovation. “By integrating new technologies into our manufacturing and logistics processes, we’re making steady progress towards Industry 4.0, enhancing efficiency and quality at every stage,” says Quinlivan.

[PODCAST] Let’s Talk Automation: Sortation, Storage & Smarter Logistics

Posted on 29 September, 202529 September, 2025 by Will Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, we dive into the world of automation, sortation, and smarter logistics with Mike Morgan, Business Development Manager at OPEX. Recorded live at the Logistics Business Podcast Studio, this special edition, titled “Let’s Talk Automation, Sortation, Storage, and Smarter Logistics,” explores the challenges and solutions in the logistics industry.

Mike shares insights into how OPEX is revolutionizing warehouse operations with cutting-edge technology and family-driven values. Discover how sortation serves as a gateway to automation, unlocking upstream and downstream efficiencies. Learn about the company’s journey from mailroom automation to becoming a leader in warehouse solutions, emphasizing speed, efficiency, and adaptability.

The conversation delves into the pressures faced by logistics operations, from cost optimization to carbon reduction, and how OPEX’s innovative solutions address these challenges. Mike highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and deploying the right technology to achieve smarter logistics.

Join us as we explore the future of logistics, where flexibility and automation coexist, and discover how OPEX is helping businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Whether you’re a logistics professional or simply curious about the industry’s future, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the transformative power of automation in logistics. Subscribe to Logistics Business Conversations to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the industry. Link in first comment.