Vecna Robotics

Last updated
Vecna Robotics, Inc.
TypePrivate
Industry
Founded2018
Founders
  • Daniel Theobald [1]
  • Dan Patt [1]
Headquarters425 Waverley Oaks Dr,
Waltham, Massachusetts
,
United States
Key people
  • Craig Malloy (CEO) [2]
Products
  • Autonomous Counterbalanced Fork Truck
  • Autonomous Pallet Truck
  • Autonomous Tugger
  • Tote Retrieval System (TRS)
  • Pivotal Orchestration Engine
Services
  • Automated Material Handling
  • Hybrid Fulfillment
  • Workflow Optimization
Website vecnarobotics.com

Vecna Robotics, Inc. is an American robotics and technology company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. [3] Incorporated in 2018 as a spin-off from Vecna Technologies, the company specializes in automated material handling, hybrid fulfillment and workflow optimization for industrial applications. [4]

Contents

In December 2017, the firm won the DHL & Dell Robotics Innovation Challenge for developing the Tote Retrieval System (TRS), [5] an automated guided vehicle (AGV) capable of warehouse navigation and mobile piece-picking from conventional shelves. [5]

History

Vecna Robotics originated as a division of Vecna Technologies, [6] which had been founded in 1998 by MIT engineering alumni, Daniel Theobald. [7] According to a December 2017 profile of Theobald by Forbes contributor, Frederick Daso, the company name ‘Vecna’ is derived from the Czech word věčný, fem. věčná, meaning ‘eternal’. [8] Vecna Technologies focused primarily on health-care software development, while the robotics division engaged in research for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. [9] [10] [11]

The company was later based in Cambridge, MA and supported efforts to build the Massachusetts Robotics Cluster. [3] [12] [13]

In the mid-2000s era, Vecna Robotics received funding from the U.S. Army, DARPA and other government agencies to develop the Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot (BEAR). [14] [15] The humanoid robot was originally designed to rescue wounded soldiers from the battle field, but as the company refined and adapted its robotics software, other commercial applications became evident. [14] [16] [17] In turn, Vecna Robotics abstracted its autonomy software or "brain" from the BEAR's physical hardware and utilized the same methodology to develop a range of logistics robots. [16] [18] In April 2012, the QC Bot, a robotic courier, was piloted in hospitals to distribute medicine and food. [19] The company's product expansion continued in April 2017 when additional logistics robots became generally available to the industrial sector. [4] Concurrently, Vecna Robotics was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Vecna Technologies. [20] [21] The separation positioned Vecna Robotics to seek outside investment as well as specialize in autonomous mobile solutions for manufacturing and warehouse applications. [20] [21]

In January 2018, Daniel Patt, the former deputy director of DARPA's Strategic Technology Office (STO), joined as CEO. [22] [23] The same year, Vecna Robotics spun out from former parent, Vecna Technologies. [3] 60 existing employees transferred to positions in the new company. [3] According to a filing with the SEC, Vecna Robotics reincorporated in Delaware and raised $13.5 million in a funding round that began August 14, 2018. [1] The round was led by Columbus, Ohio-based venture capital firm, Drive Capital, and marked the first outside equity investment in the new company Vecna Robotics. [22] [24] In January 2020, an additional $50M in investment was announced along with a change of leadership as Theobald took over as CEO. [25]

In June 2021, the company announced former founder and CEO of Lifesize Craig Malloy as CEO. [2]

In January 2022, the company announced a series C raise led by Tiger Global with participation from Lineage Logistics, Proficio Capital Partners, and IMPULSE, bringing the company's total capital raised to $128.5 million. [26]

In March 2022, the company released the industry's first co-bot pallet jack in partnership with forklift maker Big Joe. [27]

Technology

Vecna Robotics’ automated material handling product line includes the RC20 Conveyor, RC500 Conveyor, RL350 Lifter, RL3600 Pallet Truck, RT4500 Tugger and the Tote Retrieval System (TRS). [28] [29] As of October 2018, the company's RL3600 Pallet Trucks were deployed at Milton CAT's Milford, Massachusetts distribution center to increase fulfillment speed. [30] The RL3600 addressed the problem of retrieving slow-selling items stored at long walking distances. [30] In March 2018, a fleet of six RT4500 Tuggers were profiled by Cade Metz in The New York Times as new “robotic colleagues” at the FedEx industrial shipping hub in Kernersville, North Carolina. [31] In this warehouse application, the tuggers pull trains of carts with bulky goods such as car tires or canoes to manage a growing percentage of eCommerce orders for items unable to fit on conveyor belts. [31] In addition to Vecna Robotics’ hardware line, the company also developed artificial intelligence (AI) software designed to integrate warehouse management systems, robotics and human workflow. [20] [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logistics</span> Management of the flow of resources

Logistics is a part of supply chain management that deals with the efficient forward and reverse flow of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption according to the needs of customers. Logistics management is a component that holds the supply chain together. The resources managed in logistics may include tangible goods such as materials, equipment, and supplies, as well as food and other consumable items.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logistics automation</span> Application of computer software or automated machinery

Logistics automation is the application of computer software or automated machinery to improve the efficiency of logistics operations. Typically this refers to operations within a warehouse or distribution center, with broader tasks undertaken by supply chain engineering systems and enterprise resource planning systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warehouse</span> Building for storing goods and giving services

A warehouse is a building for storing goods. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs, etc. They are usually large plain buildings in industrial parks on the outskirts of cities, towns, or villages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Distribution center</span> Building stocked with goods for delivery

A distribution center for a set of products is a warehouse or other specialized building, often with refrigeration or air conditioning, which is stocked with products (goods) to be redistributed to retailers, to wholesalers, or directly to consumers. A distribution center is a principal part, the order processing element, of the entire order fulfillment process. Distribution centers are usually thought of as being demand driven. A distribution center can also be called a warehouse, a DC, a fulfillment center, a cross-dock facility, a bulk break center, and a package handling center. The name by which the distribution center is known is commonly based on the purpose of the operation. For example, a "retail distribution center" normally distributes goods to retail stores, an "order fulfillment center" commonly distributes goods directly to consumers, and a cross-dock facility stores little or no product but distributes goods to other destinations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unmanned ground vehicle</span> Type of vehicle

An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is a vehicle that operates while in contact with the ground and without an onboard human presence. UGVs can be used for many applications where it may be inconvenient, dangerous, or impossible to have a human operator present. Generally, the vehicle will have a set of sensors to observe the environment, and will either autonomously make decisions about its behavior or pass the information to a human operator at a different location who will control the vehicle through teleoperation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automated storage and retrieval system</span> Robotic warehouse for physical objects

An automated storage and retrieval system consists of a variety of computer-controlled systems for automatically placing and retrieving loads from defined storage locations. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are typically used in applications where:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TerraMax</span> Trademark for autonomous/unmanned ground vehicle technology

TerraMax is the trademark for autonomous/unmanned ground vehicle technology developed by Oshkosh Defense. Primary military uses for the technology are seen as reconnaissance missions and freight transport in high-risk areas so freeing soldiers from possible attacks, ambushes or the threat of mines and IEDs. The technology could also be used in civilian settings, such as autonomous snow clearing at airports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Material-handling equipment</span> Machinery and equipment used for transporting objects and materials

Material handling equipment (MHE) is mechanical equipment used for the movement, storage, control, and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. The different types of equipment can be classified into four major categories: transport equipment, positioning equipment, unit load formation equipment, and storage equipment.

The Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot (BEAR) is a remotely controlled robot developed by Vecna Robotics for use in the extraction of wounded soldiers from the battlefield with no risk to human life. The humanoid robot uses a powerful hydraulics system to carry humans and other heavy objects over long distances and rough terrain, such as stairs.

Order processing is the process or work-flow associated with the picking, packing, and delivery of the packed items to a shipping carrier and is a key element of order fulfillment. Order processing operations or facilities are commonly called “distribution centers” or “DC 's”. There are wide variances in the level of automation associating to the “pick-pack-and-ship” process, ranging from completely manual and paper-driven to highly automated and completely mechanized; computer systems overseeing this process are generally referred to as Warehouse Management Systems or “WMS”.

Amazon Robotics, formerly Kiva Systems, is a Massachusetts-based company that manufactures mobile robotic fulfillment systems. It is a subsidiary company of Amazon.com. Its automated storage and retrieval systems were previously used by companies including The Gap, Walgreens, Staples, Gilt Groupe, Office Depot, Crate & Barrel, and Saks 5th Avenue. After those contracts ran out, Amazon did not renew them and Kiva's assets now work only for Amazon's warehouses.

Vecna Technologies is a healthcare information technology company with products including the Patient Information Exchange and QC PathFinder. Vecna shares its origin with an independent sister company Vecna Robotics that develops and applies robotics technology to logistics and industrial markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interroll</span> Swiss manufacturing company

The Interroll Worldwide Group is a manufacturer of products for unit-load handling systems, internal logistics and automation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dematic</span>

Dematic is an American supplier of materials handling systems, software and services. With a growth rate of 21.2% in 2021 Dematic was listed as the world's second-largest materials handling systems supplier with a revenue of 3.2 billion USD. The company employs over 6,000 people and has engineering centres and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, Belgium, China, Italy, Spain, France, Lithuania and Czech Republic. Its customer base includes small, medium and large companies in several other countries across six continents.

Intelligrated, Inc. was a material handling automation and software engineering company based in Mason, Ohio. In 2016, it was acquired by Honeywell, who made it a subsidiary and renamed it to Honeywell Intelligrated. 2017, Honeywell Intelligrated reported revenue of $1 billion. Honeywell Intelligrated has production and service locations in the United States, Canada, India, Mexico, Brazil, and China.

Bruce Welty is an American entrepreneur and businessman who designs and builds warehouse management systems (wms) and e-commerce order fulfillment systems. Welty is a founder of AllPoints Systems, Inc., Quiet Logistics, Inc., and Locus Robotics Corporation. He is the former chairman of the board for Locus and former chief executive officer and chairman of the board for Quiet Logistics. Mr. Welty holds 11 patents. His media appearances include 60 Minutes, CNN, CNBC and Bloomberg News.

Zivid is a Norwegian machine vision technology company headquartered in Oslo, Norway. It designs and sells 3D color cameras with vision software that are used in autonomous industrial robot cells, collaborative robot (cobot) cells and other industrial automation systems.

Attabotics is a robotics company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that specializes in Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) inventory management systems. Founded in 2016, the company designs and manufactures intelligent robots that operate within a modular, three-dimensional storage structure that minimizes the traditional fulfillment center footprint.

Berkshire Grey, Inc. is an American technology company based in Bedford Massachusetts that develops integrated artificial intelligence (“AI") and robotic solutions for e-commerce, retail replenishment, and logistics. The company's systems automate pick, pack and sort operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GXO Logistics</span> American contract logistics and warehousing company

GXO Logistics, Inc. is an American global contract logistics company that manages outsourced supply chains and warehousing, and reverse logistics for blue-chip customers in over thirty countries. GXO's corporate headquarters are located in Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S. Its customers include Apple, Nike Inc., Boeing Co., Verizon, Whirlpool, and Nestle SA.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Vecna Robotics, Inc. "SEC Form D". United States Securities and Exchange Commission . Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  2. 1 2 Demaitre, Eugene (June 8, 2021). "Vecna Robotics Names Craig Malloy as CEO, as Mobile Robot Demand Surges". Robotics247. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Tobe, Frank (March 24, 2018). "Quiet Inroads in Robotics: Vecna's Story". The Robot Report. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  4. 1 2 Banker, Steve (February 6, 2018). "Distinctive Warehouse Robotics Solutions Are Emerging". Forbes . Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  5. 1 2 Crowe, Steve (December 13, 2017). "Vecna Tote Retrieval System Wins Mobile Picking Robot Challenge". Robotics Business Review. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  6. ↑ RBR Staff (February 17, 2010). "Vecna Throws Hat into Robotics Ring". Robotics Business Review. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  7. ↑ Barr, Julie (May 5, 2015). "Robot Road Race Helps Save Lives [VIDEO]". MIT Alumni Association. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  8. ↑ Daso, Frederick (December 18, 2017). "Bill Gates And Elon Musk Are Worried For Automation - But This Robotics Company Founder Embraces It". Forbes . Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  9. ↑ Seiffert, Don (June 14, 2013). "Research grants let Vecna stay true to startup principles". Boston Business Journal . Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  10. ↑ Bray, Hiawatha (April 3, 2017). "Vecna aims new wave of robots for warehouses". Boston Globe . Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  11. ↑ "SBIR Award Listing: Vecna Technologies, Inc". Small Business Innovation Research . Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  12. ↑ Huang, Gregory T. (July 16, 2015). "Vecna and VGo Are Now One: An Important Robotics Acquisition". Xconomy . Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  13. ↑ Nickerson, Russell (2009). "Pioneering the Personal Robotics Industry" (PDF). Bridgewater State University Undergraduate Review. 5 (1): 136. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  14. 1 2 Silverstein, Jonathan (December 20, 2006). "The BEAR: Soldier, Nurse, Friend and Robot". ABC News . Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  15. ↑ Barrie, Allison (March 29, 2012). "Teddy bear-faced robot is built for battlefields". Fox News . Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  16. 1 2 Weinberger, Sharon (November 18, 2014). "Next generation military robots have minds of their own". BBC . Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  17. ↑ Vallor, Shannon (2016). Technology and the Virtues: A Philosophical Guide to a Future Worth Wanting. Oxford University Press. p. 213. ISBN   9780190498511 . Retrieved December 19, 2018– via Google Books.
  18. ↑ Daniel Theobald (December 22, 2017). "Boston-Area Companies Push For Robot Workers In Warehouses Under Holiday Crunch" (radio broadcast). WBUR-FM Bostonomix. Interviewed by Asma Khalid. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  19. ↑ Overly, Steven (April 8, 2012). "At Vecna Technologies, low funding for BEARs leads to building Bots". Washington Post . Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 Engel, Jeff (April 3, 2017). "Vecna Reorganizes, Pushes Logistics Robots in Hot Market". Xconomy . Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  21. 1 2 Andersson, Thomas (February 2018). Goods-to-Person Ecommerce Fulfillment Robotics 2018 (Report). Styleintelligence. p. 24. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  22. 1 2 DC Velocity Staff (December 3, 2018). "Backed by new VC, Vecna Robotics spins off from parent company". DC Velocity. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  23. ↑ Engel, Jeff (January 17, 2018). "From DARPA to Vecna: New CEO on How Automation Can "Elevate" Humans". Xconomy. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  24. ↑ Engel, Jeff (August 30, 2018). "Vecna Robotics Grabs $13.5M, Led by Drive, as Logistics Robots Stay Hot". Xconomy. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  25. ↑ Smith, Jennifer (January 7, 2020). "Warehouse Robotics Startups Drawing Bigger Investor Backing". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  26. ↑ Wiggers, Kyle (January 26, 2022). "Vecna Robotics raises new capital as the warehouse automation industry grows". VentureBeat. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  27. ↑ Allinson, Mark (March 23, 2022). "Vecna Robotics partners with forklift maker Big Joe to launch robotic pallet jack". Robotics and Automation News. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  28. ↑ Britt, Phil. "10 Robots That Can Speed Up Your Supply Chain" (PDF). Robotics Business Review. RBR Insider White Paper. pp. 11–12. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  29. ↑ "Company Profile: Vecna Robotics". Robotics Industries Association. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  30. 1 2 RBR Staff (October 30, 2018). "Innovation at Work: Vecna Robotics Helps Milton CAT Develop a Flexible Workflow". Robotics Business Review. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  31. 1 2 Metz, Cade (March 18, 2018). "FedEx Follows Amazon Into the Robotic Future". The New York Times . Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Autonomous Robots Take On Dangerous Warehouse Jobs". NASA Spinoff . 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
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