MFV Partners’ Post

Landmark announcement in Humanoid Robots: Our portfolio company, Agility Robotics, just landed a strategic investment and a large-scale robot purchase agreement with Schaeffler Group, a global motion technology leader. Key takeaways: - Schaeffler plans major humanoid robot deployment across 100 global plants by 2030 - Follows Agility's groundbreaking RaaS deployment with GXO earlier this year - Agility CEO commits to cage-free human-robot collaboration within 24 months Why it matters: This isn't just another corporate investment—it is a validation that Agility is leading the charter in graduating humanoid robotics from R&D to real industrial deployment at scale. Our take: The race for automated manufacturing is accelerating. Companies that don't have a humanoid robotics strategy will be left behind in the next industrial revolution. https://bit.ly/AgSch24 #robotics #automation #manufacturing #humanoids

💡 The CEO of OTTO by Rockwell Automation started his material-handling robotics company with just $200. We sat down with Matt Rendall, the CEO, to chat about OTTO's evolution, the impact of the 2023 Rockwell Automation acquisition, and what emerging technologies will make an impact on the company's products. "We didn’t have money to develop prototypes; we didn’t even have enough experience to know what prototypes to develop. So we concentrated on product and customer development," he said. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eg8VpEPU #Automation #CustomerRelationships #Robotics #InboundLogistics

This is a great interview with Matt Rendall. I want to highlight something in particular he said - he said he 'shows up with humility'. I would like not only to vouch for that, but also to say how important I think that quality of his was to the growth of our team and company. Other robotics CEOs should try to balance the pressure to oversell yourself and your company with this mindset. I can write some long 'thinkpiece' about how humility means you're a good supplier, or product manager, or salesperson, or engineer, whatever, but the most important thing to me is that I've always appreciated how Matt works incredibly hard to treat everyone on the team fairly - workload, compensation & equity, recognition, everything, and that comes from humility in the end. I've seen so many new startup CEOs believe in their own hype, when really many of them aren't that different from their co-founders and early team members in skillset and experience and dedication when they're just getting started themselves. Building a startup is a long journey, don't start it by setting yourself apart from everyone else.

Did you know that NIO, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is experimenting with humanoid robots on its assembly lines? In collaboration with UBTECH Robotics, NIO is testing the Walker S robot to perform tasks like quality inspections and attaching the NIO logos to their electric vehicles. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞? - Advanced Automation: While robots have been used in manufacturing for years, they are typically industrial arms or specialized machines. Introducing humanoid robots like Walker S brings a new level of flexibility and adaptability to automation. - About Walker S: This robot is designed to mimic human movements, capable of walking on two legs, navigating complex environments, and using its hands to manipulate objects. This makes it suitable for tasks that were previously challenging for non-humanoid robots. - Why It Matters: Incorporating humanoid robots could enhance efficiency and consistency in manufacturing processes. They can work alongside human employees, handling repetitive or precise tasks, which may improve overall productivity. Are you excited or concerned about humanoid robots entering the workforce? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

GXO Logistics, Inc. and Reflex Robotics have teamed up to bring robotics to the next level in warehouse operations! GXO, a global leader in supply chain solutions, brings its deep expertise in logistics, while Reflex Robotics provides cutting-edge robotics technology designed to streamline and enhance operational efficiency. Together, they’re tackling some of the biggest challenges in modern warehousing. Reflex managed to secure this exciting partnership, in a crowded warehouse automation industry, their solution stands out due to the agility and adaptability of its multi-purpose humanoid robots. These robots are capable of reaching operational capacity within 60 minutes and learn to become fully autonomous by observing human tasks. Their ability to transition between different repetitive tasks, such as product picking or tote transfers, makes them a highly flexible and cost-effective solution If you’re looking to secure partnerships like this across the Robotics sector, you'll need a team of the best software engineers available, who are ready to drive such transformative projects. Which Cubiq Recruitment's Robotics division can help you to find! #WarehouseAutomation #LogisticsTech #Robotics #AI

Robotics integration into #copackaging represents a significant advancement, focusing on operational efficiency and precision. In 2021, a historic peak was reached with 517,385 new #robotic installations globally, underlining a widespread shift towards #automation. This development serves as a critical bridge, converting innovative design ideas into tangible packaging solutions. The #packaging robots' market, valued at over USD 4 billion in 2022, is on track to expand at a CAGR of over.... https://lnkd.in/e3z9ukJX

Why does Europe have a key role to play in the development of humanoid robots? Our CTO, Dmitrii Rudnitckii, shared his perspective on this question in his recent opinion piece for The Robot Report. “While headlines often spotlight U.S. and Asian companies in the humanoid robotics race, a silent revolution is brewing in Europe’s tech hubs,” he notes. With significant investments in AI and strong industry partnerships, innovative European companies are pushing the boundaries of robotics, creating machines that interact with their environments in increasingly human-like ways. Read more about Europe’s contributions to this field:   — Which European companies are leading this revolution in humanoid robotics; — What’s driving the robotics boom in Europe; — What are the main challenges facing the market; — And how does Humanoid plan to develop robots that won’t replace humans but will enhance their potential. Explore how Humanoid, 1X, ABB, Agile Robots SE, ANYbotics, KUKA, NEURA Robotics, PAL Robotics, Shadow Robot, Swiss-Mile, and Universal Robots are shaping the future. Full text here: https://lnkd.in/e6PQwkPD

Logistics Leap Seven months ago, I commented that robotics in logistics was destined to mark a before and after in the sector. Today, I can affirm that this leap has already been made, and its impacts will radically transform the way we understand logistics operations. In this short time, we have seen how robotic technologies have gone from being pilot projects or experimental solutions to becoming essential pillars of the modern supply chain. Among the most notable advances: Advanced automation in warehouses: Autonomous robots equipped with artificial intelligence are optimizing tasks such as picking and packaging, achieving speed and precision that previously seemed unattainable. Resilience in the supply chain: In times of global challenges, robotics has allowed many companies to maintain fluid operations, overcome labor shortages and quickly adapt to changes in demand. Sustainability and energy efficiency: Robotics not only improves operational efficiency, but is also contributing to reducing waste and optimizing the use of resources, which aligns companies with sustainability goals. This “giant leap” is a testament to the power of innovation to solve complex problems and open up new possibilities. But it’s not just a technical breakthrough; it’s also a cultural transformation. Companies that embrace these technologies are learning to rethink their business models, prioritize training in technological skills, and build a more dynamic and adaptable future. The challenge now is to maintain this pace of change, ensure that these solutions are accessible to companies of all sizes, and continue to explore how robotics can further improve the way we live and work. Operators or companies whose projects today are not focused on the use of robotics are creating a long-term strategic problem. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/dvh3jrp5 #logistics #warehouse #thegreatleapinlogistics #futureofwarehouses

Schaeffler, a German auto parts giant, has partnered with Agility Robotics to integrate Digit, a humanoid robot, into its operations. This marks the first global deployment of the walking robot, designed to handle repetitive tasks while complementing human workers' skills. Schaeffler aims to scale up deployment across its 100 plants by 2030, aligning with its broader strategy to transform the automotive industry for sustainable mobility. Although Schaeffler recently announced 4,700 layoffs in Europe due to industrial challenges, the company insists the layoffs and investment in robots are unrelated. The humanoids are expected to enhance operational efficiency without massive worker substitution. For Agility Robotics, this partnership is a leap toward commercializing Digit, which gained recognition as one of Time Magazine’s "Best Inventions of the Year." Agility plans to produce thousands of units annually from its Oregon factory while refining Digit's capabilities, such as improved motion control and safety for human collaboration. The move positions Agility as a leader in the humanoid robotics market, amidst competition from Pittsburgh rival Skild AI, which has secured major funding. Digit’s public demonstrations, including at Pittsburgh's Robotics Discovery Day, highlight its growing role in reshaping industrial automation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eqEqgh6q

🚀 Humanoid Robots: BMW’s Vision for Smarter Logistics At the #ALSCDSEurope conference in Munich, Carolin Richter, head of next generation robotics at BMW Group revealed more about the OEM's humanoid robotics project together with robotics startup Figure. Richter shared how generative AI and advanced robotics are set to redefine BMW's automotive logistics. This innovation could streamline component delivery, improve warehouse efficiency and enhance production processes. 🎥 Watch the full interview to discover how BMW and its partner are shaping the future of robotics in manufacturing and logistics 👇 #AutomotiveLogistics #HumanoidRobots #GenerativeAI #BMW #SupplyChainInnovation #DigitalStrategies #FutureOfLogistics Dr. Michael Nikolaides Michael Stroebel Oliver Bilstein BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC Christopher Ludwig Emily Uwemedimo Megan Kelly Anushka Dixit Riad Mannan Richard Logan Nick Holt İlkhan Ozsevim Pascal Nagel Yannick Tiedemann automotiveIT Automobil Produktion Automotive Manufacturing Solutions