AIR acquires Owens Design, GreyOrange partners Google Cloud on AMRs, and more
Daily brief on news from the world of autonomous mobile robots.
Automated Industrial Robotics acquires Owens Design to expand US presence
Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (AIR) has acquired Owens Design, a Fremont, California-based automation company specializing in custom solutions for high-tech industries, according to a press release. Backed by Ares Management, this deal boosts AIR’s US footprint, grows its expertise in semiconductors and medical products, and increases its global team to over 530 employees. Owens Design’s CEO, Bob Fung, will continue leading the company, now part of the AIR platform.
WIRobotics unveils ALLEX, a humanoid with human-like responsiveness
WIRobotics unveiled ALLEX, a general-purpose humanoid robot with advanced whole-body force sensing and compliance. ALLEX features a 15-degree-of-freedom compliant hand, ultra-low-friction arm, and gravity-compensated waist for safe, precise interaction with humans. The modular platform aims for service, manufacturing, and household use, Robotics Tomorrow reports. WIRobotics, a startup founded by ex-Samsung engineers, is partnering globally to commercialize ALLEX by 2030.
Motion Controls Robotics unveils instant online quoting for robotic palletizing
Motion Controls Robotics, Inc. launched a new online proposal portal for its BA Palletizer, enabling manufacturers to quickly get system information, customized pricing, and lead times for robotic palletizing solutions, the company said in a press release. The platform uses the FANUC CRX-30iA collaborative robot, offers no-code operation, swift installation, and flexible purchase or lease financing. The tool aims to simplify automation adoption and speed up decision-making for manufacturers.
GreyOrange and Google Cloud launch AI to speed warehouse robot deployment
GreyOrange has partnered with Google Cloud to develop GreyMatter DeepNav, an AI solution that reduces deployment times for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in warehouses by up to 80 percent, the company said in a press release. Built on Google’s Vertex AI, DeepNav uses reinforcement learning to optimize robot navigation and coordination, handling fleets from multiple vendors at scale. Set for release in early 2026, the platform aims to revolutionize warehouse automation for global supply chains.
