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Amazon TechCrunch has acquired Boulder, a Colorado-based robotics start-up for warehouses. The deal makes a lot of sense from the outside, adding an important element to Amazon Robotics' growing portfolio of distribution center machines.
Amazon has confirmed the acquisition with TechCrunch. "We are inspired by Canvas technology innovations and share a common vision for a future where people work alongside robotics to further enhance safety and experience in the workplace, "said a spokesperson in a statement." We are looking forward to work with the fantastic Canvas Technology team to continue to invent for our customers. "
Founded in 2015, Canvas has already introduced some impressive technologies, including a fully autonomous shopping cart system that positions the startup as a direct competitor of Bay Area, Fetch. The startup has collected a $ 15 million A Series from Playground Global.
The Canvas stand-alone basket was on display at the Playground Open House around the same time last year, doing an impressive job of avoiding people and obstacles in the overcrowded space. The system uses 3D imaging and an internal software solution that can be applied to other hardware, essentially operating as a standalone car in a warehouse.
Canvas should be an interesting addition to Amazon Robots offers. The division was created after the 2012 acquisition of Kiva Systems, whose shelf robotics is now used as a robotic epicenter at Amazon's many distribution centers.
During our recent tour of the company's JFK8 on Staten Island, the company said it currently has about 100,000 systems deployed in 25 execution centers. This issue is a combination of Amazon's own systems and third-party devices, including the Japanese industrial giant Fanuc. However, it is clear that the company is seeking to give its own brand to future systems in order to increase delivery efficiency through automation.
Security has also been an important factor. Of course, this is still the case for this type of collaborative robotics, but Amazon's distribution centers have additional control. Earlier this year, we had an overview of the company's robotic safety vest, designed to provide employees with an extra layer of protection as they enter the fenced-in section of the Kiva system floor.
Canvas, on the other hand, brings its own integrated safety with its autonomous vision system. The equipment is designed to interact more directly with workers on the ground. It is easier to imagine that the company will also adopt this technology for some of its existing systems.
Canvas co-founder Nima Keivan will be performing on stage at our Robotics + AI event next week in Berkeley, where he will undoubtedly be able to provide additional information for his robotic startup panel.
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