A problem that keeps warehouse work from being fully automated has just been solved

Sarah Kessler for Quartz: Amazon, the largest US ecommerce company, has about 45,000 robots working in its warehouses, but so far they don’t seem to be taking jobs from people. That’s partly because today’s commercially feasible robots are only capable of doing a small piece of the work involved in packaging an order.

But robots may soon take on a larger share of warehouse work.

A startup called RightHand robotics recently began piloting technology that automates a task robots have previously struggled to master: recognizing and picking up items from boxes. RightHand can’t say which companies are part of its pilot project and Amazon didn’t reply to a request for comment. But the new technology could help the ecommerce giant with a problem that has long vexed it.  Full Article:

Featured Product

IP Seals for Robots

IP Seals for Robots

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies' IPRS (Ingress Protection Seals for Robots) provides reliable protection for robotic systems operating in harsh environments. Designed to prevent dust, moisture, chemicals, and wear from compromising performance, IPRS extends service life and reduces maintenance. The adaptive Z-shaped geometry ensures sealing integrity under continuous motion, making it ideal for high-speed automation and outdoor applications. Manufactured with high-performance elastomers such as Fluoroprene XP and EPDM, IPRS offers exceptional resistance to lubricants, cleaning agents, and extreme temperatures. This makes it the perfect solution for six-axis robots, SCARA robots, AMRs, AGVs, and cobots. With its low-friction design and durable materials, IPRS enhances energy efficiency and operational reliability in industrial and autonomous robotics. Learn more about our IPRS Seals