Amazon has folded warehouse robotics start up Canvas Technology under its wing, TechCrunch reported April 10. The report didn't specify the cost of the purchase.
 
Canvas makes a totally autonomous cart system, and raised $15 million in Series A funding. It’s a leading competitor with companies like Fetch Robotics in the area of autonomous mobile robots. The carts use 3D imaging and a proprietary software platform to steer, and are designed specifically that will work in the same space as and connect with human workers on the warehouse floor.
 
Bringing Canvas in-house fills out Amazon Robots, a division setup in 2012 to house Kiva Systems, a maker of shelving robots. Kiva Systems robots are now actually at work in Amazon storage warehouse, and the retailer might be able to link them with Canvas Technology’s carts to solidify their in-house automation stack. The e-retail gigantic has been moving more and more of its distributions in-house, while also offering its shipping network to third parties via Amazon Shipping.
 
According to Business Insider, Amazon has seen a 50 percent gain in warehouse space and 20 percent lower operating spending being a result of robotics.
 
“We are inspired by Canvas Technology’s innovations, and express the same vision for a future where people work alongside robotics to further improve safety and the workplace experience,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. “We look forward to working with Canvas Technology’s fantastic team to keep inventing for customers.”
 
This article is originally posted on tronserve.com