Logistics Tech Review: Warehouse robotics investment accelerates, Bossa Nova announces layoffs

Hello and welcome to the first edition of Logistics Tech Review.

This weekly newsletter brings you the latest news and stories in how technology and automation affects the logistics and supply chain industries.

1. Investment in warehouse robotics and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) companies is growing exponentially, aided by the impact of COVID-19 globally.

   

   (Photo: Interact Analysis)

   Investors’ outlook on the prospects of supply chain tech and commercial robotics presents a bright spot amidst the COVID-19 crisis, with warehouse robotics investment up 57% year-over-year. This includes recent rounds raised by Geek+, the largest AMR company in the world by deployment, and Third Wave Automation, in their $15 million Series A.

2. Bossa Nova Robotics announced that it is laying off or furloughing 61 workers in its Bay Area and Pittsburgh offices. Bossa Nova makes robots that scan shelves for inventory, and counts Walmart as a customer.

3. COVID-19 has accelerated Ocado’s shift from online grocery retailer to technology provider for other grocery retailers. The UK-based warehouse automation company is expanding partnerships and global deployments rapidly, and is also looking to expand into general merchandise fulfillment.

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