Honeywell and Teradyne Robotics yesterday said they have partnered to bring automation to logistics, warehousing, and fast-moving consumer goods companies throughout the Americas and Europe.
The companies plan to combine Teradyne’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots with Honeywell’s advanced software, implementation expertise, and cybersecurity capabilities.
“This relationship with Honeywell will provide businesses with end-to-end solutions, from automation system design through to implementation and maintenance,” stated Ujjwal Kumar, group president of Teradyne Robotics. “The combined strengths of Teradyne Robotics and Honeywell will help companies tackle the challenges they are experiencing today with labor-intensive, inefficient material-handling tasks.”
Partners link WES to advanced robotics
More specifically, the collaboration combines Teradyne Robotics’ advanced systems with Honeywell’s Momentum warehouse execution system (WES). The companies claimed it will result in comprehensive, customer-focused material handling and process optimization.
In addition, the combination of robots and software will tackle material transport challenges while scaling automation across operations, they asserted. Teradyne and Honeywell said their customers will benefit from reduced operational costs, streamlined workforce operations, and enhanced productivity.
“Honeywell’s relationship with Teradyne Robotics empowers operations in distribution centers and warehouses through end-to-end automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, optimize resources, and improve worker safety,” said Chad Briggs, president of Honeywell Intelligrated. “Together, we’re making automation adoption accessible and impactful for organizations, enabling them to focus on strategic goals and drive tangible results.”
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Inside Teradyne and Honeywell’s technology
Teradyne Robotics—which owns Odense, Denmark-based Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) and Universal Robots (UR)—has shipped more than 110,000 robots to companies across the globe.
Its portfolio includes MiR’s infrastructure-free AMRs. These take on previously manual, low-value tasks like transporting material throughout a distribution facility or lifting and moving heavy pallets. This frees employees for more strategic work.
Reading, Mass.-based Teradyne Robotics said its platforms are also used for AI-enabled applications, guiding motion, optimizing paths, and performing complex tasks with precision.
For instance, the MiR1200 pallet jack uses an AI-based perception system to detect and move pallets within large warehouse facilities. The company said it can reduce pick-and-place times and significantly increase throughput.
Earlier this week, Teradyne announced leadership changes for both of its robotics divisions. Jean-Pierre Hathout transitions from leading MiR to replacing Kim Povlsen as the president of UR. Meanwhile, Kevin Dumas succeeds Hathout as the new president of MIR. Povlsen is pursuing an external career opportunity.
This adjustment came on the heels of recent Teradyne fiscal 2024 financial results. UR, a leading developer of cobot arms, declined 3% year over year, and AMR developer MiR grew 1% year over year. Teradyne Robotics Group laid off 10% of its global staff in January 2024.
Mason, Ohio-based Honeywell brings has more than three decades of experience with warehouse automation, enterprise-level software, and integrated services to the partnership.
The company said its Momentum WES empowers businesses to adapt to dynamic demand shifts. It orchestrates interoperability among diverse robotic point systems while optimizing material flow and processes.
