Ocado Group

Automation and robotics are finally creating solutions for the complexities of doorstep deliveries.

Last-mile Delivery Automation

Oxa&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18936">(formerly Oxbotica)</a> is a UK-based developer of autonomous vehicle software using computer vision and machine learning technologies. Its product portfolio includes “Oxa Driver,” a full-stack autonomy system that can be integrated into any sensor, vehicle, or platform; “Oxa Hub,” which connects autonomous vehicles with customers’ existing fleet management platforms; and “Oxa MetaDriver,” a system to synthesize simulated scenarios and validate customer environments. The company pitches its software to multiple B2B applications including shared passenger transportation, cargo transportation, energy, and mining.&nbsp;The company also unveiled Ford E-Transit van and minibus powered by Oxa Driver for goods and passenger transportation&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35383">in October 2024,</a> and was made available for integration into commercial fleets in the UK and US.Key customers and partnershipsOxa has product partnerships with companies including 1) AppliedEV, a modular vehicle solutions provider, to retrofit Oxa’s software into AppliedEV’s electric vehicle modular platform <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5351">(September 2021);</a> 2) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/788807">Goggo Network</a> to retrofit Oxa’s autonomous driving software into Goggo Network’s ADVs <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17297">(March 2023);</a> and 3) Google Cloud to scale up autonomous software deployment <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17346">(March 2023).</a>

UK-based Wayve develops the fully autonomous driving system “AV2.0” for autonomous cars, using mapless end-to-end deep learning and surround cameras to enable self-driving with AI. The driving system is data-driven and can scale across diverse urban environments. It also uses advanced <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30536">simulation technologies.</a> Wayve claims to be the first to deploy autonomous vehicles with deep learning on public roads. The company has offices in the UK, the US, and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28401">Canada.</a>Key customers and partnershipsWayve entered the autonomous last-mile delivery space by partnering with British grocery retailer Asda <a href="https://wayve.ai/blog/wayve-announces-autonomous-van-trial-in-partnership-with-asda">(September 2021;</a> extended in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17735">April 2023)</a> and online grocer Ocado <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5854">(October 2021)</a> for delivery trials in London.The company’s product development partners include Microsoft Azure (to scale its machine learning capabilities; <a href="https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2020/10/22/wayve-chooses-microsoft-azure-to-scale-ai-based-autonomous-driving-technology/">October 2020),</a> Admiral, Ansys, NVIDIA, and Weights &amp; Biases.

Autonomous and connected technologies shaping the future of the auto industry

Auto Tech

Oxa <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18935">(formerly Oxbotica) </a>is a UK-based developer of autonomous vehicle software using computer vision and machine learning technologies. Its product portfolio includes “Oxa Driver,” a full-stack autonomy system that can be integrated into any sensor, vehicle, or platform; “Oxa Hub,” which connects autonomous vehicles with customers’ existing fleet management platforms; and “Oxa MetaDriver,” a system to synthesize simulated scenarios and validate customer environments. The company pitches its software to multiple B2B applications including shared passenger transportation, cargo transportation, energy, and mining. Oxa’s software solutions are modular and customizable, enabling customers to select components and create a personalized solution based on their needs, technologies, and vehicles.Autonomous vehicles powered by Oxa’s software were first launched commercially in February 2024 in Florida. The company also unveiled Ford E-Transit van and minibus powered by Oxa Driver for goods and passenger transportation&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35383">in October 2024,</a> and was made available for integration into commercial fleets in the UK and US.Key customers and partnershipsReportedly, Oxa has customers in the mining, construction, agriculture, airports, ports, and logistics sectors (as of January 2023). It has a <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21274">August 2023</a> partnership with Beep to integrate Oxa Driver into Beep’s vehicles (commercially deployed at the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26901">Florida State College</a> at Jacksonville, <a href="https://ridebeep.com/press-releases/beep-and-oxa-announce-partnership-to-deploy-autonomous-vehicles-driven-by-oxa-in-united-states">Lake Nona in Orlando,</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32857">Walnut Creek senior community</a> in California).The company also has product partnerships with 1) German auto parts maker ZF to develop autonomous software for passenger shuttles (October 2021); 2) Swedish electric car manufacturer NEVS to develop self-driving electric vehicles to be deployed on public roads by 2023 (May 2022); 3) Google Cloud to scale up autonomous software deployment <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17345">(March 2023);</a> 4) electric vehicle (EV) provider eVersum to develop and deploy autonomous city shuttles in the US and Europe <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22536">(October 2023;</a> launch plans in Belfast, North Ireland were announced <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23571">in November 2023);</a> and 5) Bayanat AI, a UAE-based provider of AI-powered geospatial and smart mobility solutions, to advance autonomous vehicle technologies in the UAE and globally <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30427">(June 2024).</a>&nbsp;

UK-based Wayve develops the fully autonomous driving system “AV2.0” for autonomous cars, using mapless end-to-end deep learning and surround cameras to enable self-driving with AI. The driving system is data-driven and can scale across diverse urban environments. It also uses&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30536">advanced simulation technologies.</a> Wayve claims to be the first to deploy autonomous vehicles with deep learning on public roads. The company has offices in the UK, the&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35175">US,</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28400">Canada.</a>Key customers and partnershipsThe company’s product development partners include Microsoft Azure (to scale its machine learning capabilities; October 2020), Admiral, Ansys, NVIDIA, and Weights &amp; Biases. It also partnered with Uber <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33056">in August 2024,</a> to develop autonomous vehicles for Uber’s platform.

Additive manufacturing makes objects by systematically adding material via a CAD program

Additive Manufacturing

A spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Inkbit offers 3D printers and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19601">on-demand manufacturing services </a>using a proprietary 3D vision system targeting several industrial applications including industrial automation, manifold and fluid handling, wearables, and external medical devices. The company’s proprietary 3D vision and scanning system Vista operates with a closed-loop feedback system that scans data after each layer of deposition and generates a topographical map of each layer (using scan data and source part geometry), which ensures accuracy of printing. Inkbit also uses proprietary new materials chemistries that allow for the printing of elastomers that are capable of stretching over 1.8x, high-temperature materials that can withstand temperatures up to 120 °C, and rigid-impact materials that can withstand long-term UV exposure. The company reportedly completed its first customer installation in April 2022.Key customers and partnershipsThe company supplied three machines to the US Air Force and shipped the first Vista platform to Saint Gobain (as of November 2022).Inkbit partnered with Makelab in September 2023 to accelerate time to market, facilitate flexible hardware development, and broaden access to Inkbit’s Vision-Controlled Jetting (VCJ) technology.

Augmenting the mining value chain with technology and automation

Mining Tech

Oxbotica (also known as Oxa) is a British autonomous vehicle software developer founded in 2014 by Oxford professors Paul Newman and Ingmar Posner. The company has developed a suite of autonomous vehicle software products, including Oxbotica Driver, Oxbotica Cloud, and Oxbotica MetaDriver. Oxbotica's Universal Autonomy technology aims to enable any vehicle, regardless of size or location, to operate autonomously, safely, and sustainably. The company's software can be applied to various industries and use cases, including mining, energy, goods delivery, shared passenger transportation, agriculture, and airports.Oxbotica's technology integrates a range of autonomous vehicle functionalities, such as device drivers, mapping, obstacle detection, sensor perception, and prediction. The company's MetaDriver tool utilizes artificial intelligence in the metaverse to generate simulated scenarios for testing autonomous vehicle operations without physical driving. In May 2022, Oxbotica achieved a significant milestone by conducting Europe's first zero-occupancy trial of a fully autonomous electric vehicle on publicly accessible roads in Oxford.The company has established partnerships with various organizations to accelerate the adoption of autonomous driving solutions. For instance, Oxbotica is collaborating with ZF to develop self-driving passenger shuttles for airports, and with BP to automate vehicles for wind and solar farms. The company has also worked with Ocado Group to streamline goods delivery processes using autonomous vehicles.Key customers and partnershipsOxbotica has formed strategic partnerships with several companies across different sectors. The company is working with BP to develop autonomous vehicles for use in energy applications, particularly in wind and solar farms. Ocado Group, a leading online grocery technology company, has partnered with Oxbotica to explore autonomous delivery solutions.In the mining sector, Oxbotica is advancing an "open autonomy" mining solution in Canada in collaboration with Wenco International Mining Systems. The company has also partnered with AppliedEV to conduct autonomous vehicle trials.Oxbotica has established a collaboration with Google Cloud to accelerate the deployment of its autonomous software platform globally. This partnership aims to combine Google Cloud's expertise in cloud infrastructure with Oxbotica's autonomous vehicle software to create scalable, safe, and reliable autonomous driving solutions for businesses with transportation in their value chain.

Inkbit creats a next-generation additive manufacturing platform that combines 3D printing with machine vision. MIT-trained scientists and engineers combines expertise in industrial systems, design software, and material science to identify and seize opportunities for mass-market additive manufacturing.

Oxbotica develops autonomous vehicle software. They provide autonomy software that has low compute power requirements. They use laser vision and radar for localization, redundancy, and cloud management services that enable businesses to help bring autonomy to vehicles.

Wayve develops a fully autonomous driving system for autonomous vehicles. It uses end-to-end deep learning to create artificial intelligence capable of complex driving, which can scale across diverse urban environments. Wayve operates a fleet of electric vehicles fitted for autonomous operation and technology development. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

Karakuri is revolutionising Quick Service (QSR) and Fast Casual restaurants with intelligent, robotic kitchen automation. We bring together food, people, and robotics to deliver unprecedented levels of quality, consistency, and efficiency to restaurant kitchens. Our compact, modular designs fit seamlessly into existing kitchen layouts with little to no interruption. In addition, our unique Performance/Partnership business model equips customers with all the real-time data and insights needed to ensure positive ROI, month after month.

Myrmex is launching an innovative fully unmanned grocery delivery system leveraging the power of mobile robotic units. Myrmex CPS is uniquely capable to deliver an online order just a few seconds after the customer arrives at the pick-up point.

Ocado Group operates as an online grocery retailer. The company offers fruits and nuts, wine, vegetables, grocery and household items, milk, eggs, and fish and seafood. It also provides meals, desserts, drinks, cupboards, gifts, household products, flowers, toiletries, pet care products, and child and baby products. The company was formerly known as L. M. Solutions (UK) Limited and changed its name to Ocado in May 2001.  Ocado was incorporated in 1999 and is based in Hatfield, the United Kingdom.

<div> Ocado Group (LSE: OCDO)&nbsp;is a British online retailer for groceries and general merchandise. The company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2010. Ocado owns a 50% stake in Ocado.com (jointly owned by Marks &amp; Spencer), which had <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/10996/ocado/#topicOverview"> ~1,000,000 customers </a> making 400,000 orders per week in 2023. The company generated a total revenue of GBP 2.8 billion (USD 3.5 billion) in 2023 (year ending November 27).&nbsp; Ocado&rsquo;s three operating segments are Retail, Technology Solutions, and Logistics. The Retail segment (~68% of total revenue in 2023) provides online grocery and general merchandise retailing within the UK. The Technology solution segment (~12%) provides an IT platform and customer fulfillment centers (CFCs). The Logistics segment (~19%) provides logistics for UK-based customers (Wm Morrison Supermarkets and Ocado Retail) and end-to-end online retail solutions to corporate customers outside the UK via the Ocado Smart Platform (OSP).&nbsp; The UK accounted for ~87% of Ocado&rsquo;s total revenue in 2023. Ocado is committed to reach the net-zero status in its operations by 2035 and across its value chain by 2040. </div>

Ocado Group lines up ex-Microsoft exec as next chairman

Refers to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that deliver packages. Drones are already in commercial use in many other industries (such as photography, construction, and agriculture). The use of drones for goods delivery has emerged with the gradual advancement of battery and connectivity technologies.

Refers to autonomous vehicles that use pedestrian walkways and travel a little faster than average walking speed (generally 3-6 miles an hour). These vehicles can usually carry up to around 20 lb. and use a camera, radar, and sensors to move autonomously. 

This is a sub-branch of self-driving cars and represents autonomous vehicles that can move along public roads. The technology used is similar to self-driving cars. ADVs have a higher load capacity and travel at a faster speed than vehicles like droids.

Speeding up sales, cutting costs, and preparing for the future of retail—whether brick-and-mortar or online.

Retail Industry Robots

Companies developing robots that offer directions, assist with queries, and provide in-store entertainment to customers while providing insights on customer behavior. 

Companies that develop autonomous cleaning and sanitation robots for use in retail floors. 

Companies developing stock counting, price tagging, and consumer data aggregation robots mainly targeted for use in supermarkets and department stores.  

Companies developing robotic technology for automated online order preparation solutions and micro-warehousing centers designed to assist SME retailers with order fulfillment.

AI, robotics, and IoT to streamline the flow of goods and information

Logistics Tech

Companies developing automation technology for warehouses like robots (including inventory drones), cobots, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and related software.

Include companies providing automated ecommerce fulfillment, store replenishment, and package sortation solutions.

Companies offering automated vendor evaluation and management, demand forecasting, and inventory management.

Companies that offer warehousing and ecommerce fulfillment with technology developed in-house.

A new wave of meat, fish, and poultry alternatives are driving this hyper-growth industry into the mainstream

Plant-based Meat

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<div>
 Redefine Meat, an Israeli plant-based company, has sealed partnerships with more than 30 retailers, foodservice operators, and schools in the UK for Veganuary. These include online grocer Ocado, where its year-on-year revenue has tripled, ISS caterers, and a range of restaurants like Patty & Bun and Greene King.
 The company has also partnered with Allmanhall to launch the Brighter Burger in UK schools following a successful pilot program.
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 This Veganuary initiative marks a ramp-up in the company's efforts to expand its foothold on the European market. Other similar initiatives by the company include teaming up with <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/13758"> Giraudi Meat </a> in October 2022 and its <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/19935"> partnerships </a> with several leading distributors in the UK in July 2023.

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