AutoStore agrees to pay Ocado $256 million in settlement of patent lawsuit
Introduction:
Introduction:
Ocado Group and AutoStore Holdings have reached a comprehensive settlement in their global patent dispute. Both companies operate automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) based on similar principles. Under the settlement, AutoStore will pay £200 million ($256 million) to Ocado in installments over the next two years, and all patent litigation claims will be withdrawn globally. Additionally, the companies have agreed to a cross-license of each other’s pre-2020 patents, allowing them to continue using and marketing their existing products without challenge. This resolution enables both Ocado and AutoStore to focus on their respective business goals and provide their partners with cutting-edge technology.
Full Article: AutoStore agrees to pay Ocado $256 million in settlement of patent lawsuit
Ocado Group and AutoStore Holdings have reached a settlement in their global patent dispute. The dispute, which began in October 2020, involved AutoStore accusing Ocado of infringing upon six of its patents. Lawsuits were filed in both the UK and the US. However, with this settlement, all claims and litigation are being withdrawn globally.
Both Ocado and AutoStore are known for operating automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) based on similar principles. As part of the settlement, AutoStore will pay £200 million (approximately $256 million) to Ocado in installments over the next two years.
One of the key aspects of the settlement is a global cross-license agreement, which allows both companies to use and market all their existing products without any challenge. Additionally, both parties have agreed to mutually beneficial terms regarding each other’s pre-2020 patents. Ocado, specifically, retains exclusive rights to the Single Space Robot.
The CEOs of Ocado and AutoStore expressed their satisfaction with the resolution. Tim Steiner, CEO of Ocado, stated, “We can now each move forward and concentrate on providing our partners with world-beating technology.” Mat Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, added, “This settlement resolves our differences and allows us to continue focusing on our respective business goals.”
It is worth noting that earlier this year, the UK High Court declared AutoStore’s patents invalid due to the company disclosing its technology publicly in a business deal with the Central Bank of Russia before filing for patents. In December 2021, AutoStore also lost a patent infringement lawsuit filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) in the US.
The settlement between Ocado and AutoStore brings an end to their legal battle and paves the way for both companies to move forward and continue innovating in the field of automated storage and retrieval systems.
Summary: AutoStore agrees to pay Ocado $256 million in settlement of patent lawsuit
Ocado Group and AutoStore Holdings have reached a settlement in their global patent dispute. The dispute arose when AutoStore claimed that Ocado infringed upon six of its patents. As part of the settlement, AutoStore will pay £200 million ($256 million) to Ocado over the next two years. All patent litigation claims will be withdrawn globally. Both companies have agreed to a cross-license of each other’s pre-2020 patents, allowing them to continue using and marketing their existing products. Ocado retains exclusive rights to the Single Space Robot. The settlement allows both companies to focus on their business goals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is robotics and how does it work?
Robotics is a field of technology that deals with the design, creation, and operation of robots. Robots are mechanical devices that are programmed to perform tasks autonomously or under remote control. They are typically equipped with sensors, actuators, and a central processing unit (CPU) to perceive and interact with their environment. Through the integration of hardware and software, robots can perform a range of functions, from simple repetitive tasks to complex operations in various industries.
2. What are the different types of robots?
There are various types of robots, each designed for specific purposes. Some common types include industrial robots used in manufacturing processes, collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside humans, service robots used in healthcare or hospitality industries, autonomous drones for aerial surveillance or delivery, and humanoid robots that mimic human movements and behaviors. Additionally, there are underwater robots, space exploration robots, and many more tailored to specific applications.
3. How are robots programmed?
Robots are programmed using specialized software and programming languages to perform specific tasks. The programming process may involve defining the robot’s movements, interactions, and decision-making capabilities. For industrial robots, the programming can be done using programming languages like Robot Programming Language (RPL) or Structured Text (ST), while other robots may utilize visual programming interfaces or high-level languages like Python or C++. The programming process varies depending on the complexity of the robot and its intended functionalities.
4. What are the main challenges in robotics?
Robotics faces several challenges, such as perception and sensing, decision-making, human-robot interaction, and maneuvering in complex environments. Perception and sensing involve enabling robots to understand and interpret their surroundings through sensors like cameras, LiDAR, or tactile sensors. Decision-making entails developing algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) mechanisms for robots to make informed choices based on the perceived information. Additionally, ensuring safe and seamless human-robot interaction remains a challenge, along with designing robots capable of maneuvering in dynamic and unstructured environments.
5. What are the future prospects of robotics?
The future of robotics is promising, with many exciting advancements expected. Robotics is likely to play a pivotal role in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Collaborative robots are becoming more prevalent, enabling humans and robots to work side by side to achieve higher precision and productivity. Further advancements in AI and machine learning will lead to robots with enhanced learning capabilities and the ability to adapt to new scenarios. Additionally, the development of humanoid robots might expand their use beyond industrial settings, allowing for humanoid companions or assistants in daily life.
