Reply Shapes the Future of Autonomous Mobile Robots with the Power of Microsoft Azure
Reply announced today that it has developed an end-to-end solution architecture for autonomous mobile robots (AMR) on Microsoft Azure that enables new business applications across industries, reduces upfront costs and allows for the rapid implementation of customer-specific robotics use cases.
The solution combines Microsoft Azure services, the agility of Boston Dynamics' SPOT and Reply’s knowledge of intelligent cloud computing services, edge computing and artificial intelligence. To demonstrate the capabilities of a scalable and versatile robotics platform, Reply implemented an automated vehicle-damage-detection solution for rental or leasing companies that leverages this architecture. In fact, rental or leasing companies must inspect vehicles for any damage after they are returned in order to ensure the safety and quality of their fleet for their customers. This is usually done in the time- and cost-consuming manual process of walking around the car, visually inspecting it, assessing the severity of the damage and conducting a damage report.
Reply integrates Azure Cognitive Services, Machine Learning and DevOps as well as Power Apps and Power BI. Thanks to Azure's intelligent service foundation, agile workflows and machine learning, this process can be fully automated. Using computer vision, SPOT moves freely through the parking area and scans the license plates to find the right vehicle. Once detected, it walks around the vehicle to record its condition by continuously collecting visual data with its camera and sensors. This information is processed “on the edge” or transmitted to the cloud, where advanced image recognition and machine leaning algorithms perform the damage detection. All detected damages are saved in the return protocol, and they can be presented to the customer and the fleet manager for approval.
“This platform sets the power of Microsoft Azure on the move by bringing it from the Cloud to the Edge and into highly advanced mobile robotic devices, giving them the autonomy to unlock novel business use cases. Thanks to the agile reference architecture, we are able to implement customer-specific use cases in various industries that include all types of mobile robots or drones”, comments Filippo Rizzante, CTO Reply.
“Reply is a long-term, trusted partner in delivering Azure IoT solutions, and we’re delighted to continue our collaboration on this new scalable robotics offering. By leveraging Microsoft Azure, we can help accelerate this transformation by making it easier for businesses to bring AI and analytics capabilities to these autonomous systems in a consistent and secure way,” adds Lakecia Gunter, Vice President and GM, Global IOT Channel at Microsoft.
With their agility, autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are able to move independently from a central infrastructure on terrain that is not traditionally designed for robots. They can be used in hazardous environments and environments, that are harmful to people. According to ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global market for automated guided vehicle (AGV) and AMR is expected to reach $13.2 Billion by 2026 with a growth rate of around 35%. Both AGVs and AMRs collectively are going to cross the installed base of 1.5 Million in the next 5 years to make mobile robots a new normal in our day-to-day operational activities.
Reply
Reply [MTA, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. As a network of highly specialised companies, Reply defines and develops business models enabled by the new models of AI, big data, cloud computing, digital media and the internet of things. Reply delivers consulting, system integration and digital services to organisations across the telecom and media; industry and services; banking and insurance; and public sectors. www.reply.com
Source Global Mobile Robots (AGV & AMR) Market:
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210706005133/en/
Contact information
Media
Reply
Fabio Zappelli
f.zappelli@reply.com
Tel. +390117711594
Sandra Dennhardt
s.dennhardt@reply.com
+49 170 454 62 29
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Slate Asset Management Announces Partner and Managing Director Promotions10.12.2025 15:00:00 EET | Press release
Slate Asset Management (“Slate”), a global alternative investment platform focused on essential real estate and infrastructure, today announced three senior leadership promotions, effective January 1, 2026. Molly Mahoney has been elevated to Partner, and John Murray and Sayed M. Alaali have been promoted to Managing Directors. “Molly, John, and Sayed have demonstrated outstanding dedication, skill, and leadership over the years and each has contributed meaningfully to Slate’s reputation as a proven investor and a trusted partner to leading global institutions,” said Brady Welch, Co-Founding Partner at Slate. “We are very pleased to welcome them to the highest ranks of our firm’s leadership.” Blair Welch, Co-Founding Partner at Slate, added: “In a year of significant growth, these individuals have consistently delivered exceptional outcomes for Slate’s clients, partners, and communities. They are unwavering in their commitment to excellence, integrity, and teamwork, and we look forward
Kingswood Capital Management Enters Into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire Safran Passenger Innovations10.12.2025 15:00:00 EET | Press release
Kingswood Capital Management, LP (together with its affiliates, “Kingswood”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Safran Passenger Innovations (“SPI” or the “Company”) from Safran, an international high-tech company operating in the aviation, defense, and space markets. SPI is a leading global provider of in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions for airlines and airplane manufacturers worldwide. Matt Smith will continue to serve as SPI’s CEO, and the entire SPI leadership team will remain in place. The transaction is expected to close early next year, subject to customary legal and regulatory requirements. Headquartered in Brea, California, SPI created and designed an award-winning in-flight entertainment and connectivity platform known as RAVE, recognized for its intuitive design, reliability, and innovative approach. Kingswood’s acquisition of SPI is driven by a shared vision of positioning the company to deliver transformative, next-ge
Armis Partners with KODE Labs and IntelliBuild to Streamline Security Operations Across the Building Management Lifecycle10.12.2025 15:00:00 EET | Press release
Armis, the cyber exposure management & security company, today announced a strategic partnership with KODE Labs and IntelliBuild to help organizations unify cybersecurity, operational intelligence and governance for building lifecycle management. The joint offering combines Armis’ continuous asset intelligence with KODE Labs’ performance trends and analytics, which are then operationalized by IntelliBuild’s governance and reporting. By translating accurate, verified intelligence into accountable action, organizations can streamline the operations of building management systems – from thermostats, lighting and badge readers to elevator controllers and security cameras – and proactively strengthen their cyber defenses. “To achieve real security in the new age of connected environments, you must have comprehensive, real-time protection across the entire attack surface,” said Nadir Izrael, CTO and Co-Founder at Armis. “This integration addresses the growing complexity, risk and fragmentati
FiRa Unveils New Membership Tier to Fuel Industry Growth10.12.2025 15:00:00 EET | Press release
FiRa® Consortium is expanding its membership structure with a new Associate tier that opens the door to broader industry involvement. With new revenue-based pricing, organizations of all sizes can now more easily help shape the future of precise, secure wireless experiences. By reducing cost-related barriers and expanding access to FiRa resources, this new tier opens the door for innovators, developers, and emerging players to contribute to the next generation of wireless capabilities. The updated structure gives companies a more flexible and accessible path to Associate membership: $7,500 USD for companies with annual revenue below $50 million USD $30,000 USD for companies with annual revenue above $50 million USD The refreshed Associate tier maintains all existing benefits, including participation in FiRa Working Groups, access to specifications, engagement in FiRa Plugfests, product certification opportunities, and eligibility to apply as a FiRa Authorized Test Lab. These opportunit
QuantrolOx Unveils VIDYAQAR — the World’s First True Open-Architecture Quantum Platform for Education, Research, Testing and Benchmarking10.12.2025 14:29:00 EET | Press release
QuantrolOx today announced a major milestone in quantum technology with the launch of VIDYAQAR, the world’s first True Open-Architecture Quantum Platform designed specifically for education, research, testing, and benchmarking. The system was unveiled today in India and will be available globally in the first half of 2026. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210668898/en/ VIDYAQAR - A complete quantum platform with cryogenics, control hardware and QPU - powered by Quantum EDGE. The name VIDYAQAR derives from the Sanskrit Vidyākar, meaning “causing wisdom, giving knowledge or science”—a perfect reflection of the platform’s mission to widen access to advanced quantum hardware and accelerate innovation. A Complete, Open and Scalable Quantum Platform VIDYAQAR is a connected, fully open-architecture superconducting quantum system that brings together: CryogenicsControl electronicsQuantum Processing Unit (QPU)Integra
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom