Found in Robotics White Papers & Archives, with a score of 11.29
…might be inclined to assume that such significant efficiency gains must come at a steep price, but the truth is that robotic lift trucks actually help lower operating costs. While investing in automation can seem like a large expense upfront, a combination of labor, maintenance and equipment savings means that robotic lift trucks can cut operating expenses by up to 70% – making them a very sound investment. Operations can begin by deploying just a single truck as proof of concept before making a larger investment, robotic lift trucks offer a lower cost of entry and greater scalability than industry…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 11.15
…that different facilities realize vastly different productivity (and accuracy) gains with the technology. Among Lucas customers using voice picking, the average productivity gain from voice is 36%, and the range is from the low double digits to greater than 100%. The disparate productivity results are a direct byproduct of the approach or strategy a given DC follows when implementing the technology. We categorize three main approaches to adopting any new user technology: technology enablement; workflow improvement; and process optimization. Each approach delivers a different scale of benefit. Technology Enablement In this approach, a DC implements a new technology (voice, vision,…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 10.44
…to identify the right opportunities that can deliver immediate gains. For instance, why use an employee to pull a tug around the warehouse when an AMR is fully capable and safe to perform that role? Why endure the daily congestion created at shift change or break when all forklift trucks are returned to the same charging area, when AGVs can be deployed and charged far more flexibly, enabling route optimization and avoiding congestion? Process Review Successfully adding automation to an existing environment requires organisations to undertake two key steps. Firstly, identify the right processes to automate. Secondly, be realistic and…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 10.09
…“Knust-Godwin has not only benefitted from the huge productivity gains of the machines, but also from tremendous support from Renishaw,” adds Corliss. “We see AM playing a large role in our company’s future and we are expecting to see a 40% compound growth year on year in the oil and gas industry and 20% compound growth in aerospace. We are even looking at purchasing additional RenAM 500Q machines for different metal alloys.” “The RenAM 500Q offers productivity and efficiency gains over traditional single laser machines,” added Robin Weston, marketing manager of Renishaw Additive Manufacturing. “The benefits offered by AM means…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 10.08
…application and a programmable 2D vision sensor, InspectorP631, to gain more accurate and effective fine positioning of stacker cranes on the x and y axis. Because the system is programmable, you gain added flexibility to accommodate your specific application. More Precise Fine Positioning Rack Fine Positioning is a dedicated pre-loaded app for solving fine positioning of stacker cranes or other automated storage and retrieval systems. The app works by locating pre-drilled holes or reflectors within the racks. Two variants are available: one for single-deep racking and another for double-deep racking. Typically, double-deep racking cannot be accomplished without multiple cameras. With…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.71
…“By connecting UR cobots to MachineMetrics, users can now gain real-time insights into cobot productivity, alert teams when issues arise, and remotely troubleshoot and diagnose issues to get the cobot back up and running.” More on MachineMetrics The Northhampton, Mass.-based company said it makes “the single platform to capture, manage, and analyze manufacturing equipment data.” Last year, it raised $20 million in its Series B funding round. “Today, hundreds of manufacturers across global factories are using MachineMetrics as the foundation of their digital factories, leveraging plug-and-play machine data collection, real-time visualizations, predictive insights, and flexible APIs to optimize, adapt, and…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.48
…company says. Offering a 16-liter build volume and productivity gains, the NXE 400 printer yields part-throughput gains while offering low cost of ownership in its class on the market, the company says. Nexa3D enters the dental market with all of Keystone’s KeyPrint resins, including KeySplint Soft, a material that delivers a combination of the strength needed to protect teeth with the added flexibility for improved patient comfort, with a transparent, aesthetic appearance. “At Nexa3D, we are committed to advancing 3D printing performance and productivity through internal innovations and external collaborations,” says said Avi Reichental, co-founder, chairman and CEO, Nexa3D. Every…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.40
…from the report: The evolution of autonomous solutions will gain momentum as companies seek to optimize their equipment and fleets. Moreover, the evolving preferences of customers, driven by supply chain disruptions and inflation, have given rise to new business models, including Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS). The shift towards asset-light operations and the desire to minimize long-term commitments to robot fleets have played pivotal roles in the emergence of these innovative business models. While AGVs and AMRs find prominent use cases in logistics, delivery, and disinfection, specific subsegments within these categories, such as palletizing and sorting, are expected to take center stage as…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.10
The two guests on this episode are from SICK's corporate headquarters in Germany - Michael Repplinger, Head of Product Management for Mobile Platforms, and Michael Dold, Strategic Industry Manager for Industrial Vehicles. They have a discussion with our host, Rolf Agner, about some trends they are seeing in the industry and why SICK is excited about robotics. By listening to this episode, you’ll gain insights on: Industry trends for mobile platforms Different sensor solutions available to optimize mobile platforms How AMRs are changing the material handling industry Subscribe the On Air with SICK USA wherever you get your podcasts!
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.10
…solutions to overcome the last mile delivery issues will gain in the battlefield of supply chains. Latest trends point to emerging practice of Direct to Customer (D2C) over reaching customer via Distribution Centers (DC2C). One must keep in mind that this strategy is not just about eliminating a middle layer in the supply chain. As opposed to this, it is to gain efficiencies just by adopting automation and technology to eliminate a dispensable layer. Economies of scale is a driver to adopt this strategy and hence large players benefit from this. A centralised warehouse that caters to one or more…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.03
…seasonal associate using Chuck. Assuming a typical 100% rate gain, the Chuck-enhanced associate (illustrated in blue) will reach full productivity at 160 UPH. As illustrated in the graph above, although the associate using carts to pick (the red line) is at their full UPH at the end of peak, their average rate over the entire period is only 57 UPH due to their slow ramp-up. The associate using Chuck, however, hits their stride very quickly and averages 152 UPH. In our last scenario, Chuck provided a 100% gain to your long term workforce. For seasonal workers, it provides a much…
Found in Robotics White Papers & Archives, with a score of 9.01
…in distribution or fulfillment operations: Goods-to-Person and Person-to-Goods. Although they may seem similar at first, the productivity and efficiency gains are very different. Goods-to-Person AMRs bring items to associates or robotic picking arms for order fulfillment, eliminating walk and search time. Conversely, Person-to-Goods AMRs support associates as they travel through the aisles, picking needed items like a shopper in the grocery store. This whitepaper compares the two styles to help operations determine which type works best in their application. Which Type Works Best for Your Warehouse Application?