Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 45.64
Manhattan Associates has announced the launch of the Manhattan Automation Network, a program designed to speed the development and implementation of modern distribution center automation and robotics in partnership with leading warehouse automation solution providers. The program is designed to deliver joint solution design, integration touchpoints and implementation approaches between some of the industry’s leading warehouse management solution and innovative robotics providers. The Manhattan Automation Network is launching with five inaugural members: Kindred AI, Locus Robotics, Matthews Automation Solutions, Right Hand Robotics and VCO Systems. According to a release from Manhattan Associates, the recent growth of omnichannel retail and a…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 17.98
…used to do fine with mostly manual methods need automation to adapt to new requirements. That decision process for automation used to center on an analysis of historical demand patterns. But what happens when e-commerce sends assumptions around order mix and volume out the window? The answer, say providers of warehouse automation, is that the reasons why you automate begin to change. It’s less about raw efficiency in processing large batches of work and more about speed and flexibility in getting e-commerce orders out the door. “In the not too distant past, you could take order line data, analyze it,…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 16.22
…market demand for more automated options. “In terms of automation, we’re seeing an explosion of technologies that are being adapted to work in put walls,” Eldred pointed out. Cache checking, or verifying whether a specific item is already stored in a cache, can ensure that the right items are being placed in the put walls. Vendors are also working with robotics manufacturers to facilitate automated “item grabbing,” whereby robotic arms both identify items and place them into put walls, Eldred said. VARGO and Kindred's Sort robotic piece-picking system, as well as VARGO and OPEX's Sure Sort, which uses autonomous mobile…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 15.97
…a unique combination of traditional and automated materials handling solutions. Honeywell to acquire Intelligrated for $1.5 billion Deal marks the second acquisition of a leading systems integration firm in the past two weeks. JDA announces $570 million equity investment from Blackstone and New Mountain Capital Investment to support research and development, including SaaS-based supply chain and omni-channel retail solutions. FORTE and Power Automation Systems rebranded under Swisslog WDS Swisslog Warehouse and Distribution Solutions acquired Forte in April 2015 and PAS in April 2016. KION brand Egemin Automation acquires Retrotech Acquisition to strengthen expertise in fast-growing market for automated warehouse systems…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 15.06
…to customers looking for versatile, safe, and integrated pallet-handling solutions. “We’re excited for the potential of this partnership, particularly as we see demand for AMRs grow among our customer base as they learn more about the difference between AGVs [automated guided vehicles] and AMRs,” stated Joe Bollman, manager of Alta Robotics. “Customers are asking for features like the ability to reroute in real-time and navigate freely around obstacles – a more viable, safe and flexible option for many.” “In today’s world, autonomous material handling solutions are a crucial component to helping organizations keep pace with the demands of the industry…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.38
…innovations in robotics, machine vision, artificial intelligence, and other automation technologies. “Our startup challenge at Automate has grown to be a favorite event, where the latest innovations showcase where automation is heading today,” stated Alex Shikany, vice president of membership and business intelligence at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), which organizes Automate. “As we’ve seen from previous winners such as Soft Robotics, Innovative Mechatronic Systems BV, and Apellix, each of these startups show great promise.” “While only one will win the $10,000, they will all come away from Automate with new contacts and potential customers eager to take advantage…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.25
…built our first prototype in 2013, the world of automation was a different place,” recalled Matthew Rendall, CEO of OTTO Motors. “The most important concept—not only in AMRs, but also in best practices when designing and installing automation, was maximizing return on investment [ROI]. We set out to design a transformative materials-handling solution using autonomy technology that has the best total cost of ownership [TCO], period.” OTTO Motors provides AMRs for material handling inside manufacturing facilities and warehouses. With more than 3 million hours of driving experience, the unit of Clearpath Robotics Inc. said it delivers mission-critical items in demanding…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.07
…more than 80 integrator partners worldwide, including Honeywell Intelligrated, Matthews Automation Solutions, and Gray Solutions. The company's systems are also now available through a network of leading material handling systems dealers in North America, including Eastern Lift Truck Co. and Toyota Material Handling Systems of Atlanta. “With more than 45 years of experience, Toyota Material Handling Systems has helped warehouse and manufacturing facilities find and deploy the best solutions in material handling,” said Zach Smith, vice president at Toyota Material Handling Systems. “When the team brought OTTO Motors to demo at our facility for the first time, I asked what…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.04
…businesses worldwide with efficient, scalable, and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions.” The partners said they have successfully deployed thousands of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in 30 implementations in eight regions. Körber and Geek+ claimed that their joint customers have more than doubled productivity, improved accuracy up to 99.99%, and reduced distances walked by warehouse associates by up to 82%. Customers throughout Europe, America, and Asia-Pacific are currently relying on Geek+'s expertise in AMR technology combined with Körber’s capabilities in consulting, conceptualization, integration, and support. The companies also said that by increasing picking accuracy, reducing labor costs, and improving productivity and efficiency,…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 13.59
…of the remaining challenges and opportunities. We spoke to Matthew Ladzinski, vice president, Americas and special projects, NAFEMS; Joe Walsh, CEO of the ASSESS Initiative; Malcolm Panthaki, co-founder and executive committee member, Rev-Sim.org and VP of Analysis Solutions at Aras; and Chris Smith, senior analyst and cloud computing SME at Smart2Market. Digital Engineering: We talk a lot in the industry about the “democratization of simulation.” How do you see this process advancing in the industry? Is this a widespread trend, or more prevalent in certain markets? Matthew Ladzinski Ladzinski: First off, I think it’s important to understand what is meant…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 12.97
…“hire” it for less than $2,100 per month, bringing automation within reach for manufacturers of all sizes, Rapid Robotics said. A robotic 'ripple effect' Manufacturers appreciate how the Rapid Machine Operator delivers positive ROI from Day 1, but the value for regional producers goes far beyond that, said Aaron Halonen, Midwest general manager at Rapid Robotics. He is an automotive industry veteran with decades of experience in design, engineering, and quality control. “Factories around here are in a tough spot,” Halonen said. “Without a way to work their machines, they can’t bid on jobs. No bidding means no business. No…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 12.11
…third-party logistics and fulfillment service providers (3PLs) for fulfillment solutions. View: Top 50 U.S. & Global 3PLs “Just about everybody in retail is being dragged along by what Amazon does,” says Robert Lieb, professor of supply chain management at Northeastern University who has surveyed 3PL CEOs for nearly 25 years. “They are trying to respond with an omnichannel solution to maintain brick-and-mortar stores, but also be competitive in e-commerce.” “Because a lot of retailers - particularly small ones - can’t afford to put together their own stand-alone e-commerce business with the geographic and inventory positioning capability to meet same-day/next-day delivery…