Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.06
…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 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 9.92
…Jim Lawton, vice president and general manager of robotics automation at Zebra Technologies. “Turnover rates are over 40% in both sectors, so labor is a constraint that must be dealt with.” “AMRs can quickly fill the labor gap. When AMRs collaborate with people, operational productivity, efficiency, and accuracy significantly improve,” he asserted. “Deploying even a small fleet of AMRs—as few as a dozen—that work autonomously with humans also adds a valuable measure of control.” The rise of autonomous mobile robots would not have happened without a number of technical advances, further convincing users of their value. “We have seen a…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.39
…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 11.59
As more operators of warehouses and other facilities adopt automation, its essential that they closely monitor their robot fleets to ensure they get the most value out of them. The first step is to determine an initial expected return on investment (ROI) prior to the introduction of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into the environment. Users must then keep close tabs on performance to ensure that calculation isn’t deteriorating over time, and to know what changes to make if the ROI figure starts decreasing. “A lot of companies are embracing robots because of labor shortages – anything from distribution centers for…
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 9.87
…“The business started as a residential subscription service,” said Matthew Erickson, chief technology officer at My Goat. “We realized that not a lot of hardware manufacturers were focused on the commercial space.” “We're 'Roomba meets Netflix' for commercial lawnmowing,” said Neil Amrhein, founder and CEO of My Goat. “I've worked in hospitality with the Ritz Carlton, founded a home care company with thousands of caregivers, and spent over 10 years in the tech space with EMC and as a serial entrepreneur.” “I saw a YouTube video that said there were 2 million units in Europe four years ago, but autonomous…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.26
…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 12.98
…“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 15.08
…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 7.71
…technology consultancy that designs, develops and supports unique software solutions. The company’s autonomous driving technologies are progressing, and the next autonomous driving level shift will be significant, according to Max Ivannikov, a solutions consultant at DataArt. Vehicle data and monetization have attracted interest from analysts and OEMs, nudging their imagination. Image courtesy of DataArt. “It’s hard to name the exact date when it will happen, but the technology is changing our world already,” says Ivannikov. “Driverless shuttles are being tested in medical facilities, on huge campuses, at airports, for last-mile deliveries and for other purposes and places. The demand for…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 13.61
…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…