Among the challenges in robotics is researching technologies that can then be developed and applied to commercial challenges. The Raymond Corp. yesterday said that its University Research Program will now review applications twice per year — in the fall and winter semesters. The current request for proposals went out last month with a deadline of October 2023.
“The changing economic landscape and the continued growth of e-commerce has fueled the rapid advancement of the material handling industry,” said Michael Field, president and CEO of Raymond, in a press release.
“Collaborating with academia’s best and brightest will fuel the exploration of new technology and innovative approaches, which will inspire the supply chain of the future,” he added. “Raymond’s commitment to research and education and our investment in the University Research Program allow us to support the next generation of material handling innovators who will move our future forward.”
University Research Program looks forward
The Raymond Corp. said it created the University Research Program “to encourage and support professors and student researchers to apply their engineering and technical research to discover innovative solutions for the material handling industry.”
Given the broad nature and rapid advancement of material handling, the company said, the theme for the 2023 to 2024 research proposals is “Research to Enable the Future of Material Handling.” Topics include handling supply chain disruptions, hardware and software to ease the transition to automation, and vehicle design.
The sponsored research program is in its sixth cycle of accepting applications for grant funding that can total up to $500,000 annually. Selected proposals may receive financial support of up to $250,000 for 12 to 24 months of research, explained Greene, N.Y.-based Raymond.
The University Research Program will evaluate research proposals from North American universities based on several criteria, including timeline, budget feasibility, and their possible effect on the material handling industry’s future.
Proposals in past years that received University Research Program funding covered topics such as automation, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), energy infrastructure, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Industry 4.0.
For more information on the University Research Program, visit www.universityresearchprogram.com or e-mail Steve Medwin, the university ambassador, at [email protected].
Raymond Corp. serves material handling needs
The Raymond Corp. is a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies. It provides systems for materials handling and intelligent intralogistics.
Following principles of innovation and continuous improvement for more than 95 years, Raymond said its integrated automation, telematics, VR, and advanced energy systems can optimize warehouse and distribution center operations.
The company claimed that its electric forklift trucks are engineered to increase productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. In partnership with Toyota Advanced Logistics Solutions, Raymond said it delivers systems to markets in North America and globally.
“Combining operational excellence, award-winning innovation, and world-class global customer support, we work together to run better, manage smarter and keep our customers always on,” said The Raymond Corp.
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