Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 15.20
June 23, 2020
…the cost from capital expenditure (capex) to operational expenditure (opex) budgets and allows for almost instant return on investment (ROI). For companies prioritizing innovation, RaaS represents a lower-risk option and a far easier implementation process, said ForwardX. “The opex versus capex tradeoff is now relatively common amongst RaaS providers, but the market now expects more than a simple financial twist,” declared Remy Glaisner, research director at IDC and lead for its Worldwide Robotics and Drones Strategies practice. “RaaS is primarily a transaction-based model for which each ‘transaction’ should reflect the creation of tangible business value for the user.” “ForwardX is…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.66
October 14, 2023
…warehouse robotics into the realm of operational expenses or “opex.” The advantages cascade from there, from opening up solutions to a wider base of users to making it easier to scale fleets, say industry observers. The model is catching on, with some vendors having focused on it for years. For example, autonomous mobile robot (AMR) provider Locus Robotics uses RaaS for all its offerings. Other AMR vendors also lead with RaaS, and analysts predict strong growth. The RaaS market could grow from $1.33 billion in 2023 to $4.12 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.53
April 03, 2016
…shuttles at the booths for Dematic, Intelligrated, viastore, Schaefer, OPEX and Knapp to name a few. At the same time, based on the number of pick-and-put-to-light displays I saw, picking mezzanines and putwalls appear to be alive and well. Software is more important than ever: For proof, I note that both Dematic and Intelligrated are sponsoring separate booths just for their software offerings. I also noted that systems integrators like Vargo were touting their software chops. Pallets and packaging: As many people know, I grew up in the pallet industry. I wear my bias on my sleeve. Still, there appear…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 14.30
October 10, 2021
…Monty McVaugh, manager of the product management group at OPEX. He cited several factors beyond the increasing number of returns as e-commerce grows. Increased volume requires increased speed of processing returns, and automation is just faster than manual operations, said McVaugh. Furthermore, labor continues to be a problem. “The longer companies stay with manual processes, the more painful the move to automation will be,” McVaugh said. “For reverse logistics, the issue is no longer if, but when automation will move into the primary position.” Managing returns Let’s be clear up front. Automation is not the de facto answer for all…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 12.79
August 01, 2021
…a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) business model. It is a pay-as-you-go (OpEx) plan, which allows customers to fund their automation needs with zero upfront capital commitment. A “$0 down with zero risk” value proposition is extremely attractive, not only for SMBs that are cash strapped but also for larger companies that want to take on more risks. The RaaS model is gaining more momentum and becoming more widespread. Better jobs and an upskilled workforce are starting to emerge Robots are not “job killers” — certainly, there are dirty, dull, and dangerous roles that are being phased out, but an even higher number…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 11.86
September 02, 2020
…to suddenly become RaaS. Robotic lift trucks are also relatively expensive, so even when leased or otherwise moved into “OpEX” budgets, they probably can’t slip into existing budgets without some planning. As Gaskell puts it, “it’s a sizeable enough purchase that you have to budget for it either way.”
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 11.42
April 04, 2022
…fellow MODEX attendees was the new goods-to-person system from OPEX, which decouples robots from its high-density storage medium. Goods-to-person isn’t new for the industry or OPEX, but the new product is a sustaining innovation based on what the company has already done. Industry consolidation continues One notable deal around the show was the acquisition of SDI Systems by Element Logic, a Norwegian firm that is the largest integrator of AutoStore. SDI will serve as Element Logic’s base to enter the North and South American markets. Examples of partnerships to gain access to new markets included Murata Machinery and AGVE Group,…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 10.88
February 04, 2020
…focus today is grocery. However, Jeff Hedges, president of OPEX Warehouse Automation, says general retail offers huge opportunity, too. “The small footprint of these microcenters is well suited to the low availability and high cost of real estate in metropolitan areas closest to customers. Furthermore, they can be used for returns as well as order fulfillment,” adds Hedges. The most established foray here is a partnership between Takeoff Technologies and Knapp’s shuttle system. According to Knapp’s Reader, the system is highly scalable and can be installed in 16 weeks. “It’s also easy to build small networks of these facilities,” says…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 10.21
April 13, 2017
…the four I had a chance to visit. What’s exciting about this space, as Jeff Hedges, the president of OPEX, put it, is that many of these companies are from outside the materials handling industry. As a result, they may bring a new perspective to age old problems, that will increase the clockspeed even more.
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.65
June 06, 2022
…Francisco-based company. Each RMO can be “hired” for an OpEx-friendly subscription of $2,100 a month. Rapid Robotics said its RMO is affordable at just $25,000 a year, and the system requires no programming, systems integration, specialized hardware, or robotics skills. Manufacturers can see returns on investment (ROI) in months, claimed the company. Fast Company magazine recognized the Rapid Machine Operator as one of its “Next Big Things in Technology” for 2021. Rapid Robotics’ founding team combines robotics and manufacturing expertise with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model. Its investors include Tiger Global, Kleiner Perkins, NEA, Greycroft, Bee Partners and 468 Capital.…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.63
April 08, 2022
…and supply chain disruptions, it was quite remarkable. The OPEX Infinity solution was impressive. No surprise—OPEX traditionally has a high standard for its technology. With Infinity, the company has done a great job of solving high-density racking while maintaining tremendous throughput. Berkshire Grey's Spectrum Gripper, a picking arm with a single suction end, is solving for enormous assortment and size of materials. This flexibility will enable warehouses to lower operational costs. Matt Wade, BlueBotics Wade: It was interesting to see more automated vehicle suppliers showing examples of fleet operation and interoperability—two themes that end users are demanding more and more.…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 9.37
April 04, 2023
…a strategic long-term investment and competitive differentiator. Capex vs. opex models: Dated capital expenditure models are delaying rapid adoption of automation at scale. Proven value: New technologies have to do a better job at proving value in environments with more financial discipline and to compete with other types of tech investments. Respondents were not interested in “science projects.” Source: Vecna Robotics When it comes to adopting automation at scale, the barriers remain spread. Cost and ROI remained the top barriers (44%) but was followed closely by training/change management (43%). Implementation complexity (39%), integration challenge (38%), and operational fit (38%) also…
