Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.16
March 11, 2021
…robotics have been happening for years, notes Counihan, the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent increase in e-commerce have changed the automation business case and greatly accelerated adoption. “Post-Covid, resilience is a new variable in the automation business case calculation that represents the ability to continue to operate in the event of future labor shocks,” says Counihan. “With resilience now in the equation, automation investments can make sense where they did not before and automation investments that made sense before are now obvious decisions.” Kristi Montgomery, vice president of innovation, research and development with Kenco, a major third-party logistics (3PL) provider, also…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.34
March 11, 2021
…particular found contracting markets in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the demand for robot flexibility is changing and growing. Warehouse and distribution center operators face challenges retaining workers, and end-of-line tasks such as palletization can cause strain and are costly, according to gripper maker OnRobot. The company said its latest grippers meet the need for easier-to-use robots. “Safety was the initial consideration for cobots, but we've come so far toward plug and play,” said Kristian Hulgard, general manager for the Americas at OnRobot. “The next big things are ease of use and deployment time.” Odense, Denmark-based OnRobot A/S…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.02
March 03, 2021
…Executive Vice President of Contract Logistics, North America. “The COVID-19 pandemic exponentially increased the fulfillment volume we needed to process shipments on behalf of our customers around the world. As we move forward, that volume is expected to remain strong. By partnering with Berkshire Grey and investing in its intelligent robotic automation systems, we can better operate our fulfillment facilities 24 hours per day to manage the excess volume, as well as scale our operations when needed.” Adds Jessica Moran, SVP and General Manager of 3PL and Parcel Businesses at Berkshire Grey: “Berkshire Grey is excited to be a trusted…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.26
February 23, 2021
…a critical tool to help combat the spread of COVID-19 and to help educate people how to ease back into normal routines, from taking mass transportation to safely sharing a meal with family and friends. Hexagon’s MSC Software has released an on-going series of simulations aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of social distancing and wearing protective coverings like masks. In its latest simulation, the company explores the impact of ventilation in social settings, specifically for a group dining together in indoor conditions. The simulation aims to replicate the physical behavior of airborne droplets from those who are…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.14
February 19, 2021
…observed the ubiquity of ecommerce brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. At this juncture, that is not news. Well, how about this: According to IBM’s U.S. Retail Index, the coronavirus accelerated the shift toward online shopping - and away from brick-and-mortar - by about five years. This news may be good for a company’s top line; however, many supply chain leaders are struggling to cope with the tremendous pressure this surge has put on their internal operations, customer service, and delivery partners. “Both manufacturers and retailers, faced with ecommerce volumes that no one anticipated until 2025, are trying to meet…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.30
February 08, 2021
What a year. The COVID-19 pandemic set in and made a massive impact on global trade and amplified existing logistics challenges around the world; lockdowns triggered rapid growth in e-commerce, putting additional strain on already strained freight networks; and a last-minute Brexit deal was finally reached following a few chaotic weeks at the UK border. While all of these challenges remain, 2021 also brings hope, especially because distribution of vaccines has started worldwide—with strong support from the logistics industry. “Safely delivering COVID-19 vaccines will be the mission of the century for the global air cargo industry, but it won’t happen…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.15
February 08, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic is arguably the most prolonged and harshest disruption the supply chain industry has seen in the last few decades. It has been quite a journey for businesses and warehouses from reacting to the situation, navigating operational changes through the lockdown, such as social distancing, and preparing along the way for the eventual re-opening as vaccine trials raise the hope of the end to the pandemic. As we begin to turn a corner, it is paramount for business executives and supply chain leaders to envision with sufficient clarity what the next normal will look like. They must plan…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.72
February 05, 2021
…manufacturing time and material waste. Manufacturers see value in improved materials that are reliable and cost-effective. For a detailed, post-COVID-19 analysis of the 3D printed materials market, please see the IDTechEx report “3D Printed Materials Market 2020-2030: COVID Edition,” or for the full portfolio of 3D printing research available from IDTechEx, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/3D.
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.53
January 28, 2021
…strain to supply chains and economic uncertainty due to COVID-19. Alex Shikany, A3 Vice President, Membership & Business Intelligence, noted that despite a drop in orders, industry leaders showed optimism about the remainder of 2020, and accurately predicted the strong finish to 2020. “The pandemic has created a sense of urgency for manufacturing companies to invest in automation like never before,” said Mike Cicco, President and CEO of FANUC America. “Traditionally, companies have implemented automation to reduce cost, increase output, and improve quality. However, the pandemic has added an additional factor that is driving manufacturers to re-examine their supply chain…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.91
January 26, 2021
…person who remains in one place. “Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is increasing demand for robotics in warehouses and distribution centers,” said Dwight Klappich, vice president analyst with the Gartner Supply Chain practice. “G2P systems are an easy and economical way to not only enforce social distancing, but also improve productivity.” While there’s a variety of technological solutions to address social distancing in warehouses – including technology that traces each employee’s move – robotic systems are easier to implement and less invasive. “Keeping people in place and using a virus-resistant robot to move goods around respects people’s privacy and keeps…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 0.72
January 12, 2021
…demand same-day delivery. This trend has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as more consumers become comfortable with online ordering of perishable items and groceries. One of the significant changes in supply chain strategies we are seeing as a result of this is the rise of fulfillment centers that bring fulfillment closer to the consumer. Fulfillment centers Typically, one of the dominant components in a company’s supply chain was the large warehouse or distribution center that acted as a central hub from where products are shipped to retail outlets. These are now being joined by a network of fulfillment centers…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.32
January 12, 2021
…applications. While CES 2021 was virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that did not keep major vendors from making a host of announcements promising more autonomous systems in the coming year. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) plans to resume some in-person features in a hybrid event next year, but most robotics-related conferences of the past year and the next several months will continue to be online, with varying platforms for presentations, networking, and exhibits. What makes CES (formerly the Consumer Electronics Show) different is its size and the diversity of technologies. In addition to robots for folding laundry, preparing and…
