Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 7.36
March 06, 2023
…on road Lower bed for easier loading and improved ergonomics The Honda AWV uses a suite of sensors to operate autonomously, using GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection and cameras for remote monitoring, the company noted. Previous field tests have also successfully verified that multiple Honda AWVs can transport and deliver construction materials and supplies at precise points along a pre-set route. The vehicle uses Honda's extensive portfolio of mobility technologies, using common components from its automobiles and other products. As Honda aims to commercialize AWV, the company said it is looking for partners to participate in…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 5.50
February 26, 2023
…numerous other ways. In addition to increasing efficiency and ergonomics, automated systems allow a warehouse to create robot-only ones and human-robot collaborative environments. Each scenario calls for specific setups. For example, warehouse designs with robot-only areas can install all racks in the middle of a workspace. Human-driven vehicles would stay on the outskirts of such zones, and staffers would only enter it if necessary to perform maintenance or other limited functions. Mobile robots and robot arms can reduce heavy lifting and tedious tasks. Even housekeeping is easier and safer because robots don’t throw any trash on the floor. Automated lift…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 6.27
January 18, 2023
…its system also contributes to a safer and more ergonomic environment for all warehouse associates. In addition, the integrated AMRs can minimize exhaustion, stress, and the risk of injury-prone activities such as loading and pushing carts, the company said. “Being a long-standing Körber partner and understanding our capability in delivering complete end-to-end software, robotics, and operational solutions, Lambert looked to us when it was time to take the next step in their warehouse digitization journey,” said John Santagate, vice president of robotics software at Körber Business Area Supply Chain. “The subscription-based model is ideal for Lambert, as it provides a…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 16.95
January 02, 2023
…Cray X exoskeleton. Source: German Bionic “Both our new ergonomic wearables—Apogee and Smart SafetyVest—as well as our award-winning Cray X exoskeleton enable us to provide the right support for just about any company or work environment where manual work is performed,” she said. “And with the German Bionic IO data platform, we also deliver a powerful analytics tool for workplace ergonomics and processes.” Wearables can help prevent injury, alleviate worker shortages Industries that rely on manual materials handling, such as manufacturing, logistics, and construction, are facing severe labor shortages. This is made even more challenging as workers age or fall…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 8.20
November 30, 2022
…accuracy Layout freedom Modularity or scalability Increased safety Improved ergonomics Minimize infection risk Increase productivity Twenty-three thousand industrial robots are operating in U.K. factories, according to the International Federation of Robotics. The U.K. robot density of 101 units per 10,000 workers is below the world average of 126 units and ranks 24th. This is much lower than most other industrialized countries in Europe and the lowest of the G7 nations. AMRs gain ground When it comes to automation of logistics, autonomous mobile robots are now the largest part of the global market, while autonomous guided vehicles are losing ground according…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 5.06
November 29, 2022
…said its technology can improve order-fulfillment efficiency and workplace ergonomics. With more than 230 sites under contract around the world—some having as many as 500 LocusBots per site—Locus said its software can orchestrate the operation and management of multiple robot form factors. It also provides real-time business intelligence, critical for optimizing productivity, proactively managing labor, and managing costs, said the company. “As order volumes continue to increase and labor shortages persist worldwide, robotics automation is now a must-have for warehouse operators,” said Ash Sharma, managing director of Interact Analysis. “Locus is uniquely positioned as a leader in digital transformation in…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 4.69
November 27, 2022
…ideal candidate for automation. Moreover, on top of the ergonomic benefits and the freedom to assign workers to higher value tasks, automation can boost productivity, improve throughput, and enhance quality. And with the labor market presenting a major challenge to employers, the case for adopting robotic palletizing systems is a compelling one. Industry analyst firm Technavio agrees, predicting that the robotic palletizer market will increase by $239.16 million (U.S.) from 2021 to 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.95%. And yet, many important end-of-line tasks such as palletizing are still performed manually. That’s a lot of untapped…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 7.28
November 23, 2022
…components supplier DENSO Corp. needed to improve efficiency and ergonomics, as well as keep up employee morale in a tight labor market. It deployed six MiR250 robots from Mobile Industrial Robots ApS in its 800,000-sq.-ft. powertrain component production facility in Athens, Tenn. Since deploying its first MiR autonomous mobile robot (AMR) in 2020, DENSO has successfully executed more than 500,000 missions and realized a return on investment (ROI) in less than a year, according to a case study from Mobile Industrial Robots. It has also recognized an ongoing need for more AMRs for additional logistics applications. Founded in 2013, Mobile…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 6.67
November 16, 2022
…a major challenge for warehouse operators, from throughput and ergonomics to employee retention. It has applied artificial intelligence and robotics to solving the problem. The Cambridge, Mass.-based company this week announced $26 million in Series A funding and that its robots are already unloading tens of thousands of packages from trucks in pilot deployments. Industry veterans also joined Pickle Robot's executive team. AJ Meyer, founder and CEO of Pickle Robot, answered the following questions from Robotics 24/7: How long have the pilot implementations been going? Do you expect a lot of feedback, or is this more to prove Pickle Robot's…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 2.89
November 14, 2022
…guide the worker through picks with minimal travel. More ergonomic work and associate satisfaction factor into the mix when assessing what constitutes success. “We’ve seen incredible results from our customers in terms of productivity and throughput, but also with some of the softer benefits, like improved employee happiness and retention,” said Kaitlin Peterson, senior director of product marketing at AMR provider Locus Robotics. “They are walking less, by more than half, which reduces fatigue, and pushing heavy picking carts, which carries the risk of strains or injury, is eliminated with our solution.” Scope, then scale mobile robot fleets There is…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 7.29
November 03, 2022
…equipped with advanced put-to-light and pick-by-light systems for enhanced ergonomics and performance. These systems will be integrated and connected to enable optimized strategies for enhanced customer services, according to Körber. Latest collaboration to provide scalability The relationship between Körber and DB Schenker dates back to 2006. The companies said they have completed many successful projects in warehouse management software, automation, voice, and simulation. Körber said it has been making record progress for an anticipated go-live for the site in early 2023. It described itself as “DB Schenker's global preferred supplier for AMR-related systems.” The software and Geek+ robots are intended…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 6.16
October 20, 2022
…also enables the delivery of materials between workcells and ergonomic lift stands for work-in-process flows, as well as extraction from robotic palletizers and stretch wrappers for outbound staging, said Vecna. “This upgrade to our AFL platform is a response to customer need to automate more workflows—including low lift with conveyors and risers—in the midst of persistent labor shortages,” stated Anthony Moschella, senior vice president of product management at Vecna Robotics. “The ability to coordinate autonomous material transport with other automated systems and common warehouse equipment is the first critical step in our mission to help warehousing and manufacturing re-balance their…
