It’s tempting to copy the choices of distribution centers that have broken through to higher productivity after deploying automated materials handling. The pages of Modern are filled with examples of companies that have tapped solutions like mini-load shuttles, voice picking or goods-to-person robotics to achieve greater speed, labor savings and accuracy. So, why not just install some of that equipment at your DC and wait for similarly dramatic benefits? The short answer, say consultants involved with warehouse automation, is that replicating the path taken at another DC may turn out to be disappointing if the automation installed doesn’t support core…
As more companies explore the possibility of using metal additive manufacturing (AM) equipment to create both prototypes and production parts, the challenges of quality control and consistency with AM machines is becoming more apparent. The same part printed on the same machine at different times does not always meet the same specification. Sizes may be slightly off, or pores or cracks may be present. That lack of consistency is an ongoing problem, and one that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hopes to address through a project conducted through the NIST Engineering Laboratory (EL) and Physical Measurement Laboratory…
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced the results of its research on robotics and automation trends, sales, and growth. A3 provides quarterly statistical reports to its members for benchmarking and business intelligence purposes. As expected, many records were set in the areas of robotics, machine vision, motion control and motor technology for the first half of 2017.A snapshot of some of A3’s research findings includes: Robotics According to A3, the North American robotics market had its best opening half ever to begin 2017, setting new records in all four statistical categories (order units, order revenue, shipment units, and…
AHA, one of Iceland's largest eCommerce companies, partnered with Flytrex to expand its' delivery bandwidth and find new, efficient ways to deliver goods to customers around the city of Reykjavik. Using Flytrex's drone delivery system, AHA is now delivering goods between two parts of the city that are separated by a wide river, dramatically cutting delivery times and costs. Flytrex's system operates alongside AHA's existing vehicle-based delivery network, increasing its daily deliveries capacity, without increasing manpower. Whether it's food, flowers or a new phone, delivering products is now as instant as ordering. “This puts us at the forefront in what…
Randstad US has released new research findings that contradict many reports that American workers fear losing their job due to automation. The 2017 Randstad Employer Brand Research found that only 14% of U.S. employees worry that automation will take their job away, and nearly one-third (30%) say they think automation will make their job better. Alongside their optimism toward automation, workers also report a willingness to retrain or upskill to maintain their current job status. In fact, the study found half of the respondents (51%) agreed they would be happy to retrain if they were being paid the same or…
Family-owned and operated for three generations, Acorn Sales Company in Richmond, Va., is a specialist in customized, handmade rubber stamps and embossing seals. To maintain throughput, improve quality and reduce its reliance on outside suppliers, the company now uses a collaborative robot to support manufacturing. As a result, the company has significantly shortened its supply chain. Before the new collaborative robot (Rethink Robotics), Acorn purchased pre-cut stamp mounts with handles from a third-party supplier, which led to variable pricing, shipping delays and inconsistent stamp mount quality. The company had long sought an option for bringing this process in house, but…
Delivering to customers at home is inefficient and expensive than delivering B2B. Logistics Service Providers have to carry single packages to high and low-density areas, and often in B2C, the resident isn’t a home. Yet customers are demanding faster and cheaper deliveries. Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) are actively trying to perfect the last mile in order to keep up with greater consumer demands. What more can you expect for last-mile delivery in the near future 1. Faster Fulfillment There’s an emphasis on logistics and fulfillment due to an increase in on-demand or same-day delivery. There is a huge push and…
Amazon has announced the results of its 2017 Amazon Robotics Challenge with winners hailing from Australia, the U.S., and Singapore. The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision succeed in the Grand Championship Combined Task to win the overall Challenge with Nanyang Technological University of Singapore winning the Pick Task and MIT Princeton winning the Stow Task. The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision developed their own Cartesian robot “Cartman” for the challenge. Theirs was the only Cartesian robot at the event, and it is believed to be the least expensive contestant as well. Cartman can move along three axes at right angles…
Bell and Howell has announced that it has spun off its mail-sorting business and certain parcel-labeling technologies to a new company named Fluence Automation. The newly formed company is owned by a group of investors that includes members of the Bell and Howell sorting leadership team. “This strategic move is part of our plan to accelerate Bell and Howell’s continued growth as we extend our capabilities in our traditional mail-production business while also expanding our industry-leading innovation in areas such as e-commerce, robotics and track-and-trace technologies,” said Ramesh Ratan, president and CEO of Bell and Howell. “This move, along with…
