Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.29
I will never forget ProMat 2007. That’s the first industry event where I saw what we now call autonomous mobile robots or AMRs. More importantly, these robots were targeting warehousing and distribution. The exhibitors were Kiva Systems, now part of Amazon; RMT Robotics, now part of Cimcorp; and Seegrid. Each had a relatively small booth in which its vehicles moved on their own like oversized toys. While ProMat 2005 was all about RFID, AMRs were the hit of the 2007 show. Here’s what I wrote at the time: In 2007, RMT Robotics, Kiva Systems, and Seegrid introduced mobile robots to…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.25
Until recently, small to midsize distributors weren't expected to invest in high levels of automation, but changing customer expectations driven by e-commerce and improving technology capabilities have brought robotics within reach. Goods-to-person and robot-to-goods picking systems can now affordably deliver the same levels of service for business-to-business purchases as for business-to-consumer ones. One example is Top Notch Distributors Inc., which has deployed robots from 6 River Systems. Honesdale, Pa.-based Top Notch Distributors is a wholesale distributor of architectural door hardware to residential and commercial dealers. As recently as eight years ago, the company was operating without a warehouse management system…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 1.06
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…