How Can Robotic Automation Help Alleviate Labor Shortages?
In the past evaluating automation was typically about the Return On Investment (ROI), but more and more companies are considering automation because they are not able to staff their current manual operations.
Robotic Solutions in the Supply Chain
Following a number of successful implementations, were starting to see robots and their human counterparts work side by side in warehouses, deliveries and at sorting centers. Logistics plays a fundamental role in the success of the manufacturing process and by using robots, we are able to evolve business models to increase productivity - and profitability.
Interview with Bruce Welty, co-founder of Locus Robotics
My view is that companies (1) start with a problem that is suited to be solved by a robotic solution, then (2) design and build a robot that solves that problem and finally (3) build a business model that makes the robot the best economic solution to the problem.
Amazon's Robot War Is Spreading
Patrick Clark and Kim Bhasin for Bloomberg Technology: It was Amazon that drove Americas warehouse operators into the robot business.
Quiet Logistics, which ships apparel out of its Devens, Mass., warehouse, had been using robots made by a company called Kiva Systems. When Amazon bought Kiva in 2012, Quiet hired scientists.
The Exploding Use of Robotics in Logistics and Manufacturing
The future of robotics contains the same level of certainty as the suns rising in the morning. Robots are becoming an integrated portion of the workforce, and they will be there every day thereafter, unless a company ditches robotics altogether.
Fetch Robotics' Fetch & Freight
From Fetch Robotics (the core team from Unbounded Robotics/all former employees of Willow Garage):
The Fetch Robotics’ system is comprised of a mobile base (called Freight) and an advanced mobile manipulator (called Fetch). Fetch and Freight can also use a charging dock for autonomous continuous operations; allowing the robots to charge when needed and then continue on with their tasks. In addition, the system includes accompanying software to support the robots and integrate with the warehouse environment. Both robots are built upon the open source robot operating system, ROS.
Fetch is an advanced mobile manipulator, including features such as:
Telescoping spine with variable height from 1.09 to 1.491 meters
Capacity to lift approximately 6 kgs.
3D RGB Depth Sensor
Back-Drivable 7DOF Arm
Modular Gripper Interface
Head Expansion Mount Points
Pan-Tilt Head
Differential Drive
ROS-Enabled
Freight is a modular base, used separately or in conjunction with Fetch. Features include:
Base Expansion Mount Points
Payload support of approximately 68 kgs.
2D Laser Scanner
Stereo Speaker
Computer Access Panel
Run-Stop
ROS-Enabled
( full press release )
Fetch Robotics Unveils Robotics System for Logistics Industry
More and more, when consumers or businesses place an order they want those items delivered immediately. Between services such as Amazon Prime, Google Express, eBay Now, and the continuing growth of e-commerce, there is a consumer expectation of speed and efficiency that is putting significant pressure on the role of logistics and e-commerce warehouses. To address this challenge, Fetch Robotics today introduced a robotics system designed for the logistics industry.
Records 76 to 82 of 82
Featured Product
OnLogic Helix 401 Fanless Hybrid-Core Computer
OnLogic's Helix 401 Compact Fanless Computer offers scalable, high-performance processing and can simultaneously drive multiple 4K displays, making it the ideal computing platform for many automation and IIoT applications. The Helix 401 has the horsepower to drive mission-critical applications while requiring less than 28W of power, and is small enough to fit in space-constrained locations or enclosures. It can be configured with a range of Intel® 12th generation processors, up to a Core i7 and has Intel Iris® Xe graphics onboard.
