Robotics & Automation News

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Interview: BlueBotics brings warehouse robotics experts to your screen

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BlueBotics has been around for 20 years. And in that time, it has become one of the leading providers of navigation technology for warehouse robots such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots. In doing so, the company has become something of a fount of knowledge about the subject, and thought it would provide that knowledge as an online resource through its newly created website ANTdriven.com.

In this interview, conducted by Abdul Montaqim, Robotics and Automation News speaks to Matt Wade, head of marketing for BlueBotics, about the ANTdriven.com resource as well as wider issues relating to the entire warehouse automation sector.

This interview is available in video form on our YouTube channel, and is embedded below. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. [Read more…] about Interview: BlueBotics brings warehouse robotics experts to your screen

Zebra Technologies expands Fetch Robotics portfolio with solution to optimize fulfillment workflows

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Zebra Technologies, which provides automation solutions to the supply chain sector, has introduced what it claims is “the industry’s most comprehensive picking solution to help businesses improve their fulfillment operations”.

The fulfillment solution uses machines from Fetch Robotics, which Zebra recently acquired, and consists of three new autonomous mobile robots – FlexShelf, FlexShelf Guide, and RollerTop Guide – and a new FetchCore fulfillment software package for order or batch picking.

These new offerings further extend Zebra’s position as a leader in automating and digitizing critical workflows in warehouses, distribution and fulfillment centers as order volumes increase, labor pools get more competitive and customer expectations continue to rise. [Read more…] about Zebra Technologies expands Fetch Robotics portfolio with solution to optimize fulfillment workflows

Kivnon unveils three new automated vehicles for material handling

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Kivnon has expanded its range of mobile robots with a new range of automated forklifts and the new rotational lifting platform.

Kivnon has unveiled three new models of autonomous vehicles: the K03 Twister, the K55 Pallet Stacker and the K50 Pallet Truck, capable of moving around the environment using magnetic guidance or mapping navigation, based on SLAM technology.

The new K03 Twister is a rotational mobile platform with dimensions of 700 x 500 x 280 mm, making it the smallest AGV in Kivnon’s portfolio of mobile robots. [Read more…] about Kivnon unveils three new automated vehicles for material handling

XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

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XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has embarked on a new autonomous forklift truck technology pilot program in collaboration with Balyo, a specialist developer of robotics for goods handling equipment.

XPO is the first logistics company in Europe to test Balyo’s latest robotic “reach truck” – referring to its higher reach – under real-life conditions. The pilot is underway at an XPO distribution center near Blois, France.

Malcolm Wilson, XPO’s chief executive officer – Europe, says: “We’re pleased that our on-site tests will help optimize intelligent reach trucks for the logistics environment. As we pilot the robotics in our operations, we’re also exploring these applications to increase efficiency for customers and to support our employees.” [Read more…] about XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

Changing Material Handling Industry Accelerates AGV Robotics

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By John Hayes, Balyo USA

Economic policies from Industry 4.0, Logistics 4.0, and connected warehouses point to the imperative to lower costs, increase productivity, and guarantee quality. There are as many forklift truck operator positions to be filled as there are IT developer and R&D engineer jobs combined.

In the United States, 65 percent of the businesses surveyed by Deloitte (as part of its annual Supply Chain report) noted that it is “extremely difficult” to hire qualified warehouse labor.

Moving pallets is expensive. One of the global Fast Moving Customer Goods (FMCG) leaders estimates spending “almost 380 million dollars per year” for tasks that create no additional value for the business. [Read more…] about Changing Material Handling Industry Accelerates AGV Robotics

Rapid Growth of Autonomous Forklifts

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By Thomas R. Cutler

Autonomously driven forklifts, whether in distribution centers, manufacturing, or some hybrid, are much more cost-effective than manned forklifts for extremely repetitive processes.

They can be integrated into continuous round-the-clock operations covering several shifts. Self-controlling these trucks can coordinate perfectly in terms of routing and speed. This enables material flows to maintain optimal levels and the energy consumption is kept to a minimum.

The additional benefit reported by facilities managers includes substantially less damage to shelving, loads, pallets, and other trucks, as they navigate more accurately and safely than manned forklifts. [Read more…] about Rapid Growth of Autonomous Forklifts

Top 5 Career Options You Can Gain from Becoming a Forklift Operator

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Not a lot of kids dream about becoming a forklift operator when they grow up. However, if you want to get your foot in the door of construction, manufacturing, and even the food industry, you can start with this profession and work your way up.

A forklift operator drives a powered industrial truck to lift and transport materials from one point to another. They are considered professional drivers and have to obtain a Masterdrive Forklift Operator Cert as well as a higher-level driver’s license.

If you’re thinking about following this career path, below are the five job options that you have after becoming a forklift operator. [Read more…] about Top 5 Career Options You Can Gain from Becoming a Forklift Operator

Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

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By Andy Legut, FlexQube

Too often automation and robotics are characterized by sensors driving Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

There are ways to efficiently automate material flow and lean manufacturing principles today. It starts with automating into a fork truck free environment.

Ultimately the reason for automation is to capture improved productivity. Cesar Jimenez, a Toyota Material Handling, USA employee shared that a forklift can only carry up to two loads at a time.

[Read more…] about Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

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Komatsu Ltd has unveiled its electric mini excavator, based on its accumulated technological expertise of hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks.

Equipped with an in-house developed new charger, high-voltage converter and other devices, it offers excavation performance on a par with the internal combustion model of the same power output, while achieving zero exhaust gas emissions and a dynamic reduction in noise levels.

Komatsu expects a wider range of applications for this machine, including construction work near hospitals or schools or in residential areas, where contractors pay special attention to exhaust gas and noise during work, as well as inside tunnels or buildings.

[Read more…] about Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

Nitco introduces wireless forklift fleet management technology

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Nitco has launched a new wireless forklift fleet management technology, which it says is “game-changing”. (See video below.) 

The company says it adds telemetry capabilities to materials handling equipment which could lead to “improvements in safety and accountability while eliminating inefficiencies and lowering your overall cost of operation”.

Nitco says the modules are equipped with sensors, GPS and telemetry technology, enabling machines to “collect helpful, actionable data that provides new insight into countless aspects of your operation”.  [Read more…] about Nitco introduces wireless forklift fleet management technology