Robotics

Robots in the Warehouse: A Progress Report

March 23, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Is there still a place for humans in the automated warehouse of the future?

'Futureproof' Your Manufacturing and Supply Chain Operations at MODEX 2018

March 22, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

If anything is in constant flux, it is manufacturing and supply chain. MODEX 2018 is the best venue to showcase the services, products and solutions needed to meet the challenges these two vital areas face.

0321 digitaldisruptiontechnologyadoption

Digital Disruption, Technology Adoption in the Warehouse, DCs and FCs

March 21, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

Technologies that were previously considered futuristic, overly complex, and unable to be financially justified are becoming mainstream. This is no longer "emerging technology" -- it is here, it works, and it is now being implemented, changing the supply chain. Warehouses, distribution centers and fulfillment centers are accelerating their adoption of newer technology solutions. It is time for executives to reevaluate their initial assumptions across material handling and technology solutions. -David Meyers, Principal, Tompkins International

Collaborative Mobile Robots Are Coming To Your Warehouse

March 20, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

A common question warehouse operators often ask themselves is: "what can we do to further increase productivity and efficiency?" For a while, this challenge has been met with Six Sigma methodologies to identify and eliminate waste in the process. However, one of the biggest sources of waste remains non-value-adding movement and material handling. A new breed of robot has recently emerged that tackles this challenge and is helping warehouses to reach next level productivity and efficiency. -John Santagate, Research Director, IDC

Advances in Robotic Capabilities and Feasibility

March 19, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

To satisfy customers, businesses need an operations strategy which stays in front of ever-changing consumer expectations. The key to an operations strategy is combining fulfillment and distribution into an integrated flow requiring more advanced capabilities in greater numbers of facilities. Fortunately, developments in robotics are providing opportunities to automate economically throughout the network. Picking solutions reduce operator travel and sorting solutions enabling all facilities to use more efficient batch pick and process flows. -Mike Futch, Executive Vice President – Robotic Systems, Tompkins International

Emerging Technologies Changing the Way We Solve Distribution Challenges

March 16, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

Emerging technologies are offering new ways to solve today's distribution challenges—disruptions caused by a shortage of labor, higher customer expectations and the shift to smaller, more frequent, just-in-time orders that are driving more each picking in the distribution center. These innovations are making it possible to increase productivity and efficiency, reduce dependence on labor and provide greater flexibility to scale operations up or down as the needs of the business change. -Roger Counihan, Emerging Technologies Strategist, Fortna

Enhanced Vision from Connected Environments

March 15, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

Increased visibility across the supply chain is a growing demand from businesses and customers alike. Businesses need to rapidly detect and react to supply chain disruptions to meet service levels, and customers want real-time knowledge of order status. This demand for visibility is also penetrating the walls of the warehouse. A connected environment and emerging technology will enable this sought-after visibility. -Rick Kaminska, Vice President of Product Management, SensorThink

The Future of Human/Robot Collaboration

March 14, 2018

Karen Leavitt, Chief Marketing Officer, Locus Robotics

Robots Will Soon Be In The Store Helping to Fulfill Orders

March 6, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

As retailers continue to compete with e-commerce, they remain challenged in optimizing the use of in-store inventory as available to fulfill. The emergence of safe, mobile robots will help retailers to make better use of in-store inventory, while also enhancing the customer experience. Robots in the store will soon be used to not only handle product but to engage with the customer to improve customer service. -John Santagate, Research Director, IDC