Robotics is becoming a viable alternative to achieve a greater degree of flexibility in today’s more complex material handling operations. A survey conducted by the UK’s Material Handling Industry Association (MHIA) indicates that automated order picking and palletising are some of the operations that companies are considering to automate. To increase productivity and reduce cost, both of these applications rely on the integration of robotics.
As with any other machinery application, end users need to be able to justify such capital investment. The most obvious benefits associated with the installation of robots are those of displacing tasks that are monotonous or present strain risks to human labour, reduced sickness benefits, the overcoming of potential and existing labour shortages, better package quality and improved working conditions.
Less obvious are savings linked to a reduced head count such as a reduction in cafeteria facilities, staff recruitment and training costs, tax and health contributions and even the number of parking spaces required. In many cases, a work area reduction alone offers cost savings in real estate.
The costs savings above, coupled with falling robot prices, increased speeds and improved accuracies, are imperatives for materials handling facilities, prompting a turn to robotics as the preferred solution.
Some applications use machine vision systems and image processing, and for more reliable operation, this can be directly integrated into the software and motion controller of the robot. This comprehensive integration of all components into one platform facilitates efficient communication and guarantees reliable robot operation.
Users are now able to control robots via user-friendly programming interfaces. These have been simplified so that engineers familiar with programmable logic controls are also able to programme robots. The user interface for every robot is an intuitive screen. The user can easily implement parameter changes during operation, which significantly increases the quality and efficiency of the system. Simple machine programming can also be used for new product shapes and sizes as well as the possibility of viewing production statistics.
ABB Robotics believes that the best way to deliver robotic automation within materials handling applications is to establish formal alliances with system designers, builders and integrators. This enables information, technology and experience to be shared in a mutually secure manner to the benefit of the end user.
ABB Robotics Partner Network allows customised solutions to be developed to maximise economic benefits and ensure efficient robotic configuration for warehouses, logistics and distribution centres. ABB Robotics has seen an increase in the use of robotic systems used in warehouses, logistics and distribution centres.
Frank-Peter Kirgis explains how robots are keeping companies competitive, by reducing costs and streamlining the supply chain.
Historically, robot applications have been limited to the automotive and electronic sectors. However over the past decade, growth in material handling orders indicates that the robotics industry is exploring new avenues, particularly in consumer goods, such as food, beverage and pharmaceuticals.
Robotic-based material handling in distribution systems is among the fastest growing applications in flexible automation, alongside packaging. This is due to manufacturers and distributors responding to the demands of their retail customers – particularly large, influential ones – who require that products come to their facilities palletised in a structure that suits them. The configuration of each pallet is customised to meet their specific needs, a task that has been difficult to execute in the past. Mixed load pallets are emerging as one of the most efficient technologies currently available for the supply chain process.
Robots are the only viable and flexible option for creating mixed load pallets. Diversity of products handled by distribution centres and warehouses is expanding at an enormous rate. At the same time, these facilities are under immense pressure to reduce costs.
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