AGILOX North America opens new Client Experience and Fulfillment Center
AGILOX, the provider of Autonomous Mobile Robot forklift solutions, is growing at a rapid pace. In order to keep up with the increased demand, its US-based subsidiary has opened a new Client Experience Center and expanded its fulfillment operations. The new 30,000 sq ft facility in Flowery Branch, GA allows AGILOX to welcome existing and future clients to experience the full width of capabilities of all AGILOX AMR solutions available to date: The allrounder AGILOX ONE, the powerhouse AGILOX OCF, the box carrier AGILOX BCO, and soon the brand-new dolly mover AGILOX ODM. With the expansion into the new facility, AGILOX was also able to significantly grow its team, tripling the number of experienced technicians, project managers, and customer education specialists who support clients in finding the right AMR solution and implementing the robots on site in less than a year. As AGILOX North America CEO Andreas Boedenauer points out: “The new facility dramatically increases our ability to educate our clients about the advantages of our AMR solutions and to train our customers in operating, administering, and maintaining the vehicles. It even allows us to replicate a client’s environment and tailor the training sessions to their specific needs.” AGILOX has initiated a training academy with activities running from half-day hands-on experiences to weeklong in-depth training courses which enable their customers to build up substantial in-house knowledge to manage the fleet of AMRs.
Cimcorp to showcase its Automated Bakery Solution at IBIE 2022
Attendees will discover how Cimcorp’s automated order fulfillment solutions help bakeries minimize lead times and maximize product freshness Cimcorp, a manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic order fulfillment and tire-handling solutions, announces it will be exhibiting at the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2022, scheduled for Sept. 17-21, in Las Vegas. At booth #7527, Cimcorp will showcase its fast, modular, scalable automated solution for optimizing bakery order fulfillment. During the show, Cimcorp will also be recognized as an honoree in the 2022 BEST in Baking Awards program. IBIE is the global grain-based food industry’s largest trade event in the Western Hemisphere, where baking professionals from all segments of the supply chain can explore the latest industry trends and innovations. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience Cimcorp’s automated bakery solution through video demonstrations. Cimcorp experts will also be on hand to discuss how automation can help industrial bakeries: Improve order speed and accuracy Maximize product freshness and shelf life Simplify food safety and sanitation Optimize space utilization Overcome labor shortages Deliver ROI for automated order fulfillment & distribution Prepare for the future Notably, Cimcorp has been named an honoree in IBIE’s BEST in Baking Awards program for 2022. Presented together with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, the awards recognize exhibitors and suppliers that have made particularly notable achievements in their support of the baking industry. Cimcorp was recognized in the Automation & Robotics category for its innovative bakery automation solution. Cimcorp’s automation is ideal for industries like baking, where product freshness depends on the speed of order fulfillment. Its bakery solution combines buffer storage and order picking into one seamless operation, meeting high throughputs with 100-percent order accuracy. With its industry-leading gantry design, Cimcorp’s solution rapidly handles a large volume of inventory stored in standard crates, trays, and totes stacked across a high-density floor-based storage area. This design maximizes storage space, eliminates expensive racking, and makes it easy to clear the entire storage floor for sanitation. Modular and flexible, Cimcorp’s solution can be scaled up to accommodate seasonal demands as well as business growth, making it a future-proof solution. Bakeries across continents have leveraged Cimcorp’s automated bakery solution to optimize fulfillment, including Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.®, Fazer Bakeries, and Kwik Trip. “For industrial bakeries, freshness is everything. That’s why automation is essential for staying ahead of the competition,” said Adam Gurga, National Manager of Grocery and Retail Partnerships at Cimcorp. “The speed of automation gets products to store shelves as fast as possible—even when demand spikes. Bakeries can thereby reduce spoilage, eliminate waste, and ensure consumers receive optimally fresh baked goods with maximum shelf life.” IBIE 2022 attendees are invited to book a meeting with the Cimcorp team at the company’s booth. Click here to discover more about Cimcorp’s award-winning automated solutions for the baking industry.
Columbia/Okura LLC
Columbia/Okura celebrates 1000th palletizing system
Columbia/Okura LLC marked the milestone of shipping our 1,000th robotic palletizer. They have designed and commissioned many successful palletizing systems, handling a massive range of products across dozens of industries worldwide. From bag palletizing systems in abusive and harsh environments to high-speed, multi-robot, multi-picking case applications, Columbia/Okura has handled almost any type of product packaging in virtually any application. To celebrate the occasion and thank employees for their hard work, Columbia/Okura supplied lunch from Smokin’ Oak, a local barbeque restaurant in Vancouver, WA. Over the past 26 years, their team has gathered for every one-hundred robot sold milestone, celebrating with lunch and a team photo with the robot. However, due to COVID-19, in-person celebrations have been canceled for the last milestones–900th systems sold–making this in-person celebration of 1,000 robots even better. The 1,000th system will be sent to their customer in North Carolina, Cherry Farms Seed Co., with a unique crest on the arm to denote it is our 1,000th robot. The system includes the Ai1800 robot, sheet presenter, pallet dispenser, bag end-effector, bag infeed, station conveyor, and a gravity pickup conveyor. Our customer will also receive a framed copy of our staff photo with the system to commemorate the occasion.
Robot sales hit record high in North America for third-straight quarter
Association for Advancing Automation latest stats shows the most robots sold in any quarter; the automotive industry returns to historic norms, while food & consumer goods continue interest in automation to handle the e-commerce logistics boom For the third-straight quarter, robot sales in North America hit a record high, driven by a resurgence in sales to automotive companies and an ongoing need to manage increasing demand to automate logistics for e-commerce. According to the Association for Advancing Automation, of the 12,305 robots sold in Q2 2022, 59% of the orders came from the automotive industry with the remaining orders from non-automotive companies largely in the food & consumer goods industry, which saw a 13% increase in unit orders over the same period, April through June, in 2021. “While automotive entities have long been the frontrunner in deploying robotics and automation, the last few years have seen food & consumer goods, life sciences, and other industries grow at even higher rates,” said A3 President Jeff Burnstein. “While this quarter shows a marked shift back to historic norms with more robots going to automotive than to any other industry, the continued growth of robotics in food & consumer goods companies especially demonstrates the ongoing need to automate warehouse logistics for handling the exploding growth of e-commerce. We’re excited to share the latest on robots in the logistics space at our upcoming Autonomous Mobile Robots & Logistics Week in Boston in October.” The 12,305 units sold in Q2 2022 is 25% more than sold in the same period in 2021 and 6% more than sold in the first quarter of 2022, which saw 11,595 robots sold. The Q2 2022 value of $585 million is the second-best quarter ever for revenue, down 9% from the previous record quarter—Q1 2022, which saw $646 million in revenue. When combined with 2022’s first quarter results, the previous record, the North American robotics market is off to its best start ever, with 23,903 robots ordered at a value of $1.249 billion. The market grew 26% and 29% for units ordered and revenue, respectively, over 2021. A record fourth quarter in 2021 resulted in the strongest year ever for North American robot sales, with 39,708 units sold at a value of $2 billion, and 2022 is on pace for another record year. Alex Shikany, Vice President – Membership & Business Intelligence, A3, will discuss the end-of-year numbers in detail at the next A3 Business Forum in January. “The larger trend towards robots being used to benefit more companies in North America continues,” Burnstein added. “This makes it critical to educate system integrators and users now about how to deploy robots while keeping workers safe. Our International Safety Robotics Conference (ISRC) will specifically address the most up-to-date safety standards, providing the best practices and use cases that will help all companies safely succeed with automation.” Register for A3’s Educational Conference Now In addition to ISRC, scheduled for September 27-29 in Columbus, Ohio, A3 will hold the Artificial Intelligence & Smart Automation Conference, a one-day event to help those interested start their journey to unlock the power of AI, with discussions on data strategy, advances in AI robotics and machine vision, and AI-powered optimization and prediction. The conference will take place on September 29, also in Columbus. AMR & Logistics Week, scheduled for October 10-13 in Boston, will be co-located with The Vision Show, designed to provide the right solution providers, the right technology, and the right expertise to implement vision and imaging systems. A3’s Business Forum, January 16-18, 2023, in Orlando, Florida, an annual networking event for robotics, vision & imaging, motion control & motors, and artificial intelligence industry professionals, will be followed by The Automate Show (May 22-25, 2023, in Detroit), the largest and most inspiring showcase of automation in North America.
GEODIS signs expanded agreement with Locus Robotics to deploy 1,000 LocusBots at global warehouse sites
GEODIS, a global transport and logistics provider, and Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for fulfillment warehouses, today announced a new expansion agreement to deploy a total of 1,000 LocusBots at GEODIS’ worldwide warehouse locations over the next 24 months. This represents one of the industry’s largest AMR deals to date. “As we continue to navigate industry-wide challenges such as skyrocketing e-commerce demand and labor constraints, it is crucial we remain committed to implementing the most innovative and effective robotics automation solutions available in our warehouses to allow us to best serve our customers,” said Eric Douglas, Executive Vice President of Technology and Engineering at GEODIS in Americas. “Locus’ collaborative multi-bot approach has proven its effectiveness and reliability at each of our sites, giving us the ability to easily scale performance while providing a safe, smart working environment for our teammates. This new expansion agreement reinforces our clear and ongoing commitment to cutting-edge technology to meet our exploding customer volumes globally.” GEODIS has currently deployed Locus AMRs at 14 sites around the world, serving a wide range of retail and consumer brands, including warehouses in the U.S. and Europe. The agreement will expand that footprint significantly as new sites are deployed. “Locus’ built-in flexibility, scalability, and fast ROI are helping GEODIS to consistently meet and exceed their global customers’ expectations,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “This strategic expansion enables GEODIS to meet the needs of today’s high-growth warehouses and we look forward to continuing to work together to drive operational efficiencies and growth.” GEODIS and Locus Robotics first began partnering together in 2018 at an Indiana site, allowing the global third-party logistics company to implement Locus’ innovative technology into its operations to support its workforce with the complex picking process. Since then, the Locus Solution has provided improvements in productivity, flexibility, and agility while enhancing the workplace environment for teammates by reducing tedious, repetitive tasks to increase retention across sites, ultimately allowing GEODIS to enhance its operations and best meet evolving customer needs. With the explosion of e-commerce and the ongoing labor shortage, adding robotics automation has become a critical, strategic need to meet customer demands. LocusBots help GEODIS e-commerce warehouses efficiently manage order picking and inventory replenishment, significantly increasing throughput to speed delivery processes. LocusBots significantly reduce unproductive walking time, eliminate maneuvering heavy manual carts through warehouses, lower the physical demands on employees, and improve workplace ergonomics and quality.
MHS Lift launches MHS Integrated Solutions
The New West Coast office enhances the company’s national presence for warehouse optimization and automation services MHS Lift, Inc., a provider of warehousing and distribution solutions across the U.S. and Canada, has announced the launch of “MHS Integrated Solutions,” a full-service automation and optimization integrator. The company’s warehouse optimization engineers analyze businesses’ operations to map out the best use of their space, considering not just the square footage of space, but the cubic footage. This approach helps companies increase their storage capacity to handle more products and process more orders, allowing them to get the most use of their limited and costly warehouse real estate. Warehouse services are available to all 50 states and Canada. Additionally, the company’s newly-opened Costa Mesa, Calif. office will support in-person consultative services for the West Coast. “Launching MHS Integrated Solutions along with our new West Coast location allows us to meet the growing optimization needs of businesses and support a new customer base,” said Andy Levin, president, and co-owner, of MHS Lift. “Because warehouse real estate costs are at an all-time high, investing in optimization solutions is more important now than ever before.” MHS Integrated Solutions’ optimization process includes facility utilization study, product mix analysis, pick and operational efficiency study, CAD layout and facility design, and RFQ and specification development. The MHS Integrated Solutions team designs automated warehouses that incorporate robotic palletizing and depalletizing, automatic trailer loading and unloading, pick/pack/ship systems, autonomous guided vehicles, Automated Storage and Retrieval systems, and more. “For over 52 years, our company has developed a solid reputation of delivering quality products and services and providing customers with exceptional value and exceeding expectations. We’re excited to expand our reach and help businesses across the country manage costs and increase efficiencies,” said Brett Levin, Vice President, and co-owner, of MHS Lift.
Episode 309: Siemens at MODEX 2022
Welcome to the New Warehouse Podcast! In this episode, Kevin is live from MODEX 2022. Craig Henry, U.S. Industry Manager for Intralogistics and Material Handling at Siemens, joins Kevin to discuss automation and robotics. Siemens is one of the world’s oldest and largest engineering companies, and its digital industry sector provides a lot of automation technology inside robotics and automation hardware. Kevin and Craig discuss the age of the robot, and while neither feel robots will take over the world (anytime soon), they agree we will see robots and humans working together more often. Key Takeaways Craig feels that it will not be the robots taking over, and the people are outside looking in, wishing for a job. It is quite the opposite; robots perform monotonous, repetitive, and strenuous jobs that others do not want to do, particularly in the warehouse environment. Kevin and Craig discuss the urgency of implementing automation in warehouses and distribution centers. Shows like MODEX are designed to help businesses automate in a way that provides the best return on investment, addresses the labor gap issue, provides agility, increases throughput, and builds resilience for a sustainable future. Much of what was being shown at MODEX is helping to create awareness of that urgency. As a forklift helps lift heavy objects, robots and automation technology are tools to aid in work. These tools simplify jobs and improve safety by reducing the amount of walking and lifting required of human workers. This ultimately results in productivity and safety gains. Craig discusses how Siemens’ investment in industry 4.0 to develop an integrated architecture yields many benefits for companies looking to automate, such as reducing project costs by 30%, errors, and downtime, to name a few. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 309: Siemens at MODEX 2022
Episode 308: RightHand Robotics at MODEX 2022
Joining Kevin from the booth at MODEX 2022 is Vince Martinelli, Head of Product and Marketing at RightHand Robotics. Unlike other automation systems that move pallets or cases, RightHand Robotics builds data-driven machines that pick individual pieces. Their platform provides flexible and scalable automation for order fulfillment. Vince and Kevin discuss the complexities of gripping technology for individual piece picking. Be sure to check out this week’s episode to learn more about how RightHand Robotics is changing the way we pick and pack orders and to find out what makes up the first three feet of the last mile! Key Takeaways Vince discusses how the RightPick system handles the core task of picking and placing individual items as part of many fulfillment center processes. The piece-picking solution combines an intelligent gripper, a vision system, and control software with learning as a form of hand-eye coordination, providing accountability for picking success. Vince shares how RightHand Robotics utilizes grasping knowledge, computer vision, and AI Machine Learning to create an industrial-grade hardware platform and reliable picking solution. Excited to be back in person, Kevin and Vince discuss the new relationship with Vanderlande. This partnership will work together to bring their respective technologies to the market. Vince jokes, as Kevin asks for clarification, that they are not anti-lefthanders as their CEO himself is left-handed. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 308: RightHand Robotics at MODEX 2022
RightHand Robotics named in the 2022 Gartner® Market Guide for Intralogistics Smart Robotics
RightHand Robotics, a provider of data-driven, autonomous robotic picking solutions for order fulfillment, announced today that Gartner, the global research and advisory firm, has recognized the company as a Representative Vendor in its 2022 “Market Guide for Intralogistics Smart Robotics.” The Gartner report shares significant findings and recommendations to automation decision makers after observing a strong, growing interest in flexible automation and the adoption of mobile and intelligent robots for use in warehouses, distribution center, and manufacturing environments. Gartner describes intralogistics smart robotics (ISRs) as a special class of flexible, intelligent, and often mobile intralogistics systems and cyber-physical systems that leverage embedded sensors and AI technologies to sense their surroundings, operate and complete tasks, and communicate with intelligent software. According to the report, 75% of large enterprises in product-centric businesses will have adopted some form of ISRs in their warehouse operations by 2026. RightHand Robotics has been recognized because it represents the attributes that Gartner considers fundamental in the intralogistics smart robotics market. The research considers three of the most popular broad categories of robots used in the fulfillment and distribution centers: mobile robots, picking robots, and engineered robotic systems. The report recognizes RightHand Robotics as a picking robot provider, highlighting its solutions including: RightPick™ 3 RightPick™ AI Software RightPick™ Control Center RightPick™ Integrator Tool Box “We are honored by Gartner’s recognition,” said Leif Jentoft, Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of RightHand Robotics. “This is a strong reflection of our intelligent, adaptable, and easy-to-integrate robotic solution. Our solution stands out in the industry because of its leading performance, proven reference installations, and our focus to create a productized building block that companies can rely on. Thank you Gartner for including RightHand Robotics in the report among other market leaders.” The Gartner report includes a discussion of the market for warehouse picking robots, and states, “Picking is a repetitive and labor-intensive task ripe for automation. Warehouse picking robots will evolve over the next few years to address the needs for better cost, flexibility, adaptability, scalability, utility, and intelligence.” When considering warehouse picking robots, Dwight Kapplich, a Research Vice President and Gartner Fellow in Gartner’s Logistics and Customer Fulfillment team, suggests to “carefully map the types of picking use cases and volumes appropriate for these types of robots.” He also said, “Redesign processes and target the right products when moving from people-driven to automated picking activities, in order to benefit from robotic picking advantages.” To receive a copy of the Gartner Market Guide for Intralogistics Smart Robotics report, please download it from their website here. Gartner Disclaimer. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in our research publications. It does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designations. Gartner’s research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Automation Industry veteran Scott Kilpatrick joins AMT as Vice President of Sales
Applied Manufacturing Technologies brings Scott Kilpatrick on as vice president of sales in a strategic hire to support an increase in demand for the company’s end-of-line solutions, advanced material handling, and engineering services offerings Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America’s largest independent automation engineering company supporting warehousing and logistics, robot companies, system integrators, line builders, and users of robotic automation worldwide, has announced the strategic hire of Scott Kilpatrick as vice president of sales. Working together with Chief Operating Officer Craig Salvalaggio, Kilpatrick will focus on growing and leading the AMT sales team, developing engineers and sales personnel to lead fulfilling professional lives in an environment of advancing high performers. “Scott provides the industry knowledge and insight to help navigate strategic accounts and lead overall sales for AMT. He’s a natural sales professional with credibility in all aspects of his career,” said Salvalaggio. “Scott has joined AMT to help build the next generation of our customer-facing team through mentorship and guidance; culture is very important to AMT and our leadership team. The combination of hiring smart, hungry, and humble people into all aspects of AMT is a core competency that keeps our culture strong. Scott possesses the character traits that we uphold in our industry and the core values of AMT: integrity, respect, excellence in reputation, and support of our team members.” Beginning his career as a process engineer, Kilpatrick came up through the ranks in industrial automation, bringing nearly 30 years of experience to his position as vice president of sales at AMT. Having previously held positions at several prominent automation firms, Kilpatrick was most recently the vice president of global business development at Acme Manufacturing, where he expanded the company’s footprint in the U.S., Singapore, and Southeast Asia. He also expanded their product offering in complex robotic applications, including adaptive robotic solutions, in the aerospace industry and others around the world. A FANUC Authorized System Integrator and three-time winner of the FANUC Sales Growth Award, AMT offers full-service systems integration, specializing in end-of-line solutions, complex material handling systems, and engineering support such as turnkey industrial controls, robotic programming, and automation consulting. Bringing together best-in-class technologies and custom automation, AMT provides high-quality, cost-effective automation solutions. The company’s solutions have benefited manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, medical, alternative energy, fabricated metal, industrial machinery, rubber and plastics, food and beverage, and many other industries.
AutoScheduler.AI names Keith Moore as CEO
AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, names Keith Moore as CEO with Tom Moore, Founder, moving to the Board of Directors. AutoScheduler has also added Lori Stoia, a seasoned marketing professional, as the new Director of Marketing to evangelize their rapidly-growing market presence. “These executive changes reflect the growth that AutoScheduler has experienced recently and will further position the company for continued growth and success,” says Jeff Potts, Chief Revenue Officer at AutoScheduler.AI. “All of these executives are trailblazers in their respective fields and bring impressive leadership and strategic skills to their new positions.” Keith Moore was previously the Chief Product Officer at AutoScheduler. As CEO, he takes on additional responsibilities and will manage AutoScheduler’s overall operations, including driving profitability, managing organizational structure, strategy, and communicating with the board. Keith will continue to drive product direction and vision, leveraging his knowledge of the warehousing industry and deep technology competencies to drive value in AutoScheduler’s offerings, taking the business to the next level. Keith is well-recognized in the market as a thought leader, entrepreneur, and visionary. He is also the Founder of ProvisionAI and previously led product management at SparkCognition. Thomas A. Moore is the Founder of AutoScheduler.AI, CEO of T|WO, and a Partner at ProvisionAI, and will now move to AutoScheduler’s Board as Chairman. Tom founded all three of these businesses, focusing on applying optimization software to transportation and warehouse operations to increase efficiencies and lower costs. Most recently, ProvisionAI and Kimberly-Clark’s Project EARL was recognized as a CSCMP Innovation Award Finalist for solving costly transportation volatility challenges. Lori Stoia joins AutoScheduler.AI as the Director of Marketing where she will leverage her deep domain expertise for demand generation, awareness and building thought leadership for the company.
Geek+ and Systemex Automation sign partnership to expand autonomous mobile robot deployments (AMRs) in North America
Geek+, the global provider of autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology has entered into a strategic partnership with Systemex Automation, a Canadian systems integrator. Through the partnership, Systemex Automation will offer its customers Geek+’s full portfolio of Picking, Moving, Sorting, and Storage/ASRS AMR solutions. Randy Randolph, Geek+ Americas VP of Channels and Partnerships, said: “We are delighted to ally with Systemex Automation as their first AMR partner in North America. This is another milestone in our expansion in the Americas, continuing our strategy of working with trusted partners to scale our deployments and offer customers the flexible automation solutions they need to achieve their goals.” Serge Tousignant, President of Systemex Automation, commented: “We are excited to partner with Geek+ to complement our growth strategy in the automated warehouse operations for the Canadian and U.S. markets. We’re convinced that Geek+’s wide range and versatile AMR solutions combined with Systemex Automation’s integration capabilities in the automation industry for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers is a win-win formula. It will enable us to offer our customers the best value and most flexible automation solutions on the market.” The agreement with Systemex Automation comes hot on the heels of a series of innovative new additions to Geek+’s multitude of AMR solutions, including its latest goods-to-person solution, PopPick, which made its North American debut at MODEX 2022, as well as Sky-Storage & Ground-Pick, which combines four-way shuttles for reserve pallet storage with Geek+’s P-series picking robots for forward picking. With Geek+’s full suite of AMR technology at its disposal, Systemex Automation can provide to its wide range of customers in manufacturing, retail, and distribution the latest cutting-edge automation technology that augments not only the logistics processes but also improves operational efficiency, lowers costs and addresses the current labor shortage challenges.
Factory automation partner Industrial Control strengthens Kassow Robots’ Solutions and Education Platform
Kassow Robots, a developer of 7-axis cobots for machine tending, material handling, and related applications, has partnered with Industrial Control (Zeeland, Michigan, USA), a factory automation distribution specialist. Many applications in manufacturing still require a human touch. The combination of Kassow Robots’ KR series of 7-axis cobots and Industrial Control’s solutions allows humans and robots to work together to efficiently complete repetitive tasks and those that require the highest accuracy, such as quality assurance. “Industrial Control is a perfect partner for intelligent robotic solutions,” says Dieter Pletscher, the head of global sales at Kassow Robots. “To ensure success, their team utilizes the combined expertise of engineers, factory support, and partners like us to provide automation solutions, products, and training.” Finding skilled workers has become increasingly difficult. This partnership can advance automation manufacturing and help close the skills gap by providing engineers, technicians, and operators valuable experience through Industrial Control’s training and Kassow Robots’ flexible and easy-to-use software programming. “Adding Kassow Robots’ lightweight cobots to our portfolio offers terrific opportunities for our customers,” says Mark Ermatinger, CEO of Industrial Control. “The cobots are easy to use and quick to integrate for manufacturing operations in the medical, semiconductor, and electronics industries. The KR series’ payload, reach, speed and ability to work safely with humans can help increase automation adoption at both small- and medium-sized companies.” The 7-axis cobots provide a reach of about 3–6 feet (850–1800 mm) and payloads around 11–40 pounds (5–18 kg) to automate a variety of tasks. The 7th axis enables continuous dispensing, welding, and material removal applications regardless of access angle, without the need to reorient the arm. Meet Kassow Robots (Booth 926) and Industrial Control (Booths 700 and 712) at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo, August 11–12 in Grand Rapids, MI.
EP 300: MHS, Mujin and HAI Robotics at MODEX 2022
How fitting to have three guests join me for what is officially the 300th episode of The New Warehouse Podcast. Brian Reinhart, VP of Sales for HAI Robotics, Bruce Bleikamp, Director of Product Management at Material Handling Systems, Inc. (MHS) and Brandon Coats from Mujin join me from the booth at MODEX 2022 to discuss how the three companies have joined forces to provide the best user experience possible. Key Takeaways Brian, Bruce, and Brandon discuss what they feel are the most exciting products they have seen while at MODEX and what customers are most excited about as they look to take automation further into their processes. No two customers are alike, the needs vary from customer to customer depending on the operation, so it is important to maintain a flexible approach. We discuss how customer demands vary, which emphasizes the need to develop a solution that adjusts to the customer’s changing requirements. Brian discusses how a partner like MHS can bring that all together. We discuss pain points and challenges some of their customers are facing. We discuss how today’s automation solutions are designed to be scalable so that customers can start small and grow as their needs increase. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 300: MHS, Mujin, and HAI Robotics at MODEX 2022
EP 299: ABCO Systems and Automation Today
I’m excited to welcome back Seth Weisberg to the New Warehouse Podcast. Seth is the CEO of ABCO Systems which is a full-service design and build company specializing in material handling solutions. They offer a complete range of services, from sortation and conveyance to multi-level pick modules, garment on hanger systems, pallet racks, and shelving. Over the years, ABCO has evolved significantly, focusing more and more on product flow throughout the building. Key Takeaways Seth and I discuss the relevance of ROI in automated solutions. While ROI remains a primary factor for investing in automated solutions, we discuss other factors that have become even more critical under the current market conditions. Seth also shares his thoughts on the likelihood of ROI with some solutions that are on the market. ABCO Systems is excited to open a new showroom/training center that will showcase different types of automation technology and train technicians. The showroom will feature a pick wall, pallet shuttle, print and apply loop, store organizer, and more. Seth feels this will be a game changer for ABCO as the new showroom allows customers to see the technology in person and learn about available options. We discuss factors contributing to ABCO’s best year in over 40 years, such as focusing on different types of relationships, finding their niche, and hiring strategies. We also discuss what kind of investments set companies apart from one another to remain relevant. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 299: ABCO Systems and Automation Today
Three lessons learned at Automate 2022
According to a report by Oxford Economics, faster adoption of automation could equate to an extra $4.9 trillion per year to the global economy by 2030. That’s equivalent to an economy greater in size than Germany. Where better to learn about this potential than America’s largest showcase of automation, Automate 2022? Claudia Jarrett, US country manager at automation parts supplier, EU Automation, examines the three biggest trends from this year’s show. Prescriptive maintenance With ample opportunities to save engineering expenditure and reduce the likelihood of downtime, maintenance technologies were among the first to undergo a process of digitalization. For several years already, manufacturers have deployed sensors to collect performance data from assets and undertake predictive maintenance. In practice, this sees maintenance engineers acting on an asset only when it shows signs of wear and tear. But now, maintenance technologies are advancing further. Machine learning (ML) is becoming a ubiquitous feature in many asset management technologies. For instance, the software that gathers data from our aforementioned sensors can analyze data consistently to trends and intelligently schedule maintenance. For prescriptive maintenance to be effective, an ML model needs to be trained onto the sensor or software. The higher quality of the data, the more accurate the maintenance suggestions will be. Prescriptive maintenance isn’t a plug-and-play option and can take several stages of investment to come to fruition, but in the coming years, this technology is likely to become more commonplace. Automating at the edge Businesses that are already years into their digitalization journey will understand the need for edge computing. While factories have become smarter, more complex, and often produced higher volumes of data than ever before, some have suffered from slower processing speeds as a result. Funneling this mass of data through a centralized network can cause bottlenecks and latency, yet edge computing resolves this challenge. Edge computing describes data processing that takes place closer to — or on the edge — of a device. Rather than waiting for data to be processed elsewhere, an edge-enabled device can achieve faster analysis and correction. For instance, if the device was to monitor pipes and identify flow-through issues, it can adjust automatically using decentralized artificial intelligence (AI). While edge is a hot topic, the feasibility and best practices of the technology are still under debate. Does edge computing as software-as-a-service (SaaS) improve accessibility? And, what is the best cloud model to work in conjunction with the edge? These were just some questions posed at the show. I suspect at the next Automate show, we will have more use cases for this tech and a better understanding of its potential. Robots-as-a-service (RaaS) Last year set a record for the number of robots sold in North America, with 39,708 units deployed, according to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). Despite rising by 28 percent since the previous year, North America is still significantly lower than other leading nations, such as Japan, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and many others. Among many extraordinary exhibitors at Automate were several companies offering RaaS. As the name suggests, RaaS allows manufacturers to install robotics in their facilities on a service-led basis. Essentially leasing the machines and a cloud-based subscription rather than manufacturers buying the robots outright. RaaS is hailed as a way for small and medium-sized manufacturers to benefit from the productivity gains of robots, without needing such a high initial investment. An interesting development in this model is the speed at which it is growing. Industrial robotics manufacturer, Kuka, has recently scaled its RaaS offering to launch a Smart Factory as a Service (SFaaS) option, in which customers can rent out an entire automated plant with robots, software, and more. This new offering demonstrates that service-based automation options are not just for those dipping their toes into automation, but is a feasible business model for all manufacturing players. As the first Automate since before the pandemic, it has been refreshing to see the continued pace of change in automation — despite the challenging and uncertain climate. Faster adoption of automation has masses of potential for the global economy and, as demonstrated at the show, the industry is continuing to develop new, exciting technologies to facilitate this growth. At EU Automation, we are already looking forward to the tech we will see next time.
EP 298: Vanderlande at MODEX 2022
Joining me this week from the booth at MODEX 2022 is Jake Heldenberg from Vanderlande. Jake is the senior manager of Warehouse Solutions at Vanderlande, where he works with customers to develop innovative warehousing solutions. Based out of the Netherlands, Vanderlande has a strong presence in North America with three primary markets: parcel, airports, and warehouses. We focus on the warehouse side and what they are hearing from the MODEX floor. Key Takeaways Jake shares some of the more popular warehouse solutions Vanderlande’s customers are implementing as the industry shifts to high automation solutions. Jake provides insights on the optimum picking solution for various industries. We discuss the partnership between Vanderlande and RightHand Robotics to provide innovative item-picking solutions for their customers. One of the key benefits of this partnership is the technology that allows for quicker and more precise picking. While everyone at the show seemed to be looking for automation, Jake and I discussed the importance of flexibility of automated solutions such as Vanderlande’s Fastpick and building pallets to any configuration that fits the customer’s needs using Vanderlande’s load forming logic software. By providing flexibility through different solutions, many of the problems for customers can be solved. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 298: Vanderlande at MODEX 2022
Abel Womack celebrates 100 Years in Business, continues Legacy of Innovation
The Northeast US premier material handling company marks a major business milestone, building on one hundred years of dedication, professionalism, and integrity Abel Womack, a Northeast, US full-service lift truck, automation, and intralogistics company, has announced that it is reaching its key milestone of 100 years in business in 2022. This latest achievement is underscored by the company’s culture of teamwork, expertise, customer support, and a focus on forward-thinking client solutions. “We are thrilled to have reached this momentous milestone in our company’s history,” said John Croce, Chief Executive Officer of Abel Womack. “What’s truly impressive, even after 100 years, is that our mission, vision, and exceptional standards to “be the difference” remain intact; which is why we continue to attract the best sales, service, and business professionals in the industry. I am both humbled and proud to have spent nearly 50 years with this company and witness firsthand the integrity, professionalism, and customer care that takes place here every day”. Founded in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1922 as Robert Abel & Co., Inc., Abel Womack originally dealt primarily with hoists and cranes before representing the innovative Raymond® forklifts in 1958. Womack Material Handling was founded in 1978 in Wallingford, CT, and merged with Robert Abel & Co. in 1996 to become Abel Womack. Milestones include building a new corporate headquarters in Lawrence, MA in 1999 and a new Wallingford, CT facility in 2013. In order to also accommodate their considerable growth in NY, the branch moved from Farmingdale to a larger facility in Edgewood. Over 100 years, the equipment, technology, and solutions that help meet the needs of our customers have changed drastically, and Abel Womack has consistently stayed ahead of the curve with automation and technology such as robotics, goods to picker solutions, conveyors, fleet management services and the exceptionally engineered Raymond® forklifts. Abel Womack has continued to add products and solutions to its portfolio to ensure it can offer its clients unbiased, optimal solutions. In 1999, Abel Womack foresaw that automation and integrated systems were the wave of the future and began investing in the people and resources to grow that aspect of the business. It has certainly paid off as automation continues to grow in demand. With more than 230 employees in NY, MA, CT, ME, RI, VT, and NH, including 100+ mobile technicians, Abel Woman is better able to provide unparalleled service and unbiased, tailored solutions.
SupplyOne highlights comprehensive Packaging Automation Equipment program
End-to-End Packaging Solutions for mitigating labor, efficiency, and waste-reduction challenges SupplyOne, Inc., the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and services in the U.S., highlights its comprehensive packaging automation equipment program, covering a full array of secondary, end-of-line solutions ranging from case erectors to shrink wrapping equipment and stretch wrappers, to thermoforming equipment and vacuum chamber sealers, or even an entire fully-automated packaging system. SupplyOne delivers the right packaging equipment for the right application, from a broad range of recognized best-in-class manufacturers, supported by the SupplyOne network of locally available, factory-trained technicians with a track record of providing installation, on-site training, and maintenance services that keep production lines running at peak efficiency. Line Layout and Design SupplyOne Equipment Specialists consult on the overall line layout and design, bringing strategic knowledge to make application-specific recommendations that enhance productivity, reduce downtime, extend equipment life, accelerate speed to market, and increase cash flow. Automating the retooling processes, for example, can dramatically improve the agility and throughput of packaging lines. The specialists will identify industrial robots and autonomous solutions from leaders in the field that can help mitigate labor challenges, eliminate repetitive tasks, enhance product safety, increase the speed and accuracy of packaging processes and warehouse operations, and deliver a fast return on investment. End-to-End Packaging Solution SupplyOne’s goal is to serve as a total packaging supplier that partners with customers to keep costs down, improve efficiency and enhance throughput and sustainability? SupplyOne offers deep and broad packaging industry expertise, top equipment from trusted, best-in-class suppliers, and consumables optimized for the specific equipment and application, as well as exceptional locally available technical service.