Kassow Robots establishes U.S. Sales and Support team
Kassow Robots, a developer of 7-axis industrial cobot solutions for machine tending, material handling, dispensing, and various other applications, has established a U.S.-based team focused on sales and support. Regional Channel Partner Managers Jim Adamski and Collin Ayres and Technical Support Engineer Chris Hapsias will support Kassow Robots’ sales partners, system integrators, and distributors in the U.S. Kassow Robots is part of Bosch Rexroth, which has been its majority owner since 2022. “This team will allow us to work closely with our system integrators and distributors in the United States. They will also extend our reach to new sales partners and markets,” said Dieter Pletscher, Global Sales Manager at Kassow Robots. Jim Adamski is focused on working with the U.S. partner network east of the Mississippi River and in Iowa. He joined the Kassow Robots team earlier this year and has previous experience with Bosch Rexroth. He’s worked in the factory automation industry for more than 30 years. Adamski looks forward to helping U.S. companies automate their operations efficiently and manage labor challenges. “Kassow Robots has a great lineup of 7-axis robots that are easy to set up and program,” Adamski said. “There is vast array of potential applications, such as machine tending, welding, dispensing, and palletizing, that these cobots are equipped to handle because of their flexibility.” Collin Ayres recently joined the Kassow Robots team after receiving his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. As Regional Channel Partner Manager, he focuses on helping Kassow Robots expand its presence in North America and supporting sales partners in the western part of the U.S. “It’s an exciting time to be working in automation, and I’ve enjoyed seeing users’ response to interacting with the Kassow Robots cobots at events over the past several months,” Ayres said. “The 7-axis lightweight robots were made for industrial use and enable automation for operations even in the most confined spaces.” The latest addition to the U.S. team is technical support engineer Chris Hapsias. He is responsible for providing technical support and training for Kassow Robots’ U.S. distributor network. He brings four years of factory automation experience, specifically in the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) space. “The added range of motion the seventh axis provides for the KR Series robots is impressive,” Hapsias said. “They are user-friendly, with an intuitive tablet-based user interface that allows beginners to program these cobots with little training and robotics pros to dive deeper to program complex operations.” Kassow Robots’ 7-axis lightweight cobots offer small footprints and increased maneuverability. The unique seventh axis, or “wrist joint,” enables continuous dispensing, welding, and material removal applications, regardless of access angle, without the need to reorient the arm. The cobots are easy to program and operate after a short introduction, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without robotics specialists to implement automation cost-effectively and independently.
DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore™ announce partnership expansion to further automate global warehousing
DHL Supply Chain is currently involved in nine AutoStore projects across Singapore, the U.S. and Germany, with four more in planning Through this partnership, a fleet of over 1,000 robots has significantly boosted operational efficiency and throughput in DHL’s fulfillment warehouses This automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) technology is a preferred solution for businesses handling smaller products and items DHL Supply Chain, global provider in contract logistics, and AutoStore, a pioneering robotic technology company specializing in automated storage and retrieval systems, are expanding their partnership in a move set to further automated warehouse operations on a global scale. DHL Supply Chain, already involved in nine operational AutoStore warehouse projects with four more in the planning stage, is poised to become one of AutoStore’s largest 3PL clients, reinforcing their commitment to digitalization and automation. The nine existing Systems effectively operate 800,000 bins, with the forthcoming four Systems elevating the total number of bins to a remarkable 1.2 million. In the future, DHL also intends to construct five further facilities in addition to those already in operation or planning. This innovative automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) technology has been developed to efficiently manage and optimize inventory using vastly reduced space within warehouses. Its highly modular and scalable design makes it a preferred solution for e-commerce and businesses handling smaller products such as fashion and tech items. The strategic aim of DHL and AutoStore through this partnership is to accelerate the implementation of this ground-breaking technology that enhances abilities to meet diverse client needs. Fleet of more than 1,000 robots will enhance operational efficiency and throughput Markus Voss, COO and CIO at DHL Supply Chain, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “We are pleased to expand our existing relationship with AutoStore as we continue to implement our digitalization and automation strategy in a growing number of warehouses, allowing us to better and faster serve our customers. AutoStore’s standardized and modular technology perfectly aligns with our aim to make our operations more efficient, enabling swift scalability and adaptability across various use cases and end-markets – a crucial factor for us as a third-party logistics provider. Through a standardized approach and dedicated stock availability we will be able to significantly drive down implementation times. Additionally, AutoStore’s network of partners is invaluable in supporting our growth strategy across multiple geographies.” Watch a video with DHL’s Marcus Voss discussing the partnership here. Since 2012, DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore have partnered to implement cutting-edge solutions across sites in Singapore, Poland, Germany, Australia, and the U.S. The ongoing collaboration has already led to expansions at all operational sites, resulting in a fleet of more than 1,000 Robots worldwide that significantly increase operational efficiency and throughput. Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, expressed excitement about the expansion: “Our longstanding collaboration with DHL Supply Chain has showcased the strength, reliability, and efficiency of AutoStore’s technology. We are thrilled to further expand this valued partnership, supporting DHL Supply Chain’s global deployment of automated warehouse solutions. We are excited about the significant growth opportunity that this represents for AutoStore, as we continue to drive innovation in the world of logistics.” This expanded partnership between DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore promises to redefine the future of warehousing, offering scalable, adaptable, and efficient solutions that cater to the ever-evolving needs of customers worldwide.
Modular Automation Products for the automotive industry
Material handling system features revolutionary vacuum technology The new tooling system allows auto manufacturers to construct vacuum-end effector tools with minimal design time to meet their exact needs for critical applications, such as sheet metal stamping, die-casting, injection molding, thermoforming and glass handling. Made of hard-coat anodized aluminium, Piab Modular Automation Tooling (PMAT) is lightweight and easy to assemble on-site without welding or use of special tools, making it ideal for handling materials in both the raw and finished stages of production. The PMAT is highly flexible and can be quickly configured to handle large metal parts or small plastic components with equal ease and success. PMAT features a swivel arm assembly with a choice of various functional attachments, including a PIAB vacuum pump. The air-driven vacuum pump provides vacuum pressure through Piab’s patented COAX® technology, a revolutionary design based on Piab’s multi-stage concept for creating vacuum pressure with compressed air. The result is a smaller, more efficient, more reliable and highly flexible technology that allows users to design a modular system. The vacuum pump can also be equipped with a check valve feature, a Piab innovation that “traps” vacuum pressure for an indefinite period in a leak-free system. This feature allows parts to be handled safely in case of system interruption or failure.
Episode 433: Vecna Robotics removes the fear of Warehouse Automation Integration
In today’s episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, we have the privilege of welcoming Anthony Moschella, the Senior Vice President of Product Management at Vecna Robotics. Vecna Robotics is at the forefront of warehouse automation, specializing in vehicular robotics for warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing centers. What sets Vecna Robotics apart is its commitment to a human-centric approach in robotics, aiming not to replace humans but to collaborate with them, enabling advanced workflows and greater efficiency. In this conversation, we’ll delve into the current state of warehouse automation, explore user experience in the industrial sector, and uncover Vecna Robotics’ exciting partnership with Geodis. So, if you’re eager to discover how cutting-edge robotics are shaping the future of warehousing while enhancing the human element, listen to the full episode. Overcoming Fear in Warehouse Automation Integration There is a widespread acknowledgment of the need for automation, with nearly 98-99% of warehouse operations leaders considering its adoption. However, as Anthony points out, there is a palpable fear surrounding this transformative technology. Anthony believes what holds warehouse operators back from embracing automation is the fear of the unknown impact on their established processes and the workforce. There’s a prevailing concern about the disruption that automation might bring and the potential for job displacement. To address these fears, Anthony highlights Vecna Robotics’ unique approach, emphasizing collaboration between humans and robots rather than replacement. He notes, “We’re not here to replace your workers with robots. We’re here to look at your system and identify where to deploy in a way that makes sense.” This approach ensures that human expertise is still a crucial part of warehouse operations, working in tandem with robots to achieve greater efficiency. A Turnkey Approach to Warehouse Automation Integration One key aspect of Vecna’s approach to automation integration is to offer a range of scaled engagement options, allowing warehouse operators to begin with smaller deployments to demonstrate utility. This gradual approach minimizes disruption while showcasing the benefits of automation in a controlled setting. Furthermore, Vecna Robotics provides turnkey solutions with flexible API integrations, ensuring that their technology can adapt to existing IT environments. Anthony notes, “We have a very flexible API that can integrate into your existing IT environment. So, we’re trying to take some of that friction out of it.” To bolster confidence in the reliability of their automation solutions, Vecna Robotics has introduced the Pivotal Command Center, a 24/7 teleoperation and remote monitoring service staffed by their employees. This constant oversight and immediate response to issues contribute to a sense of security and trust in the technology. By addressing fears, offering turnkey solutions, and providing ongoing support and optimization, Vecna Robotics aims to empower warehouse operators to embrace automation as a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency in their facilities. Revolutionizing Case Picking with Collaborative Automation Anthony provides insights into the partnership between Vecna Robotics and Geodis and how the approach to case-picking automation promises to redefine the industry. The concept revolves around creating a seamless association between orders and robots. In traditional warehouse operations, associates manually navigate the facility, picking items for specific orders. This one-to-one relationship between associate and order often results in inefficiencies, labor-intensive processes, and a limited capacity for processing orders. However, with Vecna Robotics’ innovative solution, the equation changes. The robot dynamically generates routes to pick locations, and associates work collaboratively with the robots to fulfill orders. This dynamic coordination, akin to an Uber-like system for robotics and human workers, optimizes efficiency, enhances reliability, and ensures the safety and satisfaction of associates. Early results demonstrate remarkable improvements, with almost 200% greater efficiency than conventional one-to-one operations. This transformative approach holds the promise of not only streamlining case picking but also revolutionizing workflows in warehouses and distribution centers, ultimately creating a win-win scenario for businesses and their workforce. Key Takeaways Collaborative Robotics: Vecna Robotics promotes collaboration between humans and robots in warehouse automation, ensuring efficiency while preserving the human element. Turnkey Solutions: Vecna offers scalable, disruption-minimizing automation solutions with flexible API integrations for easy adoption. Revolutionizing Case Picking: The partnership with Geodis transforms case picking, increasing efficiency by nearly 200% and enhancing worker satisfaction. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 433: Vecna Robotics Removes the Fear of Warehouse Automation Integration
IFS delivers strong Q3 2023 results thanks to increased demand for AI
IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, has announced its financial results for the year to date (YTD) ending September 30th, 2023. The company reported substantial YoY increases in annual recurring revenue (ARR) of 49 percent, cloud revenue of 54 percent, and software revenue of 37 percent, which represents an impressive 80 percent share of total revenue. The company’s commitment to delivering rapid time-to-value has resulted in significant wins and upgrades from global customers including: Tele2, Culligan, Van Oord, Roxtec International and De Havilland. The advanced industry capabilities, user experience, and value offered by IFS Cloud continue to attract new customers and motivate existing ones to extend their usage and leverage IFS technology to create outstanding Moments of Service for their customers. This is compounded by sustained IFS investment in technology that is seeing capabilities for ESG and Artificial Intelligence (AI) drive demand. The macro interest and appetite for AI bodes well for IFS with its AI architecture, IFS.ai, that extends the value of AI across all its capabilities and throughout a customer’s business. Reflecting on the impact IFS technology has for its customers, Forrester Research’s recently announced study that evaluates the benefits of deploying IFS Cloud found that the average customer achieved over $36m USD in savings over three years, of which over $13m were sustainability benefits. IFS CEO Darren Roos stated: “The 37 percent increase in software revenue over the last 12 months is a testament to the trust our customers have in IFS and the dedication of our teams.” He added: “IFS has transformed into a cloud-first technology vendor that continues to create value through organic growth and acquisition to stay at the forefront of innovation.” Roos concluded: “IFS.ai is a continuation of our ambition to innovate and puts IFS in a leading position to democratize AI for all users. Our goal is to anticipate our customers’ needs and deliver when it matters to them, creating value at every step.” IFS Chief Financial Officer, Matthias Heiden, commented: “It is evident that the macro-economic challenges continue to impact many industries.” Heiden continued: “That said, we are pleased to be engaged with many forward-thinking customers who understand the need and opportunity to leverage technology to drive efficiency in their business. IFS is well positioned to help them achieve competitive differentiation. This has translated into significant growth with total revenue up 33 percent year-to-date vs 2022 and ARR up 49 percent YoY.” Heiden concluded: “Reviewing our performance so far in 2023, I am not only proud that we are outperforming the market but that we are achieving this robust mix without compromising on any other metrics; we are building on the strong performance of previous years delivering the value customers need.” Through its software and success services, IFS is making it possible for customers to buy and consume technology in the way that creates the most value for them, so they can deliver amazing Moments of Service.” Financial* and Operational Highlights for YTD FY2023: YTD FY2023 software revenue was EUR 597m, an increase of 37% versus YTD 2022 YTD FY2023 recurring revenue was EUR 560m, an increase of 38% versus YTD 2022 YTD FY2023 cloud revenue increased 54% versus YTD 2022 YTD FY2023 total revenue was EUR 749m, an increase of 33% versus YTD 2022 *Note: all figures based in Euros and reported in constant currency. In line with WorkWave establishing itself as a standalone business at the end of Q2 2021, the performance reported above excludes WorkWave’s contribution to the IFS Group. Additional highlights: IFS was named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Service Life-Cycle Management Platforms 2023–2024 Vendor Assessment IFS was named a Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises, 2023
AutoStore launches new R5 Pro Robot
AutoStore’s new R5 Pro Robot for large-scale operations frees up space for additional products in the warehouse and improves Robot efficiency at a reduced total cost of ownership AutoStore™, a robotic technology company, has introduced the R5 Pro Robot, the latest version of the company’s field-proven R5 Robot. This new robotic solution is designed to address the specific demands of large-scale e-commerce operations, emphasizing better space usage, higher performance, and reduced total ownership costs for companies running multi-shift operations at scale. Carlos Fernandez, Chief Product Officer at AutoStore, points to the growing demand for large, high-throughput systems in the e-commerce sector: “The R5 Pro offers an edge by augmenting productivity per Robot during extended operations, optimizing space usage, and reducing the total cost of ownership, ultimately enhancing the customer experience while boosting profitability.” The R5 Pro is designed to meet the needs of e-commerce organizations with large-scale multi-shift operations. Key features and benefits of the R5 Pro Robot include: Enhanced productivity: By deploying the R5 Pro at a large AutoStore site, customers can reduce the number of Robots required on the same grid by up to 15%, when compared to using the R5 Robot, enabling better routing and enhanced system efficiency. Continuous operations: The use of an LTO (Lithium-Titanium Oxide) battery in the R5 Pro allows rapid charging, improving individual Robot availability during multi-shift operations. Space and Cost Optimization: Up to 86% fewer chargers required with the LTO battery allows for more efficient use of warehouse space, accommodating additional SKU storage or reducing the required footprint. In addition, customers achieve significant cost savings related to electrical infrastructure. AutoStore’s Chief Product Officer Fernandez continues, “The introduction of the R5 Pro improves both our market position and the value proposition for customers managing very large systems and high-throughput operations, typically characterized by extended operating hours and a substantial robot count.” One prominent AutoStore customer, Tobias Sjölin, CTO, Fulfillment and logistics at Boozt, shares the customer perspective: “As a leading e-commerce company, we are always looking for new ways to optimize warehouse operations. We are excited about the R5 Pro, the latest addition to the AutoStore R5 series, which will bring tangible benefits to customers with large AutoStore systems that require speed.” “Being able to reduce charging time during multi-shift operations offers great potential for improved productivity. The projected higher productivity per robot means we would need significantly fewer robots and chargers to achieve our required throughput – and also enable us to fit more SKUs within our existing Grid. But in the end, it’s all about the total cost of ownership. All these incremental savings add up over time and allow us to remain competitive.”
Boosting efficiencies in the warehouse in a tough labor market
Ken Ramoutar sees productivity as a multi-dimensional concept. Ramoutar, chief marketing officer at Lucas Systems, said when he started in the industry over two decades ago, few would have anticipated the coming labor force challenges. “I’m not sure warehouse workers were viewed as a huge value and asset, and now they are,” said Ramoutar, who said the pandemic has accelerated this view. Now, the focus is on how to compete for the workforce, he said. “It’s more than productivity,” said Ramoutar, who said the traditional concept of more work for lower expenses has expanded. “There’s a whole notion of what can I do, not to make everybody work faster, but how do I make the jobs easier. If I make the job easier, I am more likely to have a workforce that wants to be here and stay here,” he said, adding that this calculation includes labor competition from other warehouses. Lucas Systems offers warehouse optimization solutions using AI, smart software and voice, according to the business website. The company’s tools are in over 400 warehouses worldwide, Ramoutar said. “We talk to customers all day long. The number one issue is the workforce,” he said. Working smarter Lucas Systems’ Jennifer™ software is the heart of the company’s software system, according to Ramoutar. “It’s the Alexus or Siri of the Lucas Systems,” he said, adding that the AI-based system incorporates a real voice and is somewhat like a hand-free system for a personal phone. “A distribution center is a busy place. Instead of looking down at screens or paper, workers can do their work and feel liberated,” Ramoutar said. He said the system helps avoid errors and bolsters efficiency. “There are a couple of things Jennifer does really well. One is around travel pass optimization,” said Ramoutar, who said the system is constantly computing the most efficient travel path inside the warehouse to get the work done, sometimes coordinating pathways for 100 to 200 workers at a time. Ramoutar said running smarter instead of faster using a system like Jennifer can help boost productivity in the range of 20 to 40 percent. Lucas Systems tends to work with mid-size to larger companies, and the sizes of warehouses are increasing, Ramoutar said. “The warehouses are getting bigger. And everybody loves e-commerce. Where’s that all going? That’s accelerating,” he said. Meanwhile, the labor needs are not going away. “All of the data around the labor issue suggest it’s not going to get better,” said Ramoutar, noting that the retiring Boomer generation is 4 million greater than Generation Z. Added to those numbers is the need to appear to younger workers. “Tech plays a pretty big role,” said Ramoutar, who said handing a new employee a clipboard and sending them into the warehouse is not going to appeal to many younger workers. “Companies are going to have to get better at attracting and keeping the labor,” he said. Software and tools like those provided by Lucas help check multiple boxes of need, Ramoutar said. “Software is the fastest thing you can do to get returns,” he said. “As soon as you start running, you’ll get returns right away.” Jennifer was designed to be user-friendly, and Ramoutar said workers typically find that after a few hours that they are comfortable with the technology. The system includes automatic speech recognition and includes over 30 language options. “This is a big deal for some operators. They may have a fairly multicultural workforce. With Jennifer, they can speak their native language and still work in the warehouse,” said Ramoutar, adding that this is appealing for workers. “It’s also attractive for the workforce. We’re going to give you stuff easy for you to use,” he said. The next wave of worker engagement will be using more video game mechanics in the tools, Ramoutar said. “There’s a lot of things that have come out of the gaming industry that can be applied in a service environment,” he said, naming features like competing against oneself or other workers, getting feedback and earning incentives. “It’s kind of making work fun. We think there’s a big opportunity for that,” he said. It all adds up to making the warehouse more dynamic, especially as warehouses handle ever-larger volumes of orders, according to Ramoutar, who said Lucas Systems’ will continually recalculate while operating. “We are constantly making sure everything is optimized,” he said. Productivity at the end of the line At SupplyOne, productivity is also a key area of focus. The company, a distributor of end-of-line packaging equipment, operates in both manufacturing and distribution centers. Chip Reavley, senior vice president of packaging automation, handles oversight and responsibility for the packing equipment and automation team, which includes equipment engineers and factory certified technicians. End-of-line packaging can also be referred to as secondary packaging, according to Reavley. “They’re really synonymous,” he said, noting the wide array of automation points covered by secondary packaging. The company bills itself as the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and services in the U.S. SupplyOne offers a full gamut of automatic and semi-automatic case erecting and case sealing systems, strappers, banders, palletizing and wrapping equipment, as well as associated consumable including custom or stock corrugated films, tapes, strapping, and other materials, according to a SupplyOne press release. The company provides mid-sized manufacturers, food processors, and medical and e-commerce companies “leading packaging programs and complete packaging solutions,” the statement said. SupplyOne’s approach is to offer best-in-class solutions to customers, according to Reavley. “It allows SupplyOne to offer state-of-the-art proven solutions,” he said. The pressure of the labor market continues to influence industry developments, Reavley said. “The labor market has, and continues to be, challenging,” he said, referencing both finding and retaining skilled workers. While labor eliminations were originally a concern with automation, Reavley said the current trend for many is to implement automation to allow for labor reallocation. “It’s so hard to find good labor. They’re redeploying into other areas and automating,” he said. The interest in automation, overall, has been on the rise, according to Reavley. For those unsure about pricing on solutions, he will sometimes ask
Four Hargrove Controls & Automation Trailblazing Engineers named among CFE Media and Technology’s Engineering Leaders Under 40
Hargrove Controls & Automation, an industrial automation system integrator and a subsidiary of global EPC firm Hargrove Engineers & Constructors, announced that four of their engineers have been listed along with 30 other engineering professionals as rising stars of innovation in the CFE Media and Technology class of 2023 Engineering Leaders Under 40. This achievement recognizes individuals in automation, industrial manufacturing, and system integration who have made substantial contributions to the control engineering and plant engineering professions. “We are so proud of each teammate representing Hargrove Controls & Automation in the class of 2023 Engineering Leaders Under 40,” said Karen Griffin, Vice President of Hargrove Controls & Automation. “These outstanding individuals are following a legacy of excellence that previous Hargrove Teammates have achieved while forging their own that will be tough to match.” The four engineers representing Hargrove Controls & Automation include Matthew Bailey and Megan McIntosh from Mobile, Alabama and Chase Beard and Elliot Miller from Atlanta, Georgia. “Matthew’s, Chase’s, Megan’s, and Elliot’s commitment to Hargrove’s core values and their dedication to excellence and growth is the reason they are top performers within our company,” said Uwe Kurfurst, Hargrove Controls & Automation Industry Engineering Leader. “It is an impressive feat for Hargrove Controls & Automation to have continued representation in the program each year and demonstrates our commitment to engineering excellence.” Last year, the Engineering Leaders Under 40 class of 2022 featured five Hargrove Controls & Automation engineers – from technical consultants to controls and automation engineers – including the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) 2023 Rising Star Award recipient Sean Phillips. Learn more about the Engineering Leaders Under 40 program.
Movu Robotics launches new brand to strengthen robotics unit
Movu Robotics makes warehouse automation easier. No warehouse left behind! stow Group, a globally recognized provider in the design, manufacturing, and implementation of advanced storage solutions and automated warehouse systems, has launched the new ‘Movu Robotics‘ brand, developed to strengthen its ‘Robotics’ business unit and to meet the strongly increasing demand for Automation and Robotics solutions. Movu Robotics stands out by bringing easier Logistics automation solutions to the world’s warehouses and ensuring that, when it comes to opportunities for automation, no warehouse is left behind. Movu tackles automation with easier, modular, scalable, and efficient solutions that customers need and helps them upgrade their warehouses. In this way, Movu brings automation and robotics opportunities to companies that would otherwise find them hard to attain. The higher simplicity of Movu Robotics’ range of innovative sub-systems reduces risk for customers and speeds roll-out to help them meet the challenges of labor shortages, cost increases, storage density, growing volumes, and improving accuracy. Movu Robotics provides a full range of warehouse solutions for every requirement: The Movu atlas, a self-powered 2D pallet shuttle. The Movu escala 3D robotic bin storage and fulfilment system. The Movu eligo piece picking arm robot. The Movu ifollow Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). The portfolio’s technologies can be integrated into a single autonomous sub-system as a solution, with components including racking, shuttles or AMRs, software, wi-fi and commissioning. This enables easy installation, adaptability to new business needs through simple integration of new applications and a minimal Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach.
IDEC acquires shares in ez-Wheel providing innovative mobility solutions
IDEC Corporation announces that it has acquired 80% of the shares of ez-Wheel SAS (Headquarters: France, “ez-Wheel”) as of August 1, 2023. This follows the strategic partnership agreement signed between IDEC and ez-Wheel on January 24, 2022. ez-Wheel was founded in Angoulême, France in 2009 with the mission of developing easier and safer means of transporting goods. They developed the world’s first self-propelled wheel in 2010, and the world’s first safe autonomous wheel in 2021. Self-propelled wheels incorporate driveline (motor, drive, gearbox) and control/safety elements within a single device. These products are an excellent fit for automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), mobile conveyors, material handling, and electrification of any type of motion or power assist device. All these categories are experiencing rapid growth throughout various industries to support progress in global automation, address labor shortages, and improve the safety and well-being of workers by reducing the burden of many tasks. In addition, ez-Wheel products are helping AGV/AMR designers to easily integrate and develop new equipment—and also to evolve legacy designs—for best compliance with safety requirements. IDEC will strengthen the research and development of the ez-Wheel team, and it will expand global sales of these mobility solutions in conjunction with complementary IDEC products, such as human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and safety-related equipment. These efforts will support IDEC’s HMI transformation (HMI-X) initiative to provide optimal, intuitive, and safe human-machine interactions, with a focus on human well-being. Key ez-Wheel products include the Electric Power Assist Wheel (EPAW) used for reducing the burden of transporting heavy loads on existing carts and trolleys, and the Safety Wheel Drive (SWD) which facilitates the development and certification of AGVs, AMRs, and other automated logistics applications. The SWD is equipped with safety operation monitoring functions as required by international safety standard ISO 3691-4, so it can be used in environments where people and robots coexist.
What’s the future for piece-picking robots?
Piece-picking robotics is making big strides in the warehouse and with the aid of AI could soon be within the grasp of SMEs. Dan Migliozzi, Head of Sales at independent systems integrator, Invar Group, sets out where we are on the journey What news can there possibly be around piece-picking robots? Arm finds item, picks it up, manipulates or orients it, puts it in the right place – end of. It’s the classic application of industrial robotics and has been so, at least on high volume production lines, for four decades. But in a sense, that application is barely robotics at all – functionally, an old-fashioned juke box did much the same thing, and the machine typically can only work with one or a very limited set of items, presented to it in a very structured way. As early investors in robotics discovered to their cost, these ‘general purpose robots’ were in practice highly task-specific and although they have become essential in high volume production, they have been of limited utility in the warehouse and similar situations where the need is to pick from a very wide range of items varying in shape, size, robustness and orientation. Now, however, and seemingly overnight – although in reality these developments have been years in the making – advances in sensors, vision systems, handling devices and the means of controlling them, including the beginnings of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), are making general purpose picking robots a practical reality. For Invar, as a leading independent systems integrator, this is becoming a very exciting space. Presented with a mixed selection of items, the robot can now identify the correct piece, either by scanning a barcode or RFID signal, or purely by analysing the input from a vision system. Either way, algorithms can work out the current and required orientation. The robot can handle the piece according to parameters ‘attached’ to the identity of the piece, including what tool to use to pick the piece up, and how much force is appropriate – or in the case of increasingly popular manipulation by vacuum suckers, which elements from an array of suckers to use, and how much suction to apply. Using developing forms of ML/AI, the robot can be ‘trained’ to deal with novel items, and even optimise its own operations. This is important for many industries and companies because up to now, piece part picking has tended to be highly labour-intensive and stubbornly resistant to automation. Many parts were awkwardly shaped, too fragile, too small or there was too large a range of sizes/weights. Also, they might require prior operations to present them in the right orientation for the robot or there may be quality issues which require pre-screening, and so on. In these circumstances any return on investment in automation has often seemed nebulous, and manual labour has often been preferred. But now, not only is human labour scarce and increasingly expensive, manual pick rates may be slow by comparison with more advanced forms of automation, with high numbers of errors – often exacerbated by illness or fatigue. A business operating in, for example, direct to consumer pharmaceuticals, a growing field, cannot tolerate less than 100% accuracy. Similarly, there is no ‘acceptable’ level of damage to electronic components and this can’t be guaranteed with manual systems. However, the good news is, item picking technology is moving ahead at quite a pace and is fast becoming affordable to SMEs, with a reasonable ROI. So, as labour continues to be hard to find and costly, piece picking robots are likely to become more and more attractive, and when allied to the availability of highly scaleable Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) can represent a significant de-risking of the business. There are a number of options as to how picking robots are deployed. Picking arms may be in fixed locations with goods reaching them on conveyors, AMRs, mobile racking, carousels or the like – and completed picks similarly removed. Or they may rove the warehouse floor mounted on AMRs. They may be designed as cobots, specifically to work safely alongside people, or they may be ‘fenced off’ – physically, or through software and safety features. There is a further important point of consideration. As noted, previous piece-picking robots have often required goods to be presented in closely defined orientations. For example, so that the barcode can be scanned, or the shape recognised, or so that they don’t overlap. This can require either manual intervention or an array of handling devices that in sum may be as complex and expensive as the robot itself – they also take up a lot of space. It is increasingly likely that with advanced, AI-enabled vision and other systems, much or all of this preparation can be dispensed with. Piece-picking robots are becoming far more dextrous, quick-learning and adaptive. But, of course, there is still a need to train the robots with the right images and algorithms. It’s fair to say that both suppliers and integrators are actively engaged in working out the most effective ways of organising this, but what is evident to us is that, at this stage in the development and adoption of the technology, there is a real need for open collaboration between all the travellers on this journey into robotic picking. As independent integrators of advanced warehouse technology with a dedicated division of software developers, we are closely involved in the fast-evolving field of piece-picking robotics and in progressing the smooth interface between robots, controllers and warehouse management systems. Further independent advice on transforming operational performance in the warehouse can be found at: www.Invargroup.com About the Author: Invar Group, headquartered in Cranfield UK, is focused on delivering complete turnkey warehouse automation solutions using advanced technologies such as industrial robotics, AMR goods-to-person solutions, pick-to-light technology, sortation systems, as well as conventional warehouse automation. The Group comprises: Invar Systems, a developer of warehouse control and management systems; Invar Integration (Greenstone Systems), a front runner in solutions design, hardware integration and project management; and Invar
Anand Raghavendran: Transforming supply chain documentation with AI Power
Industry Veteran Shares Vision for AI in Logistics Processes KlearNow, a company specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered logistics and supply chain solutions, recently announced the appointment of Anand Raghavendran as its new Chief Product Officer. Raghavendran brings over 25 years of valuable experience to his new role and is expected to continue driving the KlearNow team in their pursuit of modernizing traditional supply chain processes. Raghavendran has a comprehensive background in leading product and technology teams, which has been integral to his success in the industry. His history of creating and guiding high-performance teams to achieve transformative results has been recognized and lauded in the sector. At KlearNow, Raghavendran’s extensive experience is anticipated to significantly bolster the company’s strategy for innovation-driven growth. KlearNow stands to benefit from the integration of Raghavendran’s vast experience into its operations. This will ideally enhance the maturity, market-friendliness, and relevance of its AI-driven solutions. Raghavendran has expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating his desire to act as the crucial link between the end users and the engineering teams at KlearNow. He is dedicated to delivering a product that will maintain and potentially increase KlearNow’s market impact. “As we continue to build on KlearNow’s capabilities, my goal is to establish a framework that offers a seamless end-to-end user experience. This involves packaging our product to ensure consistency and trust, provide enhanced visibility, and become the single source of truth for supply chain data for Enterprises as well as SMBs. It’s about blending the strength of our technology with the needs of the industry to create transformative solutions,” said Raghavendran. Raghavendran has identified KlearNow’s AI capabilities as its market differentiator, the KlearNow platform is capable of not just extracting data from unstructured sources with high accuracy, it also creates a meaningful shipment grouping from these documents for faster customs clearance. “This makes us unique from other OCR-based solutions in the market,” said Raghavendran. KlearNow has already demonstrated its prowess in solving key domain problems, such as centralizing data sources, enhancing visibility and cost-efficiency, and obtaining the endorsement of respected names in the industry. These achievements set KlearNow apart in a highly competitive market. With respect to competition in the industry, Raghavendran recognizes the importance of constant evolution and improvement. He pointed out, “While KlearNow does have a distinct advantage with our AI-driven solutions, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Anticipating potential advancements from other market players is key. We need a balanced strategy that involves both proactive innovation and reactive adaptation to maintain our leading position in the supply chain industry.” KlearNow has built a reputation for its AI-based supply chain solutions, which has contributed to its substantial growth. The company has steadily increased its client base (currently over 1350), a testament to its commitment to delivering efficient and reliable solutions. As it continues to develop and innovate, KlearNow remains dedicated to modernizing the supply chain industry.
Rockwell Automation signs agreement to acquire autonomous robotics Clearpath Robotics
Acquisition to accelerate Rockwell’s end-to-end autonomous production logistics solutions, providing safer, more efficient manufacturing environments for customers Rockwell Automation, Inc. has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ontario, Canada-based Clearpath Robotics Inc., a provider in autonomous robotics for industrial applications. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are the next frontier in industrial automation and transformation, and this acquisition will supercharge Rockwell’s lead in bringing the Connected Enterprise to life. Transporting parts and materials to assembly lines and between manufacturing cells is one of the industry’s most complex and inefficient tasks, often resulting in production bottlenecks. Autonomous production logistics will transform the workflow throughout a manufacturing plant, enabling substantial reductions in cost and greater operational efficiency. Clearpath’s OTTO Motors Division offers AMRs and fleet management and navigation software, which dramatically increase throughput and reduce costs by ensuring components and subassemblies are in place when needed and by transporting finished goods to a truck or warehouse upon completion. Combined with Rockwell’s strong continuing partnerships in fixed robotic arms, solutions such as Independent Cart Technology, and traditional leadership in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the addition of OTTO Motors’ AMR capabilities will create a complete portfolio of advanced material handling solutions unmatched in the industry. According to Interact Analysis, the market for AMRs in manufacturing is expected to grow about 30% per year over the next five years, with an estimated market size of $6.2 billion by 2027. This acquisition is expected to contribute a percentage point to Rockwell’s fiscal 2024 revenue growth. “Rockwell and Clearpath together will simplify the difficult and labor-intensive task of moving materials and product through an orchestrated and safe system to optimize operations throughout the entire manufacturing facility,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation. “The combination of autonomous robots and PLC-based line control has long been a dream of plant managers in industries as diverse as automotive and consumer packaged goods. With Clearpath, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to make that dream a reality across virtually all discrete and hybrid verticals, optimizing planning, operations, and the workforce.” Data from Rockwell’s offerings and OTTO Motors’ AMRs will be harnessed in artificial intelligence-powered Software as a Service information management applications, such as those by Rockwell’s Plex and Fiix businesses. With this, Rockwell will deliver a unified solution for manufacturing, enabling autonomous execution and optimization to increase efficiency and allow for traceability and real-time adjustments. The combined technology will also amplify Kalypso’s production logistics consulting practice. “Industrial customers are under ever-increasing pressure to do more with less. Autonomous production logistics is becoming a necessity to meet targets and stay competitive. We are excited to join Rockwell and help expand their leadership position in advanced material handling,” said Matt Rendall, co-founder and CEO of Clearpath. “Together, we will create safer and more productive workplaces with autonomous technology.” Founded in 2009, Clearpath got its start offering robotics technology to global research and development markets, and in 2015, launched its OTTO Motors Division. The acquisition will be funded by a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Rockwell’s investment in PTC. It is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of Rockwell’s fiscal year 2024. At close, Clearpath will report to Rockwell’s Intelligent Devices operating segment. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as Rockwell’s financial advisor.
Plus One Robotics’ Co-Founder Paul Hvass slated to lead Netherlands office as General Manager
Plus One Robotics, a provider of AI vision perception software and solutions for robotic parcel handling, has announced that co-founder Paul Hvass has been named general manager for the European operations, relocating to Utrecht, The Netherlands. This move supports the ongoing sales growth among e-commerce and parcel post companies throughout Western Europe. “Having Paul located in Europe reinforces the significance of our commitment to the region for both our customers and our partners,” said Erik Nieves, Plus One CEO and Co-Founder, “This level of local leadership ensures global alignment across our teams positioning us to provide our multinational customers the highest level of service.” According to Mordor Intelligence, the rise in e-commerce and the persistent labor shortage is creating a gap that can be addressed by robots and automation. The Europe Warehouse Automation Market size is estimated at USD 3.74 billion in 2023, and expected to reach USD 7.32 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.40% during the forecast period (2023-2028). Given that 80% of warehouses are still manually operated, this presents a huge opportunity for Plus One. Plus One established the Dutch office, Plus One Robotics BV in 2021 where Hvass sits on the board of directors. “I’m excited about this move and look forward to developing and strengthening associations with our European customers and collaborative partners,” said Hvass. “Despite the convenience of living in a digital world, local proximity still serves us well in developing relationships and better understanding regional trends and needs.” Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the company has three U.S. locations in addition to The Netherlands office
FORT Robotics Endpoint Controller for wireless safety and control of machines and robots receives SIL 3 Certification
FORT Robotics announced that its Endpoint Controller — which brings safe, secure, dynamic wireless control to mobile, automated, or autonomous machines — has received SIL 3 (safety integrity level 3) functional safety certification, as defined by IEC 61508, from exida. The controller, which is part of the FORT Robotics Control Platform, can send and receive two different SIL 3 safety commands over Wi-Fi or Ethernet and can communicate with up to 30 machines simultaneously. This makes it possible to command and manage machines on- or off-site, delivering scalable, efficient control while protecting people and assets. “In warehousing, manufacturing, heavy equipment, or really any machine environment, there is an increasing need for people and robots to work together,” said Nivedita Ojha, VP of product at FORT. “Our goal is to make that collaboration as productive as possible with minimal risk. With the Endpoint Controller, companies can enhance operational efficiency by commanding multiple machines at once to e-stop, pause, crawl, respond to a fire alarm, and more.” Scalable, Fleet-Wide Robot and Machine Control FORT’s Endpoint Controller functions as both a transmitter and a receiver of SIL 3 safety commands. Deploying an SIL 3–certified product helps users comply with safety regulations and ensures that potential risks have been assessed and mitigated. While in the past, this level of reliability was limited to wired hardware, the evolving automation landscape requires the ability to send functionally safe commands over any network, including wireless communication. FORT’s product is one of only a few certified wireless solutions on the market. “As mobile and autonomous machines become common drivers of productivity, companies must have a reliable means to send safety commands over wireless networks to ensure employees can monitor, respond, or stop machines from a distance if an unsafe scenario emerges,” said FORT CTO Nathan Bivans. “Certification from one of the world’s most trusted safety experts in exida means the device will work as intended, when intended, reducing the risk of harm to people or damage to the equipment.” The Endpoint Controller can be mounted on a machine or integrated with third-party input devices, such as buttons, safety interlocks, light curtains, or fire alarms, allowing users to trigger automatic wireless communications with a fleet of machines or robots. Additional features include a tamper-proof design, an IP65-rated enclosure, and secure firmware to protect against cybersecurity threats. Like other FORT devices in the FORT Robotics Control Platform, the Endpoint Controller is built from the ground up to keep people, assets, and data safe and secure. The controller can be securely configured and managed using the FORT Manager cloud platform, available via a no-code application or through API access for direct integration with an existing system.
Lyko chooses Vanderlande’s FASTPICK to support expansion plans
Swedish hair and beauty specialist Lyko has chosen Vanderlande to automate its new warehouse in Vansbro, Sweden. The two companies signed a contract for the installation of Vanderlande’s FASTPICK goods-to-person (GtP) order fulfilment system, including robotic item picking. Lyko needs a new solution to cope with rapid growth and to meet its ambition to break into emerging European markets. Vanderlande’s FASTPICK was selected because it meets the company’s need for greater efficiency and capacity, and can be installed on a limited footprint. The greenfield warehouse is scheduled to open in 2025 and will be Lyko’s largest automation project so far. The scalability and flexibility of Vanderlande’s solution provide the opportunity for further extension. The system includes the ADAPTO automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS): 216 ADAPTO shuttles will be able to access more than 152,000 product locations across 27 levels and 40 aisles. The innovative system will be capable of handling 45,000 orders every day. The contract also includes 15 GtP workstations, three of which are equipped with robot item pickers from Vanderlande’s portfolio of Smart Item Robotics. In addition, all the manual workstations, including those for decanting, are height adjustable to minimise lifting duties for operators. The system also includes Vanderlande’s POSISORTER shipping sorter. The state-of-the-art solution is driven by Vanderlande’s digital suite of software services. During the entire process, the system handles items as gently as possible, which makes it an ideal solution for Lyko, with its stock of fragile and expensive products, such as bottles of perfume. “This solution gives us the capabilities we need to scale our business in a cost-efficient way – it will therefore support our plans for growth and help us expand into Europe,” says Rickard Lyko, Lyko’s CEO and founder. “By increasing our capacity and providing us with the efficiency we need through integrated robot technology, Vanderlande has shown that it best understands our needs.” “We listened closely to what the Lyko project team needed, and we’re delighted that they chose our state-of-the-art technology to help realise their expansion plans,” says Vanderlande’s Executive Managing Director Warehouse Solutions, James Cotton. “The FASTPICK solution offers the company the flexibility and sophistication it requires to handle an extensive range of products and deliver orders to customers as quickly as possible. We look forward to the installation and forging a long-term partnership with this dynamic company.”
Wauseon Machine announces consolidation of aftermarket services through merger
Aftermarket Services by McAlister Design and Automation and Wauseon Machine combine in formal merger Wauseon Machine, Inc. (WM), a provider of robotics automation, tube forming equipment, and built-to-print precision machines parts, announces an increase in the capacity and capability of its Aftermarket Services through the formal consolidation of McAlister Design and Automation (MDA) and WM. This merger will significantly streamline the process for customers to receive goods and services such as preventive maintenance, repair, training, support, and spare parts for automation equipment. In 2022, WM acquired MDA to better meet the needs of its customers by broadening its automation capabilities and geographical footprint. Automation technology is the key to industry transformation across verticals, from aerospace and defense to automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, off road equipment, to warehousing. To enhance and accelerate the adoption of automation for its customers, WM’s capabilities span mobile robot platforms, collaborative robots for human-robot teaming, and a range of other cutting-edge technologies. These forms of ‘flexible automation’ allow organizations to accommodate changes and repurpose automation solutions to fit ever-changing needs. The wide-ranging benefits of flexible manufacturing include augment current labor force, maximized capacity utilization, and improved quality and accuracy. Organizations will also find that safety and ergonomics improve with flexible automation, while also allowing them to create jobs and minimize reliance on global outsourcing. Ultimately, the adoption of flexible automation also significantly increases profitability. Customers that are currently reaping massive benefits from WM’s automation offerings will enjoy an enhanced, streamlined, and simplified experience through the formal merging of WM and MDA.
Columbia/Okura launches miniPAL+ ™ with a 20kg lifting capacity
Columbia/Okura LLC just announced the miniPAL+ ™, a new collaborative solution utilizing Universal Robot’s UR20 cobot arm, providing a 44 lbs. (20kg) lifting capacity. This new palletizing solution enables handling heavy payloads at higher rates than previous collaborative systems and with flexible tooling allow for multi-pick options. The design features a 10’ x 11’ footprint, and an intuitive pattern building software by Rocketfarm for ease of use. Columbia/Okura will debut the miniPAL+ ™ at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023. Stop by booth # C-2838 on Monday, September 11th, at 10AM for the official unveiling and to see the miniPAL+ ™ in action! “The unveiling of the miniPAL+ ™ collaborative palletizer at Pack Expo in Las Vegas is a testament our belief in the transformative power of automation. This new palletizer was designed specifically to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in businesses of all sizes. It is a welcome addition to the Columbia Okura lineup of innovative end-of-line automation solutions”. Columbia Okura’s Director of Sales, Michael Stuyvesant Optimal Design for Palletizing with the miniPAL+ ™ Columbia/Okura’s newest solution features the all new UR20 cobot arm, providing a load height of 2032mm (80”). Cobots are designed to interact directly with human operators, keeping users safe through limited force and speeds. The miniPAL+ ™ safety features include area scanners and radar, both of which monitor the palletizing cell and slow the robot to ‘collaborative speeds’ should a person enter. Additionally, it includes guarding to create a physical barrier while also optimizing the footprint of 10’ x 11’. The dual pallet building locations allow for reduced downtime when one pallet load is completed and needs to be removed from the cell. The system uses 110V AC power which is achieved through a standard power outlet. The system is very quick to integrate. It can be set-up and running within a day of deployment. With over 25 years of robotic palletizing experience, Columbia/Okura is ready to assist in providing the best automated solution for our client’s needs. Visit our website to learn more about the miniPAL+ ™ https://columbiaokura.com/products/cobots/
Episode 415: Navigating the Future of Warehouse Automation with Rueben Scriven of Interact Analysis
For this episode of The New Warehouse, we have the pleasure of hosting Rueben Scriven, Research Manager at Interact Analysis, an organization at the forefront of market intelligence for supply chain automation. Rueben delves deep into what’s happening in the warehouse automation market, the dynamics of orchestration platforms, and the emerging trends shaping the future. From the big behemoths like Amazon to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), automation touches every facet of the supply chain. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone invested in warehousing, so you don’t want to miss it. The Current State of the Warehouse – The Interact Analysis Perspective The warehouse, often seen as the backbone of the supply chain, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years. According to Rueben, we’re at an interesting crossroads in 2023. Surge and Slowdown – The initial pandemic-induced boom in e-commerce led to a surge in new, large-scale automated warehouses. However, as interest rates rise and e-commerce growth stabilizes, new warehouse construction is slowing down and is expected to decline by 35% in 2023 compared to 2022. Focus on Efficiency – Rather than building new facilities, operators are now more interested in maximizing the efficiency of existing warehouses. This has increased demand for point solutions or automation technologies that solve specific operational challenges. The Rise of Modular Systems – Technological advancements have developed more modular systems. The separation between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators is becoming increasingly prominent as fast-paced technological developments have led to partnerships to harness both strengths. SMEs Entering the Fray – While large corporations have been the traditional investors in warehouse automation, there’s a significant uptick in smaller and medium-sized businesses embracing automation. Innovative financial models like “Robotics-as-a-Service” (RaaS) and leasing options are making it more accessible for them. The American vs. European Landscape – While the U.S. market is highly concentrated, with the top eight investors accounting for more than 55% of automation investments, the European market presents a more diversified landscape. The bottom line? The warehouse of the future is undergoing a seismic shift. It’s not just about size or scale; it’s about innovative, efficient, and flexible operations. A Deep Dive into Labor Trends, ROI Shifts, and Software-Centric Strategies Automation is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Staying ahead means understanding the latest trends, technologies, and market shifts in today’s rapidly evolving supply chain landscape. The increasing integration of robotics and automation within warehouses has led to discussions around the return on investment (ROI) and the impact of labor availability on operations. Labor Availability and ROI Shift – The focus shifted from traditional ROI calculations to labor availability during the pandemic. With labor becoming scarcer due to various factors, warehouse operators were more concerned with maintaining operations than optimizing cost savings. Rather than seeking immediate cost savings, warehouse operators placed a premium on ensuring that operations could continue unfettered. Rueben believes, “ROI became less of a factor, and continuing operations became the central thesis of investing in automation.” Labor Trends – The conversation also touched on labor trends, highlighting the dramatic increase in warehouse labor during the pandemic, followed by expectations of gradual declines and fluctuations in the coming years. Rueben adds, “During the pandemic, warehouse labor in the U.S. nearly doubled, going from 1.3-1.4 million to an increase of about a million. We expect a decline of 200,000 FTEs in 2023, things to remain flat in 2024, followed by a significant increase of 250,000 FTEs in 2025.” This labor availability dynamic plays a role in shaping automation adoption strategies. Software’s Role in Automation – While the visual impact of automation hardware is striking, the conversation underlines that software is at the core of automation systems. Software, specifically WES, is vital for coordinating and optimizing the movement of goods through automated systems. This shift in perspective from pure hardware to software-centric approaches highlights the importance of intelligent decision-making in warehouse operations. Rueben believes, “At the end of the day, the value of your software you generate is how intelligent it is. It’s how many decisions your software makes. The more decisions your software makes, the more intelligent it is, the more valuable it is, and the more profitable it is.” ROI: Don’t Call it a Comeback Rueben revealed an emerging trend. “ROI is creeping back into the picture,” he explains. While the urgency of labor availability reshaped ROI considerations, the tide seems to be shifting once again. Rueben shares, “Companies are still looking at how do I continue my operations, but they want to do so in a cost-effective way.” The pendulum swings back, albeit with an altered perspective on what constitutes a justifiable ROI. Rueben’s nuanced assessment points to a potential turning point. “We’re at a correction or a year,” he states, cautioning against viewing the shift as a mere return to pre-pandemic norms. The recalibration of ROI thresholds suggests a new era where companies are willing to invest more to embrace automation’s benefits. This metamorphosis prompts intriguing reflections on the ROI concept—what it means, what it means now, and the evolving strategies it shapes. Key Takeaways from Interact Analysis Automation, the Future’s Imperative: Understanding warehouse automation trends is crucial in a rapidly evolving supply chain landscape. Interact Analysis provides insights into the integration of robotics, ROI shifts, and labor dynamics, shaping the future of warehousing. Labor Dynamics and ROI: Labor availability now drives automation investment. Pandemic-induced labor shortages shifted the focus from traditional ROI calculations to ensuring operational continuity. Software’s Vital Role: Automation’s core lies in software, especially Warehouse Execution Systems (WES). Embrace software-centric strategies for intelligent decision-making. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 415: Navigating the Future of Warehouse Automation with Rueben Scriven of Interact Analysis
Dematic announces 2023 STEM scholarship winners
Dematic FIRST® Scholarships support students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) educations Dematic announces the 2023 recipients of its Dematic FIRST® Scholarship program, which honors students pursuing careers in STEM-related industries. Now in its third year, this scholarship program further demonstrates Dematic’s commitment to future leaders and innovators in supply chain and logistics by supporting corporate nonprofit, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Scholarship honorees include students Jace Flansburg from Ramsey, Minnesota, and Lukas Goodworth from Goleta, California, who were each awarded $5,000 to put toward a post-secondary degree or technical certification. Dematic also awarded 10 additional $1,000 scholarships to Matthew Carroll, Miles Frewert, Rajat Gupta, Alydia Jura, Richard Louvar, Jack Meyer, Sebastian Romna, Navya Swali, Tanush Vanarase, and Andrew Yellin. “Each year, I am impressed by the remarkable talent showcased by these scholarship recipients,” says Mike Larsson, executive vice president, Americas, Dematic. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact that FIRST has on future STEM leaders, and this real-world experience is vital as they begin their careers. This was the most competitive group of applicants in the scholarship’s history, and the increased interest in the program underscores the importance of investing in STEM education to empower the next generation.” This year’s scholarship program received a 25% increase in applications from last year. Dematic executives reviewed all applications, selecting honorees based on their academic excellence and commitment to pursuing a future in STEM. The program requires applicants to provide their transcripts, a one-page essay discussing a future where humans and machines interact in the warehouse, and a letter of recommendation. In addition, they must have previously competed in a FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge. “My experience learning and competing with FIRST during high school is what cemented my interest in pursuing a STEM degree during college,” says Lukas Goodworth, mechanical engineering student at Westmont College. “I’m extremely honored to be awarded the Dematic FIRST Scholarship, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it provides as I continue my education at Westmont College and start my career.” Dematic employees volunteer their time and talent to local FIRST teams, providing mentorship and guidance to students. Within the last year, Dematic sponsored 17 FIRST teams throughout the country and donated $65,000 to the nonprofit to support students as they prepare for competitions and careers in STEM. Scholarship Winners (Name, Hometown, College/University Attending, Scholarship Amount): Jace Flansburg Ramsey, Minn. University of Minnesota at Twin Cities $5,000 Lukas Goodworth Goleta, Calif. Westmont College $5,000 Matthew Carroll Waukesha, Wis. University of Wisconsin at Platteville $1,000 Miles Frewert Carson City, Nev. University of Nevada at Reno $1,000 Rajat Gupta Cincinnati, Ohio Georgia Institute of Technology $1,000 Alydia Jura Ann Arbor, Mich. University of Michigan $1,000 Richard Louvar Redmond, Ore. Oregon State University $1,000 Jack Meyer Rogers, Ark. Texas A&M University $1,000 Sebastian Roman West Islip, N.Y. Purdue University $1,000 Navya Swali Prosper, Texas University of Texas at Austin $1,000 Tanush Vanarase Norwalk, Conn. University of Connecticut $1,000 Andrew Yellin Zelienople, Pa. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $1,000