RoboticsTechnology

Calculating The Potential ROI For A Robotic Installation

When determining the potential return on investment (ROI) in an automated material handling solution such as robotics, most projects are evaluated based on net present value (NPV), minimum acceptable rate of return (ROR), the payback period, and other methods. Yet, ...
EducationSolutions Community

Taking Over A “New-To-You” Facility? Know The Capacities Of The ...

Existing warehouses change ownership all the time. Sometimes it’s through a merger or acquisition that expands a network; other times a customer may buy a facility previously run by their third-party logistics (3PL) service provider. Regardless of how a building ...
AS/RSTechnology

Exploring The Differences Between Vertical Lift Modules And Vertical Carousels

Vertical lift modules (VLMs) and vertical carousels are both computer-controlled, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) that maximize cubic footprint by storing items vertically. Their internal components include trays (also called pans, shelves, or carriers) that are moved up and ...
Solutions CommunityTechnology

Upgrading A Vehicle From Manual To Autonomous Operation? Consider All ...

With more operations evaluating a shift from manual to automated equipment, one option may be the possibility of converting existing investments to autonomous function. When discussing such a change with a supplier, however, it’s important to be clear about the ...
AS/RSSafety

Safety, Ease Of Use Features Characterize AS/RS Equipment

Offered in a broad range of types and styles to accommodate diverse handling needs, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) provide robotic, automated storage and retrieval of products with minimal human intervention. Regardless of their form factor, these advanced systems ...
Conveyor/SortationTechnology

IIoT-Enabled Predictive Analytics For Conveyors, Sorters Generates Cost Savings

To ensure maximum uptime, machine reliability, and an overall reduction in costs, more members of the Conveyors and Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group of MHI have been enhancing their equipment with features that harness the power of the Industrial Internet ...
RoboticsTechnology

Besides Robots, Learn What Other Technologies Are Needed For Successful ...

At MODEX 2020, held this past March in Atlanta, members of The Robotics Group of MHI presented a free, on-floor seminar to attendees. Entitled “Warehouse Automation: Beyond the Robot,” the 40-minute session’s slides and audio were recorded for those who ...
Solutions CommunityWorkforce

Ideas For Resolving Warehouse Labor Shortage Issues Shared In MODEX ...

With warehouse labor challenges (attraction, retention, turnover, and more) at the forefront of most distribution center managers’ minds, members of the Solutions Community of MHI offered both tactical and strategic recommendations to attendees of a free, MODEX 2020 on-floor seminar: ...
AS/RSProductivity

Metrics Often Overlooked When Calculating AS/RS ROI Explored In ASRS’ ...

At MODEX 2020, held this past March in Atlanta, members of the ASRS industry group of MHI presented a free, on-floor seminar to attendees. Entitled “How to Calculate AS/RS ROI: Key Metrics That Often Get Overlooked,” the 30-minute session’s slides ...
RoboticsWorkforce

Three Ways To Improve The Human-Robot Working Relationship

Historically, industrial robotic automation used in manufacturing and distribution applications required perimeter guarding and other safety mechanisms to prevent contact between personnel and the robot. Not anymore, however. With advances in sensor technologies and programming interfaces that make it much ...