Technology

AS/RSTechnology

Key Considerations When Developing An Automated Micro Fulfillment Strategy

More retail operations are exploring their options to add automated micro fulfillment technologies into their stores’ backrooms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These solutions help mitigate the challenges retailers experienced with limited inventory, store-based pickers crowding aisles, restricted ...
MAGTechnology

Three Ways Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Are Helping Operations Successfully ...

The challenges faced by warehousing and distribution operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widely reported: staffing challenges with employees absent due to illness, childcare needs, or concerns about contracting the virus at work; implementation of social ...
MAGTechnology

Why Pairing Forked AGVs With AMRs Delivers Better ROI

Companies considering an investment in mobile autonomous vehicles — such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) — sometimes erroneously believe that they have to exclusively choose one solution or the other. Often, as is the case ...
Solutions CommunityTechnology

Converting Equipment From Manual To Autonomous Operation? Ensure All Affected ...

To increase throughput without adding more labor or square footage, many facilities are retrofitting manual equipment to provide automated operation. Post-retrofit, it might be tempting to only test one updated unit in a fleet of multiple upgraded systems in an ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
MAGTechnology

Updated Safety Standards For Autonomous Vehicles Detailed In MAG’s MODEX ...

At MODEX 2020, held this past March in Atlanta, members of the Mobile Automation Group (MAG) of MHI presented a free, on-floor seminar to attendees. Entitled “AGV/AMR Safety and New Regulations,” the 40-minute session’s slides and audio were recorded for ...