The Material Handling Blog

Hot, cold, corrosive – these environments, and more, inherently require a little extra care when it comes to planning labor and tasks. The same goes for introducing any automated technologies. After all, you need them to operate correctly and avoid any unnecessary damage. Often pulled in to support tasks that need to be reliably repeatable, industrial robotics are an excellent option to support safer work in unique environments. When looking at any robotics application, it’s crucial to consider the conditions under which the task is happening. Whether it’s palletizing, welding, paint, or part handling, the working environment – temperature, exposure, application, and materials – plays a key role in the way automation equipment is selected, outfitted, and designed. Let’s take a look at some of the most common challenging environments and what can be done if the environment is too harsh for most standard industrial robots.

In many distribution centers, timely order fulfillment relies on operators having access to empty boxes so that they can quickly complete their picks. This is often completed by building a box and then delivering it to the operator within the pick module. The question is – “What is the best way to get the box from the box erector to the operator?”

As industrial robotic technology has improved over the years, so has related simulation software. So much so, that a majority of the upfront programming for a robotic system is typically now completed in simulation software first before being implemented in a physical robot. The sophisticated software programs used for robotic simulations replicate real world robotic conditions within a 3D virtual environment. These tools allow for detailed customization providing a reliably clear view of how a robot will operate before its built and integrated. This gives customers peace of mind of how their investment will support their operations.

In today’s environment, technology and automation are growing and advancing at a drastic speed. Recent investments by venture capital and private equity firms are further evidence of that rapid growth. Whether industries are looking to increase the amount of throughput in their facility, reduce or eliminate any ergonomic risks, or increase overall efficiency of the operation, the right combination of technology and automation in an industrial robot can provide the solution. So why are some individuals still hesitant about implementing industrial robots? Common misconceptions in our industry could be playing a part in that. The top three most common myths touch on ROI, applications, and complexity.

When trying to determine the best automated solution for a manufacturing application, it’s important to ask the right questions. Read: Integrating Conveyor into a Part Press Operation

From picking, packing, palletizing and beyond, here are some distribution center applications that can benefit from using cobots, or collaborative robots. Read: 5 Cobot Applications for Distribution Centers

Industrial robots play a large part in the automation of industrial environments, but collaborative robots are expanding the realm of possibility. In part two of our series, we’re discussing the benefits of collaborative robots, and why that makes them a growing piece of today's modern manufacturing and distribution puzzle. Read: Collaborative Robot Benefits

With the continued advancement of the automotive industry and the high demand placed on manufacturers, is it time to automate your machine tending operation? Read: It is Time to Automate your Machine Tending?

A Robotic Document Inserter can accurately place the proper paperwork into your case or carton every time and can ease the demand on your operational team. Read: The Top Benefits of a Robotic Document Inserter

With recent innovations in technology, Robotic End of Arm Tooling concepts are rapidly becoming a reality in today's manufacturing environment. These innovations are helping manufacturers increase productivity and efficiency in their operations. Read: The New Frontier of Robotic End of Arm Tooling

In 2015, manufacturers and distributors were faced with growing consumer demands—faster delivery, at a lower cost, with more order customization—a tough achievement for companies while still maintaining strong revenues. With these challenges, it’s no surprise that out most popular blog posts often featured discussions on new material handling technology trends and operational cost savings through labor, ergonomics, and space utilization. Read: Our Top 15 Posts of 2015

Hundreds of thousands of people have to deal with risky work environments, dodging workplace injuries, and making it home to their families every day. There are industry shifts, however, that are seeking to reduce the need for utilizing human labor in these inherently risky operations and shifting them to safer tasks in the facility. Read: Ergonomic Benefits of Robotics