Traditional automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) require guidance infrastructure like embedded wire, reflectors, or magnetic tape to navigate fixed pathways. However, today’s robotic materials handling solutions are capable of moving through indoor logistics environments without navigation infrastructure or an operator. The consistent, strong performance of GeoNavigation technology and programming of site-specific rules enable robots to adapt to surroundings and real-time conditions, while strictly complying with safety protocols. This capability helps reduce the risk of accidents, collisions, or other safety incidents, including when compared to lift trucks with human operators. Robotic lift trucks adhere without exception to the site’s “rules of the road,” such as maximum speed or minimum distance from pedestrians, other equipment, facility infrastructure, and more. Where workers can be distracted by what they’re carrying, colleagues, or environmental factors, robotic lift trucks are not prone to such diversions, relying on environmental sensors to detect and avoid obstacles, says Monica Radavelli, Product Manager Warehouse, from Hyster.
This article was first published in the October 15th 2022 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
If your labelling system has been in use for some years, applicator height restrictions may mean that you need to pre-sort packages by size. Upgrading to a modern Print & Apply system will enable you to label almost any type of shipment, regardless of packaging and height. More advanced systems can apply the label to specific X, Y, Z coordinates on every single parcel, according to Caljan.
Mobile robots have already made their mark in the automotive industry, and now they are making a dent in other market segments as well. Fast-changing buyer behaviour and growing labour scarcity are leading to new areas of application. TGW’s mobile robotics can be used flexibly, transport a variety of goods including pallets, cartons or totes, and react to their environment.
DB Schenker recently installed a conveyor system from Conveyor Systems Limited (CSL) with two 6.5m high reversible spiral conveyors, each of which carries 15 pick totes per minute. The automated order picking and replenishment system has increased productivity by 5% for a team of eight pickers. Overall, a total of 832 working hours have been saved so far as a result.
Axiom’s MSS sliding shoe sorter utilises a straight aluminium slat conveyor driven by an inverter- controlled AC motor. The sliding shoes, which form the divert mechanism, are mounted to the aluminium slats. It is the diversion of the shoes perpendicular to the slat movement that enables the packages to be diverted.
It is fascinating to see automation being used in many different aspects of warehousing and logistics, from vehicles to conveying, sortation and labelling.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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