Robots, once the imaginative creations of science fiction, are now integral to our daily lives. They record our shows, cook our meals, play our music, and even drive our cars. In recent years, their role has expanded significantly into the realm of warehouse operations. Here, we delve into how robots are revolutionising intralogistics, moving beyond Hollywood depictions to real-world applications.
The Fear of Replacement
A prevalent concern is that robots and automation will replace human jobs, despite work design principles advocating that technology should assist rather than replace humans. This article aims to dispel the negative stereotypes surrounding robots and highlight their valuable contributions to intralogistics.
How Robots Redefine Warehouse Processes
While Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robots astound us with gymnastic tricks and backflips, companies like SSI SCHÄFER focus on practical applications in warehouse solutions. So, what makes robots so valuable in this context? Robots can:
•Operate 24/7 with minimal downtime for maintenance
•Achieve high volumes of work with consistent quality
•Perform tasks almost error-free
•Repeat monotonous tasks without fatigue or distraction
•Handle heavy loads effortlessly
•Work in harsh environments, including areas with poor lighting, or toxic chemicals
Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency
Experts from SSI SCHÄFER, a leading provider of logistics solutions, demonstrate how robots can enhance various warehouse processes.
Order Picking
Order picking is crucial to warehouse operations, involving the retrieval of items to fulfil customer orders. This labour-intensive process typically requires a significant portion of the workforce. With rising labour costs and difficulties in hiring for strenuous and monotonous tasks, automation becomes essential. However, automating order picking has been challenging due to the complexity of replicating human vision and dexterity.
Technological advancements have overcome these challenges. Modern order picking robots can achieve over 2,000 picks per hour. These robots integrate seamlessly into existing warehouse infrastructure and can start working immediately without extensive programming. Their ability to operate 24/7 with minimal maintenance makes them ideal for the fast-paced world of e-commerce, where quick turnaround times are critical.
Heavy Lifting
Tasks like stacking and unstacking can be tedious and hazardous. While lifting a carton of canned drinks once a day is manageable, doing so repeatedly can cause backaches and repetitive stress injuries. In the food and drinks industry, manual handling accounts for approximately 30% of acute injuries.
Countries with stringent health and safety standards often impose limits on manual lifting, making mechanisation a necessity. Robots, capable of lifting over 40 kg consistently, provide a viable alternative.
The Helpmate
Modern robots possess significant advantages over their predecessors, particularly mobility. Equipped with vision technology, they can identify shapes even in low light. Touch technology allows them to sense irregularities and adjust their behaviour accordingly. Freed from electrical hook-ups and guiding tracks, these autonomous machines become valuable helpers.
In warehouses, robots can transport products from shelves to order fulfilment zones, reducing unnecessary walking. In a large distribution centre with a largely manual operation, an order picker might walk up to 10 km a day. By bringing products to pick stations, robots significantly enhance packers’ efficiency.
The New Revolution
We are already part of a new revolution where people work with machines rather than alongside them. This collaboration enhances efficiency and flexibility in operations. Robots’ increasing capabilities make them an attractive option for companies looking to advance their operations. However, full automation is not necessary or suitable for all logistics centres.
If you are planning a new warehouse or expanding an existing facility, the experts at SSI SCHÄFER can help you to explore your options. For more information please visit: www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-gb email: info.uk@ssi-schaefer.com or call: +44 1264 386600
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