What Are Warehouse Robotics?

Warehouse robotics is an increasingly popular solution to rising needs surrounding efficiency, productivity, and accuracy amongst competitive distributors and suppliers. The technology uses modern advances in robotics to replace human error that can occur during repetitive mundane tasks. Why Would a Company Use Robotics? The use of robotics is now commonplace for companies looking to stay competitive in their industry. Beginning as simple articulated arms that could pick up and place objects, modern robotics also take on the responsibilities of transport, packaging, manufacturing, and inventory management. With this focus on efficient production, some warehouse robotics is evolving to support multiple tasks without the need for additional units. This is achieved with compact designs utilizing a lightweight yet strong materials. Engineered to last, these mechanical marvels begin creating value the moment they hit the floor. With this expansion of technology, new problems arise that need unique solutions. One example is the CiRo by Robot System Products. This product aims to solve the problem of wear and tear on cabling used to power and operate a company’s robotics while increasing movement capabilities. Only with an increase in efficiency amongst robotics was this problem even able to come to reality. Which Tasks are Being Automated by Robotics? A majority of the common tasks found within a warehouse can be automated, whether it uses hard-coded software or AI-driven systems. The more tasks a company can automate, the more money it saves on overhead costs, errors, and unnecessary labor. Picking items from their storage areas is the most common application. Imagine a vending machine that moves the receptacle to the location of the bottle instead of having it drop to the bottom. Take that and apply it to warehouse shelves where miles of walking can be alleviated by using robotics. Once picked, the items can be packaged and transported automatically with articulated arms able to pick up, wrap and place inventory to exact specifications. Automated carts then deliver the goods to the shipping area to be taken away. For items that need assembly before shipment, companies utilize tools attached to articulated arms to attach parts per specifications or directly weld items that don’t have existing attachment zones. What About the Human Workers? Robotics in the warehouse is meant to complement their human counterparts. Now, humans needn’t worry about the stress of maintaining maximum productivity and accuracy when repeating the same task thousands of times. Tool changers take this a step further by allowing articulated arms the ability to change tools seamlessly. This fast transition lets robotics cover even more of the repetitive natured tasks, leaving employees available to focus on harder duties that require critical thinking or communication. With less stress, teams can see improvements in morale across the board. Workers want to feel needed which can turn easy but repetitive tasks into a chore, both physically and mentally. This increased morale translates directly into higher productivity, decreased stress levels, workplace attitude, and the overall environment created within the warehouse. More minds available also means greater contributions from employees regarding company problems and direction, bringing often needed perspective that would otherwise be muted by a task on the floor. Conclusion Robotics in the warehouse is truly a wonder of technology with applications beyond what was once thought possible. Human error is minimized, employee morale is boosted, companies get a fast return on investment and overall productivity is maximized. Solutions for warehouse management are evolving every day, stay up to date with these advances as they happen. Contact us for more information.

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