Robotics

Robots Boost Automation Capacity by 15%

March 10, 2020

Challenge: Slow-moving products were delaying order fulfillment and clogging existing automation systems for a large pharmaceutical distributor. Totes filled with outgoing products were backing up on conveyors — creating a bottleneck, diminishing throughput and ultimately underutilizing other automation systems down the line.

Video

On Location at MODEX 2020: The State of Robotics

March 10, 2020

SupplyChainBrain

Here’s what thought leaders at MODEX 2020 are saying about the present state and future of robotics.

Will Robots Destroy the Gig Economy?

March 9, 2020

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Many worry that the much-ballyhooed gig economy is merely a stepping stone to a time when all of those jobs will be performed by robots. But don’t tell that to Brett Helling.

Prime Robotics Launches the Auto Shelf, A Robotics Platform for Warehouses

March 5, 2020

SupplyChainBrain

On March 9th at the MODEX Convention, Prime Robotics will launch the Auto Shelf, a warehouse robotics platform. The Auto Shelf is an Autonomous Mobile Robotics system with a fully patented design that integrates the robot into every shelf.

ANALYSIS

From Lab to DC: Transitioning Autonomous Mobile Robots

March 1, 2020

Luke Nuber, SCB Contributor

These three strategies can limit risk and maximize probability of long-term success.

THE SCB PODCAST

Podcast | Why the U.S. Lags Asia in Use of Robots in Factories and Warehouses

February 28, 2020

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

China, Japan and South Korea rely far more heavily on robots for manufacturing and distribution than does the U.S.

'Cellular Picking' Warehouse Solution Aims to Save Thousands of Man Hours

February 12, 2020

Here's Where to Invest to Keep Up With Amazon

February 12, 2020

Bruce Tompkins, SCB Contributor

Customer demand for fast and cheap delivery is forcing the marketplace to step up performance.

Analysis

Micro-Fulfillment Is Promising, But These Solutions Aren't Cutting It

February 12, 2020

C. Thompson Brockmann, SCB Contributor

There are major design gaps that will limit the effectiveness of today's small-format urban fulfillment solutions.

Analysis

The State of American Supply-Chain Labor

February 12, 2020

Brian Hudock, SCB Contributor and David Latona, SCB Contributor

Finding labor to manage 24/7 demand is a growing challenge for today’s businesses, and many warehouses are turning to transportation-related automation.

Robotics

The latest news, analysis, trends and tools for automation and robotics for warehousing and distribution. Today’s companies are moving goods across more suppliers, vendors and customers than ever before, and warehouses are critical points in the overall supply chain. New technologies that use cameras, radios, sensors and digital maps to find and sort merchandise are transforming the way warehouses and distribution centers operate — and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As these solutions continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies around the world are improving supply-chain operations through their strategic use of automation and robotics in the warehouse.