Robotics

Robot Managers: The Future of Work or a Step Too Far?

April 18, 2018

First they took the factory jobs; next, robots are expected to replace mortgage brokers, paralegals, and accountants. It has always been assumed, however, that jobs requiring human interaction would remain safe.

Robots Are Taking Over the E-Commerce Warehouse

April 9, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Do robots in the warehouse want to help you do your job better? Or do they just want your job?

How Fulfillment Technology Is Keeping Pace With 'Fast Fashion'

April 6, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

The term "fast fashion" has taken on a whole new meaning today.

Workers at Risk As Robots Set to Replace 66 Million Jobs, Report Warns

April 5, 2018

The Guardian

The west’s leading economic think tank has warned its members that they are failing to prepare workers for an automation revolution that will leave 66 million people at risk of being replaced by machines in the coming years.

Robots in the Warehouse: A Progress Report

March 23, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Is there still a place for humans in the automated warehouse of the future?

'Futureproof' Your Manufacturing and Supply Chain Operations at MODEX 2018

March 22, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

If anything is in constant flux, it is manufacturing and supply chain. MODEX 2018 is the best venue to showcase the services, products and solutions needed to meet the challenges these two vital areas face.

Digital Disruption, Technology Adoption in the Warehouse, DCs and FCs

March 21, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

Technologies that were previously considered futuristic, overly complex, and unable to be financially justified are becoming mainstream. This is no longer "emerging technology" -- it is here, it works, and it is now being implemented, changing the supply chain. Warehouses, distribution centers and fulfillment centers are accelerating their adoption of newer technology solutions. It is time for executives to reevaluate their initial assumptions across material handling and technology solutions. -David Meyers, Principal, Tompkins International

Collaborative Mobile Robots Are Coming To Your Warehouse

March 20, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

A common question warehouse operators often ask themselves is: "what can we do to further increase productivity and efficiency?" For a while, this challenge has been met with Six Sigma methodologies to identify and eliminate waste in the process. However, one of the biggest sources of waste remains non-value-adding movement and material handling. A new breed of robot has recently emerged that tackles this challenge and is helping warehouses to reach next level productivity and efficiency. -John Santagate, Research Director, IDC

Advances in Robotic Capabilities and Feasibility

March 19, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

To satisfy customers, businesses need an operations strategy which stays in front of ever-changing consumer expectations. The key to an operations strategy is combining fulfillment and distribution into an integrated flow requiring more advanced capabilities in greater numbers of facilities. Fortunately, developments in robotics are providing opportunities to automate economically throughout the network. Picking solutions reduce operator travel and sorting solutions enabling all facilities to use more efficient batch pick and process flows. -Mike Futch, Executive Vice President – Robotic Systems, Tompkins International

Emerging Technologies Changing the Way We Solve Distribution Challenges

March 16, 2018

SupplyChainBrain

Emerging technologies are offering new ways to solve today's distribution challenges—disruptions caused by a shortage of labor, higher customer expectations and the shift to smaller, more frequent, just-in-time orders that are driving more each picking in the distribution center. These innovations are making it possible to increase productivity and efficiency, reduce dependence on labor and provide greater flexibility to scale operations up or down as the needs of the business change. -Roger Counihan, Emerging Technologies Strategist, Fortna

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.