We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » ProMatDX 2021: The flexibility of robots

ProMatDX 2021: The flexibility of robots

Presentation from Geek+ COO highlights key benefits of robotic solutions for the warehouse and distribution environment

April 14, 2021
DC Velocity Staff
No Comments

If you ask someone to describe a robot, the first word out of their mouth is probably not “flexible.” Instead in the popular consciousness, robots are often thought as stiff and jerky. Afterall, it’s hard to imagine C-3PO from Star Wars doing yoga.

But one of the main benefits of deploying robots in a warehouse or DC is their flexibility, especially compared to more traditional material handling equipment such as racks and conveyors. In an educational session at the ProMatDX 2021 online event, Mark Messina, chief operating officer, Americas, of the robotics company Geek+, highlighted this flexibility and two other benefits of using robots in the warehouse: their scalability and reliability.

With racks and conveyors, according to Messina, the warehouse or distribution center design has to be “spot on” and companies have to plan to have the same basic layout for the next 10 years. The design is rigid because it takes a lot of time and money to move racks and conveyors around.

“With traditional racks and conveyors, it’s major surgery if you want to make changes,” Messina said.

For this reason, companies often design in buffers in their operations. While buffers allow companies to better respond to changes in demand, they are also inefficient and potentially wasteful.

In contrast, the hardware for robot implementations, especially for automatous mobile robots (AMRs), is often less complex and can be deployed faster. It’s a lot easier to add or remove AMRs as demand fluctuates. 

This education session will be available again for viewing on April 19 to all registered attendees of ProMat DX. To register, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Related Articles

    ProMatDX 2021: Sensors—the eyes and ears of the robot

    ProMatDX 2021: The benefits of reusable packaging on optimizing automation

    ProMatDX 2021: Welcome to Industry 5.0

Recent Articles by DC Velocity Staff

Remembering Art Rice, media exec known for his big heart and ability to see the best in everyone

Retailers offer special returns policies to their best customers, Narvar study finds

Shipping forecasts see difficult conditions heading into 2022

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Logistics pros warn of business impact from Russia-Ukraine war

  • Container prices continue to drop

  • How to resolve your inventory dilemma

  • Warehouse vacancy rates sink to 27-year low

  • Empty shipping containers stack up at U.S. port depots

Featured Video

Cccb7d13 710a 4473 8132 da8b6cc286f1

The Sportsman's Guide Case study: Increasing Accuracy & Productivity

Viewer Contributed
Thanks to the Lucas Warehouse Optimization Suite, The Sportsman's Guide has increased productivity, reduced training time, and experienced a boost in accuracy for both full-time staff and seasonal employees. Want to learn how Lucas can help your DC be more efficient, accurate, and safe while reducing labor costs?...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Omnitracs One – Last Mile Solutions

  • The enterprise shipper's guide to building a smarter truckload RFP

  • Fixed vs. Flexible Automation: Which Option is Better for 3PLs?

  • Enhancing Relationships in Logistics through Data & Collaboration

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2022. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing