The Robots Are Coming How Robotic Solutions, Used for Decades in Manufacturing Plants, Are Moving Downstream Into Today s DCs

Transcription

1 The Robots Are Coming How Robotic Solutions, Used for Decades in Manufacturing Plants, Are Moving Downstream Into Today s DCs

2 The Robots Are Coming Table of contents The Robots Are Coming: Robotic Materials Handling Applications in Distribution and Fulfillment Centers Robots, Automation and the Drive Toward a Smarter Supply Chain What s Aroung the Corner? When It Comes to Automation Solutions, Consider Robots a Part of Your Plan

3 The Robots Are Coming 1 The Robots Are Coming: Robotic Material Handling Applications in Distribution and Fulfillment Centers How Robotic Solutions, Used for Decades in Manufacturing Plants, Are Moving Downstream Into Today s DCs For decades, robots have been a common sight in manufacturing plants across the globe. From upstream production and assembly applications, welding, fabrication and painting to downstream end-of-line tasks such as case packing and palletizing, robots are tried and true productivity solutions in manufacturing. The applications that they perform share a common thread of precision and repeatability the sweet spot of historical robotic applications. Any process which calls for the same task to be completed repeatedly, particularly if it is dirty, dull or dangerous, is a prime candidate for a robotic application. However, as the capability of robotic mobility, vision guidance and control software evolves, so does the ability of robots to function in more dynamic and unstructured environments functions that are more closely aligned with tasks that are done manually in today s distribution and fulfillment centers. This new frontier will call for robotic solutions that are capable of performing unpredictable, inexact, not always repeatable tasks, and require a higher degree of spatial and object awareness through use of real-time, adaptive control algorithms. This paper will compare traditional material handling solutions with their robotic counterparts within the distribution and order fulfillment center, and where these solutions might be heading in the future. Robots, Automation and the Drive Toward a Smarter Supply Chain The high costs and multiple employee touches associated with product receiving, shipping and order filling in today s distribution and fulfillment centers provide potential targets for robotic automation. These functions include: receiving; put away and replenishment; order fulfillment; pack out; and shipping. Let s take a closer look at how some of these operations have traditionally been handled and then review potential robotic solutions that could assist workflow. What s Around the Corner? Given the increasing velocity of innovation and investment in robotics, we can expect that both cost and complexity of existing robotic solutions will diminish. Scientists and engineers are working on developing low-cost, high- functionality robots, equipped with high degree of freedom (DOF) arms and highly adaptable grippers. Coupling this with cameras, sensors and sophisticated software will enable robots to see objects, feel forces and understand tasks. There is a desire to develop robots that replace continuous repetitive tasks and are able to safely interact with individuals to assist them in performing specific tasks done manually today.

4 The Robots Are Coming 2 FIGURE 1 - Robotic Solutions in Distribution and Fulfillment OPERATION MANUAL SOLUTION ROBOTIC SOLUTION APPLICATION EVOLUTION* Floor load truck unloading Automatic robotic truck unloading Receiving Sort, segregate and label Integrated sort and label by robot (build pallets or cross-dock) or Single or multi-sku robotic palletizing Put-Away and Replenishment Pallet transportation Pallet and case rack and shelving De-casing to tote Intelligent mobile robotics Random case storage and retrieval Robotic vendor case preparation Stand and pick from pallet Robotic depalletizing or Goods to robotic pick station Fulfillment Ride and pick to pallet Walk and pick to belt Mobile robotic case pick Robotic case pick isle Push and pick to cart Robotic pick from vendor case Walk and pick to tote Robotic pick from vendor case Order consolidation Robotic operator Carton forming Machine automation Manual product insert Packing Dunnage Packing slip and promotional inserts Manual close Manual label Manual floor truck loading Robotic mix case floor loading Shipping Manual pallet building Robotic pallet building Manual full pallet delivery Robotic pallet trailer load *Based on today s technology, capabilities and expected ROI, the more filled in the circle, the closer the solution is to widespread adoption.

5 The Robots Are Coming 3 For more information, contact Honeywell Intelligrated by at info@intelligrated. com, by phone at , or visit www. intelligrated.com. When It Comes to Automation Solutions, Consider Robots a Part of Your Plan Increasing productivity while controlling cost will continue to drive more workflow automation into the supply chain. While not every aspect of the distribution center activity is a candidate for robotic automation, new improvements in robotic technologies will help DC operators understand and create more efficient workflow areas to remain competitive and maximize profitability. Our best advice is to discuss potential robotic applications with a certified robotic material handling integrator partner, and discern how and when the best time is to consider deployment of robotic solutions.

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