Carolina, GE Appliances is using an AMR to take sub-assembly items and other small parts to operators on the assembly line. “It builds consistency and synchronization into our material flow processes,” says Harry Chase, senior director, central materials, adding that they’re quickly realizing a return on their investment, especially with a three- shift operation. In 2023, the focus is to integrate different automated functions to create a more holistic approach to automation, Chase says. GE Appliances is conducting several pilots focused on interoperability between fixed-to-mobile and mobile-to-mobile loads. The first fixed-to-mobile application is using an AMR to move racks of balance rings (for washing machines) from a fixed robot load. HOW TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS THE ENTERPRISE As technology advances, supply chain organizations also need to change. As cybersecurity becomes a greater concern, organizations need to determine who owns these solutions: The supply chain organization? The IT group? Another department? “You can make arguments for any,” says Gartner's Dwight Klappich. Before implementing technology, organizations need to make sure they define the right problem and parameters. Organizations also need to consider how their strategy might evolve, and then choose technology that fits with their vision. In addition, organizations that are just implementing higher-end automation may find they need new skill sets to operate and maintain the solutions.
UK pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer Boots implemented autonomous mobile robots from Locus Robotics in its fulfillment warehouses, driving a 200% increase in productivity.
Along with boosting efficiency, robotics can help tackle labor challenges in other ways. The user interface on some has become easy enough that even workers with little experience can quickly be productive, says Kary Zate, spokesperson with Locus Robotics. Organizations can then recruit from a wider range of candidates. Employees often view their work with robotics as learning experiences, says Jeff Cashman, senior vice president, corporate development, with FORTNA, which offers distribution systems. A warehouse position that incorporates robotics can transform what’s sometimes viewed as a dead-end job into a career stepping-stone.
To speed delivery times to consumers, more companies are looking at warehouse space near pricier urban areas. Automation and technology can help companies leverage every inch of these facilities, says Alex Stevens, president, warehouse automation, with OPEX Corporation, a provider of automation solutions. ROBOTICS CATCH ON Of the approximately 121,000 professional robots sold in 2021, more than one in three targeted the transportation of goods or cargo, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). While researchers have worked on autonomous robot technology since 1940s, it’s only over the past decade that more powerful computing power has prompted developments in sensor, vision, and analytic technology to allow robots to connect in real time to their environment, IFR states. Among companies that have invested in robotics, most say they are planning to expand their fleet and look for new use cases, Gartner found. Robots often can be implemented quickly and inexpensively, particularly with a robots- as-a-service (RaaS) model. “It opens the market to a lot more companies,” says Klappich.
INTEGRATING SYSTEMS Until recently, robots have
tended to play specific roles, such as delivering products to employees. Now, some companies are taking a more holistic approach. For the past several years, the team at GE Appliances has focused on implementing automation to solve various challenges. This includes autonomous robots that perform pick assistance and deliver parts to the line, among other roles. For example, in its state-of-the-art hot water heater plant in Camden, South
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