Revolution of Mobile Robots in a New Digital World

The revolution of mobile robots has paved the way for a new digital world. These mobile robots were actually invented during world war II and manufactured in order to replace the manpower. However, whenever a new robot is being manufactured, it is designed with more advanced and some unique features. They are somewhat different from the actual robots. The wireless communication and the integrated features which are in-built in these robots are the best advantages of them. These robots are also capable of moving around by themselves rather than waiting for a command. To be more clear and specific, mobile robots are used even in places where humans cannot reach or stay for a longer period of time. Such places include the nuclear power plant, power stations, deep into the oceans, and many more. They are sent for research work, repairs if anything arises, exploring new things, etc. Robots are preferred more in these places because in case of high radiation or any major risk factor it is not advised to sent humans.

Mobile robotics refer to the sub-field or industry linked with the creation of mobile robots (locomotive in nature–perceptivity: based on sensors and actuators, adaptability, independent navigation, along with task-oriented software) which has evolved over years with the interlinking of cognitive science, engineering science, information technology and artificial intelligence. It is one of the most rapidly developing and evolving industry in today’s cut-throat world.

In 1939, radar control and guiding systems were involved in making smart bombs. 1948-49 saw the emergence of two autonomous robots, Machine Speculatrix: Elmer and Elsie with exploration function owing to the light sensors.

In 1970, the first recognised mobile robot was made known as a shakey, consisting a camera, a rangefinder, bump sensors and radio link which was capable of reasoning its actions. The black box of mobile robots espoused the idea of exploring space among scientists which led to the exploration of the surface of moon with a lunar rover.

The 1980s witnessed the interest of the public in the resourceful mobile robotics field which resulted in inventions of RB5X and Hero series. Robot cars, wheeled robots: using navigators and speech commands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIxa6Cdskg

The usage and demand for mobile robotics widened in the 1990s after being part of research activities, medicines, surgery, space exploration, and military usage. In early 2000, TALON SWORD and autonomous vacuum cleaners were sensations.

Today, with the advancement of mobile robots to work in extreme conditions, they are preferred over humans in areas where they cannot reach. The merging of artificial intelligence has evolved the once parochial field ranging from household activities to increase in industrial production to enshrining human existence–terror prevention, disaster control, and military use. The Revolution of mobile robotics has been a solution-oriented genesis.

In addition to all these things, the main factors under a mobile robot is designed includes, programming, welding, screwing, a wide knowledge about the automation, processing and control of robots. The ones who are willing to take this as their career must be well verse and thorough in these areas. Thus it is very important to analyse the factors and domain in which a mobile robot works and continuously gain knowledge in this field. The mobile robots are even used in factories and warehouses where lots of goods are manufactured. Mobile robots,thus play a very important and major role in future if a wide knowledge is imparted in young minds.

Robotic Sortation Solution – An innovative solution for parcel sorting

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An advance mobile robotic sortation solution for good and parcel. Where sorting robots works as an army of fast-moving robots on collision avoidance technology that perform route wise sorting operations by reading the bar codes around the area where they operate. The process is completely automated, ensures safety, efficiency and accuracy. The operator places the parcel on automated sorting robot that carries the parcel through the portal and read the order information. It automatically weighs the parcel as well as display all necessary information on the operator interface system. Fleet management system manages this army of robots in coordination with one another and manages all the control and scheduling. Each robot is deployed on the most optimized path for delivery based on the algorithm used. These robots use the auto-detection of obstacles to mutually dodge each other during the sorting operation. When the sorting robot reaches its destination, it stops running and pushes the parcel on its back into a sorting bin (chute). The parcel falls into the sorting bin and thus the sorting operation comes to an end. There can be multiple sorting bins as per the volume of operation.

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Benefits and Features: 

Sorting robot system is fully automatic, flexible to ensure the safety of the operations as well. Some of the features of this system are:

1. Increased Productivity: High speed and most precise sorting; ensures 20,000 picks/hour

2. Highly flexible system: – addition or removal of robots serves the changing requirement

3. Fully Automatic: Reduction of manual dependency and manual errors to 80% of traditional sorting work

4. High accuracy: Improve the overall efficiency and automation degree, and greatly improve the accuracy levels.

Addverb Technologies is one such solution provider whose sorting robot – Zippy to sort your business sortation problem. Reach out to us on http://www.addverb.in to know how sorting robots can benefit your warehouse.

Pick By Vision- Making Warehouse Operation Fast, Reliable & Environmental Friendly

As far as the environment is concerned, we should make use of resources in the most efficient way so as to save the environment for the future! According to the survey, worldwide use of paper has risen by 400% in the last 4 years. This percentage is increasing at a rapid rate. Making 1 tonne of paper emits more than 1.5 tons of CO2 equivalent. Whereas many warehouses still support paper-based picking which not only harms the environment but is also facing difficulties to fulfill the rising demands of e-commerce, which leads to low productivity and less efficiency of the whole value chain.
As an era of development and Industry4.0, picking methods in various to has been upgraded in which one of them is, Vision picking technology which is now built on augmented reality. AR technology combines computer-generated assets with real-world warehouse environments, thus providing the operator with valuable insights that help to optimize the supply chain operations. Collaborating with this technology helps to reduce carbon footprints and support different types of picking such as batch picking and zone picking in the warehouse.
Benefits of pick by vision are listed below:
Operational Visibility: User position can be accurately detected through-out the warehouse
Low Operational Complexity: Minimal training time required for operators
Paperless Picking: Optical picking instructions replace paper, visual (lights) or voice-based directions
Real-Time Inventory: Real-time updation of inventory by continuously tracking lots & serial numbers
High Accuracy: 100% error-free picking improves quality control
High Scalability: Applicable in every warehouse without structural changes or other modifications
The next Generation Vision Picking glasses for your warehouse adds productivity and efficiency to the whole supply chain. Pick by vision smart glasses comprises of an integrated navigation system which guides the operator and also provides the shortest travel path to reach the destination. Integrated camera in vision picking glasses optically displays order information providing the source and target locations. Smart glasses are connected with an existing network for real-time inventory management and updation with the stocks accordingly. It fits for the requirement of every warehouse enabling workflow improvement and process optimization.

Industrial IoT Solutions – A smart warehousing automation system

Today’s warehouse is far more than just to store inventory. As advance automation in warehouses, leveraging the latest supply chain technology and Industrial IoT solutions. A “smart warehouse” enables complete visibility, reduces complexity, improves operational performance, increases the productivity process in the industry. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is driving transformational change in the Industries with the significant development in information technology and operational technology. Operational technologies such as intelligence, IoT- enabled smart machines, robotics, advance manufacturing processes drives automation and digitization. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart warehousing empowers industrial companies to manage operations in a cost-effective manner without compromising on quality.

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Benefits of Smart Warehousing

The dawn of Industrial IoT solutions in the field of logistics and warehouse, is increasingly becoming part of the smart automation system.  IIoT has the advantages of asset optimization, production integration, smart monitoring, remote diagnosis, intelligent decision making and most importantly the feature of Predictive Maintenance. Additionally, IIoT technology can reduce the use of manual labor, increasing speed and shipping accuracy, and offer customers to obtain unparalleled visibility into inventory and supply chains. Some other benefits of using IIoT in warehouses includes the following.

• Assets and Inventory
• Health and Safety
• Agility and Scalability
• High Productivity
• Inventory management

Inventory management become increasingly important and beneficial as the need for increase in e-commerce industries – online shopping. It is essential that online retailers provide accurate, real-time information to consumers about the availability of products. The data visibility afforded by smart warehouse systems allows for this while also helping to decrease out-of-stock conditions, improving customer service and increasing customer satisfaction, thus growing customer and brand loyalty.

A Business challenge to make Smart Warehouse

The rising expectations of consumers will encourage more investment in I and related operational areas in warehouse management in the next few years. One market research on future warehousing says decision makers are set to adopt the technology for creating smart warehouse by 2020. The adoption of these smart technologies such as IIoT have led to increased automation in warehouse management. This opens up opportunities in areas like inventory tracking and picking, self-driving forklifts with the ability to track and diagnose themselves. Sensors, devices and RFID tags can allow warehouse managers to track the precise location and progress of any product at any point of time. Smart robotic solutions can also manage multiple tasks which help in improving productivity and boost the efficiency of the overall warehouse management process. Addverb a fast growing company in Intralogistics Automation Solutions that focusing on Industrial IoT solutions to provide improved operational efficiency & productivity through supply chain visibility and green practices. Visit here to know more: www.addverb.in or drop your queries at automate@addverb.in

KINEPICK- Bin Picking Robot is here……..

Order fulfillment has always been one of the core activities of the entire supply chain operations and is becoming more and more intensive thanks to the proliferation of SKUs, order volume and operational density. A typical pharma company that deals with thousands of specific, small but high volume of SKUs demands an extremely high precision order fulfilment operation. Manual process for order fulfilment here not only reduces throughput but also leads to process inefficiencies and inaccuracies. Adopting robotic bin picking solutions that delivers robotic picking of objects with the aid of computer-based vision systems and sensors delivers the right solution for picking objects that are dumped in an unstructured way. Order fulfillment has always been one of the core activities of the entire supply chain operations and is becoming more and more intensive thanks to the proliferation of SKUs, order volume and operational density. 

Our Vision based Bin Picking robots completely eliminate the human requirement for the monotonous and strenuous task of the production line. By its Enhanced Vision System, the robot randomly picks items of any shape and size in any orientation, transfers them and places them precisely in the predetermined position with help of Magnets, pneumatic grippers, Servo Grippers. This modified version of the bin picking technology is more flexible, dynamic and accurate, as it can identify the object in real-time through sensing colors and depth in a Point Cloud. Give it a read to learn more: https://www.addverb.in/Blog-Robotic-Bin-Picking.html (Blog Reference) or write to us at automate@addverb.in

Has Sorting Robot sorted the Sortation problem for businesses today?

Sorting Robot has emerged as one of the finest solutions so far in the automation and distribution space. Industries that have a short delivery cycle and a high volume of delivery, should follow this new trend to optimize their operational efficiency.  This will help them to remain competitive in the fast-paced environment where transactions happen over a click of the button on a tab. The sorting robot system has gained high acceptance in the logistics industry, transformed from a labour-intensive industry to batch intelligence. Currently, the Indian eCommerce industry is valued at $200 Bn and is expected to grow to $1.2 Tn by 2021 as per Deloitte India and Retailers Association of India (RAI) report. At this pace, it would amount to one lac deliveries per day for an average logistics or e-commerce warehouse. This huge demand requires a unique solution and sorting robot is one such gem. Now, Let’s delve deeper into its functioning.

How does it work? 

Sorting robots can pick up the SKUs or parcel and drive them towards the picking station and drop them in depositing them into undergrounds chutes, from where the parcel will go to the picking station. Robots can control in their movements by a central system that makes sure there is no collision and each robot is arranged with the best path for parcel delivery according to algorithm optimization. This robust sorting robot system came into being based on the efficient and accurate sorting requirements of customers. These robots can help optimize warehouse picking and sorting processes to quickly scan the locations. They can connect to fleet management system to manage an army of robots in coordination with one another and they can perform up to 20000 picks/hour.

Some Benefits that can drone more efficiency in your warehouse:

• Continuous loading & unloading of parcels increases cycles/hour in inventory function, hence eliminating errors and increase in productivity. 
• There is no need of an operator inside the storage lanes, it permits a rapid execution of sorting operation which saves a lot of time. Hypothetically, the total amount of calculations completed by this automated system in ten minutes is equivalent to the daily take-off and landing operations at an International airport. 
• The sorting robot system is fully automatic as it reduces the manual dependency and manual errors to 80% of traditional sorting work. 

Addverb Technologies is one such solution provider whose sorting robots work on an efficiency rate of 20000 picks per hour. Reach out to us on http://www.addverb.in to know how sorting robots can benefit your warehouse or visit us at the 9th India Warehousing Show at Pragati Maidan on 20th -22nd June 2019 at Hall 12A, stall no E9.

A Perfect fit solution for warehouse| LIFO/FIFO Pallet Shuttle racking storage solution | Addverb

An Ideal solution for warehouse storing large quantities of inventory, seasonal driven stock & for a wide range of temperatures in Industries like Food & Beverage, FMCG, Cold Storage, Pharmaceutical, and Specialty Chemicals. The pallet shuttle is a compact semi-automated pallet storage solution using self-powered shuttle which operates independently to move the pallets in the rack.

Pallet Shuttle – Automated storage solution that uses powered shuttles to automatically carry loads into rack. Pallet shuttles follows the orders sent by operator using command through tablet, depositing the load in the first free placement location in the rack and compacting the pallets as much as possible. Hence, there is an optimum use of storage space, the risk of accidents and damage to the racks are also reduced. Operator movements are optimized and warehouse operations is modernized and made more flexible working environment. The remotely controlled pallet shuttle is a highly efficient alternative to live storage and drive-in racking.

Optimization of space with FIFO / LIFO
Pallets can be stored and retrieved either as FIFO or as LIFO. A FIFO system requires two access aisles- one to load the pallets and the other to unload them. Whereas LIFO can have just one access aisle. 

FIFO (First In First Out)
Using the first in first out method ensures that the first stock that comes into your warehouse is the first to go out. It is possible for two shuttles to be operated in the same lane. These are controlled from both entry points and a no collision mode is available. This FIFO system is relative, or by batched, recommended for the complete loading, or unloading of a level.

Application – FIFO ensure perfect fast-moving rotation with maximum space efficiency, high turnover of material. FIFO operation is best suited where perishable goods like Food, Medicine, Cosmetic or Products with limited shelf-life and seasonal stock.

LIFO 
LIFO pallet racking systems are ideal for any warehouse that needs to maximize storage and, products have no expiration or obsolescence, so the first pallet stored is not necessarily the first one to be retrieved. This is because LIFO racking works by positioning the most recently stored inventory to be picked first and enabling dense storage density. Pallet shuttle – automated storage is the perfect solution in this storage methods because it allows the automatic storing and retrieving from the same side of the racking system.

Application – LIFO operations is best adopted in situations such as cold storage where operating personnel have to endure cold temperatures for a long duration and it becomes difficult and expensive to expand storage area in any warehouse. In such cases a Pallet shuttle can provide better utilization of existing space. Examples of industries that could adopt LFO: Beverages– where the SKUs are less and the turnover is high; Textiles – where the SKUs are less and the expiration is not of concern.

To enhance performance efficiency in any warehouse by deploying adequate number of shuttles. Addverb guarantees highest possible storage density for any application to deploy our pallet shuttle. Find the perfect fit pallet racking storage solution for your requirement @ADDVERB!!

Why your warehouse needs a Pallet Shuttle??

In warehouse storage management, the main concern is raised how to manage storage space efficiently. Conventionally, pallets have been stored through various storage methods like floor space stacking, over time newer methods like selective racking, drive-in racking, drive-through racking etc. Storage racking solution – Dense racking system with pallet shuttle can provide, in terms of space utilization, material handling safety, speed & ease of operation. 

We will now delve into various reasons on why a warehouse needs a pallet shuttle: 

1.Your Business is expanding – Growth is the new mantra of survival :  The objective of Dense Racking Solution pallet shuttle is the perfect fit solution as it gives 2 to 3 times storage efficiency in the same space by utilizing the height of the warehouse.

2. The bulk of the inventory lies in a few SKUs: The very structure of dense racking with pallet shuttle allows to place one single SKU in a row for quick access using FIFO/LIFO. Vertical utilization of height enables the bulk inventory to fit in 50% or less space than it consumes otherwise. So, the bulk inventory SKUs can be accommodated using dense racking & all other SKUs can be stored through selective racking.  This type of solution is best fitted for those industries/businesses where there is a limited number of SKUs, like Beverages, Textiles or when the businesses are medium to large scale. 

3. Absolute FIFO/LIFO is required:  Get easy to access your material by First-In-First-Out and Last-In-First-Order in an absolute manner, Dense racking will apply to fit perfectly. Dense racking system can provide extremely organized & accurate inventory storage, unlike all the other pallet strong methods.

4. For improved warehouse ergonomics: Ensuring high levels of safety for operating staff, material, and equipment like racking structure, forklift. etc is of prime importance. By reducing the number of touch points, one can achieve this while handling the material. 

Having Pallet Shuttle in your material handling armor would drastically improve warehouse functioning either in a semi-automatic mode through forklift or in advanced applications like mother-child shuttle/complete AS/RS system. 

Addverb is the fastest growing manufacturing Pallet Shuttle In India to help in achieving your business targets. Blog Reference : https://www.addverb.in/blog-why-your-warehouse-needs-a-pallet-shuttle.html

Dense racking Vs Conventional Racking | Warehouse storage optimization |Addverb

The most important question here to ask is, was all the storage space of the warehouse utilized properly? Are there any different ways of storing bulk goods? Can additional space be created with the storage pattern itself without expanding the existing structure? If you ask these questions to us, without any hesitation, we say “Dense Racking” and we would like to present our views on dense racking, alongside the popular conventional racking systems.

Dense racking uses a Pallet Shuttle which can go deep into the storage lane to retrieve, deposit and reshuffle pallets. It helps in achieving vertical utilization of space, wherein the height of the racking can be as tall as 40 meters. Also, as it doesn’t require an aisle between the racks for movement of forklifts, hence results in an increase of usable space by up to 75 percent. Distribution operations that require high volume order fulfillment or freezer and cooler applications are some examples of when a high-density pallet storage rack system would be required. 

In fact, all types of pallet racking systems create some level of increased storage density in their own set of applications; also, carry certain advantages and disadvantages in terms of operational efficiency, flexibility, safety and speed of operation. Let us gaze into the intricacies of some of the popular bulk storage warehouse racking systems.

1. Selective Racks – The most commonly used pallet system, selective racks provide access from an aisle. These warehouse racking systems are ideal for narrow aisle racking, standard systems, and deep-reach systems. Selective racks require special narrow lift trucks and accommodate a single pallet in depth. This system has the lowest storage capacity of pallet & also the lowest cost per pallet, however, it is not scalable & and will be expensive when the no. of pallet positions exceeds 3000. In contrast, with more no. of pallet positions & the product lines, dense racking structure would bring greater cost optimization anywhere between 20% to 50% in terms of reduced storage cost per pallet.

2. Drive-In and Drive-Through Racks – Conventionally, for high-density storage drive-in racks and drive-through racks have been in use. With one entrance and exit, drive-in racks have been commonly used where LIFO can fit the bill; and with access at both ends, drive-through racks have been used where the FIFO process is required. Constructed of steel in most cases, these warehouse racking systems have enough space for a forklift to move into their bay. However, these systems pose some serious limitations when it comes to the safety of forklift operators while handling the material inside these racks. Also, the systems won’t work quite well for storing small batches and more variety of products. Lastly, these racks will pose restrictions on the choice of forklifts. 

3. Push Back Racking Systems – Typically used for bulk storage, push back racking systems store products that span 2-5 pallets. When a pallet is loaded onto the system, it pushes the next pallet back, and when a pallet is unloaded, it is pushed to the front of the system. Push-back racking systems utilize the LIFO system and often feature inclined rails and sliding carts and double lanes. This racking system doesn’t require a forklift to go into the lanes unlike drive-in/drive-through & hence enhances the safety of the forklift operator. When it comes to the limiting factor of this system, it’s the depth of the reach with a maximum of 4-5 access lanes.

4. Flow Racks – Also known as gravity racks, flow racks are also one of the commonly used storage systems for high-density storage up to 20+ pallets deep. With this type of warehouse racking system, items are loaded at the higher end and removed at the lower end using a FIFO system. The rotation of products becomes automatic as the racks flow with loading and unloading. Flow racks make use of gravity rollers that move in conjunction with the rack load and feature brakes or speed controllers to regulate item movement. One advantage of flow racks is they do not require electricity for the operation because gravity powers them. High cost compared to all other conventional racking systems and poor accessibility to all the pallets are the attenuating factors for the choice of this racking system. 

The challenge with today’s warehouse racking is to store an ever-increasing number of pallets, in a less storage space. Dense racking system saves both time and money on product management and storage, delivery and shipping, product transference, and labor cost. Blog Reference: https://addverb.in/Blog-Dense-racking-vis-%C3%A0-vis-Conventional-Racking

Automated Storage and Retrieval System | Addverb’s Material Handling Solution

Reduced lead times, soaring real-estate prices, and the aggressive bottom-line targets made it imperative to adapt dense storage that helps in the maximization of floor space. When a wide variety of SKUs to be handled at an increasing rate Automated Storage and Retrieval System comes into. It is the most advanced material handling system that can promptly and accurately handle, store and retrieve products from designated storage locations in fully automated warehouses. 

AS/RS or ASRS system consists of dense racking structure, Warehouse Execution/Management System and an SRM (Storage & Retrieval Machine) crane for material handling. It is widely used in production environments, distribution centers and warehouses. 

Types of AS/RS Systems
AS/RS material handling systems are designed to handle large palletized loads as well as smaller loads that are usually stored in cartons and boxes. The one deal with large unit loads is unit-load AS/RS systems & the system that deals with cartons/totes is mini-load AS/RS system. 

Some of the popular types of AS/RS or ASRS systems are:
• Unit-load AS/RS System
• Mini-load AS/RS System
• Carousal based AS/RS system and
• Vertical Lift Module (VLM)
As these systems locate and deliver necessary products to a conveyor system or operator station automatically, they help in achieving greater throughout, reduction in manual labour and optimization of inventory levels. This, in turn, helps the organization enjoy higher productivity and improved accuracy as compared to traditional storage and distribution techniques.

How does AS/RS Work?
AS/RS follow a computerized process that assists with management and maintenance of stored products and materials in fully automated warehouses.
The operator enters the details regarding the product that is required and how many units are required. Then the computer determines where the product has been stored, what is the best way to retrieve it quickly and then executes the program to retrieve the required product(s) with the help of integrated equipment.
Storage –Products and materials that are to be stored are placed in the input station. Then the operator punches in the details regarding the designated storage space. Then the AS/RS system takes the product to the selected storage location and offloads it there. 

Retrieval –Once the operator punches in the requirements, WES/WMS directs the AS/RS system towards the exact storage location, from where the product will be retrieved and delivered to the designated location. Automatically the inventory gets updated on a real-time basis as and when the products are stored or retrieved. 

When to use AS/RS?
AS/RS systems are commonly used in industrial applications under the following circumstances:
• When picking and shipping speed is of utmost priority
• When storage space is a concern and storage density must be increased
• When a large volume of products is to be handled on a daily basis
• When the safety of stored goods is of utmost priority
• When storage, retrieval, and shipping are the only operational aspects of a business

Benefits of AS/RS

AS/RS systems are widely used for streamlining the warehousing functions in business and greatly helps in achieving the following benefits:
• Maximization of floor space: AS/RS system utilizes height of the warehouse offering higher density through narrower aisle space
• Inventory Management: AS/RS system provides all data related to inventory levels, storage period, and lead times that drive efficient inventory management. 
• Fast & Accurate: AS/RS system gives high throughput with utmost accuracy in fetching and storing the load. 
• Safe and secure operation: Complete automation and reduced number of touches to the material ensure safe & secure warehouse operations.
• Process Improvement: AS/RS system ensures seamless functioning of various supply chain processes. This helps in saving time and cost, as well as increasing the efficiency of operations.

Automated Storage and Retrieval System help industrial warehouses comply with complex warehousing requirements effortlessly and are a worthy investment to make the warehouse future-proof. It’s the most advanced & fully automatic system, that provide maximum space utilization through usage vertical storage structure. Blog Reference: https://addverb.in/asrs.html