The fourth industrial revolution takes the automation processes to a new level by introducing customized and flexible mass production technologies. This means that machines will operate independently or cooperate with humans in creating a customer-oriented production field that constantly works on maintaining itself. The machine rather becomes an independent entity that can collect data, analyze it, and advise upon it. This becomes possible by introducing self-optimization, self-cognition, and self-customization into the industry. The manufacturers will be able to communicate with computers rather than operate them.

Constructing a reliable and automated infrastructure is the most important prerequisite for achieving these goals. Companies within the automated material handling and logistics industries are increasingly focusing on improving processes and are quickly learning that the principles of Industry 4.0 can offer significant productivity gains. At the same time, material handling solutions help to ensure that connected manufacturing plant and warehouse can speed up processes, assist personnel to increase efficiencies, avoid downtime and provide live updates on entire automated solutions from start to finish. .

Customer challenges:

Fatal Accidents within working area due to wrong judgment or action on material handling and transportation. Using heavy machinery to move loads around the workplace is bound to involve accidents and injuries. Instances include being crushed between vehicles, getting struck or run over by forklifts, falling from heights, and injury due to falling loads. Switching to automated material handling system to move heavy loads helps business to reduce instances of workplace injury and also remain compliant with the industry’s safety regulations.

Increase in Labour Cost. Material handling companies are tasked with moving thousands of tons of materials daily while relying on a large number of manual labours. Businesses are buckling under the costs of maintaining heavy load-moving machinery as well as spending constantly on employee training programs due to high turnover rates. Given how fierce the competition within the industry is, there’s a greater need to cut down on manufacturing costs in order to remain competitive. Add to this the costs employee shortfall and medical expenses, and you have small businesses struggling to maintain profitability.

Inaccurate Inventory management due to poor visibility to track material and parts. Warehouse workers that lack complete visibility of their inventory face problems such as over and under-stocking which then leads to decreased cash flows and increased material expenses. Inventory shortages result in unfulfilled orders and dissatisfied customers. The primary challenge lies in striking a balance between maintaining optimal inventory levels and profitability margins. Retail businesses are struggling to manage both in-store and online channels effectively. Today, most manufacturing expenses are linked to materials which underline the need to adopt effective material management strategies.

HIGH-TECH ROBOTS

Aethon autonomous mobile robots can complete tasks intelligently, in an orchestrated manner with minimal human input. Materials can be transported across the factory floor via autonomously, avoiding obstacles, coordinating with fleet mates, and identifying where pickups and drop-offs are needed in real-time. Since it’s connected digitally, their physical movements receive work signals from real-time production systems and manufacturing execution systems, assembly and therefore production employees can focus on actual assembly and production. Ultimately it changes the traditional production relationships and demands among suppliers, producers, and customers as well as interaction between human and machines.

Benefit

Material handling solutions helps to reduce employee exertion and improve safety. It decreasing the physical stress on employees by adapting to changes in road conditions and obstacles with more diligence and precision than human drivers. What’s important to remember is that a material handling solution is only limited to the imagination. These solutions also promote safety, meaning there should be fewer employee injuries.

With things moving more quickly around the warehouse, it is only natural that more work is going to get done. Material handling solutions speed up process for higher efficiency in making work easier and quicker, ultimately increasing the work capacity of the unit. One of the ways material handling solutions speed up processes is through organization. Large boards and shelving units can help keep tools and materials visible and available for employees who need them, which means less time is wasted searching around for lost items.

Proper stacking and monitoring of loads and materials on shelves can help to prevent unintended slip or trip hazards for humans. At the same time, it is easy to track or locate those material. Since these solutions are customizable, in which very large, very small, or oddly shaped items can all have their very own custom stowing location and they can be easily accessible. This ensures that nothing becomes lost, damage or invisible.

Warehouse is only as good as its size, and wasted space also means wasted money and resources. Having custom material handling solutions will allow for the minimum amount of space to be used up, which leaves room for expansion if the need ever arises. Having space to move around is important and being able to adjust for changes in the company is a must. Chaos will breed in a warehouse with unoptimized space and messy storage solutions.

TUG T2RX

TUG is a smart autonomous mobile robot that securely delivers medications, specimens and other materials. Using assignable and lockable drawers accessible through a combination of pin-code and fingerprint scanning technology ensures reliable and secure delivery. The door cart can be used to securely deliver larger items.

TUG T2.5

The TUG is a smart autonomous mobile robot that has become a common sight in hospitals as it delivers materials and supplies. TUG efficiently delivers carts of supplies to where they are needed including meals, linens, as well as removal of trash. 

TUG T3

The TUG T3 a smart autonomous mobile robot that automates the transport of materials and supplies in commercial environments TUG is different from traditional AGV systems in that it requires no infrastructure for navigation.