FEATURE SHELVING & RACKING


INCREASED RACKING CAPACITY HELPS EASE ROBOT COMPONENT SHORTAGE


A


ccording to figures published by the International Federation of Robotics,


worldwide investment in automation is on the rise. Since 2010, the demand for industrial robots has accelerated considerably. In fact, between 2011 and 2016, worldwide robot sales increased by 12 per cent per year, amounting to a record-breaking number of robot installations during this period. On average, manufacturers now employ


around 74 robot units per 10,000 employees, up from 66 units in 2015. However, because of this increase, common components used in robotics — such as thin-type precision bearings, which are often used for rotary joints — are in higher demand than ever before. The 2017 World Robotics Statistics also


highlights the regions in which robot density is highest, citing the world’s most automated countries as South Korea, Singapore, Germany, Japan and Sweden. The UK ranks in 22nd place, with 71 robot units per 10,000 employees. That said, the global supply chains of robotics manufacturers mean that the component shortage is not specific to one region — it is affecting the entire manufacturing world. “The worldwide increase in robotics


production is fantastic, but demand for components is having a knock-on effect on other industries,” explains Chris Johnson, managing director of SMB Bearings. “Consider medical equipment manufacturing as an example. The sector relies on the use of thin section ball bearings in applications where space is at a premium and weight reduction is required. However, these types of bearings are commonly used for the rotary joints of industrial robots and therefore, the demand is high.” “At SMB, we have taken measures to


address this problem by increasing the racking in our warehouse and changing


S8 MAY 2018 | MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS


A global surge in robotics manufacturing has created a shortage of common industrial components required for other industries, according to suppliers. For example, the increased demand for bearings for use in robots has created significant delays in the supply of bearings for other industry sectors. Specialist bearings distributor SMB Bearings has experienced this first hand and is making investments to address the shortage


our methods of stockholding for bearings associated with the robotics industry. By doing so, we can ensure customers from the medical equipment, aerospace, instrumentation and optical equipment markets are not left without the bearings they require for manufacturing.” The global surge in robotics


manufacturing will continue to grow. As a result of this increased automation, manufacturers will also have a growing requirement to invest in the maintenance of this equipment, increasing the


demand and potential shortage of parts for these machines — including bearings and other common components. The components shortage is affecting


manufacturers from all industry sectors. If you are experiencing delays in the supply of bearings in your industry, or are concerned about the potential impact of the robotics boom on your bearings, speak to the team at SMB Bearings


SMB Bearings www.smbbearings.com


Get cracking on your racking protection I


n 2016 there was a racking collapse at a cheese factory in Shropshire. So devastating were the results that it made the


national news, with some tabloids making merry on cheese-based puns. Although the forklift driver responsible for the collapse escaped unhurt, for the company involved, and for anyone involved in facility protection, the racking collapse was no laughing matter. Once a company suffering such a disaster overcomes the


potentially crippling costs of restoring order, replacing damaged equipment and handling lost or unfulfilled orders, the next phase can be even more costly and stressful for employers. The Health and Safety Executive would need long access to compile a thorough report, resulting in more downtime, followed potentially by fines if unsafe procedures were found to be in place. Any injured staff would need to be replaced and trained, with compensation claims a real possibility.


Future insurance would most likely go through the roof. And what about the company’s credibility? All of which means one thing: protect your racking. Most good companies will already have rack inspections in place, and good training and certification for


FLT drivers is naturally essential. But there is a type of damage that is harder to detect than a dent from a rogue driver. All racking will have problem areas, where even the most capable of FLT drivers are tested. Grazes, brushes, even taps from hand-held pallets, all contribute to the gradual and persistent weakening of rack strength. Often the problem areas are at turning corners where vehicle manoeuvrability is compromised, and sometimes even the most conscientious of drivers might not realise when there has been a slight knock on a racking leg. Over time, as these knocks add up, so rack strength gradually deteriorates, and the likelihood of a rack collapse increases. Fitting upright protectors on rack legs should, by now, be common practice for warehouse managers.


McCue offers two versions – an easy-to-install wraparound that straps directly onto racking and a heavy- duty floor-mounted option with a shock-absorbing rubber core. And for those troublesome turning corners, McCue have it covered too. The Rack End Protector has 55 pounds of high tensile steel fastened to the concrete with steel anchors. It deflects any impact forces away from the racking. So protect all of your racking now and prevent rack collapse in the future, and in the process you’ll make sure your company won’t become the disaster headline of tomorrow. Contact McCue on 01908 365511 and view its racking protection solutions at www.mccue.com/uk


/ MATERIALSHANDLINGLOGISTICS T: 01993 842555


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