warehouse functions, beginning with one unit and building up a fleet as required, or units can be switched with different capacity models. And because AMRs do not require fixed infrastructure, their routes and duties are extremely flexible, with the programming of tasks via an intuitive fleet management interface.
OPTIMISING LABOUR WITH MOBILE ROBOTS Premium mobile robots will have virtues that will allow labour to be optimised even further. An iFollow AMR, for example, can transport two roll cages at once, to a total load of 1,500 kg. This means a picker can work with multiple AMRs simultaneously, so potentially, on a single pick walk an operator supported by two AMRs could be assembling the orders for four different stores or customers. Through this kind of collaboration with the worker, which iFollow calls ‘Duo Picking’, the robot not only frees up a role but it will also reduce time required to carry out a pick. This can bring up to 50 per cent improvement in pick rates by comparison with purely manual methods. Far from replacing people completely,
actively working with technology in ways like this will also increase the appeal of warehouse jobs to tech-savvy young people – a demographic that the sector has found hard to attract and retain. Unfortunately, warehouse work has acquired a reputation for being hard on employees, low paid and has never ranked among the most desired of occupations. However, unlike many other sectors competing for the same limited labour resource, the work is full time and offers great career path opportunities. Indeed, many of today’s logistics managers started out on the warehouse floor. Working with mobile robots adds an attractive and interesting element into the job. So mobile robots not only offer a
collaborative solution that means fewer staff are required, particularly during peaks, but they also add a high tech element to warehouse work that makes the sector more attractive to the kind of recruits an increasingly technology-driven industry desperately needs. Becoming less reliant on labour certainly offers a practical proposition and joins other long- term gains from investing in reliable mobile robots. Their predictable costs, productivity boosting capabilities and flexibility in deployment to handle changes in business are a great way for warehouse operations to reduce their reliance on the availability of people.
iFollow
www.ifollow.fr/en/
lEvEllING ThE plaYING FIElD bETwEEN TRaDITIONal INDUSTRIal RObOT aND CObOT pallETISING
providing a reach of 1.3m, making the new cobot ideal for tasks such as palletising. Recognising the potential of the TM20 and
O
the new opportunities it could bring, Reeco, a specialist in the manufacturer and delivery of a wide range of palletising solutions and an official UK solutions partner of Omron, was quick to adopt the TM20 and expand its palletising offering. The new RB2000 palletiser is a 20kg payload, cost effective, market ready solution which makes end-of-line robotic automation attractive to producers of all sizes. With the introduction of the RB2000, Reeco
believes that it has now evened the playing field between traditional industrial robot palletising and cobot palletising. Manufacturers of all sizes now have an opportunity to palletise heavier products but maintain the smaller footprint offered by the Reeco RB range thus not using anymore factory space but creating an automation process to help their existing lines. But what are the options when it comes to
automated palletising and the differences between traditional industrial robot palletising and cobot palletising? Reeco’s managing director Lel Rees explains
that robot palletising has been a crucial part of the manufacturing industry for decades. These industrial robots are designed to perform repetitive tasks with precision and speed, making them ideal for palletising. However, with the advent of collaborative robots or cobots, the palletising industry has undergone a significant transformation. But what are the differences between traditional industrial robot palletising and cobot palletising? Traditional industrial robot palletising involves
the use of large and heavy robots that are programmed to perform specific tasks. These robots are designed to handle heavy loads and operate at high speeds, making them ideal for palletising large volumes of products. Traditional industrial robot palletising is ideal for applications where speed and precision are critical. One of the primary advantages of traditional
industrial robot palletising is that it is highly reliable. These robots are designed to operate 24/7 without fail, making them ideal for high- volume manufacturing environments. Additionally, traditional industrial robot palletising is highly customisable, allowing manufacturers to program the robots to perform specific tasks. However, traditional industrial robot
palletising also has some significant drawbacks. Firstly, these robots are expensive to purchase
mron recently launched its new TM20 collaborative (cobot) robot with a payload of 20kg, whilst keeping its small footprint and
and maintain. Additionally, traditional industrial robot palletising requires a dedicated space to operate, which can be challenging for smaller manufacturers with limited space Collaborative
robots on the other hand are designed to work alongside human operators, performing repetitive tasks that are either dangerous or tedious. Cobots are smaller and lighter than traditional industrial robots, making them more flexible and easier to deploy. Cobots are also designed to be easy to
program, enabling operators to quickly reprogram the robot to perform a new task. Cobot palletising is ideal for manufacturers
with limited space. Cobots are designed to be flexible, allowing them to work in tight spaces and perform a wide range of tasks. Additionally, cobots are designed to be safe to work alongside human operators, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Cobot palletisers are very cost-effective.
Cobots are significantly less expensive than traditional industrial robots, making them accessible to smaller manufacturers. Additionally, cobots are easy to program, reducing the need for specialised programming skills. Traditionally, cobots have been limited to the
payload they can pick up compared to traditional industrial robots, however with the introduction of 20kg cobot, this has now levelled up the capabilities when compared to an industrial robot. A cobot palletiser that can lift 20kg can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks, making it a versatile addition to any manufacturing facility. It can be programmed to work with different types of products, pallets, and packaging, providing greater flexibility than a human operator. Garry Lewis, market development manager
of Omron concludes a cobot palletiser that can lift 20kg can provide significant benefits for manufacturing facilities. It can increase efficiency, improve safety, provide cost savings, offer flexibility, and improve product quality. As automation continues to transform the manufacturing industry, cobots are poised to play an increasingly important role.
Omron
www.industrial.omron.co.uk 01908 258258
CONNECTING INDUSTRY 20Th aNNIvERSaRY EDITION 45
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