Together, shipping, receiving and storage account for less than half of all warehousing activity costs. The lion’s share of expenses – a whopping 55% – lies in order picking. Breaking down the various activities associated with order picking, we find that over 60% of the time is spent walking, with writing, searching, and picking tasks comprising the other 40%.
Given the data, it’s safe to say that automating the walking portion of an order picking operation will have a strong positive impact on overall warehouse efficiency. Omron Logistics strategic account manager, Yaqing Sun, recently discussed some strategies for using autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for this purpose at the Automate 2022 show.
Strategy 1: Transporting items to employees (‘goods to person’)
By having an AMR autonomously move goods to a warehouse associate, you can reduce the amount of time that associate spends walking, which in turn reduces fatigue and generally improves work satisfaction. In addition, it improves traceability by automating the QR code scanning process.
Some potential downsides of this method include high upfront investment costs, relatively long integration and/or installation time, and the likelihood of infrastructure changes to the facility. Still, logistics facilities by and large find that the productivity benefits heavily outweigh the initial costs of deployment.
Strategy 2: Transporting items between zones (‘person to goods’)
This strategy involves breaking the warehouse into separate order picking zones, each of which will have a dedicated employee. Since a single order might involve picking from more than one zone, an autonomous mobile robot will move between the zones, stopping whenever an employee needs to retrieve a particular item.
Although each employee must still do some walking, having AMRs traverse the long distances between zones significantly reduces walking times. The main downside of this method is that employees must still scan items manually, so traceability isn’t fully automated.
Strategy 3: Transporting items to a robot (‘goods to robot’)
This method has the dual advantages of high accuracy and low dependence on labour availability, making it a good option for companies struggling to hire personnel. Minor downsides include high investment costs and the possibility of lower throughput relative to manual picking.
Nonetheless, collaborative robotic (cobot) technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and solutions that connect an autonomous mobile robot with a cobot are going to just get more and more efficient. Furthermore, both AMRs and cobots can work around the clock with minimal downtime.
WEBER-HYDRAULIK modernises warehouse in record time
Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK is a leading international specialist in customised hydraulic solutions. After its old buffer warehouse had become outdated and was partially worn out mechanically, the decision was made to completely renovate it.
Read more...Yaskawa Southern Africa launches laser welding cell
Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Industrial Manufacturing Systems South Africa to introduce the Megmeet laser welding cell, a breakthrough solution combining precision robotics with cutting-edge laser technology.
Read more...Next-gen planetary gearboxes SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
Leading the way in planetary gear unit innovation, SEW-EURODRIVE is extending its reach across a growing range of industries, delivering the advantages of this powerful technology through locally engineered solutions that ensure faster lead times.
Read more...Record-breaking dragline relocation
Motion Control & Drives
Draglines are key pieces of equipment in open-pit mining. BHP Mitsubishi Alliance entrusted Mammoet with the relocation of a 3100 ton Marion 8050 dragline from one end of the Peak Downs coal mine in Queensland, Australia to another, a full 27 km away.
Read more...igus expands 3D printing capabilities igus
Motion Control & Drives
Motion plastics specialist, igus South Africa has introduced a new 3D printing service capable of producing custom parts in two engineering-grade polymers with exceptional strength and without the need for lubrication.
Read more...Bühler adds new die refurbishment machine
Motion Control & Drives
Bühler has reinforced its commitment to customers in southern Africa with the installation of a new die refurbishment machine at its Johannesburg workshop.
Read more...Reimagining rotation for a circular and sustainable future SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Through the design and manufacture of components with sustainability at their core, SKF is reimagining the future of rotation, rolling away from traditional, consumable-based thinking toward a smarter, more sustainable circular approach.”
Read more...Optimising operational efficiencies through advanced filtration systems Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
Filtration is the only effective defense against wear and tear when contaminants are present. It is therefore critical that effective filter components are correctly used to ensure dependable performance, high efficiency and extended service life of machinery and vehicles.
Read more...A world first in maintenance
Motion Control & Drives
Lutz Pumpen has therefore developed a filling tool called Lutz Lube Drive, which considerably simplifies the maintenance process. The idea is that a commercial cordless screwdriver becomes the motor of a pump tube.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version