Robotics

Wal-Mart Is Putting Shelf-Scanning Robots in More Than 50 U.S. Stores

November 2, 2017

Wal-Mart Stores is rolling out shelf-scanning robots in more than 50 U.S. stores to replenish inventory faster and save employees time when products run out.

USPS Plans Autonomous Vehicle Tests on Rural Routes

October 27, 2017

Air Cargo World

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is following in the steps - or in this case, the wheels - of integrator's like UPS, FedEx and DHL by testing an autonomous delivery vehicle on rural routes, in partnership with the University of Michigan.

Robots Are Coming for These Wall Street Jobs

October 23, 2017

Bloomberg

Traders, prepare to adapt. Wall Street is entering a new era. The fraternity of bond jockeys, derivatives mavens and stock pickers who've long personified the industry are giving way to algorithms, and soon, artificial intelligence.

Robots Endangering Workers Drives German Startup to Airbags

September 25, 2017

Industryweek

Two years ago, a robot crushed a 22-year-old man to death at a Volkswagen AG factory in Germany after the maintenance worker became trapped in an area usually off-bound to humans. While this type of tragedy is still relatively rare, efforts to improve safety are intensifying as factories around the world become increasingly automated.

In the Future, Warehouse Robots Will Learn on Their Own

September 20, 2017

The New York Times

The robot was perched over a bin filled with random objects, from a box of instant oatmeal to a small toy shark. This two-armed automaton did not recognize any of this stuff, but that did not matter. It reached into the pile and started picking things up, one after another after another.

As Amazon Pushes Forward With Robots, Workers Find New Roles

September 14, 2017

The New York Times

Nissa Scott started working at the cavernous Amazon warehouse in southern New Jersey late last year, stacking plastic bins the size of small ottomans. It was not, she says, the most stimulating activity. And lifting the bins, which often weigh 25 pounds each, was also tiring over 10-hour shifts.

Ramping Up Cybersecurity in the Age of Robots and Autonomous Vehicles

August 21, 2017

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

We're at the dawn of a promising new age of autonomous vehicles and connected devices for supply-chain management. And with that cutting-edge technology comes the heightened risk of cyberattack.

The Futuristic Supply Chain

July 26, 2017

Robert J. Bowman, Managing Editor, SupplyChainBrain

Fuel-Cell Powered Drones Aim to Improve Supply Chain Efficiency

April 10, 2017

Environmental Leader

In a move that Intelligent Energy says will make supply chains more efficient, the clean energy company has signed a deal with PINC to supply air cooled fuel cell systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Driverless Robotic Vehicles Have Great Potential, But the Human Element Still Needed - for Now

July 15, 2016

EBN

In the world of material handling, the notion of "driverless-ness" has been around for 60 years since the first automated guided vehicle (AGV) appeared in a grocery warehouse. High-tech warehouse operations are already used to the sight of AGVs performing tasks such as the vertical storage and retrieval of pallets and the loading and unloading of pallets onto outbound trailers.

Robotics

The latest news, analysis, trends and tools for automation and robotics for warehousing and distribution. Today’s companies are moving goods across more suppliers, vendors and customers than ever before, and warehouses are critical points in the overall supply chain. New technologies that use cameras, radios, sensors and digital maps to find and sort merchandise are transforming the way warehouses and distribution centers operate — and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As these solutions continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies around the world are improving supply-chain operations through their strategic use of automation and robotics in the warehouse.