Do you think robots are only an option for the distant future? You may wish to think again – there are already solutions on the market with powerful, proven intralogistics capabilities. Frank Heptner, Senior Director, Consultancy and Projects, at Linde Material Handling, has seven persuasive arguments why you should take a closer look.
- Changing imperatives
“The trend towards mass customization means production volumes and inventories are shrinking and become ever more varied,” explains Heptner. “But picking and packaging smaller numbers of items requires fast, cost-effective material handling solutions.”
- Low-cost, flexible entry-level possibilities
Entering the era of robotics does not necessarily have to entail a huge investment of financial and human resources. “You can deploy them within a very limited area, and then easily scale them up at a later date.”
- Ease of integration
“There are proven intelligent, end-to-end solutions available that can be seamlessly integrated into the existing IT infrastructure and material-flow processes – without having to make changes to the intralogistics environment as a whole,” reports the specialist for automated warehouse solutions.
- Rapid implementation
“Precise measurement of the operating environment, route programming, equipment installation and staff training is now just a matter of a few days.”
- Greater efficiency
Automated, end-to-end solutions with intelligently controlled autonomous vehicles not only save staff costs. “They are substantially faster and more reliable than traditional solutions,” emphasizes Heptner.
- Enhanced safety and quality
“The self-driving vehicles are equipped with sensors that detect unexpected objects in their path, and respond immediately to hazards.” This means safer and higher-quality material handling processes.
- Highly attractive – and with no viable, long-term alternative
In the longer term, there is no escaping greater automation. “Current industry trends, including growing economic pressures and fiercer competition, are forcing companies to re-think and to act accordingly,” concludes Frank Heptner. “And with the technolgies on offer becoming ever more efficient, the decision is an easy one – so robots are being introduced in ever more warehouses.”