| |

Automating Warehouse and Fulfillment Centers with Cobots and 3D Vision from FANUC

FANUC’s newest autonomous order fulfillment, bin transfer and shelving system helps supply chain businesses overcome the labour shortage with cobots.

At ProMat 2023 in Chicago this past March, robots dominated the show floor and took shape in many different forms, from mobile to articulated arms to even bi-pedals. However, two clear trends emerged from the supply chain solutions on display: First, the focus is on autonomous operations. Second, new technology is being designed for operations with smaller footprints.

FANUC Cobots Improving Warehouse Logistics

These two trends also track with feedback from FANUC customers, who are adding automation to overcome the labour shortage, but might not necessarily have the space for bigger integrated systems.

One of FANUC’s debut demonstrations that drew crowds at ProMat was of an automated order fulfillment, bin transfer and shelving system. Using the Tablet TP, a worker can select pick orders from a variety of consumer items.

One of two CRX-10iA cobots using an iRVision 3DV/200 vision sensor mounted on its arm scans QR codes on a shelf and the items to confirm the correct products are being picked and transferred to a bin on a table. A CRX-20iA/L cobot, also using the iRVision® sensor, locates a full bin and places it on a LOCUS autonomous mobile robot (AMR). An empty bin on the AMR is located and placed on the table by the cobot.

Next, the AMR moves from the order fulfillment area to the shelving side where the CRX-20iA/L picks an empty bin, places it on the AMR and places the full bin on a table. The CRX-20iA/L can pick consumer items of varying sizes and shapes that weigh up to 20kg. A second CRX-10iA with a fixed iRVision 3DV/600 vision sensor locates and picks products from the full bin, scans each according to its RFID tag and places it back on the correct shelf.

The system is an example of what can be achieved when cobots, AMRs and vision sensors work together, resulting in a highly flexible autonomous solution that can be easily scaled up or down.

Since collaborative robots are used, the system does not require protective fencing, which makes the solution perfect for smaller spaces. If people approach the moving cobots, safety features sense the human presence and stop in place. Also, FANUC’s cobots feature intuitive hand guidance and easy-to-use Tablet TP programming, which helps first-time automation adapters.

Traditionally, cobots have been thought to just enhance productivity in warehouses since fulfillment tasks are not repetitive enough to be autonomous. However, the new system by FANUC blows that perception apart and makes automation in the fulfillment center an absolutely viable option for many operations of all sizes.

To learn more about FANUC’s solutions for warehouses and fulfillment centers, visit our Warehouse Industrial Applications page.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Pilz Automation Safety Canada L.P. announces that their long-term CEO and GM, Andreas Sobotta, will assume the role of Vice President North and South America, effective immediately. He will still work from the Canadian office in Mississauga and visit all other subsidiaries in North and South America. Pilz will take their time to find a… Read More…

  • SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    Whether in production or logistics operations, MAXOLUTION is synonymous with innovation in factory automation – across all industries and worldwide – helping you achieve your vision of an adaptable and resilient lean smart factory. Under the MAXOLUTION brand, SEW-EURODRIVE creates customized solutions for cutting-edge materials handling technology – from the shop floor through to IT.… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    By Krystie Johnston and Dr. Manfred Jagiella – Sustainability facilitates opportunity when approached with a mindset to preserve resources and promote circularity. We share one Earth, and it is our global responsibility to care for it for the next generation. Endress+Hauser is one global company that understands this responsibility – and practices it as well.… Read More…

  • Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Circuit breakers are an essential component of any modern electrical system. Designed to protect your home or business from potential overloads or short circuits, these devices are your first line of defense against electrical fires. There are, however, situations where remote tripping of the circuit breaker may be required. It could be for operational reasons,… Read More…