Simple robots — such as the six-axis arm robotics used in automobile assembly lines and elsewhere — have been a common part of the workplace landscape since at least the 1970s. But ever since their first introduction, robots have always been viewed with suspicion by their human co-workers who fear they might one day be … Read more
Imagine a warehouse or distribution center that was fully automated. Robots, conveyors, computers and other machines run every aspect of the operation. Because there were no human workers, the facility could be run at maximum capacity for 24 hours per day. There would be no such thing as weekends or holidays. There wouldn’t even be … Read more
A recent survey conducted among shippers indicated that Transportation Management Systems were a good investment because over time they lowered freight costs enough to more than pay for themselves. More than 40% of the transportation professional polled said TMS systems saved them between 5% and 10% on their freight costs. And 23% said their total … Read more
Here’s a special sneak preview of some of the articles you will find on this week’s Bahrns blog: Google has been buying up every robotics company it can get its hands on. But what is the Internet giant up to? No one is saying but some of the speculation may surprise you. Robots are becoming … Read more
Boston Dynamics is an engineering company that has designed mobile research robots for the Pentagon that can run faster than 40 mph. Big Dog is a company that makes a four-legged robot that can climb hills and travel easily through snow. Schaft is an award-winning Japanese robot design firm has built a robot that walks … Read more
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, has relied on delivery services such as United Parcel Service and the US Postal Service to get its millions of packages to its customers … until now. The web-based retailing giant is not testing its own network of “last mile” delivery services in San Francisco and plans to launch … Read more
A new 145,000 square foot distribution center operated by the state of Wyoming’s Department of Revenue Liquor Division features a voice recognition system that allows workers to use voice-activated controls to speed up the picking process and dramatically cut fulfillment times. The facility, located in Cheyenne, allows workers to use smart phones to communicate with … Read more
About $200 billion is spent globally for illuminating work spaces, homes and businesses, about half of which comes from commercial buildings. Yet much of that energy is wasted. Lights are left on when they aren’t needed, areas are bathed in too much light. By employing effective lighting strategies to use only the light you need … Read more
Even though many parts of the US experienced the worst winter weather in decades, first quarter intermodal volumes grew during the first quarter of 2014, Logistics Management reported. Total intermodal volume movements were up 2.6% compared to Q1 2013, reaching 3,777,454, according to a report released by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). The … Read more
A New York materials handling company has introduced a new line of DNV-approved shackles and sub-assemblies to be used by the offshore oil and gas industries. Columbus McKinnon — the Amherst, New York, based manufacturer of hoist, cranes and other heavy duty materials handling equipment — announced in a news release that it has expanded … Read more
