Automation

Modified by MIT researchers, a Toyota 8-Series lift truck performs unmanned operations, which show potential for future work in high-risk military and civilian environments.

At the Apparel Group’s new Texas distribution center, the company reduced handling costs and increased the speed of product to market—two items that are always in style.

Located in Germany, the new facility features multiple integrated materials handling solutions to demonstrate business critical material flow scenarios.

Data collection has undergone something of a revolution. I think of it as a dimensional change. Not so long ago, we captured one-dimensional information about a product. A barcode scan at the dock identified the product that arrived and maybe when it arrived. A scan or spoken check digit at a pick face confirmed a pick. But the information didn’t tell much of a story unless you brought it all into one place.

The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association monthly stats show booked orders in May 2010 were up 2% over April 2010 and up 18% over the same time period last year.

Brown’s role is to move the growing department forward while addressing customers’ needs for quick response time and technical expertise.

A new Swisslog solution uses overhead mobile robots for goods-to-person picking. Markus Schmidt, a senior vice president with Swisslog, answers how business is doing during an interview for a story on robotic materials handling solutions.

Company rolls out three new businesses to better align product lines with market needs.

Intelligrated, a leading North American-owned automated materials handling solution provider, has been honored with several local and national growth awards.

The recently updated “Application Guidelines for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors” is now available, thanks to the efforts of the Vertical Reciprocating Conveyer Subcommittee of the Conveyor & Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group, both of which are part of the Material Handling Industry of America.

Robotic materials handling is coming to the warehouse and distribution center.

Kiva Systems, a developer mobile-robotic solutions that automate order fulfillment and warehouse operations, has appointed Amy Villeneuve president and chief operating officer. Villeneuve will be responsible for Kiva’s end-to-end customer engagement process, from sales and marketing through customer installation and support, and will report to Mick Mountz, CEO and founder.

Robotics supplier Motoman Inc. and Yaskawa Electric America Inc., a manufacturer of AC drives and motion control products, have announced that they will merge to form Yaskawa America Inc.

Adept Technology, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire privately held MobileRobots Inc., a provider of industry leading autonomous robot and automated guided vehicle (AGV) technologies.

Industry veteran hired to man new office