'All Types of Robots ... are in High Demand'
During this year's MODEX show, Brian Reinhart, vice president of sales and marketing at HAI ROBOTICS, shared his views on the current state and future of the robotics market.
Robotics and automation have never been hotter. And it’s not hard to see why. Squeezed by the ongoing e-commerce boom and a nationwide labor crunch, companies are finding they need these technologies to boost fulfillment speed and accuracy at a time when adding people is no longer an option.
Brian Reinhart, our VP of Sales in the US, spoke with David Maloney, DC Velocity Group Editorial Director, during this year's MODEX show, to share his views on the current status and the prospect of the robotics market.
David Maloney: What types of robots are currently in most demand for warehouse applications?
Brian Reinhart: All of them. Jokes aside, it really is any and all types of warehouse robots and really any type of automation that can help ease the burden of labor. The current labor shortages, taken together with increased customer demands regarding order time and accuracy, have placed immense pressure on warehouses and DCs. Traditional robots, advanced robots, industrial robots, and collaborative robots are all in high demand.
David Maloney: What is being done to make robots easier to repair and to extend their uptime?
Brian Reinhart: Like any technology, as it evolves, it becomes more durable and predictable. Single points of failure have been engineered out of most technology platforms by now. On-board diagnostics can help predict when an electrical or mechanical component may be nearing failure. Robotic equipment has moved from a reactive maintenance and repair position to a proactive one, where we identify and resolve issues before they occur.
David Maloney: What will robotics look like by the end of the decade?
Brian Reinhart: When technology is evolving as quickly as robotics is, projection is always difficult. Some things to look for will be the combination of industrial and collaborative platforms, improvements in self-monitoring and diagnostics aboard the platforms. One thing is for sure: Whichever direction the technology heads in, it will result in a reduction in labor [requirements] and cost, and improvements in performance.
More about the forum: An inside look at the robotic revolution — and what it all means for you (part II)
Our products & solutions: HAIPICK Solution - Autonomous Case-handling Robot Systems
Contact us: info@hairobotics.com
