CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell
(NYSE: HON) today announced the creation of Honeywell
Robotics, an advanced technology center of excellence focused on
innovating and developing artificial intelligence, machine
learning, computer vision and advanced robotics for use across
supply chains.
Based in Pittsburgh, Honeywell
Robotics will help shape the warehouse and distribution center of
the future, particularly as companies look to automated solutions,
software and robotics to deliver increased speed, accuracy and
throughput in complex material handling environments.
"Honeywell has been at the forefront of warehouse automation
technology for more than 25 years helping customers improve
productivity and efficiency," said Pieter Krynauw,
president of Honeywell Intelligrated. "We are bringing
together some of the brightest minds, partnerships and industry
collaborations to create breakthrough technological advancements
for customers of all sizes, helping meet the ever-changing demands
of consumers."
Consumer expectations have caused a seismic shift in supply
chain operations. According to eMarketer, online shopping currently
accounts for nearly 15% of total retail sales and is expected to
grow to 22% by 2023, representing over $6.5
trillion in sales.
Online purchasing, combined with same- or next-day delivery
options, has stressed the labor market to the point of a shortage.
Nearly 80% of distribution center operations are still performed
manually, according to DHL's Robotics in Logistics Study. With
industry growth outpacing the labor pool by a rate of 6 to 1, this
growth is creating significant opportunities to automate supply
chains.
The new center of excellence will be led by Joseph Lui, a robotics leader with expertise in
digital data, autonomous technologies and the industrial Internet
of Things. He previously served as Director of Industrial IoT and
Automation Technologies, Robotics for Amazon.
"As AI, machine learning and computer vision become commonplace,
Honeywell Robotics will create innovative, breakthrough
technologies to help customers alleviate skilled labor shortages,
reduce safety risks and eliminate inefficient tasks," said Lui.
"The use of technology – including advanced warehouse execution
systems, 3D storage and sortation solutions to improve capacity and
efficiency, and autonomous mobile robots – is just the start of the
digital transformation in warehouses."
Customers can also benefit from Honeywell's
Momentum™ warehouse execution system, a configurable
enterprise software platform that orchestrates equipment, labor and
inventory for distribution centers. Momentum can help streamline
the deployment and integration of advanced robotics by providing
warehouse managers with a single, centralized system to manage
their operations and automation technology.
The establishment of the robotics center of excellence is the
continuation of Honeywell's technology transformation, putting
significant investment in partnerships with software vendors,
universities, startups and incubators to create new solutions for
industrial customers with both simple and complex needs.
Honeywell also is collaborating with AI researchers at
Carnegie Mellon University's National
Robotics Engineering Center to develop breakthrough robotics
technologies for distribution centers. The company, through its
Honeywell Ventures investment fund, has strategic investments in
robotics companies, including Soft Robotics and Attabotics, to help
automate complex tasks in dynamic environments to maximize
productivity and labor efficiency.
Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS) provides
products, software and connected solutions that improve
productivity, workplace safety and asset performance for our
customers across the globe. We deliver on this promise through
industry-leading mobile devices, software, cloud technology and
automation solutions, the broadest range of personal protective
equipment and gas detection technology, and custom-engineered
sensors, switches and controls.
Honeywell (http://www.honeywell.com/) is a Fortune 100
software-industrial company that delivers industry specific
solutions that include aerospace products and services; control
technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials
globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft,
buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become
more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more
sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please
visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
Contacts:
Media
Whitney Ellis
(803) 835-8137
whitney.ellis@honeywell.com
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SOURCE Honeywell