CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell
(Nasdaq: HON) announced today its latest innovation in
robotic technology designed to help warehouses and distribution
centers automate the manual process of unloading pallets, reducing
the operational risks of potential injuries and labor
shortages.
Driven by sophisticated machine learning and advances in
perception and gripping technologies, Honeywell's Smart Flexible
Depalletizer minimizes the need for manual labor to break down
pallet loads – roles that carry risk of injury to labor, experience
high turnover and are currently difficult to staff. A typical
medium- to large-sized distribution center unpacks up to several
thousand pallets per day, with the probability of errors, injuries
and worker fatigue increasing during each shift.
"Even when manual operations are running smoothly without
injuries, the physical, repetitive task of unloading pallets is
variable and limited by human constraints," said Dr. Thomas Evans, Chief Technology Officer of
Honeywell Robotics. "Our Smart Flexible Depalletizer helps improve
throughput by operating consistently without interruption over
multiple shifts with minimal human interaction. With the labor
constraints warehouses and distribution centers are seeing in
filling these manual roles, this solution can be an ideal fit to
help keep up with daily order volumes."
The depalletizer's articulated robotic arm is guided by advanced
vision and perception technologies, which allow cases to be picked
from a single- or mixed-SKU pallet on a fixed or mobile location.
The latest computer vision technology identifies the exact location
of every case on the pallet, while perception software
automatically recognizes a wide variety of packaging. This
technology allows for seamless handling of a continuous flow of
pallets in any sequence without requiring any pre-programming or
operator intervention.
The advanced machine learning and motion planning optimizes the
movements of the robotic arm to ensure maximum picking speed and
efficiency. The control logic also senses the weight of each item
as the robot lifts it and automatically updates its gripping
response to transfer each product securely and effectively. The
more the solution picks, the more it learns and continues to
improve in quickly and efficiently unloading pallets.
"Reliable depalletizing rates are of growing importance as
consumer preferences continue to accelerate the rate of packing and
the increasing product mix warehouses and distribution centers
handle every day," said Evans. "These major technology improvements
are driving fully automated solutions capable of meeting or
exceeding the throughput of manual operations. Not only do these
solutions offer significant benefits to modern distribution centers
and other fulfillment operations, the business case for their
utilization is also increasingly attractive."
A recent Honeywell study revealed more than half of
companies are more willing to invest in automation because of the
pandemic and its lasting effects. The same study showed companies
see increased speed of tasks, greater productivity and increased
employee utilization and productivity as the top three potential
benefits from automation.
The robot can work in conjunction with pallet conveyance
autonomous mobile robots, enabling continuous operation of the
system while providing the flexibility to stage pallets and empty
stacks virtually anywhere the robot is capable of traveling.
The Smart Flexible Depalletizer will be showcased at this year's
PACK EXPO International trade show in Las Vegas at booth C-4436.
From concept and integration, Honeywell Intelligrated draws on
its expanding portfolio and deep industry expertise to help
warehousing, distribution and fulfillment companies optimize and
manage their processes. The business offers integrated end-to-end
automation systems, warehouse automation software and lifecycle
support services regardless of the manufacturer to improve
throughput and keep workers safe. For more information on Honeywell
Intelligrated services and offerings, visit
sps.honeywell.com/us/en/products/automation.
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. For more information, please visit:
sps.honeywell.com.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology
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 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