Videos and Visions this month is all about sharing the latest on the growth in technologies supporting the creation of a more autonomous Supply Chain. These three videos highlight the ongoing advances and accelerating emergence of Robots, Droids and Drones!
Robots – “The Weasel”
Today it’s clear that robots are going to dramatically change the workplace over the next three to five years and in our view this is no longer supposition but fact.
Although there are many videos to share about current robot applications in logistics, this month’s V&V highlights the below new video on “The Weasel” AGV from SSI Schaefer.
Although a number of robots have been already employed in distribution centres such as Kiva and now IAM Robotics, “The Weasel” AGV is focused on becoming a more flexible replacement for the conveyor.
Vision guided, these little beasties only move cartons and totes where and when needed instead of having continuous lengths of conveyor.
Additional good news for logistics operators is that the manufacturer is claiming “The Weasel” can be installed in similar applications to conveyor at only a 50 to 60% level of investment.(Still to be verified)
Droids – Starship
All you Star Wars fans out there will also be pleased to know that Droids may be coming to a delivery near you in the not too distant future!
Brought to you by the fittingly named Starship Technologies this is the latest brainchild of Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis.
Have a look at this little delivery droid that could, and then imagine one additional delivery mode you may one day be able to offer to your consumers.
Although some naysayers don’t believe these delivery droids are a viable option, we beg to differ, as these ground based units may ultimately offer an alternate solution to deliver into drone restricted areas or other locations during inclement weather.
Drones – Parcelcopter
Many of you may already be becoming tired of the ongoing drone about delivery drones that has gone on ever since Jeff Bezos first floated the idea in 2013.
Videos and Visions got very interested in the below video mainly due to fact that in this case the drones are integrated into a complete delivery system.
Logistics network designers need to keep a watchful eye on, and as warranted, add Robots, Droids and Drones to your future state solution design toolkit and operations plans going forward.
Robots are already with us and due to cost reductions and improved functionality are now poised for even more dramatic growth and uptake.
Droids and Drones are now on the 3 to 5 year supply chain network planning horizon, which with this week’s FAA approval of drones for Commercial use, that horizon just got one step closer to reality.
Jeff Ashcroft
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