Robot Coworkers Are a Reality – What Would You Have Them Do?

Now that we’ve seen significant case studies of robotics being integrated into companies’ workflow, we know the reality of working with robot coworkers is different than what we might have envisioned in the 1970s, ’80s or ’90s.

They’re not likely to sit among the cubicles and volunteer for a coffee run. They’re not likely to make clever robot quips about current events by the water cooler.

Even better, a strategic robotics strategy is capable of helping organizations to increase productivity and boost labor efficiency.

One example is offered by Honeywell which has announced collaboration with Fetch Robotic to provide distribution centers with autonomous mobile robots. The idea is that ordering goods has become extremely high-volume and automated thanks to e-commerce. Honeywell’s and Fetch Robotics’ solution aims to help organizations’ logistics management keep pace.

More on the Honeywell and Fetch Robotics solution (via Honeywell press release):

The initiative enables Honeywell Intelligrated’s customers to increase productivity and boost labor efficiency by deploying Fetch Robotics’ autonomous mobile robotics, which operate safely alongside people to transport items through distribution centers without human guidance or fixed paths. By adding this offering to its smart robotics portfolio, Honeywell Intelligrated can provide customers with a range of flexible automation solutions that can be tailored to address current and future operational needs.

It’s not the first time that Honewell Intelligrated has been involved in providing an organization with robotic labor resources. It previously announced a collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University to develop next-generation artificial intelligence and robotics technologies for distribution centers.

Fetch Robotics collaboration adds mobility capability to the portfolio of robotics solutions Honeywell is bringing to market, according to the press release.

Can Robotics Eases Recruitment and Hiring Challenges?

“As staffing challenges and the continued growth of online shopping are pressuring supply chains, robotics can be an effective solution to help make large, integrated distribution centers more efficient,” says Pieter Krynauw, president of Honeywell Intelligrated, in the press release.

“With this arrangement, we can provide our customers with a complete suite of fixed and mobile robotics solutions, backed by the expert systems integration, solutions development and reliable, 24/7 technical support they expect from us.”

It seems like robotics a particularly viable option when it comes to product distribution.

Honeywell cites a survey in the 2018 Material Handling Institute’s annual report in contending that companies are increasingly turning to robotics to gain competitive advantage in the supply chain, with adoption expected to rise from 34 to 73 percent over the next five years. The study identified that the most common uses for robotics in warehousing operations include tasks like receiving and putting away inventory.

The question for IT directors is simple: Beyond the supply chain and distribution, what are some areas in which you can foresee robotics improving workflows and efficiencies in your organization?

Let us know by submitting an article comment.

Learn more about Honeywell Intelligrated and Fetch Robotics’s offerings here.

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