Archive for year: 2021

Ultimation’s Cory Meisel helps customers implement warehouse robot projects and integrate them with their overall material handling systems. Here are Cory’s tips for a safe, smooth rollout of an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) project:

1. Practice safe lifting; bend your knees: Warehouse robots are great, and in general they work best with the loads on a low center of gravity. AMRs help your warehouse team work more efficiently by reducing their need to walk. But when workers are loading and unloading AMRs manually, this can create a problem. Remember to practice safe lifting techniques which includes lifting with your legs and not with your back. Consider how the AMR will be loaded and unloaded. Can it automatically transfer the load to a conveyor where the product can then be presented to the operator at a better height? Can the AMR be fitted with the correct height upper module like these Nord Module units?  Always consider ergonomics carefully with any warehouse robot implementation project.
   
2. Watch your head: The advanced LiDAR sensors and AI programs that AMRs use make them fully autonomous. They have outstanding ability to identify and detect objects in their path to adjust accordingly. One think they do not have is eyes on the top of their head. If the AMR load extends upward or outward, consider the possible paths that might cause trouble. You can set up ‘no entry’ zones where an AMR load might touch on an overhanging protrusion. Does your workplace have a forklift with tines? If so, be sure they are always at floor level. Just like their human counterparts, forklifts left with tines (forks) in a partially raised position represent a danger point for both AMRs and humans alike.
3. Socialize your team: AMRs and your team members can occupy the same warehouse space without any issues. Their motion sound devices make them easy to hear and their lights make them easy to see. They will always avoid humans and stop if anyone is in their path. One thing to keep in mind is that it is important for your team and visitors to know they are sharing space with AMRs. Do not let team members wear audio devices that cover both ears.
4. It is not an Uber: Depending on the payload of your AMR, it may have lots of carrying capacity, but that is not to confuse it with a ride sharing program. Riding on an AMR at any time is a very bad idea. AMR’s can start and stop quickly while also making sharp turns, making it dangerous for anyone to ride on top of them. Develop policies to ensure that everyone knows the rules.
5. Mind the gap: Ultimation’s team will help you to do a site survey to identify any danger zones where an AMR should not be going. It is easy to program “no entry zones” to keep your warehouse robot out of harm. Unlike the robotic vacuums you have at home, AMRs do not have edge detection that would stop them falling down an open pit or stairway. AMRs are also not able to do floor transfer, meaning it cannot go on an elevator and take product from one floor to another.

Following these simple steps will allow for an easy transition as you plan for your warehouse robot launch. They are fast to implement, flexible to adapt and a great compliment to the material handling system of a well-run warehouse. Want the full story on warehouse robots and top modules? Here’s a link to more information to get you started.

Sometimes the simplest pieces of equipment are the most valuable. At Ultimation we’re often designing and installing custom engineered conveyor systems that have total project costs in excess of USD $1 million. But did you know that one of the best value and most flexible pieces of warehouse productivity equipment sells for under $1,000? The equipment is an expandable or flexible conveyor. You’ll see them in use on loading docks, within stocking aisles and in lots of places in most well run warehouses and industrial facilities.

“Expandable conveyors have amazing versatility and flexibility” said Katie Berry, a digital marketing specialist at Ultimation Industries. “They have adjustable height and you can connect them end to end. Use them anywhere you need to quickly set up a mini assembly line or loading system — and then put them out of the way when you don’t need them.”

Katie explains the six reasons why expandable conveyors are found in use in most warehouses, distribution centers and industrial facilities:

1. Gravity provides the power. There’s no motors or cables with these conveyors. By setting up the leg height at the loading end 3 – 12″ higher than at the unloading end, gravity does the work. Each conveyor has a folding end stop that you can use to stop packages falling of the end of the conveyor.
2. Straight or curved? Both. The unique design of the rollers and support means that these conveyors can be twisted into a 30 degree curve for each unit. The more conveyors you join together the greater the curve that you can achieve. This is great for use on the side of loading docks where it might be helpful to have a curved conveyor available.
3. Easy to set up, easy to store. Community organizations and food banks love these conveyors because they are so easy to store when not in use. Expandable conveyors for food banks can also be easily loaded into a van or pickup truck for fast set up at temporary locations. Disaster relief conveyors is another common application. In warehouses you will commonly see two or three units available at each loading dock to help improve team productivity.
4. Affordable. Ultimation sells 18″ wide models with 3 leg support sets that extend up to 8 feet for $595. That low pricing is achieved through Ultimation’s direct to end-customer sales model. No distributors, no sales people. Just great products at good value prices. You can buy the 8′ model here or the 12′ model here.
5. Sides guides not required. As if by magic, the cartons or tote on the conveyor track around the corner by following the path from one set of rollers to the next. This ingenious capability means that your product won’t end up dropped on the floor!
6. Durable. The strong heavy duty frame and roller system can support up to 670 pounds. Packages can weigh up to 56 pounds per linear foot. This weight range conveyors >90% of all warehouse material handling requirements. And because there are no motors and no cords to trip over, they are very safe. Wet, dusty or dirty environment? No problem. The wheels are sealed.

The skate wheels on the top of Ultimation’s expandable conveyors are able to be used for most packages and tote bins. Plan on having the load rolling on at least two rows of wheels at all times. This helps ensure that the products move smoothly down the conveyor. And when setting up the conveyor, be sure to use the standard locking casters and adjustable leg height locking system at all times.

“If you have any questions, give us a call” said Katie. “Our customer service team answer every phone call with a live operator. We love learning about how our conveyors are used and we can help you specify the best system”.

Need help learning about other conveyor types, which types to use and how to specify them? This step by step guide will help.