Material Handling Innovations

🤯💪🏽🚀 Whoa, the exoskeleton field is moving fast!! 🚨 This week, yet another groundbreaking new peer-reviewed exosuit study was published by Brock University and University of Waterloo in the Journal of Biomechanics. 📦 They tested participants with and without the Apex 2 exosuit while doing a 60-minute manual material handling palletizing task that involved lifting, transferring, and lowering a load. They found that during material handling the Apex 2 exosuit: ✅ Reduced back muscle activity ✅ Reduced perceived exertion (for the back, shoulders & overall) ✅ Increased productivity (i.e., number of boxes palletized) by 6% 👏🏽 This peer-reviewed study provides direct scientific evidence that this elastic back-assist exosuit can simultaneously boost productivity and reduce back strain and physical exertion. 📍 Prior studies from Clemson University, Vanderbilt University, and others have demonstrated physical performance benefits—like endurance enhancement—with exosuits, along with reductions in muscle activity and back loading. But this new paper went a step beyond physical performance and measured a true productivity metric (number of boxes palletized per hour) during a complex, multiplanar, repetitive material handling task. 🌉 These new findings create the perfect bridge between prior academic studies and industry case studies, and fill the last link in this chain of evidence. 👏🏽 🏭 In Feb 2024, HeroWear released an industry case study showing warehouse order pickers increased their productivity (boxes picked per hour) by 8%. In Sept 2024, Amerisure Insurance shared data from an independent study with one of their clients who saw a 15% productivity boost with Apex 2. Multiple additional warehouses and distribution centers have achieved similar results—typically 5-15% productivity gains. 💪🏽 The 6% productivity gain observed in this university study falls right in the same range as those found in industry. I ❤️ converging evidence!! 💡 And the implications are significant. Particularly for warehouse workers and operations. The study concluded that: “Across an 8-hour workday, this would result in 160 extra boxes shipped (per exosuit user)” 👉🏽 Which means that in addition to helping workers feel better and stay safer, there's a compelling financial incentive for organizations to adopt exos. Exos can help the bottom line too. 💵 A 6% productivity gain alone corresponds to a projected 6-month payback period and 5X ROI over 3 years with Apex 2. 👍🏽 As Bobby Marinov of ExoskeletonReport put it in his article last month: it's looking more and more like we can have our cake and eat it too! 🎯TL/DR: There is now strong converging evidence from multiple independent academic institutions and from multiple industry case studies that these exosuits can simultaneously enhance productivity and reduce MSD risk. 💯 Strongly recommend checking out the full paper linked below. #exoskeletons #ergonomics #safetytech #futureofwork

🏗️ 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 🏗️ Precast concrete walls are renowned for their strength and durability, making them a top choice in construction. However, handling these heavy structures can pose significant challenges. Let's explore the hurdles faced when moving these robust walls and a solution that's revolutionizing the process. 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨: 🔹𝙒𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙮 𝙄𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚: These walls can weigh several tons, rendering manual movement nearly impossible. 🔹 Size Matters: The sheer size of precast concrete walls can make navigation through tight spaces a logistical nightmare. 🔹Shifting Shapes: Walls come in various shapes, complicating secure transportation. 🔹Fragility Factor: Mishandling can lead to costly damage, given their fragility. 🌪️ Aerolift Industrials' Vacuum Technology to the Rescue 🌪️ Enter Aerolift Industrials with its groundbreaking vacuum technology, transforming the way we move heavy precast concrete walls. Here's how: 1. Weight is No Longer a Barrier: Aerolift's vacuum lifters can effortlessly handle precast concrete walls weighing up to a staggering 85 tons. 2. A Gentle Grasp: Utilizing a powerful vacuum, these lifters create a secure seal, ensuring walls are lifted and transported without a scratch. 3. Navigating Tight Spaces: Aerolift's vacuum lifters are exceptionally maneuverable, making them ideal for moving these walls even in cramped areas. 4. Benefits Galore: Safety First: Manual handling risks are eliminated, enhancing workplace safety. Enhanced Efficiency: Quick and efficient lifting saves valuable time and resources. Versatile Solutions: Walls of varying sizes and shapes can be handled with ease. Preservation Prowess: Gentle handling minimizes the risk of damage during transport. 🔔 Follow Civil Engineer DK for more stuff. 📌 Don't forget to click the 🔔 for notifications!🔧 #civilengineerdk #construction #PrecastConcrete #ConstructionChallenges #VacuumTechnology #AeroliftIndustrials

UBTECH Robotics says its full-stack logistics system is replacing material handlers, forklift operators, warehouse workers and even supervisors. The leading Chinese robotics firm says its cutting-edge technology is replacing roles like material handlers, forklift operators, warehouse workers, and even supervisors. The company just shared footage of the system in action at BYD, which recently overtook Tesla as the world’s top electric vehicle manufacturer. At the heart of the system is UBTECH’s Walker S1, an industrial humanoid robot designed for heavy-duty tasks. It handles moving, sorting, and placing materials onto pallets or vehicles with precision. Working alongside the Walker S1 is the T3000, an autonomous tractor capable of towing six trolleys—up to 3.3 tons—seamlessly indoors and outdoors. Adding to the system's efficiency is the Chitu, a Level 4 autonomous logistics vehicle, which takes care of transporting empty trolleys back to loading areas, completing the logistics cycle. This fully integrated solution automates critical processes like picking, packing, and dispatching, drastically reducing the need for manual warehouse labor. The robotic system takes over scheduling, task assignments, and dispatching, while the intelligent manufacturing system manages and monitors operations. Together, they cut reliance on human supervisors and quality inspectors, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows. UBTECH highlights that while this system reduces the demand for repetitive manual labor, it creates new opportunities in robotics maintenance, programming, and system management. #robotics #ubtech #industry40 #automotive #industrialautomation #humanoidrobots #ev

Anyone who's spent more than 10 mins with me will have heard me yapping on about this... ➡️ Simple technology applied in unique ways ⬅️ Typically I'll look for this in software 💻 But recently I got to see it in action in hardware 🏗️ The LiftBot by KEWAZO is such a simple concept that has found a niche-but-wide-scale problem: moving materials vertically over short distances. Typically this requires: - an expensive crane (which is overkill) - a busy/inefficient people hoist - dangerous manual handling With a battery-powered, detachable robot and rails you assemble like Lego, the LiftBot is a game-changer for on-site efficiency. Don't get me wrong – this thing has a bunch of complicated engineering behind it. They've sweated over every detail and it's been years of iterations. But they haven't overcomplicated it – it solves a pain point and just works. Props to Heitor Gartner and the Kewazo team! Looking forward to seeing these on sites in Aus 🇦🇺

Boost Efficiency with an Automatic Bag Slitter & Loader: Transforming Mixer Loading for Faster Batches and Reduced Product Loss In the fast-paced world of industrial mixing, optimizing efficiency is key to staying ahead. The introduction of an Automatic Bag Slitter & Loader can revolutionize your mixing process, significantly cutting down batch times and minimizing product loss. Let's delve into how this innovative solution can streamline your operations and elevate your production capabilities. 1. Accelerated Loading Process: Streamline Your Mixer Loading with Precision and Speed Say goodbye to time-consuming manual processes. The Automatic Bag Slitter & Loader is designed to swiftly and accurately handle the opening and loading of bags, ensuring a seamless and rapid material input into your mixer. This accelerated loading process translates to a substantial reduction in overall batch times, allowing you to increase production output without compromising quality. 2. Precision and Consistency: Ensure Uniform Ingredient Distribution for Optimal Results Achieve unparalleled consistency in your mixtures by embracing the precision offered by the automatic bag slitter and loader. The technology ensures uniform dispensing of ingredients, eliminating the risk of uneven mixing. This not only enhances the quality of your products but also reduces the need for post-production adjustments, saving both time and resources. 3. Minimized Product Loss: Preserve Your Resources with Minimal Waste One of the most significant advantages of incorporating an Automatic Bag Slitter & Loader is the reduction in product loss. The system is designed to handle materials with care, minimizing spillage and waste during the loading process. This not only contributes to cost savings but also aligns with sustainable manufacturing practices, making your production process more environmentally friendly. 4. Operator Safety and Resource Allocation: Empower Your Workforce with Enhanced Safety Measures By automating the bag slitting and loading process, you prioritize the safety of your workforce. Operators can focus on overseeing and optimizing the production line, reducing the risk of accidents associated with manual bag handling. Additionally, with the automatic system in place, labor resources can be reallocated to more strategic and value-added tasks within your facility. 5. Integration and Customization: Tailor the Solution to Fit Your Unique Requirements The flexibility of the Automatic Bag Slitter & Loader allows for seamless integration into your existing production line. The system can be customized to accommodate various bag sizes and types, ensuring a perfect fit for your specific needs. This adaptability ensures a hassle-free transition to a more efficient and productive mixing process. Come see the PerMix difference https://lnkd.in/gSKm-TBF

🚀 AI, Robotics & Partnerships: Redefining the Future of Logistics The logistics & warehousing industry is entering a new era, one powered by strategic alliances, AI-driven software, & cutting-edge robotics. These collaborations aren’t just about keeping up with demand, they’re about building smarter, faster, & more adaptable warehouse ecosystems. From multi-temperature smart storage to real-time orchestration software, here’s how three major partnerships are transforming warehouse workflows: 🔹@Sutimo Drive Technologies & Swisslog - Deploying AutoStore smart-storage with autonomous forklifts to maximize G2P efficiency & space utilization - Multi-Temperature Solution (MTS) enables ambient, chilled, & frozen storage in one system, perfect for F&B logistics - Powered by SynQ WMS, delivering up to 20,000 picks per hour & improving delivery speed by 20% 🔹Bailey Equipment & GreyOrange - Leveraging GreyMatter AI software to orchestrate people, robots, & material handling devices in real time - Modular APIs allow integration with existing WCS for seamless operations - Built for scalability, adaptability, & energy efficiency in both greenfield and brownfield projects 🔹 Comau & Automha Americas - Strategic acquisition to expand in the fast-growing warehouse automation market - Combines Comau’s industrial automation expertise with Automha’s scalable storage & handling solutions - Strengthens international reach while maintaining a human-focused approach 💡 The impact These partnerships are breaking down traditional limitations in space, speed, & scalability, enabling warehouses to adapt instantly to market shifts while lowering operational costs. #Logistics #WarehouseAutomation #AI #Robotics #SupplyChainInnovation #SmartStorage #Intralogistics #Automation