Honeywell Introduces New Robotic Technology To Help Warehouses Boost Productivity, Reduce Injuries

Rhea-AI Summary

Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) has unveiled its Smart Flexible Depalletizer, an advanced robotic solution aimed at automating the unloading of pallets in warehouses. This innovation leverages machine learning and perception technologies to minimize manual labor, thereby reducing operational risks, injuries, and labor shortages. The depalletizer enhances efficiency by operating continuously across multiple shifts and adapting to various packaging types, contributing to improved throughput as consumer demand grows. It will be showcased at the upcoming PACK EXPO International in Las Vegas.

Positive

• Innovative robotic technology reduces manual labor risks and injuries.
• Enhances operational efficiency and throughput in distribution centers.
• Adapts to various packaging types without pre-programming.
• Increased interest in automation solutions post-pandemic.

Negative

• None.

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

FAQ

What is the Smart Flexible Depalletizer from Honeywell?

The Smart Flexible Depalletizer is Honeywell's new robotic technology designed to automate the unloading of pallets, reducing the need for manual labor and associated operational risks.

How does the Smart Flexible Depalletizer help warehouses?

It improves productivity by operating continuously across multiple shifts, minimizing injuries, and adapting to various packaging without pre-programming.

Where will Honeywell showcase its new robotic technology?

Honeywell will showcase the Smart Flexible Depalletizer at the PACK EXPO International trade show in Las Vegas.

What are the benefits of the Smart Flexible Depalletizer for Honeywell's customers?

Customers benefit from reduced labor costs, increased efficiency, minimized injury risks, and improved throughput in warehousing operations.

How does the Smart Flexible Depalletizer enhance productivity?

The system operates reliably and learns from its tasks, enabling faster unloading of pallets and adapting to various workloads.