Several robotics companies are taking on the final step in automating warehouse logistics: loading and unloading trucks
As exemplified by Amazon warehouses, the transportation of goods within warehouses has become quite automated, but automation of 'unloading goods from trucks' and 'loading goods onto trucks' has lagged behind, making it the 'Holy Grail' that has remained out of reach until now. However, the scalpel has finally been put to work in this area, and several robotics companies are aiming to automate the loading and unloading of goods.
The Holy Grail of Automation: Now a Robot Can Unload a Truck - WSJ
Although many aspects of logistics have been automated, loading and unloading cargo from trucks has always required human hands and eyes. However, with improvements in sensor performance, algorithm improvements, and more advanced image processing technology, automation is becoming an option.
For example, Boston Dynamics, a well-known robotics company, has developed and offers a robotic arm called 'Stretch' that can lift loads up to 50 pounds (about 22.7 kg) with suction cups.
Boston Dynamics begins commercial sales of its commercial logistics robot 'Stretch,' but the 2022 supply sells out in an instant - GIGAZINE
The shipping company DHL has already introduced a total of seven Stretch robots to its logistics centers in three states in the United States. The Stretch robot installed at the center in Columbus, Ohio, is named 'Johnny 5' and is unloading about 580 packages per hour. DHL explains that this speed is twice as fast as a human worker. However, Stretch is not yet good at handling thin packages.
DHL has reportedly signed a contract with Boston Dynamics to bring an additional 1,000 robots to its fleet in May 2025.
'DHL wanted a robot that would have the flexibility to handle a variety of products, be able to load and unload trailers without requiring large capital investments,' said Sally Miller, DHL's global information officer for supply chain. 'The job is labor-intensive, especially in warm weather.'
In addition,
AmbiStack: AI-Powered Robotic Stacking | Ambi Robotics
https://www.ambirobotics.com/ambistack/
DHL's rival UPS is also strengthening automation in its facilities, including the loading and unloading of trailers, and FedEx is also teaming up with robotics company Dexterity to test automating the truck loading process.
in Hardware, Posted by logc_nt