Material Handling Robots In Action
Material handling robots cut costs because they do the kind of arduous work humans aren’t suited for. They’ll lift massive payloads — the largest FANUC robot can tote more than 2,866 pounds (1300kg) at one time — and place them to within a few thousandths of an inch all day and all night.
Lifting is a leading cause of workplace injuries, and it costs employers millions each year. Automating material handling tasks with robotic material handling systems, such as bin-picking robots, creates a better environment for workers and protects employers against compensation claims.
When thinking about a robot for automated material handling, the primary considerations should be payload and reach. Together they dictate the size of robot needed, although it’s often worth over-specifying because robots are easily reassigned to new tasks as the mix of orders through a shop ebbs and flows. The more tasks that an automated material handling system can handle, the more effective it will be.