Material & Warehouse Material Handling (WMH)
Material & Warehouse Material Handling (WMH) play a crucial role in modern material handling systems by managing and controlling the operations of various automated equipment within a warehouse or distribution center. When integrated with robotic applications, WCS can significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall warehouse productivity. Here are the key details about robotic applications in Warehouse Control Systems:
What is a Material & Warehouse Material Handling (WMH)?
A Material & Warehouse Material Handling (WMH) is a software application that directs the real-time activities within warehouses and distribution centers. It serves as a bridge between the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and the automated material handling equipment. Material handling in robotics refers to the use of robotic systems to move, manage, and control materials within various environments, such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers.
Functions Of Robot in Warehouse Material Handling (WMH)
Equipment Control
- Function: Directly manages the operations of automated equipment such as conveyors, sorters, robotic arms, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
- Application: Ensures synchronized operations and optimal performance of all robotic systems within the warehouse.
Real-Time Monitoring
- Function: Provides real-time visibility into the status and performance of all robotic systems.
- Application: Allows operators to monitor the health and efficiency of robots, identify issues, and make data-driven decisions
Task Allocation
- Function: Dynamically assigns tasks to various robotic systems based on real-time data and predefined rules
- Application: Optimizes resource utilization and ensures timely completion of tasks such as picking, packing, sorting, and transporting.
Error Handling and Recovery
- Function: Detects and manages errors or malfunctions in robotic systems, triggering corrective actions to minimize downtime.
- Application: Enhances the reliability and resilience of warehouse operations.
Data Collection and Reporting
- Function: Collects and analyzes data from robotic systems to generate performance reports and insights.
- Application: Provides valuable information for continuous improvement and strategic planning.
Gantry Robots
- Function: Operate on a fixed track system, often used for heavy lifting and precise placement
- Application: Used in applications requiring high precision and heavy load handling, such as automotive manufacturing.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
- Function: Designed to work alongside human workers safely.
- Application: Assist in tasks such as assembly, packing, and material transport in close proximity to humans
Mahajan Automation delivers cutting-edge Material and Warehouse Handling (WMH) solutions using advanced robotic technologies.
Integration With Robotic Systems
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
- Integration: WCS coordinates the movement of AGVs for tasks such as material transport, replenishment, and order fulfillment.
- Benefits: Reduces manual labor and enhances the efficiency of material flow within the warehouse.
Robotic Arms
(RA)
- Integration: WCS controls robotic arms used for picking, packing, palletizing, and depalletizing tasks.
- Benefits: Increases accuracy, speed, and consistency in handling products.
Conveyor Systems
(CS)
- Integration: WCS manages conveyor systems for efficient sorting and routing of products.
- Benefits: Streamlines the movement of goods, reduces bottlenecks, and ensures timely order processing.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
- Integration: WCS directs the operations of AS/RS for storing and retrieving items from storage locations.
- Benefits: Maximizes storage density, reduces retrieval times, and improves inventory accuracy.
What We Do
“A compelling way of generating innovative ideas”
If you’re considering investing in robotic material handling, know there are a few reasons it’s becoming so popular with manufacturers across the globe. Here are a few benefits you may see from robotic material handling:
Productivity: robots are faster and more accurate than humans in most industrial applications, particularly the mundane, repetitive tasks like material handling.
Quality: by nature, robots are highly repeatable, which reduces scrap and rework processes that comes with human error.
Flexibility: vision guided robots can perform a variety of tasks once they’re programmed properly, making ROI easier to achieve than ever before.
- CNC Lathe Tending
- VTL Tending
- Press Machine Tending
- Die Casting Machine Tending
- VMC Tending
Benefits Of Integrating WCS With Robotic Applications
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Automating material handling tasks reduces manual interventions, speeds up processes, and minimizes errors.
Improved Inventory Management
Real-time tracking and control of inventory reduce discrepancies and improve stock accuracy.
Scalability
WCS can easily integrate additional robotic systems as the warehouse expands, ensuring seamless scalability.
Cost Savings
Reduced labor costs, minimized downtime, and optimized resource utilization lead to significant cost savings.
Increased Throughput
Efficient coordination of robotic systems ensures higher throughput and faster order fulfillment.