Robots with Intel Tech Could Eventually Staff Warehouses
July 28, 2020
Credit: Intel Corporation
The COVID-19 pandemic has raked havoc around the world. Unlike SARS, this virus has the ability to spread rapidly and infect large groups of people in an instant. This has had a significant effect on delivery services, that are forced to lower their manpower to combat the spread of infections.
Since most people are turning to e-commerce sites instead of shopping at brick-and-mortar outlets, warehouses workers have been forced to ramp up activities to keep up with demand. But there is a way to keep the supply chain from breaking down without risking the health and safety of delivery staff.
Credit: Intel Corporation
Massachusetts-based RightHand Robotics may have a solution for this. Its RightPick2 robot, powered by Intel’s RealsSense D415 Depth Camera is an autonomous piece-picking solution and labor multiplier. It can accommodate rapid order fulfillment with little to no human contact.
The Intel depth camera gives the robot the ability to discern objects and their locations. Said objects can be taken out while avoiding unnecessary collisions. This same camera also provides the data that helps RightHand Robotics improve its platform over time. Eventually, the robot gets smarter and learns the best way to pick up different types of items.
Credit: Intel Corporation
If RightPick2 robots are deployed to a warehouse. A single worker is sufficient to manage the fleet of robots that pick and place thousands of SKUs instead of having to search warehouse aisles. This also reduces lead times, allowing for quicker fulfillment of customer orders with greater accuracy.
Admittedly, this type of technology has the potential to replace many unskilled workers. But it could also make warehouses safer by limiting the number interactions needed between employees. The age of the robotic revolution is nigh. What we are witnessing is the steady advancement of robots toward menial warehouse jobs.
