Automation

On the Show Floor

Intelligent Robotic Warehouse Automation Combines Speed with Repeatability

FANUC’s Stacey Harimoto on the challenge of one gripper, multiple product shapes.

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In both warehouse/distribution and on the manufacturing line, high mix workflow is now common. It’s one thing to pick a bin full of exactly the same type of flange or fastener, but another to use a single machine and end effector to handle thousands of different products or SKUs, all of which have to be picked differently, oriented differently and handled differently. FANUC America senior engineer Stacey Harimoto describes a solution to this problem in conversation with Jim Anderton at Automate 2023.

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Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.