The advancements in modern technology have had a growing impact on numerous industries and sectors around the world. When it comes to warehouse management and construction, there have been several prolific innovations over the last decade which have given rise to new technologies and software designed to increase overall productivity and improve safety standards.
Robotics, in particular, has come to the forefront of discussion in recent years after a number of successful examples where autonomous pallet trucks and computerised machinery have been implemented in practical scenarios. This increased usage of robotic technology has raised a number of questions and concerns regarding costs, safety and labour reduction, however, there is a long list of ambassadors which have promoted the benefits of the movement.
A recent article from Materials Handling Product News has generated more talk and debate regarding robotic pallet trucks. The leading warehousing and manufacturing magazine dubbed two robotic Yale products as Choice Product of the Year which illustrates just how predominant this type of advanced technology has become in the industry.
The Yale MC10-15 which was named the best automated guided vehicle is a counterbalanced stacker which can provide horizontal transport in addition to vertical lifting. This type of technology has become more popular with pallet truck designers and warehouse managers recently. The advanced software allows users to give instructions in real time. The second Yale product to win an award was the MBP045-VG walkie pallet truck which is a direct-store-delivery system with a whole host of practical features.
It seems that, like the rest of the world, the pallet truck industry will move with the times with robotics playing an increasingly larger part. However, there are several concerns amongst sceptics and warehouse operatives. The main worries revolve around the reduced need for labour as technology begins to replace job roles. Many company owners and warehouse managers are also reluctant to integrate robotics into the process with the worry that costs may skyrocket due to the expense of parts and repairs.
That being said, there is a general sense throughout the industry that robotics and technology is the next logical step when it comes to pallet truck design. There will always be a place for high-quality, manually-operated hand pallet trucks too, which give efficient, effective materials handling support without the robotics price tag! We expect to see from of the innovations gradually filtering down to inform ever more ergonomic, effective designer over the next few decades.