Learning Fast – AI Poised to Impact Supply Chains
Content was pulled from MHI Solutions Magazine Q3.2018
One machine looks like the world’s biggest Roomba vacuum cleaner, and the other is somewhat reminiscent of the classic claw-machine arcade games that let players try to grab a prize of their choosing, usually to no avail. But the self-driving vehicle and the bin-picking robot in question are much more powerful tools than that. They are examples of how artificial intelligence is being used to streamline supply chain operations and save companies money through increased efficiency and lower labor costs.
“I’m excited about the use of AI in supply chain because we’ll be able to use data sets and machine learning to determine the best method for doing anything,” said Ryan Wicklum, supply chain manager for Kitchener, a division of Clearpath Robotics, that makes self-driving vehicles. “It’s amazing what the future holds.”
The future has already arrived at some warehouses and distribution centers. There is a wide range of autonomous vehicles that use AI software to move pallets, racks and other large payloads through industrial settings.
MHI member OTTO Motors manufactures the OTTO 100 and OTTO 1500, self-driving vehicles that do not need guides or predefined paths. At MODEX 2018, MHI member J-tec Industries debuted its hands-free material movement system, CARRYMATiC, which can automatically off-load or on-load containers. Last year, MHI member Canvas Technology introduced its Canvas Autonomous Cart, which can transport materials within any production facility without the help of a human worker. MHI member Seegrid last year unveiled its GP8 Series 6 self-driving pallet truck, which can pick up and drop off palletized products. Also in the GP8 Series 6 is a self-driving forklift capable of autonomously navigating its way through warehouses, picking up heavy loads, taking them where they need to go and then unloading them.
