Robotics technologies have been successfully employed to automate many common materials handling processes. However, the latest generation of robotics systems, which support advanced visioning, mobility, autonomous navigation, complex manipulation, and motion control, as well as greater levels of intelligence, enable whole new classes of materials handling applications that greatly improve productivity and quality levels.
To better understand the state-of-the-practice and state-of-the-art for the use of robotics technologies for material handling applications, as well as provide insights into to what the future holds, ABI Research surveyed representatives employed at 152 manufacturing firms, warehouses, and distribution centers that employ, or are considering employing, robots, robotic technology or Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for material handling applications. The results provided a basis for an in-depth analysis of:
• Acquisition profiles for manufacturers, warehouses, and distributions centers purchasing AGVs and advanced robotics technologies for material handling
• Current and projected spending for robots and AGVs for material handling applications
• Demand drivers and barriers for robotic material handling automation
• Features, capabilities, and options most highly valued for robotic material handling automation solutions
• Key application areas and adoption profiles for AGVs and robotic material handling technologies
• Material handling application development trends
• Adoption trends for companies utilizing AGVs including, Unit Load AGVs, Automated Carts, Forklift AGVs, Tugs, and Towing Vehicles
• Usage and investment patterns for companies employing robotic technology for material handling operations, including Articulate Robots, Linear Robots, SCARA Robots, Parallel Robots, and Co-Worker Robots
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