What is Material Handling Automation? 

Material handling automation is a process that involves using software solutions, technological devices, and computerized robots for storage and movement of products from one place to another in your warehouse or manufacturing plant. 

While automated material handling solutions implement automated equipment to perform the majority of movement of goods, manual material handling primarily involves deploying human resources to move around materials, which includes lifting, pulling, pushing, etc,. 

Next up, we will take a look at some important features of modern-day material handling automation engineering solutions. 

Vital Components of Material Handling Automation Systems 

Material handling automation systems comprise of various key components that work in tandem to ensure quick and accurate material handling, movement, storage, etc,. Let’s take a look at these components and their functions. 

• Material Handling Equipment

Material handling equipment covers all machinery that is used to store, move, and control materials by using AGVs, robotic arms, palletizers, conveyor belts, ASRS, etc,.

• Control Systems 

Control systems such as distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC) coordinate and manage the functioning of material handling automation systems. 

• Sensors and Actuators

Sensors and actuators play a key role by enabling material handling automation systems to accurately control and monitor different processes to ensure streamlined operations. 

• Software/User Interfaces

Material handling automation systems usually depend on various software applications to control different processes, like system diagnostics, inventory control, etc,. Similarly, user interfaces are also vital for enabling human operators to manage handling automation systems. 

• Power and Energy Management

A reliable and consistent power supply is required to ensure seamless operation of material handling automation systems. It involves designing and executing electrical distribution systems, choosing ideal power sources, and putting to practice energy management strategies to minimize energy consumption and costs.

• Communication 

Good communication and networking hold key for integration of different components of material handling equipment systems to ensure their hassle-free functioning. Wired/wireless communication protocols and/or industrial communication technologies are required for reliable and secure communication flow across the organization. 

Types of Automation Services  

We have read about important features of material handling automation systems, now we will take a look at different types of automation services offered by companies specializing in automation of material handling equipment. These services can vary from basic upgradation to complete turnkey solutions. 

• CAD/CAM support

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are used to design and create prototypes, final products, and production runs of products.  

• Equipment design

Equipment designs and their upgrades are meant to improve the machine performance and lower production costs. Palletizers, sorters, and conveyors are some vital equipment in this context. 

• System design and integration

System design and integration services is the procedure of designing and integrating a complete solution for material handling operations within the storage facility. 

• Factory automation

Factory automation is a process where entire production operations are automated through the use of hydraulic systems, robotic arms, etc., in manufacturing facilities to build complex solutions. 

• Turnkey solutions 

Turnkey solutions providers are responsible for covering a complete project, from start to finish, which usually involves controls, handling, and equipment.