CHARLOTTE – Honeywell is launching a new robotics effort for use in supply chain operations – warehouses and distribution centers – and it’s hired an Amazon exec to lead the effort.
Amazon also is at the forefront of using robots and this week previewed a new distribution cneter in Garner that will rely heavily on robotics.
Leading the tech giant’s Honeywell Robotics effort will be Joseph Lui wh was director of Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) and Automation Technologies, Robotics at Amazon.
“As AI [artificial intelligence], machine learning and computer vision become commonplace, Honeywell Robotics will create innovative, breakthrough technologies to help customers alleviate skilled labor shortages, reduce safety risks and eliminate inefficient tasks,” Lui said in a statement.
Employees, robots will work together at Amazon warehouse in Garner
“The use of technology – including advanced warehouse execution systems, 3D storage and sortation solutions to improve capacity and efficiency, and autonomous mobile robots – is just the start of the digital transformation in warehouses.”
Honeywell (NYSE: HON), which moved its corporate headquarters to Charlotte from New Jersey, said the robotics center will be based in Pittsburgh.
How many jobs will be created is unknown.
“A spokesperson could not say how many jobs will be created,” the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. “But Honeywell will be looking for software engineers, robotics designers and others with similar levels of expertise to fill positions.”
Emphasis at the center will be placed on not only robots but artificial intelligence, machine learing and “computer vision,” the company said.
“Honeywell has been at the forefront of warehouse automation technology for more than 25 years helping customers improve productivity and efficiency,” said Pieter Krynauw, president of Honeywell Intelligrated. “We are bringing together some of the brightest minds, partnerships and industry collaborations to create breakthrough technological advancements for customers of all sizes, helping meet the ever-changing demands of consumers.”
Driving the need for more robots and automation is increasing demand for faster deliveries, Honeywell noted.
“Nearly 80% of distribution center operations are still performed manually, according to DHL’s Robotics in Logistics Study,” Honeywell said.
“With industry growth outpacing the labor pool by a rate of 6 to 1, this growth is creating significant opportunities to automate supply chains.
