Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries. Click to learn more.

E-commerce Poses New Automation Challenges

Two new robotic technologies help address e-commerce related packaging issues, including a reduced labor pool, the need for speed, and sorting of intermixed products.

MHS’s multi-pick robotic end effector can pick up and hold up to 36 items simultaneously and pack four orders at a time into four shipping boxes.
MHS’s multi-pick robotic end effector can pick up and hold up to 36 items simultaneously and pack four orders at a time into four shipping boxes.

Providing greater flexibility specifically for the growing e-commerce market are two new technologies—a multi-pick EOAT from Material Handling Systems, Inc. (MHS), and an AI- (Artificial Intelligence) powered picking solution from Plus One Robotics and Fanuc America.

According to MHS, today’s e-commerce landscape pushes supply chains to meet faster service levels and overcome labor challenges in the face of intense cost pressures. “The robotic multi-pick uses technology to help companies reduce dependency on a shaky labor pool, control costs, and boost output,” it explains.


Read article   Read this article on collaborative robots in the e-commerce supply chain.


Unlike robotic picking systems that handle a single item to fill one order at a time, the multi-pick robotic end effector can pick up and hold up to 36 items simultaneously and pack four orders at a time into four shipping boxes. This enables the end effector to act as an on-demand buffer per Lean Manufacturing best practices, a task typically reserved for accumulation conveyors or other automated components in an order fulfillment process.

Researched List: Engineering Services Firms
Looking for engineering services? Our curated list features 100+ companies specializing in civil, process, structural, and electrical engineering. Many also offer construction, design, and architecture services. Download to access company names, markets served, key services, contact information, and more!
Download Now
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce