New lab to focus on materials handling

Cincinnati: Automated material handling solutions provider Intelligrated will open a 5,050-square-foot research and development lab at its St Louis engineering and manufacturing facility. The Alvey Robotics Lab will focus on applying new robotic innovations, as well as offering access to equipment testing and demonstrations before installation.

Research and development in Intelligrated’s Alvey Robotics Lab will focus on the advancement of robotics in automated material handling applications, including palletizing, depalletizing, case packing and picking and placing, Intelligrated said. Spearheaded by the company’s robotics integration group, the lab will emphasize end-of-arm tooling, vision systems, operator interface, controls and the development of associated equipment.

The lab will also offer proof-of-concept demonstrations, the company said. Visitors will be able to preview how robotic solutions handle their products and interact with proposed solutions firsthand. Additionally, customers will be offered hands-on operator and maintenance training.

“Our goal is to ensure that Intelligrated continues to lead the material handling market in robotic solutions,” said Steve Ackerman, executive vice-president, Intelligrated. “The new lab will increase credibility for the use of robotics in material handling applications by providing concrete evidence that these solutions are not just theoretical, but viable, effective and profitable solutions for this industry.”

The lab will also provide educational opportunities for students and universities.