Heavy-duty contact brakes ensure steady support for larger loads, while ergonomic brakes minimize operator strain and fatigue. Optional floor brushes sweep away foreign objects and debris during operation, protecting casters from damage and keeping pathways clear. These features enhance operational efficiency and contribute to a safer work environment, making this an essential upgrade for safeguarding employees across various environments.

Constructed from robust 3/16” steel and finished in a sleek platinum gray, this toe guard ensures long-lasting durability and protection. With an industry-standard 1/2” clearance from the floor, the toe guard integrates seamlessly with existing casters, eliminating the need for drilling or modifications. Customers can opt to have the toe guard assembled onto a new caster or order it separately for easy installation on existing casters. This multi-purpose toe guard replaces Hamilton’s previous model, providing a more adaptable and customizable option available for wheel diameters 4” – 12”.

“Our field installable toe guard is designed to significantly enhance safety without the need for replacing entire caster assemblies,” said Mark Lippert, president of Hamilton Caster. “Its customizable features allow users to modify protection levels to specific needs, ensuring comprehensive safety in various operational settings.”

What truly distinguishes this toe guard is its versatility, offering a range of options to suit different safety needs. Key features include:

• Enhanced Safety: Made from 3/16” steel and designed with a standard 1/2” floor clearance to prevent costly injuries and protect workers

• Comprehensive Kit: Includes a replacement axle, 2 lock clips, and 4 nuts for a complete and hassle-free installation.
• Compatibility: Available in 8 different caster sizes, accommodating 4” – 8” diameter wheels with 2” tread widths and 6” – 12” diameter wheels with 3” tread widths.
• Customizable Options: Enhance functionality with 2 heavy duty brake styles that can be mounted on the front or back, and floor brushes

“Staying true to Hamilton’s legacy of quality, our field installable toe guards are manufactured in-house, ensuring exceptional durability and faster delivery,” Lippert added. “This streamlined production process reduces lead times and enhances customer satisfaction.”

For additional customization, upon request we offer a unique height-adjustable skirt, allowing adjustments up to 1” off the floor, tailoring the level of protection in special cases, such as up-slope travel of casters.

Whether you’re seeking a straightforward safety upgrade or a highly customizable solution, Hamilton’s field installable toe guard is the ultimate tool for workplace safety. For complete specs and product details check out the all-new Field Installable Toe Guard Landing Page or contact our team to learn how the Field Installable Toe Guard can elevate safety in your facility.

About Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co.

Founded in 1907, Hamilton Caster is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing stock and custom-engineered heavy-duty casters, wheels, carts, and trailers. Family-owned since its inception, the fourth generation remains as committed to quality as the company’s founder, John Weigel.

“UR cobots started out predominantly in air-cooled MIG welding solutions placed on carts,” says Will Healy III, global industry leader of welding at Universal Robots. “Now we see cobots take on heavier duty and more advanced tasks such as TIG, laser, and spot welding, along with plasma- and oxyfuel cutting.”

At Universal Robots’ FABTECH booth #4755, attendees will also witness UR cobots ‘going beyond the cart,’ expanding the work envelope. he show is the launchpad for dual-axis cobot welding with coordinated motion through the cobot’s own controller. “Having the cobot sync up with a rotary positioner or a linear rail, timing it within milliseconds, means our customers can now weld parts they normally couldn’t weld efficiently because they’d either have to stop and manually move the part, or weld it at two different times,” explains Healy.

A FABTECH first
The new capabilities are possible through UR’s new MotionPlus package that enables UR’s welding partners to add dual-axis coordinated motion capabilities to their own solutions. “To our knowledge, this is the first time multi-axis cobot welding with coordinated motion is showcased in North America,” says Healy.

Vectis Automation is one of the first UR partners to leverage MotionPlus, launching the Revo^TM Dual Axis system at FABTECH. The new multi-axis positioning method can tackle more complex multi-faceted parts and excel in situations where the fabricator needs to get parts in position relative to gravity. Vectis will also showcase QuickTeach and AI Path Optimization; QuickTeach allows the cobot champion to teach points and optimize paths right at the torch. AI Path Optimization applies user-defined work angles, push/pull angles, and smoothed corner transitions to the weld path – ensuring the weld is always created according to the procedure specifications.

THG Automation will demonstrate multi-axis welding for the first time as well, their THG Multi-motion features a dual-axis skyhook with a part welded by a UR cobot mounted on a rail, all working in unison. THG is also launching the THG-Multi-Op; two all-in-one systems, one for MIG/TIG and one for cutting and welding, each system has a tool changer that allows the operator to easily switch between applications. Other new THG products at the show include a laser welding system and a new mobile base that gives the user flexibility to bring the system up to unusual sized parts.

PolyScope X redefines automation software
Having pioneered ease-of-use in cobot welding with the innovative Beacon-teaching app, Hirebotics is one of the first UR partners to leverage UR’s new PolyScope X platform, implementing Beacon on the UR cobot’s teach pendant in addition to iOS, Android, and any web-based device. Welders can now get instant in-app support through the UR the teach pendant, watch instructional videos, and teach the cobot even complex welds in minutes. New advanced Hirebotics cobot welding features include Enhanced Stitch Welding; delivering the ability to stitch weld through complex paths and Fine Tune; allowing precise adjustments in torch angles and weld points, making it accessible for welders to optimize their work.

Cobot welding on the move
“Leaping off of the cart entirely, the lightweight and easily redeployable UR cobot is expanding onto new production floors through cobot portability,” shares Healy. “With portable cobots, welders in industries left out of automation like ship building and construction now have access to a powerful tool to improve productivity and eliminate boring repetitive work. Welders no longer need to be contortionists bending into uncomfortable positions to reach the joint for long hours each day.”

New innovative deployment of cobot welders includes the Inrotech-Crawler making its FABTECH debut, featuring UR’s smallest UR3 cobot placed on a carriage running on a flexible rail system fixed to the substrate. The Inrotech-Crawler specializes in butt-weld connections and multi-pass welding, regardless of the shape or orientation. The robot continuously adjusts the welding parameters according to its changing position (e.g. around a pipe).

Another mobile cobot welder making a premiere at FABTECH is Hyundai Welding’s portable cobot welding system. Hyundai Welding has worked with the world’s largest and most advanced shipyards to develop an agile solution addressing the tight working environments in welding sections, especially inside-block welding of the ship’s hull.

Cobots in press brake tending, finishing, and laser restoration
Welding is not the only task expertly handled by cobots at FABTECH. Alongside demos from Hirebotics, and Vectis Automation, UR’s own booth features the following partner solutions:

The robotic machine tending system AutoTend from Mid Atlantic Machinery, a press brake integration solution featuring a UR10e cobot. AutoTend will bend a candy dish part from type 304 stainless steel. The demo will showcase Mid Atlantic’s patented rotary end-of-arm tooling while demonstrating the ability of the cobot to bend complex parts while interacting directly with the press brake touch screen control.

The Smart Finishing Workcell from Cohesive Robotics, a game-changer for automated surface finishing tasks. At the show, Cohesive Robotics will demonstrate autonomous scanning and on-the-fly programming of a UR cobot to simulate various finishing processes in the booth. Designed for high-mix manufacturing operations, the work cell leverages machine vision and AI to perform common material removal and surface finishing processes on nearly any part, of any quantity, and with no programming required.

Advanced Laser Restoration will be showcasing the next generation of laser cleaning technology, highlighting the seamless integration of advanced laser cleaning systems with robotic automation. By pairing laser cleaning technology with the agility of Universal Robots’ systems, Advanced Laser Restoration automates surface preparation tasks such as rust and coating removal with pinpoint accuracy, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity.

About Universal Robots

Universal Robots is a global leader in collaborative robotics (cobots), used across a wide range of industries. Our mission is simple: Automation for anyone. Anywhere. With over 90,000 cobots sold worldwide, our user-friendly platform is supported by intuitive PolyScope software, award-winning training, comprehensive services, and the world’s largest cobot ecosystem, delivering innovation and choice to our customers. Universal Robots is part of Teradyne Robotics, a division of Teradyne (NASDAQ:TER), a leading supplier of automatic test equipment and advanced robotics technology.

The F Series 4-post mechanical VRC offers maximum flexibility in carriage size, capacity, and traffic patterns, allowing loading and unloading from all 4 sides. Featuring an unlimited carriage size, with a minimum size of 6 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches long, the F Series can lift large and bulky loads that cannot be accommodated by other lifting means. Its ability to reach any floor level maximizes facility use and provides greater material handling operational flexibility.

Featuring a standard travel speed of 18 feet per minute (FPM), the F Series can be customized to accommodate speeds of up to 400 FPM, making it an essential part of automated, high-speed/high-cycle material handling applications used in continuous cycle operations – 24/7/365.

The F Series comes with a lifetime structural warranty and is built with quality construction that offers reliability and long-term performance, ensuring less downtime. It can be hot-dipped galvanized or fitted with epoxy finishes to withstand extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations and enhance corrosion resistance for use in harsh outdoor or wash-down environments.

To ensure worker safety and protect material payloads, the F Series features numerous built-in advanced safety features, including limit switches that shut down the motor and engage the brake when the switch is tripped or power is lost; motor overload protection; chain sensors that prevent slack chain from jumping the sprockets; and safety cams that prevent unintended carriage descent. The units conform to ASME B20.1 Safety Standards.

About PFlow Industries

As the vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) industry founder in 1977 and key author of state and federal codes, PFlow has literally written the book on VRC design and safety. Backed by the strength of the industry’s largest and most experienced dealer network, the largest in-house engineering and technical support staff, and dedicated in-region sales team, PFlow is the industry’s trusted VRC partner. Proudly claiming 20,000 units in operation, PFlow has the experience to ensure your project’s success. PFlow also designs and manufactures Cartveyor® shopping cart conveyors, designed for high-volume cart transport in multi-level retail environments.

• Smart Workbench for Screwdriving by ASG, Div. of Jergens Inc. (booth 1237). ASG’s static-safe SmartBenches integrate seamlessly with a customer’s manufacturing execution system, which allowed a company to send work instructions directly to the benches and, in return, receive all the torque data from the screwdrivers for full lot traceability and quality control.

• The smartCORE Automated Dispensing System by bdtronic (booth 1119). The system can simulate the dispensing process without requiring any axis movement, which saves time and reduces waste. The optional smartEDIT software extension allows engineers to quickly create and adjust dispensing parameters and programs. The user interface offers visual programming and real-time feedback to simplify program creation.

• The GX-B Series SCARA robots by EPSON Robots (booth 743). The GX10B has a reach of either 650 or 850 millimeters and can handle a maximum payload of 10 kilograms. The GX20B has a reach of either 850 or 1,000 millimeters and can handle a maximum payload of 20 kilograms. The robots can be mounted to a table, wall or ceiling and can integrate seamlessly with Epson’s RC+ automation development software and are powered by the RC700E controller.

• The ELT Vmax, leak testing system for battery cells, by Inficon (booth 754). Designed for installation in 19-inch racks, the ELT Vmax tests the tightness of battery cells filled with liquid electrolyte—whether lithium-ion or sodium-ion cells, prismatic, round and button cells with a rigid housing, or pouch cells with a soft, bag-like housing. The device detects electrolyte leaking from filled cells in a vacuum chamber.
• XVL Studio software, to plan and simulate complex assembly processes, by Lattice Technology (booth 663). With the software’s ability to work with native 3D CAD data, manufacturers can drag and drop parts from their engineering bill of materials and build the assembly process tree. The software streamlines planning and ensures accuracy, since the data comes directly from the CAD system. New features have been added to increase the ability of the software to detect clashes and measure tolerances with CAD-level accuracy.
• TensionCam by Momento International (booth 1123), measures clamp load in a bolted joint using a special sensor module. The module is equipped with a fingerprint sensor. But, instead of analyzing fingerprint patterns, the module, when docked to a bolt head, takes images of a precision machined pattern in a cavity of the bolt head. It then sends the information to the TensionCam app, which can make conclusions about bolt tension and clamp load based on changes in the pattern.

• 3D Bin Picking for Automated Stud Welding by MS Automation (booth 937). 3D vision guidance enables a six-axis robot to accurately pick a stamped cap from dunnage that holds thousands of loose pieces. The robot places the cap into a centering fixture designed to precisely locate any cap size. (The caps are supplied in four diameters.) A SCARA robot introduces unfinished caps to the welding process and removes finished product.

• Kaizen Copilot by Retrocasual Inc. (booth 519), is AI-powered, video-based continuous improvement software. The software enables industrial engineers to perform twice the work in half the time. All engineer’s need is a video of one cycle to rapidly optimize a manufacturing process or station design. The software automatically analyzes video from a workstation, identifies areas for improvement, and provides actionable recommendations.

• Genius 2 System by Rhino Tool House (booth 917) consists of autonomous wheels that transform carts, skids and tables into self-driving robots. The system is deployed in sets of four or eight wheels, with one wheel acting as the central “brain,” leading and synchronizing with the other wheels. Genius 2 uses smart indoor navigation technology. LiDAR sensors provide a 360-degree field of view, supported by 3D and ultra-wide lens cameras.

• RoboRiv by RivetKing (booth 712) is an electric rivet-nut setting tool for robotic automation. The tool attaches to any robot. The tool is equipped with force and distance sensors to ensure consistent clamp load and error-free installation of rivet-nuts and rivet-studs. A force-control feature helps prevent spin-out of fasteners. Real-time data collection provides visibility into issues like over- or under-tightening.

The ASSEMBLY Show South will be co-located with the Quality Show South and together will bring thousands of buyers and end users to see the latest equipment, products and technology with the most cutting-edge, top-of-the-line tools to streamline the manufacturing processes. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect face-to-face with like-minded peers, learn from business thought leaders, and uncover emerging trends that will provide endless resources on how to solve current challenges. Discount attendee rates for registration for buyers and users of assembly equipment, products or services in manufacturing plants are available until Friday, April 12th.

The two events will feature 250+ leading vendors with working machinery and live demonstrations for attendees to interact with. The ASSEMBLY Show South show floor will feature Gold Sponsor Promess; Silver Sponsors Atlas Copco and Desoutter Industrial Tools; and Bronze Sponsors Schmidt Technology, UJIGAMI by Tutelar Technologies, and Weiss North America.

The ASSEMBLY Show South taking place on May 1-2, 2024 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN and The ASSEMBLY Show taking place on October 24-26, 2023 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL are sponsored by ASSEMBLY (www.assemblymag.com) the leading brand covering the processes, technologies, and strategies for assembling discrete parts into finished products. ASSEMBLY offers an integrated portfolio of products including the industry’s leading trade show. The trade show and conference are produced by BNP Media, one of the country’s leading business-to-business media companies serving industry professionals across 60+ industries through magazines, custom media, e-newsletters, webinars, events, and market research.

In addition to the demo space, LexxPluss has established a US subsidiary, opened a new US sales office in Indiana, and is expanding its team. Recent US hires include Business Development Manager Morgan Chang, and Project Manager Sandeep Chilukuri.

With its Lexx500 autonomous mobile robot and LexxFleet, the fleet management system, LexxPluss aims to solve problems by creating sustainability through the use of automation and other technologies. This includes adding value to intralogistics operations by reducing workload and improving the safety of workers at manufacturing, automotive, and logistics sites.

With a range of sensors, a multi sensor guidance system, easy to use interfaces, and open architecture, the Lexx500 AMRs are designed to be highly scalable and interoperable; from a single robot to a fleet of units working together safely and flexibly alongside existing automated systems and human workers. The low upfront cost and ability to transport irregular cargo and large payloads of up to 500 kg is ideally suited to manufacturing and logistics businesses.

Combining dynamism with experience to create sustainable materials handling

LexxPluss was created in 2020 by Founder and CEO Masaya Aso and a team of autonomous technology experts with decades of experience in the robotics and autonomous driving industry in companies such as Bosch, Amazon, and Honda. Its technology has been successfully deployed in Japan and the company was recently chosen by both EY for its Innovative Startup 2024 Award in Japan and by Forbes as one of 100 Japanese startups to watch in 2024.

Having secured Series A funding worth $10.7 million in 2023 for expansion in the US, LexxPluss is now leveraging its expertise and relationships in Japan. The company sees significant potential in the US, with market intelligence agency Interact Analysis forecasting the US mobile robots market will grow at a CAGR of 37% between 2023 and 2027, expanding from $1.1bn to $3.8bn.

Seamless integration, larger payloads and multi-sensor safety with LexxPluss AMRs

A trio of products will be officially launched by LexxPluss at Automate 2024 in Chicago this May: the Lexx500 AMR, LexxFleet fleet management solution, and LexxTug towing interface. Each of the products being launched in the US has been renamed as part of LexxPluss’ commitment to achieving success in international markets (with the products previously called Hybrid-AMR, Konnectt and WaniGripper).

LexxPluss has equipped its mobile conveyancing robots with superior multi-sensor safety that combines LiDAR sensors, ultrasonic sensors and depth cameras to ensure they can operate safely and collaboratively with a human workforce. The company is also committed to open architecture, making its mobile robots easy to integrate with other systems and simple to maintain on-site.

Announcing the opening of the US demo space, LexxPluss COO, Rizo Itakura, says, “There is huge potential for greater automation in the US. Our products remove barriers to scaling up and integrating automation with existing systems. Customers can start with a single unit, using existing carts and production machinery to generate greater efficiencies and improve the working environment. Interested companies and potential partners are welcome to visit our demo space in Indiana, to learn first-hand how our solutions can help to create sustainable intralogistics operations.”

Morgan Chang, LexxPluss US Business Development Manager, adds, “We are excited to launch our new demo space and see this as part of our commitment to open mechanical design and transparent technical information sharing. This is something that sets LexxPluss apart, offering the highest levels of interoperability with existing systems and operations, alongside our determination to offer high levels of safety, reliability and scalability. I look forward to meeting potential new partners and customers at the LexxPluss stand at Automate 2024 (Booth #3076), where we will be showcasing our technology and officially launching a range of exciting products.”

About LexxPluss

LexxPluss, Inc. headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan, is at the forefront of autonomous industrial infrastructure evolution. Lexpluss aims to solve problems by creating sustainability through the use of automation and other technologies. As a first step, we will support the creation of new added value for industry by reducing the workload and improving the safety of essential workers onsite in the logistics and manufacturing industries. LexxPluss develops, manufactures, and sells robotics and automation products, including the Lexx500 AMR and the robot integration control system LexxFleet.

CRX Cobot Demonstration – Order Fulfillment

FANUC CRX cobots combined with a Locus AMR and Vision technology will demonstrate a highly flexible autonomous solution for order fulfillment that can be easily scaled up or down.

Visitors using a Tablet TP will select from a variety of consumer items to pick orders. One of two CRX-10iA cobots with an iRVision® 3DV/200 vision sensor mounted on its arm scans QR codes on a shelf to confirm that correct products are picked, and finds the items to transfer them to a bin on a table.

Next a CRX-20iA/L cobot also uses an iRVision 3DV/200 vision sensor to locate a full bin on the order table and place it on a Locus autonomous mobile robot (AMR). The cobot then finds an empty bin on the AMR and places it on the order table.

The AMR moves from the order fulfillment area to the shelving side where the CRX-20iA/L picks an empty bin from the table and places it on the AMR and moves the full bin to a table.

The CRX-20iA/L uses iRVision to scan QR codes on the bins and to locate the AMR. It also communicates with the AMR to let it know when it has finished swapping empty bins and full orders, and the AMR tells the CRX when it’s in the correct position.

Finally, a second CRX-10iA with a fixed iRVision 3DV/600 vision sensor locates and picks products from the full bin, then scans each item according to its RFID tag and places it back on the correct shelf.

The CRX-20iA/L can pick consumer items of varying sizes and shapes that weigh up to 20kg. The demonstration highlights its wide motion range and ability to handle small or large bins, relieving workers from physically demanding and repetitive jobs.

CRX Cobot Demonstration – Vertical Put Wall

FANUC’s Power Motion i Model A Plus (PMi-AP) will move a tool to random or user-specified locations on a put wall. Attendees can choose which bins to get items from and then the tool pulls the sequence of bins from the put wall and moves them to a conveyor belt for the CRX to access the bin. When a wall bin arrives at the access point, a FANUC CRX-10iA will pick an item and place it in an order fulfillment bin. An order is fulfilled once an item has been picked from each selected wall bin. Once an order has been fulfilled, the put wall system will bring the bins back to the CRX access point. The CRX then picks items from the order fulfillment bin and places them back into the appropriate put wall bins until each one has been restocked. Automated put walls are easy to deploy and scale, helping warehouses and distribution centers improve productivity by increasing order fulfillment, and decreasing labor costs.

The PMi-A, which offers CNC-style motion control for automated assembly and other applications, integrates seamlessly into virtually any production system using ethernet connection for easy communication between robots and machines. Users who trust FANUC’s reliable control and servo technology along with overall support for machine tools, can expect the same performance and value in general purpose motion control.

CRX Interactive

A CRX-10iA demo showcases the cobot’s ease of use. Customers can program the robot and experience it firsthand.

FANUC LR-10iA/10 Robot: Vision-Guided Retail Induction

A FANUC LR-10iA/10 robot guided by an iRVision 3DV/400 vision sensor mounted over the work cell will pick various bagged clothing items from a tote and drop them onto a conveyor belt to demonstrate retail induction. The system demonstrates the speed and accuracy of robotics in retail and logistics.

Automated Palletizing/Depalletizing with FANUC M-710iD/50M

The new FANUC M-710iD/50M, combined with two iRVision 3DV/1600 vision sensors and the FANUC iPC, will use the iPC’s AI Box Detection so􀅌ware to locate boxes within stock carts. Once located, the M-710iD/50M will depalletize boxes from one cart and utilize PalletTool to palletize them on the opposite cart. Once a cart is empty, the process will be repeated by depalletizing and palletizing back to the original stock cart. The tall stock carts highlight the advantage provided by the M-710iD/50M’s curved arm.

FANUC’s AI-driven iPC enables high-performance advanced picking in challenging lighting conditions to ensure seamless, reliable depalletizing. iPC is a major benefit for this demonstration because the boxes have paterns that are difficult to segment and determine edge locations.

Built-in Intelligence

FANUC offers application software for packaging and palletizing, integrated iRVision® and tracking features, ROBOGUIDE simulation, Dual Check Safety (DCS), and Zero Down Time (ZDT) to help customers monitor and manage their automation.

About FANUC America Corporation

FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, and provides industry-leading CNC systems, robotics, and factory automation. FANUC’s innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers in the Americas maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability.

FANUC America is headquartered at 3900 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, and has facilities throughout North and South America.

Third-party logistics provider Darwynn, which prides itself on using cutting-edge warehousing solutions, turned to HWArobotics to streamline order fulfillment operations at its site in Toronto, Canada. Robotic automated storage and retrieval systems (Shuttle ASRS) technology from HWArobotics – comprising a multi-level shuttle system of 24 carts, 10,368 storage locations and 6 goods lifts – was selected by Darwynn for its intelligent logistics center.

Darwynn provides sellers with localized warehousing, logistics and after-sales services through an integrated e-commerce platform, modularized intelligent warehouse, and seamless integration with multiple logistics platforms. It was looking to meet the demands of its business expansion as the number of SKUs within its facilities increases, in addition to enhancing service quality, efficiency, safety, and its sustainable development capabilities.

HWArobotics technology delivers immediate and future benefits

With 20,000 individual SKUs handled by the new facility, the HWArobotics Shuttle ASRS “goods-to-person” system was able to increase throughput for Darwynn to 2,400 bins/hour. In the first phase of Darwynn’s project, storage is configured as 3 double-deep aisles and 8 levels for the efficient parallel operation of multiple shuttle carts.

The shuttle ASRS solution, with picking stations and WCS systems, was easily integrated into Darwynn’s end-to-end fulfilment operations via HWArobotics’ industry-leading speedy onboarding process. It has delivered a series of benefits for Darwynn and its customers, including:

• Optimized inventory management
• Enhanced operational efficiency
• Higher throughput
• Improved warehouse space utilization
• Expanded storage capacity
• Reduced overall business costs
• Lower error rates
• Reliability and ease of maintenance

Complementing Darwynn’s real-time inventory tracking and e-commerce offering and meeting the demands of sellers and buyers, the new system is also future-proofed – with total inventory capacity of 200,000 items, the capability to meet peak business needs, and the adaptability to match Darwynn’s growing demand.

Commenting on the project, HWArobotics General Manager, Sky Chen, explains, “This project delivered an efficient, reliable, user-friendly and easily-maintained multi-level shuttle ASRS warehouse system. We are very pleased with the system performance so far and the potential the solution offers to Darwynn for further expansion. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership in the future.”

HWArobotics plans to continue expansion in North America

Darwynn is just one of many successful customer deployments by HWArobotics. Bringing its 20 years of rich industry experience in logistics automation to North America, the company has established a high-performance team in the region to provide extensive global after-sales service, with on-site engineers to assist post-sales. The company debuted its SLS600 four-directional tote shuttle robot at the ProMat 2023 trade expo in Chicago last March to gain momentum and seek further partnerships with North American system integrators.

Sky Chen, adds, “Our tested and trusted ASRS solutions embody advanced design principles and are based on two decades of industry knowhow, innovations, and outstanding R&D competence. Leveraging our extensive experience in supply chain efficiencies across the Asia-Pacific region, HWArobotics is an ideal partner for companies in North America, offering our full range of shuttle robot products. We are keen to bring our value proposition to U.S. system integration partners to achieve a win-win situation for the long term.”

In addition to its expanding customer base in North America, HWArobotics also has successful deployments of its pioneering shuttle technology around the globe, with customers including Shein, Bosch UAES, SONY, Freshippo (Alibaba Group’s grocery retail chain), Hisense Hitachi, Faurecia (a subsidiary of global automotive technology giant FORVIA Group), JD.com, and Phoenix Media. In South Korea, the company has been a key part of consumer co-operative group iCOOP’s fresh food project, supplying a solution with 22 shuttle cars, 4,840 storage spaces and 4 goods lifts.

HWArobotics was recently nominated as a “Finalist” for the prestigious IFOY Award 2024. Run by German logistics prize group IFOY, the international industry prize this year features 15 companies from 6 countries. The winners are determined by an independent jury of international trade journalists and will be announced in June at a ceremony in Baden, near Vienna, Austria. Announcing the shortlist, Anita Würmser, Chairperson of the IFOY jury declared that the finalists “reflect the mega trends of our time”.

About HWArobotics

As an industry leader with over two decades of experience and cutting-edge technology, HWArobotics, based in Singapore, has consistently been at the forefront of warehousing and logistics automation innovation. Renowned for technologically advanced, performance-driven, and reliably engineered solutions, including pallet shuttle systems, tote shuttle systems, mini shuttle systems, split-case picking systems, and associated control software. Additionally, HWArobotics has established highly specialized teams worldwide, with multiple branches in the United States, Europe, and South Korea, along with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

Bob Walker: Well, I’m not sure about that – but they were looking for a white lab coat type I think, so it makes sense to use that photo I suppose.

Trey Bell: Yeah. Tell me about Bob Walker. You on Saturdays,… when there’s a football game on, do you have a team that you pull for?

Bob Walker: When there’s a football game I’m usually in my private machine shop.

Trey Bell: Great! How did you get involved with NASA?

Bob Walker: During the college level, I Heard about the Astronomy program at NASA. And I was at Foothill College Observatory working there. I said, I want to get out there on the airborne research program, on what we call a copper observatory. So when I heard about this, it’s a flying observatory and if you see there’s an opening in the front of the head of the wings,…

Trey Bell: Yep. I see it.

Bob Walker: And that’s the door that moves up and down from 35 degrees elevation to 75 and a telescope looks out through that. And there’s no windows, it’s exposed to the environment outside. So the telescope is at a very cold temperature.

Trey Bell: You got quite a bit of air going over that too, don’t you?

Bob Walker: Yeah, there was a boundary layer fence that they would lift. So the boundary layer will flow over that hole. And this was developed from wind tunnel testing. The telescope itself is sealed in a vault. The telescope is at that high altitude, but we’re in shirt sleeves. The focal point of the telescope will come into the shirt sleeve environment through the windows and that’s where the astronomers instrumentation would mount.

Trey Bell: Which location were you at for NASA?

Bob Walker: Moffett Field. California, Mountain View. I heard about NASA Ames, yes. And when I heard about the observatory program, I decided to go from a ground base to the airport and I actually got picked up right away. When I first started out there, I was a contractor. And I was involved with a Learjet which was the first flying platform for infrared astronomy. It had a little 12-inch diameter telescope in it. It would only handle two pilots and an astronomer. I was there to support that and occasionally, we would have one of the Apollo astronauts come in and help fly the flight. We proved that flying a telescope and looking at stars at night works just great. Then we migrated into the big telescope you saw above, a C-141 and it’s a military aircraft. That Lockheed design was built and the military picked it up. It’s designed so that the back doors would open up and you can load troops, tanks and vehicles. We had the only civilian version. And it was modified for the telescope and that was a 36 inch diameter telescope. I used to handle a 36-inch diameter telescope to flight 41,000 to 45,000 feet.

This and again it’s all in first astronomy. They’re looking at objects in space. It’s basically heat and thermal signature. Radiation that could break up into a spectrum, like you would see through a piece of glass from the sun. The infrared spectrum was the primary for observation. We would observe the sky with infrared, and that’s why the telescope worked best in the outside environment because it had to be super cool.

The program started in 1973 and grew from there. Once we proved it could be done, we would travel to different parts of the world for different parts of the sky. We also went to the Southern Hemisphere. We’d usually go to some part, and look at the skies like New Zealand from New Zealand or Australia.

These observing flights were at least seven and a half hours, And we climbed up to 41,000 feet. And then eventually burn off enough fuel that they can climb up to 45,000 feet. And above 41,000, the three of us that were operating the telescope and running the equipment in the back of the airplane for the astronomers would have to go on oxygen masks. That was kind of an annoying thing because it’s oxygen masks and uncomfortable. But we had to do that because we had a decompression in the airplane. We would be all set. We didn’t have to struggle to put masks on while doing everything else. so we were required to wear a mask, so we would be prepared to do whatever had to be done but that’s where I started. I flew that program for about 15 years.

Trey Bell: After you got out of this program, what did you do next?.

Bob Walker: I went to a group which was also at NASA Ames. And I want to join that group because he needed somebody to build research equipment. And the research equipment we called ice machines. These are vacuum systems that can grow ice crystals inside. The ice crystals were looked at with spectrometers. The science would involve injecting different kinds of gasses into this ice chamber, and chemistry analysis. In other words, a good example of this would be when a comet enters our solar system and a ground-based telescope to look at it, break the spectrum down and get an understanding of the comet makeup.

For 15 years I was building research labs for these guys and specialized vacuum systems. So they can do astronomy and ask for chemistry and see whether there’s life out there or not.

The science to grow ice crystals and do chemistry with them in these vacuum systems was expensive, on the order of $150k – $200k. So the support for the vacuum system to do the science was pricey. I would build the one picture you saw and that was a complicated system. In the heart of the system, we would have what we call our refrigerator, These are commercially built Units that run off of compressed helium. It’s just the refrigerator, a little piston in there and the piston inside the Cooling system would come back and forth and as a helium at the tip of the unit. It would cool down to about four Kelvin. Then we could Inject different kinds of gasses onto the window and grow ice crystals there.

That’s how we basically get our comet. You could rotate the window around to another angle and it would face a lamp source ultraviolet, And that would simulate a comet traveling around her Sun. Then they would move that back after exposing the window to the UV light. Then they would rotate it to the path of the spectrometer. It had the biggest cooling system of all systems ever that I built at that time, very heavy. And I said, we’ve got to figure out how to get this unit in for maintenance. So I looked around and found Skyhook.

At that point. I wanted to remove this cooling system to set it in some place that we could maintain and do work with the windows.

Trey Bell: How heavy was that cooling system?

Bob Walker: It’s about 70 pounds. But none of that was in the center of the vacuum system. So it’s to lift something like that. I don’t know. You see it was about two feet long. And so you’d have to lift it completely up, entirely out of the system, before you could swing away from the instrument and you couldn’t do it by hand because you have to lean too far. That would mean leaning way over on top of the instrument and then having the muscle to lift that thing completely out.

Trey Bell: Right. That sounds like something tough to do – and probably unsafe.

Bob Walker: Yes. Also these items have metal compressed gas lines attached to the system. They are semi flexible but this situation made it a little hard to maneuver because the gas lines were attached to the unit from the big compressor on the floor. Then I came across the Skyhook. And then I saw their mobile cart.

I called them up and said is it possible to modify the crane and the cart, so I could get a longer reach with the crane and then rotate it around and lower it down into the top of the cart, which would have a hole cut into it. I had cut away part of the top of the cart so that I could drop the cooler straight down. Then the cart would support that and that way, we could maintain it after cleaning the window and doing some maintenance on the window of the cooler. Then we could again use the lift and crank it back up to the pipe that we needed to and I swing it over, and drop it into the instrument.

Trey Bell: So it made it a heck of a lot more convenient to get the work done, right?

Bob Walker: Yeah, it’s amazing. The Skyhook.

Trey Bell: What would you estimate was the amount of work time you think you were saving by using Skyhook for that effort?

Bob Walker: Aside from the possible injury of getting it out of the instrument without Skyhook?

Trey Bell: Right.

Bob Walker: And move around because you’d have to be on the ladder to begin with, and picking up a heavy unit…

Probably save an hour’s worth of work. I had it rigged so that I had special hooks to grab the Cooler right away from the lift from the Skyhook and then lift it away and anchor the cart so the unit could be worked on then returned back. All with no preparation.

Trey Bell: Anchor your cart I guess right?

Bob Walker: We had counterweights on the backside of the cart added. The back of the car had an extra lead weight that was supplied by Skyhook and mounted in the back so that I could lift it up and not worry about it tipping forward

Trey Bell: Great.

Bob Walker: Then if you’re looking at the mobile carts, they have these arms that come out from the sides to stabilize from tipping, from side to side. So as we swing the weight around, they could drop it on the table and it wouldn’t tip over

Trey Bell: Yeah, I got you. So, they tell me that you used one of these in your work And when you retired, you came to your shop at your house and you couldn’t get away from it. You had to get another one. You had to get one for the house. Tell me about that situation.

Bob Walker: The first Skyhook I bought for myself was the four-legged mobile base. It’s basically A lifting device that has four legs that come out on the floor so you can lift your devices up. We rotate it around and won’t tip anywhere. Now I also added an adapter that you can slide into the hitch of your automobile. And then, you can put the lifting device right into that hitch. I would use this in my hobby. And the hobby was building inch and a half scale locomotives that are exact replicas of the original locomotives on the railroad. We built electrical locomotives and steam locomotives and at that time, I would use a lift to pick locomotives up and move them around.

Trey Bell: Wow, that’s awesome. And it worked out fine, It works great.

Bob Walker: Yes, it’s a very easy way to fix things. Then later as my machine shop got bigger and bigger, which is now a full machine shop over the years. We have a big 14 inch lathe, and it’s very large lathe chucks. They could be as heavy as 80 pounds. In the beginning, I would have to use pieces of wood shim to support them on the bed of the lathe as I removed the nut.

Trey Bell: Right.

Bob Walker: And then slide it out. And then make a wood ramp to roll that thing down onto a table. As it was very annoying I said this is crazy, Skyhook makes a post mount.It makes it very simple to remove and so, that was the last thing I bought last year, just a short time ago. Two posts mount onto the lathe and there’s an adapter that you check up inside with a hook and then you just grab that with the lift. Crank It up off of the lathe bed and lower it onto a table

Trey Bell: Right.

Bob Walker:Let’s save 30 minutes of time right there, not to mention possible injuries especially to the back.

* Images courtesy of Bob Walker and NASA website.