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Fabric dunnage: Orbis Corp. has introduced a new line of fabric dunnage. Fabric
has become an increasingly popular dunnage choice among assembly manufacturers in recent years largely due to its versatility and its ability to be reused.
Unlike typical rigid foam and divider sets, which are designed to fit a specific part
perfectly for the duration of its life, fabric dunnage has sewn cells and pockets that
can be used for an array of different parts with different specifications—allowing
the fabric to be used to fit a range of parts, repeatedly, over the life of the dunnage.
Orbis’s fabric dunnage is industrially sewn and offered in all types of materials.
(Orbis Corp., www.orbiscorporation.com) ;
Logistics robotics system: Fetch Robotics
has introduced a robotic system for the logistics market. The robots are designed to work
autonomously alongside workers, performing
repetitive tasks such as warehouse delivery
and pick and pack.
The goal of the system, according to the
company, is to help warehouses become
more efficient so that they can better handle
the demands of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing.
The Fetch Robotics system is composed
of a mobile base (called Freight) and an
advanced mobile manipulator (called Fetch).
Fetch and Freight used in tandem are capable
of handling the vast
majority of items
in a typical warehouse, according to
the manufacturer.
Fetch, the mobile
manipulator, can
lift approximately 6
kg ( 13. 2 pounds).
It has a telescoping
spine with variable
height from 1.09 to
1.491 meters ( 3. 6
to 4. 9 feet) and an
arm with “seven degrees of freedom.” It also
has a modular gripper interface and a 3-D
depth sensor.
Freight is a modular base that can be used
separately or in conjunction with Fetch. Its
features include a payload support of approximately 68 kg (150 pounds), a 2-D laser
scanner, a stereo speaker, and a computer
access panel.
Fetch and Freight can use a charging
dock for autonomous continuous operations,
allowing the robots to charge when needed
and then continue on with their tasks.
The system includes accompanying software to support the robots and integrate with
the warehouse environment. Both robots are
built upon the open source robot operating
system, ROS. (Fetch Robotics, www.fetchro-botics.com)
Lift synchronization system: Advance Lifts
Inc. is offering a new “four lift synchro-sys-tem.” This system allows users to move one
lift independently, two lifts together, or all
four lifts simultaneously. The synchronization
among the selected lifts is typically + or - 1/8
inch or better, regardless of the direction of
movement or the weight on the individual
lifts. The lift speed is unaffected by lift selection or load weight. (Advance Lifts, www.
advancelifts.com)
