Q: The terms “automation” and “robotics” are used almost interchangeably these days. How do you define the two, and is one a subset of the other?
Ally Lynch – Covariant: Robotics is a specialty that focuses on physical robotic hardware—think robot arms or delta robots. But a robot in itself is not necessarily automated or autonomous. Automation—the ability for a robot to perform a task without human intervention—can be broken down into two main categories: classical and AI (artificial intelligence)-based. Classical is driven by pre-programming tasks or using an expansive table that dictates actions. With AI-based automation, robots can learn by leveraging past experiences to see, understand, and continuously adapt.
Dean Priebe – Dematic: All robotics are a subset of automation, though not all automation is considered robotics. There are apparent overlaps that experts can debate, but I like to say that we need to integrate robotics into fully integrated automation solutions as an industry. This is where the magic lies.
Rudi Lueg – Exotec North America: While there is some overlap between warehouse robotics and warehouse automation, we view them as two distinct approaches to solving different logistics problems. Legacy warehouse automation is typically project-specific, is built on site, and consists of heavy static mechanics. Robotics, on the other hand, is adaptable to different projects, built in factories, and mobile.
Kevin Reader – Knapp: I think there has been a tendency to put a lot of spin on the term “robot” in recent years—to use it interchangeably—as a marketing term to describe almost anything that moves. At a high level, automation is all about using technology to accomplish the tasks that have been formerly done by humans—such as assembly robots that served to accomplish repeatable tasks, usually with a limited set of variables. More-sophisticated robots are now entering the realm and automating the tasks of the hands—order picking, for instance. This is a far more complicated application.
Brian Markison – Logisnext: Automation is reducing or eliminating human involvement within a process, whereas robotics is a tool that is used in automating a process.
Kristiyan Georgiev – MHS: Although the term “mechanization” is often used to refer to the simple replacement of human labor by machines, automation generally implies the integration of machines into a self-governing system. Automation has revolutionized those areas in which it has been introduced, and there is scarcely an aspect of modern life that has been unaffected by it. We integrate robotics as tools to solve complex automation tasks. Robotics is a subset of automation.
Q: Does the industry have the design and engineering talent it needs to push automation capabilities forward?
Fergal Glynn – 6 River Systems: It wasn’t too long ago that the warehouse was the last place you’d go to find something new. But supply chain technology has become fashionable. Investment is surging—entrepreneurs and top talent from the best schools are entering our industry, challenging assumptions and rethinking approaches.
A.K. Schultz – SVT Robotics: It’s clear that there is a shortage of people who are both educated in the domain and have the technical skills to move automation forward to meet industry demand. Part of the reason is that our industry’s technology platforms aren’t really built to be easy to learn, so platforms that enable smart, capable people from other industries to succeed quickly are going to be …….
Source: https://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/53115-robotics-and-automation-roundtable-focus-on-labor