5 Must-Have Pieces of Material Handling Equipment for Warehouses in 2020

The warehousing industry will see a lot of changes this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has hit the world. The warehouse is an integral part of supply chains and due to the massive supply chain disruption this year, warehouses are facing an increasing need to adapt and innovate in order to survive in a post-Covid world. As material handling is a crucial part of any warehouse operation, we have rounded up a list of 5 must-have material handling equipment for 2020.

1. Industrial Manipulator Arms

Industrial manipulators are incredibly versatile handling devices useful in a wide variety of different applications. This is why it is at the top of this list. Warehouses are looking for more versatility so to have one device perform multiple operations. This results in cost-effectiveness in the long term, which has become a very important aspect for any organization.  A pneumatic manipulator arm provides for precise positioning due to effortless horizontal and vertical movement, constant support and positive control at all times. It allows for 360° rotation of the main post and also has a long life. Moreover, there are several additional options with a manipulator arm like parallel link arms and different mounting options which can be tweaked to get the perfect manipulator for your warehouse.

2. Articulating Jib Cranes

Articulating jib cranes come in various kinds – articulating jib arms, articulating jib lifters and articulating jib hoists. These are very useful in the modern warehouse due to their incredible reach-in capability which helps reaching inaccessible areas of the facility with ease.

3. Industrial Trucks

Industrial trucks are important to most warehousing operations. There are, of course, different types of industrial trucks to suit various needs. Amongst these, the popular ones are pallet jacks and AGV’s (Automated Guided Vehicles). A pallet jack is used to transport materials that have been stacked on pallets. The AGV is becoming increasingly popular as it is a mobile ‘robot’ that can follow wires, markers or other indicators in the floor. AGVs can also use lasers, magnets or cameras for guidance. They are very efficient in moving material around the warehouse floor.

4. Storage Equipment

The right kind of storage equipment is necessary as it can help a warehouse fully and efficiently use its space to achieve fulfillment goals. With the constantly changing consumer sentiment, a good storage system is important to keep up with output fluctuations. Shelves and racks are a popular choice but that could change based on the specific needs of a warehouse.

5. Carts

Order-picking carts have always been one of the integral handling equipment in warehouses. But with the changes in market, warehouses need more advanced carts. While standard pallet carts and platform carts are common, smart carts are innovative and futuristic. There are wireless, cloud based systems available in the market to turn your carts into smart carts. This offers a lot of operational benefits.

These are the 5 must-have warehouse material handling devices for 2020. Depending on the needs of your warehouse, you might need an industrial manipulator arm or an articulating jib. But these are extremely useful and make a warehouse more efficient.