Modern Materials Handling - December 2011

organized in conjunction with theNational Institute for Standards andTechnology.In addition to the specific usesChristensen envisions, he said thelab will open up new possibilities forrobotics students and faculty.“As Georgia Tech continues to advanceits robotics research in industrialsystems, this major donation willgive our students unparalleled accessto a professional, industry-qualityfacility,” Christensen said. “No otheruniversity has a similar facility.””KUKA is very excited aboutthe opportunity to collaborate withGeorgia Tech in the field of manufacturingand logistics,” said ChristianWurll, technical director for logisticsof KUKA Systems North America.“The lab will be used to intensify theresearch and development in mixedcase palletizing, mobile roboticsand new manufacturing processes.In addition, KUKA is glad to set upand support a state-of-the-art labenvironment that will inspire theyoung generation and will get themin touch with real world applicationsand equipment.”“While Efacec has already beeninvolved with Georgia Tech for thepast few years in helping to developengineering curriculum for the powertransmission industry, we are pleased tocontinue our relationship in being a partof the creation of this new ManufacturingRobotics Logistics Laboratory,”said Jorge Guerra, executive directorfor business and operations of Efacec.“This new lab will give engineeringstudents access to high-tech equipmentwith which they can increase their exposureto robotics and logistics.”Manufacturing—along with healthcare and service robotics—is oneof the three main robotics areasto which the United States shoulddevote the bulk of its research focusand support in the future, accordingto a 2009 report by the ComputingResearch Association.AUTOMATIONIntelligrated announces hundreds of newjobs and headquarters expansion in OhioINTELLIGRATED plans to add 200new jobs and double the size of itsMason, Ohio, headquarters. Intelligratedexecutives made the announcementwith Ohio GovernorJohn R. Kasich last month.The company’s expansion is madepossible by an incentive packagefrom the state ofOhio and the cityof Mason, valuedat approximately$15 million.Final approval ofthose packagesis pending andIntelligrated’s expansionplans arecontingent upontheir approval.The incentivesare likely to include an extension ofIntelligrated’s existing Job CreationTax Credit, state and local loans,property tax abatement and a Stateof Ohio Grant.Intelligrated said it will add 200new technical and engineering positionsin research and development,system design and customer service.The company will also construct a60,000 to 90,000-square-foot facilityin Mason to support the company’splans for strategic growth in the materialshandling industry. Constructionplans are still being finalized.“Intelligrated appreciates thegenerous efforts of Ohio and thecity of Mason to support our growthand create new jobs for Ohioans,”said Chris Cole, CEO of Intelligrated.“We aim to be the most technologicallyadvanced player in the materialshandling industry. To achieve this,we need an operation that housesthe best mechanical, software andsystems talent in the world. Theseincentives will directly support theseefforts, help us create and keep morehigh-quality technical jobs in Ohio,and advance Mason as a strategic hubof our nation’s logistics network.”PALLETSCostco says abetter pallet reallyis, well, betterLASZLO HORVATH, the new directorof the Center For Unit Load Designat Virginia Tech, has an interestingobservation about pallet users.Most end users pay attention tothe design of their pallet after theyhave problems. Earlier this year,Costco Wholesale turned that modelon its head, revamping its pallet specto improve operations and avoidproblems. Since January 11, Costcohas only received merchandise fromsuppliers on block pallets—and mostof those are rental pallets from CHEP,PECO or iGPS.How’s it working out? To findout, Modern talked to John Thelan,Costco’s senior vice president fordepots and traffic.The catalyst for the new specwas in part driven by the quality ofsome pallets Costco was receivingmmh.com MODERN MATERIALS HANDLING / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 9