Key Takeaways
- Oshkosh Corporation is showcasing new robotics and automation technology at the Consumer Electronics Show to address labor shortages and improve safety in construction, waste collection, and airport operations.
- The company has developed an autonomous waste collection system, called "HARR-E," which allows residents to request trash pickup through a mobile app.
- Oshkosh has also displayed a welding robot mounted on a boom lift system to perform welding work at elevation without requiring workers to operate at height.
- The company has demonstrated a modular autonomous robot platform for airport operations, which uses infrared cameras to identify objects, people, and animals.
- The implementation of these automation solutions aims to improve worker safety, reduce labor shortages, and increase productivity in challenging work environments.
Introduction to Oshkosh Corporation’s Automation Technology
Oshkosh Corporation, a Wisconsin-based industrial technology company, is making waves at the Consumer Electronics Show with its innovative robotics and automation technology. The company is showcasing a range of autonomous solutions designed to assist with construction, waste collection, and airport operations. These systems aim to address labor shortages and improve safety in challenging work environments. With the help of these automation solutions, Oshkosh Corporation hopes to revolutionize the way we approach various industries and make them more efficient, safe, and productive.
Autonomous Waste Collection System
One of the notable systems demonstrated by Oshkosh Corporation is the autonomous waste collection system, which allows residents to request trash pickup through a mobile app. The system, called "HARR-E," travels directly to homes to collect waste bins, eliminating the need for residents to store bins in their garages or carry them down to the curb. This not only provides convenience to residents but also reduces the need for large refuse trucks to drive in and out of neighborhoods, making the process more environmentally friendly. According to Bryan Brandt, chief marketing officer of Oshkosh Corporation, "Through an app, you can call ‘HARR-E’ to collect your trash — so you don’t have to store bins in your garage. It comes right to your door, so you don’t have to carry it down."
Construction Robotics
In addition to the autonomous waste collection system, Oshkosh Corporation has also displayed a welding robot mounted on a boom lift system. This technology allows welding work to be performed at elevation without requiring workers to operate at height, thereby improving worker safety. The system enables employees to stay on the ground while monitoring the automated work above, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Brandt highlighted the benefits of this system, saying, "You don’t need people working at height — the system performs the work at elevation. You don’t have to be up in the air — you can stay on the ground and monitor the work." This innovation has the potential to address labor shortages and challenging working conditions in the construction industry.
Airport Automation
Oshkosh Corporation has also demonstrated a modular autonomous robot platform designed for airport operations. The system uses infrared cameras to identify objects, people, and animals while performing tasks such as aircraft wheel chocking. This technology has the potential to revolutionize airport operations, making them more efficient and safe. Brandt described a demonstration where the robot automatically chocked aircraft tires upon arrival, saying, "This is the airport of the future." The company believes that both airport and construction industries face labor shortages and difficult working conditions, making automation solutions increasingly valuable.
Implementation and Future Plans
The implementation of these automation solutions requires infrastructure adjustments in neighborhoods, but Oshkosh Corporation is in discussions with officials to make this a reality. The airport technology is available but not yet in use, with the company in talks with airlines, airports, and the Federal Aviation Administration. As the company continues to develop and refine its automation solutions, it is likely that we will see significant improvements in worker safety, productivity, and efficiency in various industries. With the help of Oshkosh Corporation’s innovative technology, we can look forward to a future where work environments are safer, more efficient, and more productive.
