In a world that is increasingly turning to automation, industry experts say projected signage is the improved and more secure health and safety signage solution for warehouses using robotics.
With the International Federation of Robotics reporting that robots can lead to a 50% increase in productivity – as well as evidence showing that they can help to reduce errors and improve safety data – an increasing number of warehouse and logistics businesses are incorporating robotics and automation into their operations.
Projected Image, who supply powerful LED gobo projectors, say projected health and safety signs – which are more visible, durable and adaptable than traditional signage – are the better option for use with robotics.
According to ABI Research, warehouse robotics is expected to reach $22.4 billion globally in the next 10 years.
"Traditional painted and printed safety signs often fall short when it comes to robotics and automation, whereas projected signage is easier for robots to read, understand and adhere to, and is more adaptable in warehouse environments.
"It’s definitely the enhanced and more reliable option” says Ian Spoors, Managing Director of Projected Image.
Projected Image say that printed and painted signage and floor markings are easily damaged with time and use, especially in high-traffic areas.
This makes signs harder for robots to register, causing operational, safety and productivity issues. Plus, they’re not easily adapted in ever-changing workspaces.
The experts state that projected signage is brighter and more durable, so it doesn’t change size, shape or colour, making it more visible to the robots’ computer vision technology and sophisticated algorithms.
Robots can capture an image of the safety message, analyse it and then determine and follow the instruction.
“Not only is projected safety signage easier for robots to identify and less likely to be affected by high foot traffic or heavy machinery – it can adapt to automation too.
"For example, projected signs can be updated to reroute robots or activated if a robot is approaching – something not easily achieved with traditional signs.
"With Warehouse 5.0 on the horizon, making sure robots are operating safely alongside humans is more important than ever” adds Ian.
Building on Warehouse 4.0 which introduced a technological revolution, Warehouse 5.0 champions humans, automation and robots working together.
Warehouses have already seen the introduction of a number of robots, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Collaborative Robots (Cobots) and Pick-and-Place Robots, which self-navigate, help humans move goods around or work alongside humans for greater productivity.
“If we’re bringing robots into our workplaces, we need to make sure they abide by safety protocols, just as humans would with training.
"The technological innovations in warehousing and logistics are only going to keep advancing, so health and safety should as well. Projected signs are the next generation of health and safety signage, suitable not just for the needs of today, but those of the future too” concludes Ian.
Projected Image are the only business in the UK who supply both powerful, IP-rated LED projectors and the bespoke gobos which go in them.
They deliver innovative projected safety signage solutions for businesses across the country.