Logistic companies can now turn to the temporary employment agency for a robot instead of an 'ordinary' employee. Temporary employment agency HOBIJ in Veghel will be the first temporary employment agency to deploy robots at logistics companies. "For specific activities, they are the dream 'employee'. By using robots, we can guarantee the constant quality of the output," HOBIJ states.
Five robots from HOBIJ are currently at work in production or logistics environments. The robots can be used in all kinds of positions. "Because they can be flexibly programmed, they can be used in all kinds of positions," explains CEO Han van Horen. "For example, for pick-and-place activities, palletising and packaging. But they can also do welding, for example."
Companies can hire the robots for short or longer periods, with one month's notice. Han van Horen: "This way they don't have to invest themselves, just like with a flexible shell of people. The need for flexibility has increased enormously in recent years. Combine that with the increased pressure on price and margin, and you can understand why this solution is catching on so well."
Are robots taking away jobs?
According to the CEO, the use of robots does not mean that there is no more room for 'real' employees. People and robots would in fact complement each other. For example, a robot is only used in combination with a well-trained operator who can configure the robot. "Robots are ideal for the boring, repetitive work, especially if it is also heavy, leaving more meaningful work for people," says Han van Horen. "A robot is not always cheaper than an employee - it depends on many factors. The rate is similar; it's all about smart deployment in the right positions. A robot, working three shifts in a row, replaces three people in one go. That's when you really realise solid savings."
Smart Robotics
For this project, HOBIJ is cooperating with Smart Robotics, a start-up in Eindhoven. Smart Robotics programs the robots, HOBIJ provides trained operators, plus service and maintenance. The operator accompanying the robot is also trained on how to fix any malfunction immediately. In Eindhoven, Smart Robotics and HOBIJ have an experience centre, where the robots are presented to customers and interested parties.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
