Innovation and continuous improvement are essential pillars of modern manufacturing, and Flexpipe is proud to support university engineering programs. A perfect example of this fruitful collaboration is the recent project carried out by the robotics department at the University of Memphis.
A robotized gravity flow rack project
The robotics department at the University of Memphis undertook an ambitious project using the Flexpipe tube and connector joint system and 80/20 aluminum extrusions to design a gravity rack. Their aim: to create a gravity rack structure that is robust, efficient and compliant with lean manufacturing principles. This rack will serve as a demonstration and will be integrated into a supply chain where a robot, equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, will load and unload boxes.
Using RFID for efficient management
At the heart of this project is the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. Thanks to this technology, the robot can determine the destination of each box with greater precision and speed, optimizing workflow and reducing errors. This intelligent inventory management system not only saves time, but also improves product traceability.
The video comes from Kevin Berisso, Associate Professor and Director of the Automatic Identification Laboratory at the University of Memphis.
An innovation laboratory for students
The gravity rack structure created with Flexpipe and 80/20 offers students at the University of Memphis an exceptional platform for developing and testing their own solutions. They can work on similar activities, such as loading and unloading pallets of products using barcodes and RFID systems for box identification. This hands-on approach enables students to implement lean manufacturing principles and innovate in a real-life environment.
Flexpipe; A partner for engineering education
By supporting projects like this, Flexpipe demonstrates its commitment to engineering education and innovation. By providing robust and adaptable solutions, Flexpipe enables universities to train the next generation of engineers with state-of-the-art tools. This collaboration with the University of Memphis is just one example of how Flexpipe is helping to shape the future of lean manufacturing.
Collaborations between companies and academic institutions are essential to promote innovation and continuous improvement in the manufacturing sector. Thanks to Flexpipe, engineering students can acquire practical skills and develop innovative solutions that will benefit the industry as a whole. By integrating advanced technologies such as RFID into educational projects, Flexpipe paves the way for more efficient, smarter manufacturing.
