Raymond's University Research Program Drives Innovation in Material Handling Through Academic Collaborations
Since its inception in 2016, the University Research Program initiated by Raymond Corporation has been a catalyst for innovation, funding over 30 influential universities across North America. This initiative aims to push the boundaries of technology within supply chain, logistics, and material handling sectors by creating synergies between academic research and corporate needs. The program has historically supported various groundbreaking topics, from optimizing logistics flexibility and automation to examining the role of virtual reality in enhancing operator productivity.
One of the notable funded projects was carried out by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Led by Dr. Michael Kuhl and Dr. Ehsan Rashedi, the study explored the Interaction of Human and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) through gesture communication. This innovative research linked actual industry practices with human factors, emphasizing ergonomics, cognitive aspects, and computer vision.
In warehouses, where automation is increasingly prevalent, effective communication methods between human workers and robots are essential. The investigation focused on how warehouse employees use various means of communication—verbal cues, visual signals, and even informal gestures—to express intentions and commands. Consequently, the team developed an organized gesture vocabulary aimed at standardizing communication across different scenarios, which is critical as the industry integrates more automated systems.
"As we see a rise in automation within warehouses, it becomes imperative to establish communication methods that are not only intuitive for workers but also reliable for autonomous systems," remarked Dr. Kuhl and Dr. Rashedi. They emphasized that their project represents a significant milestone in creating a structured gesture vocabulary. This development could help shape future communication standards and enhance the predictability of interactions between humans and robots.
Looking ahead, the University Research Program will embark on a new cycle of funding, starting in October 2026. This funding cycle aims to align with the academic calendar and will provide financial support of up to $500,000 for selected proposals. The application process opens on October 1, 2026, with final submissions due by February 28, 2027. In May 2027, the selected projects will be announced, continuing the program's commitment to fostering groundbreaking research in the material handling sector.
Key research areas for the 2027 funding cycle include:
1. Future of Logistics: This encompasses the design of intuitive human-machine interfaces and the integration of AI for real-time vehicle awareness and decision support.
2. Improving Material Handling: This part focuses on prognostics at the component and vehicle levels, resilient warehouse automation, and cybersecurity in connected systems.
3. Truck and Operation Evolution: Topics in this area include enhancing connectivity among material handling systems and improving situational awareness for operators.
Additionally, the program will consider specific topical interests, such as:
With this initiative, Raymond Corporation shows its unwavering commitment to the advancement of the material handling industry. Joe Weiss, the advanced research manager at the corporation, stated, "The material handling industry is in constant evolution, and we look to the upcoming generation of leaders to help shape our future. We eagerly anticipate innovative solutions from researchers that address our industry's greatest challenges."
To learn more about the University Research Program and the opportunities it offers, please visit UniversityResearchProgram.com. Detailed information about The Raymond Corporation can be found at raymondcorp.com.
One of the notable funded projects was carried out by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Led by Dr. Michael Kuhl and Dr. Ehsan Rashedi, the study explored the Interaction of Human and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) through gesture communication. This innovative research linked actual industry practices with human factors, emphasizing ergonomics, cognitive aspects, and computer vision.
In warehouses, where automation is increasingly prevalent, effective communication methods between human workers and robots are essential. The investigation focused on how warehouse employees use various means of communication—verbal cues, visual signals, and even informal gestures—to express intentions and commands. Consequently, the team developed an organized gesture vocabulary aimed at standardizing communication across different scenarios, which is critical as the industry integrates more automated systems.
"As we see a rise in automation within warehouses, it becomes imperative to establish communication methods that are not only intuitive for workers but also reliable for autonomous systems," remarked Dr. Kuhl and Dr. Rashedi. They emphasized that their project represents a significant milestone in creating a structured gesture vocabulary. This development could help shape future communication standards and enhance the predictability of interactions between humans and robots.
Looking ahead, the University Research Program will embark on a new cycle of funding, starting in October 2026. This funding cycle aims to align with the academic calendar and will provide financial support of up to $500,000 for selected proposals. The application process opens on October 1, 2026, with final submissions due by February 28, 2027. In May 2027, the selected projects will be announced, continuing the program's commitment to fostering groundbreaking research in the material handling sector.
Key research areas for the 2027 funding cycle include:
1. Future of Logistics: This encompasses the design of intuitive human-machine interfaces and the integration of AI for real-time vehicle awareness and decision support.
2. Improving Material Handling: This part focuses on prognostics at the component and vehicle levels, resilient warehouse automation, and cybersecurity in connected systems.
3. Truck and Operation Evolution: Topics in this area include enhancing connectivity among material handling systems and improving situational awareness for operators.
Additionally, the program will consider specific topical interests, such as:
- - Order and piece picking techniques.
- - Evaluating systems against AMRs and robotic arms.
- - Addressing challenges related to blind intersections and pedestrian crossings in warehouse settings.
With this initiative, Raymond Corporation shows its unwavering commitment to the advancement of the material handling industry. Joe Weiss, the advanced research manager at the corporation, stated, "The material handling industry is in constant evolution, and we look to the upcoming generation of leaders to help shape our future. We eagerly anticipate innovative solutions from researchers that address our industry's greatest challenges."
To learn more about the University Research Program and the opportunities it offers, please visit UniversityResearchProgram.com. Detailed information about The Raymond Corporation can be found at raymondcorp.com.
Topics Business Technology）
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