Panel on intelligent material handling

A Material handling system is a physical means of automating and integrating processing machines to provide the right material or parts of the right place at the right time. For everything to work properly, the system must have enough intelligence to monitor its own conditions and make corrective adjustments as necessary. Traditionally, material handling is accomplished by a collection of equipment for elevating, conveying, storing, loading, transferring, etc. Emerging technologies will enhance the basic roles of material handling equipment to include optimum scheduling, auto-identification, and self-diagnostics. The latest technologies have progressed beyond the stage of computer control and computer-aided design. Increasingly, expert systems and neural networks are becoming an integral part of advanced systems for material handling. The session is aimed to present the leading edge technologies in material handling. It would bring together experts from diverse backgrounds, including academia, industry, government, consultants, users, and suppliers. This platform will provide an opportunity to explore the theory and application of intelligent material handling concepts. The session will also cover enabling technologies including simulation, communication, robotics, sensory fusion and advanced control.