Gripping Innovation Transforms Robotic Piece Picking

Movu Robotics, one of the leader suppliers for designing, developing, and implementing innovative and easier warehouse automation solutions, announces the launch of the innovative Movu eligo robot picking arm

A fully integrated robotic bin picking solution developed in close collaboration with Righthand Robotics, Movu eligo can automatically piece pick from a single SKU source bin and place the
individual items into multiple mixed SKU destination bins. Developed to close the gap between manual and fully automatic pick operation, Movu eligo provides warehouse operators with a huge step forward in order picking. It also provides a solution for labour shortage issues with a robot that can work through inconvenient work hours at educed cost but with higher pick accuracy and quality.

Provided with seamless integration as a pick station option for the Movu escala bin shuttle, the Movu eligo combines advanced software with intelligent grippers and machine vision to ensure reliable throughput. Gently grasping an item from a from a bin retrieved from the escala while picking, the robot then places the item in a delivery bin. Providing feedback on grasp success, the intelligent grippers ensure an accuracy of 100%. In addition to a low gripping failure rate the Movu eligo reduces the number of manual ‘touches’ required for order fulfilment or replenishment and can reach a pick success rate greater than 99%.

Able to achieve 600 picks per hour, depending on the specific implementation, the robot can pick goods up to 2kg and with dimensions of 1cm minimum to a maximum of 30cm. Being completely product agnostic gives it the flexibility to handle changing product mixes. The robot arm stands 2.2 metres high and has an operating radius of 1.3 metres. A safety interface makes robotic work cells safe when human interaction is required.

Driven by software, the system leverages machine learning to continuously improve picking. Movu eligo runs on a plug-and-play Application Programming Interface (API) which integrates directly with the Movu escala bin storage solution. This user-friendly complete solution allows the seamless integration of robotic and manual picking operation for maximum efficiency. Movu escala interacts with overlying Warehouse Management Software, Warehouse Control Software and Warehouse Execution Software as needed to mission the piece picking operations. By planning tasks for the robot such as arm movements around the source and destination bin exchange phases, the software optimises pick cycle times to maximise throughput.

Real-time operational data is presented to staff stationed away from the active systems to resolve exceptions quickly and efficiently. Performance dashboards enable warehouse operations to visualise current and historical data.

Available with full 24/7 support, the Movu eligo allows customers, particularly those involved in pharmaceuticals, apparel, e-commerce, manufacturing and kitting, to realise the benefits of reliable  robotic piece-picking without worrying about integrating all the elements.

Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics, commented: “Movu eligo is the next level for Movu Robotics to offer innovative and easier Automation solutions to our customer. It is a data-driven, intelligent piece-picking platform unlike any other. Automating the conventionally manual operation or piece picking operation results in a lower cost per pick, leading to a strong return on investment. Integrated seamlessly as a as a work station for the Movu escala bin storage system, eligo offers a flexible and scalable automation solution for predictable and accurate order fulfilment, adding value for warehouses pursuing improvements in efficiency, productivity, and customer service levels.”

DTZ Investors Acquires Logistics Park

DTZ Investors has completed the acquisition of Coventry Logistics Park for £140,415,000, one of the highest quality multi-let logistics schemes in the UK.

Coventry Logistics Park comprises three newly constructed logistics units with a total GIA of 784,989 sq. ft on a site extending to 43 acres. The Property is fully let to three tenants; DHL, Geodis and Viad, with a weighted average unexpired lease term (WAULT) of 11.81 years and was fully pre-let during construction. The asset generates a rent of £6,540,132 per annum and is secured against strong tenant covenants with all three leases comprising attractive rent review mechanisms capturing the higher of open market value or CPI index linked increases.

The property has achieved one of the highest BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ ratings in the UK and all three units have A EPC ratings. Other key sustainability credentials include photovoltaic panels situated on all three roofs, air source heat pumps used as the primary source of heating for the warehouse areas, a high provision of electric vehicle charging points and both communal and demised cycle storage across the site. The asset recently won Best Overall Scheme in the Logistics Park category at the IAS Awards 2023.

Coventry Logistics Park is located to the north east of Coventry city centre, a core logistics location within the context of the ‘Golden Triangle’. The site is strategically situated 0.7 miles from Junction 2 of the M6 motorway which provides excellent connectivity to the M69, M42 and M1 motorways. The core nature of the location is supported by the strong tenant line up.

Tom Royston, Director at DTZ Investors commented: “Coventry Logistics Park is a high quality multi-let logistics asset that is well aligned to the fund’s investment strategy. The property benefits from an excellent specification and is market leading in terms of its sustainability credentials. The low average passing rent, in conjunction with reversionary potential and the attractive rent review mechanisms, results in the asset forecast to deliver an attractive risk-adjusted return.”

James Fairweather, Head of Industrial & Logistics Investment at BNP Paribas Real Estate added: “We are delighted to have advised DTZ Investors on this prime logistics transaction which reinforces the desirability of ‘best-in-class’, sustainable, logistics property in a market constricted in supply. Coventry is a premier logistics location as demonstrated by the depth in occupational demand and continued rental growth, particularly for the highest quality units which this property offers.”

BNP Paribas Real Estate advised DTZ Investors on the purchase whilst DTRE acted for Bericote and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives.

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