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Tag: warehouse automation

Remote Services: So far, yet so near

Posted on by David Priestman

Remote Services enables intralogistics specialists to access highly automated warehouses and carry out troubleshooting in real time. The trend is to not simply respond to problems, but to analyse data and simulate scenarios proactively to enable customers to have maximum availability. The example of the TGW Logistics Group shows why these services are worthwhile.

If your car is having problems and you bring it to a service station, you get it back the next day with a functioning spare part. If you order a shirt online in the morning, you can already try it on that evening. Those who want snacks and soft drinks to go with their evening television usually get them by quick commerce delivery within three hours, at least in many major urban areas. Companies that make their customers delivery promises like this need high-performance logistics. Their intralogistics systems must run without a hitch – around the clock in some cases.

Lifetime services

An unplanned standstill causes delivery delays that make customers angry. The mere thought of a successful hacker attack – and thus a standstill lasting days – makes those responsible for operations break into a sweat. The chaos does not need to reach a maximum level, either. Even small software problems elevate the blood pressure of those in management. Years ago, intralogistics providers introduced what are known as Remote Services to offer customers maximum availability. Example: TGW Logistics Group. The Austrian company is now offering nine different services remotely with its Lifetime Services (LTS) unit – and is developing new ones all the time. “Remote Services are increasingly in demand because clients want greater availability,” says Georg Katzlinger-Söllradl, Director Global Lifetime Services at TGW.

Two major driving factors account for why customers are making increasing use of remote services. First, fewer in-house employees are needed on site, which saves money. Secondly, companies want to protect themselves from internet crime, particularly hacker attacks. Thus they have external experts bring the systems up to the latest security standard on a regular basis.

Focus on cyber security

Hacker attacks on the supply chain have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Some 81 percent of those surveyed in an IT study carried out in 2021 with 1,451 decision-makers reported that they were seeing more cyber threats during the pandemic. Fifty-six percent experienced critical instances of a standstill resulting in damages of more than 100,000 US dollars.

According to the study, however, companies place a low priority on cybersecurity, despite the fact that their IT departments have recognized the elevated threat level. Katzlinger-Söllradl observes that companies who have already learned the hard way or heard about such incidents firsthand are the most likely to take the topic seriously. He sees big corporations as being in a better place in this regard than medium-sized ones. “However, there are also major corporations that believe you have to do everything yourself in order to save money,” says Katzlinger-Söllradl.

The fact is that where IT is concerned, you need in-depth specialised expertise. TGW can draw on the experience of more than 1,000 completed systems and offers ongoing training to its experts. A total of more than 130 specialists work in the Remote Services area. Customers who have complete systems built that include a Warehouse Management System (WMS) also benefit from the fact that TGW’s software developers are easy to contact and no third-party suppliers have to be involved.

In-house support centre

Another point that differentiates TGW from other providers in the Remote Services areas is that customers reach the in-house Support Centre directly via the hotline. TGW even does first level support itself rather than outsourcing it to a provider. This enables TGW to solve about 90 percent of all problems in the software area. Only in extremely complex cases, such as combined software and hardware problems, is it necessary for technicians to be on site.

System operators can combine various service modules with each other:

  • Managed Connectivity: For the remote access to be as secure as possible, the connection is based on the highest security standards. The solution here is an up-to-date Cisco Multipoint Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technology. Multi-factor authentication is required to gain access.
  • Remote Expert Support: TGW’s experts are available around the clock 365 days a year to answer the hotline. They speak multiple languages and have mastered the entire scope of services, from mechatronic components to the control system and IT hardware to the software applications such as TGW’s material flow controller or the WMS. If desired, a cause analysis can be added on to each problem-solving procedure.
  • Software Monitoring & Alerting: The experts take the pulse of the system at all times. This means that they can monitor all software components provided by TGW – from error statistics of the mechatronic modules to the IT hardware and software applications to the interfaces. Anomalies trigger an alarm. Depending on the agreement, TGW employees work on the problem or the customer does so itself.
  • Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery: The complete system is prepared for a worst-case scenario – with standardised and tested procedures for re-importing backed-up data versions. Backups are improved and the availability checked on a regular basis.
  • Data Visualisation & Analytics: The generated data are analysed and visualised on a dashboard. The operator can carry out evaluations and start certain queries itself.
  • IT Management: TGW offers cost-efficient server and database management. The customer receives reports and recommendations on a regular basis, for example for improvements or software updates.
  • Managed Test Environment: LTS specialists mirror the system 1:1 in order to test what happens when updates and/or patches are imported. A variety of operational strategies can be compared without the production system ever being involved. The test system thus always remains at the same level as the production system.
  • Patch Management Services: TGW keeps the production system at the state of the art of technology. Experts select security-relevant patches that match the customer’s specific system, test and install them. This makes it possible to close security gaps and minimise failures. Release updates of the database providers are also carried out – with fewer than four hours of downtime being required.
  • Security Scanning: Specialists test for security gaps regularly and take countermeasures if necessary. The customer does not have to worry about the topic any more and reduces the risk of cyber attacks.

At a glance: The nine TGW Remote Services

  1. Managed Connectivity
  2. Remote Expert Support
  3. Software Monitoring & Alerting
  4. Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery
  5. Data Visualisation & Analytics
  6. IT Management
  7. Managed Test Environment
  8. Patch Management Services
  9. Security Scanning

 

inVia recognised in Women in Supply Chain Award

Posted on by David Priestman

inVia Robotics’ Vice President of Solutions Development, Lauren Ziccardi, and Chief Marketing Officer, Kristen Moore (pictured), have been named winners of the third annual Women in Supply Chain Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Alongside Ziccardi and Moore’s leadership, inVia Robotics has brought to market unique technology that makes logistics warehouses more efficient and more productive in spite of a shortage of labour.

The Women in Supply Chain award honours female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network. In the past year, Ziccardi and Moore have helped shape the supply chain industry by shining a light on the breadth of automation options available and how to determine the right solution for each warehouse.

Warehouses utilising inVia Robotics’ AI-powered Automation Solution have been able to digitise and automate their operations in a way that increases both productivity and accuracy. At a time when they’re facing more consumer demands than ever before, they can optimise their warehouse by strategically placing inventory, synchronizing movement of resources, and automating rote fulfilment tasks.

“It’s an honour to receive this recognition alongside such dedicated, talented, and well respected women in the supply chain industry,” says Ziccardi. “I feel empowered by the fact that I am able to make a difference for our customers, and the industry as a whole, as they not only plan for what’s in front of them, but also for what’s to come.”

inVia’s systems are offered on a subscription basis, where customers pay only for the productivity of the system. There are no big capital outlays or burdens of equipment ownership & maintenance, and technology updates are included in the service. So, as new features and performance enhancements are added, customers always have the latest technology advances at work in their warehouses. inVia operates the robotics system with 24/7 monitoring and support and ensures labour – both people and robots – is managed throughout the day to get orders out on time.

“I am both grateful and humbled to have been selected for this award,” says Moore. “It has been an honour to work alongside other supply chain industry leaders the last four years to help navigate a time of tremendous growth and change. I am more invigorated than ever to bring ground-breaking automation technology to the market in a way that supports our customers and helps their businesses thrive.”

“When I launched this award three years ago, I was prepared for an uphill battle. I was envisioning a long road ahead in getting the supply chain industry educated enough as to why it was important to recognise women in the supply chain. But, this award, the winners and those who submitted nominations – both men and women – is a testament that supply chain organisations were already recognising their female leaders; they just needed a better platform,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics.

“This year, we received over 280 submissions. Almost 100 of those submissions came from men. I’m so proud of everyone who participated, both men and women. I’m proud to call these women mentors, role models and industry friends. I’m proud to interview them, support them and help promote their journey. And, I hope to see all of this year’s and past years’ winners at our upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum.”

Earlier this year, inVia Robotics was also awarded the 2022 Top Supply Chain Projects Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. inVia’s true robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model was awarded for transforming the distribution centre of an entertainment merchandise third-party logistics provider (3PL). By implementing inVia’s comprehensive warehouse execution system (WES) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the 3PL was able to increase productivity rates by 1,000%.

 

Locus Robotics hits one billion pick landmark

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has surpassed the one billion units picked milestone. This new achievement was attained just 59 days after Locus registered 900 million units picked.

“Reaching our one billion pick milestone underscores the critical business value that Locus’s proven technology brings to our customers around the world, every day,” said Rick Faulk, CEO, Locus Robotics. “The need for cost-efficient robotics automation is a must-have as e-commerce volumes continue to increase and the labour shortages persist. Locus is proud to help our customers efficiently meet this challenge with robust, enterprise-scale automation solutions that position them for success today and in the future.”

It took Locus 1,542 days to pick its first 100 million units and just 59 days for the last 100 million picks. LocusBots have travelled more than 17 million miles in customers’ warehouses, the equivalent of more than 670 times around the Earth or 35 round trips to the Moon.

The Locus Solution has been deployed at more than 200 sites around the world, with as many as 500 LocusBots per site. Locus deployments include large-scale greenfield and brownfield sites, and multi-level mezzanine installations.

The billionth pick was made at a major home improvement retailer warehouse in Florida, and the item picked was a cordless rotary tool kit. The milestone pick was made just milliseconds ahead of two other picks: a scented candle from a homeware warehouse in Ohio, and a running jacket from a major global fitness and shoe brand in Pennsylvania. The rapid succession of the three picks underscores the high order processing volume taking place at Locus-deployed locations around the world.

“This latest milestone demonstrates both the incredible growth that Locus Robotics and the AMR industry have achieved, and also proves the feasibility of retailers and logistics companies’ relying on robotic picking technology,” said Ash Sharma, Senior Research Director at Interact Analysis. “One billion picks is an incredible milestone and is testament to Locus Robotics’ innovation and vision over the past few years.”

In the UK and Europe, the landmark is the latest in a significant list of achievements during 2022. In August, the company announced a new expansion agreement to deploy a total of 1,000 LocusBots at GEODIS’ worldwide warehouse locations, including the UK, over the next 24 months. The deployment agreement represents one of the industry’s largest AMR deals to date.

The deal followed the successful bid by Locus to secure one of the most prestigious titles in the European material handling industry, an IFOY award, which was presented in the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV/AMR) category. The award followed a string of other titles in North America, including being named in the influential Inc. 5000 for the second successive year.

The picking landmark had been heralded at this month’s IMHX event, the largest material handling exhibition in the UK, where the company chose to launch its new eBook, The Intelligent Solution to Labour Challenges in the Warehouse, which outlines how the Locus Solution is so effective in helping fulfilment operations maintain productivity despite labour shortages.

As more shoppers continue to buy online, and as businesses prepare for what is expected to be another record-breaking holiday season, retailers and fulfilment warehouse operators are increasingly turning to AMRs to meet growing demand and mitigate labour shortages to avoid the risk of losing valuable customers.

Locus Robotics’ industry-leading robotics fulfilment solution enables brands, retailers, and third-party logistics (3PL) operators to easily meet higher order volumes and increasing consumer demand for e-commerce, retail, omnichannel, and manufacturing order fulfilment. Locus helps global customers, including CEVA, DHL, Boots UK, GEODIS, Whiplash, Saddle Creek, Quiet 3PF, Radial, and others, to double and triple their fulfilment productivity, lowering labour recruitment, training, and retention costs and improving workplace ergonomics.

 

Swedish grocery retailer increases operational efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

TGW is working on a flagship project for Sweden’s number one grocery retailer ICA Sweden and is scheduled to finish by January 2026. This highly-automated fulfilment centre, about a 100km west of Stockholm, will allow ICA Sweden to increase the efficiency of its processes and expedite delivery to its shops.

A 30m-high freezer warehouse for pallets will replenish a highly-dynamic shuttle system. The latter will allow direct access to each and every item and thus facilitate the shortest possible lead times. In order to pick the shops’ orders, the required items will be retrieved, sequenced and then assembled; fully or partly-automated stations will then handle stacking of orders into roll cages appropriate for the shop in question. The system’s various functional areas will be interconnected by energy-efficient pallet, carton and tote conveyors.

The TGW Warehouse Software will ensure optimal item arrangement, thus minimising the effort required to restock the shop shelves. Compared to manual picking, the compact arrangement of the individual modules will also mean a significant reduction of the volume of space that needs to be kept cool, which will support ICA in achieving its sustainability goals.

All modules were designed for use at -25 °C in the demanding freezer environment: this includes the storage process as well as picking and palletising. They prove their productivity, efficiency and reliability on a daily basis at dozens of companies around the globe, including Coop (Switzerland), NewCold and Nordfrost.

“We are delighted to accompany ICA as a partner on the journey towards automation,” affirms Kristian Brink, Sales Project Manager at TGW Scandinavia. “Together, we will tailor the intralogistics to the needs of the Swedish market and implement a solution that sets new standards.”

 

Smart Robotics launches new Smart Palletizer versions

Posted on by David Priestman

Smart Robotics, a global leader in warehouse automation and robotics, has launched new versions of its Smart Palletizer cobot. The new versions ensure that there are more versatile pick-and-place solutions available to help establish automated warehouses and optimise the quality of work for warehouse employees.

The launch of the new Smart Palletizer product line comes at a time when it’s key for logistical processes to rapidly automate, in response to the growing labour shortage – especially with warehouses are already being stretched thin on manual capacity.

“Since the Smart Palletizer can take over physically demanding, repetitive tasks, we’re pleased to introduce our new product line to the market to be able to serve a larger audience in our mission to lessen the pressure on warehouse employees’ risk to their overall health,” says Johan Jardevall, CEO at Smart Robotics.

The Smart Palletizer product line is now available in three different versions, namely The Essential Version, The Advanced Version and The Premium Version.

Essential Version: A robust system that is capable of handling a large variety of products. This system is compact and able to handle multiple different stacking patterns and can readjust itself as needed.

Advanced Version: This version is able to stack a larger variety of boxes in terms of size and allows for more complex stacking patterns. The system can also stack boxes to a greater height and can integrate directly into the warehouse management system if needed.

Premium Version: There are almost no limits to what this system is able to do. Stacking packaged confectionery items and pharmaceutical products, all the way to handling open boxes. This version of the Smart Palletizer offers the best in next-gen, end-of-line automation.

By having various versions to choose from, customers are able to select the distinct Smart Palletizer that best matches their needs. Smart Robotics’ current customers, ranging from snacks and confectionary producers to suppliers of pharmaceutical products are already putting the new versions to use. New customers from the warehousing sector, with greater product variety, will benefit from the new versions’ being able to better adapt to their needs.

Each version of the Smart Palletizer is described as safe to interact with, and highly user friendly. The end-of-line cobot caters towards the future of smart warehouse optimization by merging automation with existing warehousing infrastructure, whilst creating better working conditions for existing employees.

All three versions of the Smart Palletizer come with the option of an all-inclusive service and maintenance contract, from a dedicated service team, to ensure smooth operation for the lifetime of the system. Each version of the Smart Palletizer is easy to integrate in the warehouse, not disrupting the flow of operations, but rather optimising essential tasks in the workflow.

TUGBOT 2 to launch at IMHX

Posted on by David Priestman

At IMHX, TUGBOT is launching TUGBOT 2, which it describes as “the perfect solution for your intralogistics processes”.

No matter which type of cart, trolley, dolly or wheeled vehicle your company uses to move materials from point A to point B, the versatile TUGBOT autonomous mobile robot can pull anything on four or more wheels. Relying on an industrial-grade range of flexible and plug-and-play mechanical grippers TUGBOT solved the last obstacle to enable automation at global scale of intralogistics processes that use manually pulled wheeled vehicles.

No need for metal adapters, no need to purchase new carts or make any physical modification in your cart or facilities.

At IMHX, TUGBOT 2 – the world’s only AMR that can pull any cart – will be launched. TUGBOT 2 is a safe and flexible AMR that solves a world problem in automating intralogistics processes as it is able to latch to nearly all types and shapes of carts with up to 600kg using its flexible range of mechanical grippers.

TUGBOT is a Portuguese company focused in the design and manufacture of AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) to automate intralogistics and material handling processes that use carts, trolleys or dollies.  Visit the company at Stand 5G05 to meet TUGBOT 2.

DHL eCommerce Solutions selects Fives

Posted on by David Priestman

Fives, one of the world’s most preferred partners for transforming supply chain facilities, has been selected by DHL eCommerce Solutions to automate its Coventry mega-hub and support its ambitious growth plan in the UK.

DHL eCommerce Solutions, one of the divisions of DHL, recently announced a €560m investment plan across its UK ecommerce operation, DHL Parcel UK. The investment comes following a 40% volume uplift since the start of 2020 and soaring demand for its ecommerce and B2B services. The expansion project is designed to deliver the right infrastructure to facilitate growth as well as putting the business at the forefront of sustainable and digital logistics.

To meet this growth plan, Fives, a long-time DHL partner, will be in charge of automating the entire facility: a new 25,000 sq m hub, which will open in early 2023 at Segro Park Coventry Gateway, located south of Coventry Airport.

This mega-hub will be equipped with Fives’ latest intralogistics technologies to automatically sort items of different sizes and weights at high-speed.

“We chose Fives for its ability to really understand our business and help us build a system that can handle the majority of the products we process. Fives’ skill in getting underneath the skin of how we work really impressed us from the outset of the project. The whole team is looking forward to building a long-term relationship with Fives’ team over the coming years,” said Richard Wenham, Head of Operational Support at DHL Parcel UK Ltd.

Fives’ engineers have spent months working on a turnkey solution that best meets DHL’s requirements in terms of warehouse operations and inbound and outbound flows, to ensure efficient and fast handling and shipping above all.

At the heart of this automation project will be four GENI-Belt cross-belt sorters and two GENI-Flex sorters, sorting items from 150mm and 50g to 2,000mm and 60kg.

Fives’ technologies will be equipped and integrated with vertical switches, swiveler wheel diverters, 3.5km of conveyors, almost 40 high-speed induction lines and about 150 chutes, to sort 56,000 items per hour.

“The recent growth of the UK market is one of the fastest in the world. Fives is increasingly investing in the UK, through project execution, visibility, and a sustainable presence. This important investment plan is expected to bring opportunities both from historical customers, such as DHL, and from new potential partners”, stated Vincenzo Guerra, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Fives Intralogistics SpA (Italy).

 

HAHN Automation celebrates 30th anniversary

Posted on by David Priestman

HAHN Automation is celebrating its 30th anniversary on the market by inviting partners, customers, suppliers and press representatives to join the Innovation Days in Rheinböllen on September 14 and 15.

Founded in 1992 by Thomas Hähn in his parents’ garage, the company developed from a small design office in the Hunsrück region to a global group of companies within just under 30 years. Only a few years after the company was founded, the first foreign location was established with the expansion into the USA. Today, HAHN Automation employs more than 1,000 people at 12 production sites in China, Germany, Great Britain, Croatia, Mexico, Austria, the Czech Republic and the USA.

In 2014, the RAG Foundation in the form of the RAG Stiftung Beteiligungsgesellschaft (RSBG SE) invested in HAHN Automation, which led to the formation of the HAHN Group three years later as a platform for the further development of the company network. The HAHN Group unites a network of specialised companies for industrial automation and robot solutions.

At its production and service locations, the group employs approximately 1,800 people in 14 countries worldwide.

Well-known customers in the automotive, consumer goods, electronics and healthcare industries benefit from over 30 years of expertise. This know-how in the field of automation technology ensures that resources are used efficiently and robots, as well as digital technologies, are implemented purposefully.

“We are very pleased with the development that HAHN Automation and later also HAHN Group have accomplished. Over the past 30 years, we have been able to implement countless customer projects, establish strong partnerships and, above all, make an important contribution as an employer, especially in the Hunsrück region, but also at all other company locations. I am looking forward to the coming years and am confident that we will continue to write the success story,” says Frank Konrad, CEO of HAHN Automation.

For Thomas Hähn, company founder and CEO of the parent company RSBG Automation and Robotics Technologies, one thing is certain: “HAHN Automation is not only a great success story in itself, but rather also the nucleus for many other exciting developments, company foundations and partnerships. Through the entry of the RSBG SE in 2014, we were able to put the plan to establish an international pioneer in industrial automation into action. In addition, HAHN Automation was also the origin of all developments towards HAHN Robotics, HAHN RobShare and most recently the United Robotics Group.”

CLICK HERE for further information about the Innovation Days.

Swiss paper company orders Element Logic AutoStore system

Posted on by David Priestman

System integrator Element Logic has implemented another AutoStore system in Switzerland. The maximally flexible AutoStore concept has enabled a solution for the logistics centre in Niederuzwil in which storage and picking take place separately on two different building levels.

Increasing capacities, optimising processes, increasing efficiency – with these demands to strengthen its wholesale activities, the Swiss wholesaler Scheitlin-Papier AG decided to build a new modern logistics centre in Niederuzwil/St. Gallen. Scheitlin-Papier is a part of the international trading group DHYS Group and a member of the GVS Group Handelsgenossenschaft.

The new warehouse location is 20km from the company headquarters in Wittenbach. An AutoStore system will be installed for the storage of small parts. Scheitlin-Papier AG commissioned system integrator Element Logic with the design and project implementation of the automated storage and picking system. As the first official AutoStore integrator, the company has implemented more than 200 AutoStore solutions.

“In addition to the many advantages of the AutoStore concept, the proven expertise was a key factor in the awarding of the contract,” explains Claudia Scheitlin, co-owner of Scheitlin-Paper AG. The family business is a successful trading company and offers its customers solutions and products in the fields of professional cleaning, medical, hygiene, catering and packaging. The product range comprises more than 12,000 articles, half of which must always be available. In addition to standard articles, Scheitlin-Papier sells custom-made products as well as individually printed articles in order to be able to supply customers with “everything from a single source”.

For the new logistics centre in Niederuzwil, Element Logic built an AutoStore system for around 15,000 containers on an upper floor of just 400 sq meters. Up to 15 containers are stacked on top of each other in the aluminium grid, which is just over five meters high. Three small R5-series robots work on the surface of the grid and handle the storage, transfer and retrieval of the totes. For order picking, they transfer the totes with the desired articles to two workstations in the basement, so-called SwingPorts.

Two further ports for flexible expansion in the event of future throughput increases are already provided for in the system layout as frames. Another special feature of the system is its installation between two building walls. This eliminates the need for two side panels. The ports are on the building level below the AutoStore warehouse. This is also where the packing areas and shipping preparation are located, so that the material flow is efficiently integrated into the overall process sequence without internal detours. To ensure separate fire protection areas for the two building levels, the SwingPorts are equipped with horizontal fire doors.

“Both in terms of adaptation to local conditions and in terms of customer-specific equipment and future scalability in terms of storage capacity and performance, the AutoStore concept offers maximum flexibility,” sums up Joachim Kieninger, Director Strategic Business Development for the D-A-CH region at Element Logic. “This allows us to develop and implement the optimal solution for every industry and all requirements. The plant for Scheitlin-Papier AG will be one of our most interesting reference plants in the Swiss market.”

Go-live of the plant is scheduled for April 2023.

 

 

Robotics innovator Exotec at IMHX

Posted on by David Priestman

Exotec, a provider of warehouse robotics and French technology unicorn, is set to attend IMHX 2022 in Birmingham on 6-8 September (Stand 5F100), to demonstrate its pioneering Skypod and Skypicker products.

Exotec’s flagship product, Skypod, is an order-picking automation system which combines innovative software with robotics technology which can climb racks up to 12m in height and retrieve products autonomously, before delivering totes to human-staffed or automatic picking stations. Racks are fully scalable, therefore enabling increased storage capacity and flexibility to adapt to the architecture of a warehouse.

Skypod maximises the storage density per square metre of floor space, without compromising speed of retrieval or flexibility, making it indispensable for organisations who want to maximise warehousing space. The system can continually operate without impacting performance, and robots can also be added at any point to increase capacity during peak periods and during operational scaling. All of this is controlled by Exotec’s proprietary Astar software that manages the task planning, tracking, and recording of bin positions and Skypod robots in real time.

Skypicker is an articulated arm that works in tandem with Skypod. It can move solid objects weighing up to 2kg and each station can pick up to 600 items per hour. It allows for the simultaneous preparation of four orders and the transfer of these items to the next station for order completion by human staff. Skypicker is controlled by Exotec’s proprietary Astar software, which synchronises the arm with other robots in the warehouse.

There will be a live demonstration of the Skypod system and a video demonstration of both the Skypod and Skypicker products at IMHX.

Romain Moulin, co-founder at Exotec, said: “Attending IMHX will be an excellent opportunity for people to see our systems up close, and learn more about our ambitious plans for the UK and beyond.

“The last few years have been a tremendous success for Exotec which has seen us expand beyond the French market and significantly build our international presence. Our ground-breaking Skypod and Skypicker products allow organisations to support staff members working in their warehouse while sustaining activity growth, focusing on innovation, increasing productivity and reducing workplace strains.”

Moulin concluded: “We see enormous potential for robotics to transform warehouse order picking processes by increasing efficiency and making life easier for human staff. We believe we have a suite of products that sets us apart from other providers in the industry. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand in Birmingham in September.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video of Skypod and Skypicker in action.

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