The Automation Dream Team

It has emerged as a highly effective solution for organisations that need to maximise storage density and accelerate pick speeds. The system’s unique architecture delivers extremely dense storage while supporting goods-to-person (or robot) picking to enable significant improvements in productivity and throughput.

As the technology has matured, AutoStore has demonstrated the flexibility to support a growing number of applications in terms of order lines per hour and number of SKUs supported by the system. To take full advantage of this flexibility, the AutoStore system must be tailored to the requirements of pickers and the application by an experienced system integrator.

Swisslog’s Shane Faulkner comments: “With more than 130 AutoStore systems installed across a variety of industries, Swisslog has more experience configuring AutoStore than any other organisation. 

“Clearly, the next evolution in AutoStore pick stations is the integration of item picking robots. I am very proud to say that Swisslog is at the forefront of this evolution.”

Unlock higher pick rates

Where previous-generation robots made compromises in performance to enable human-robot collaboration, it is now clear that robotic item pickers are most valuable operating independently of humans, enabling much higher pick speeds.

This new generation of robotics is exemplified by Swisslog’s next generation ItemPiQ. With this new solution, ItemPiQ has been enhanced with new robot technology and new intelligent vision software to achieve speeds of up to 1,000 picks per hour.

The core of the advanced ItemPiQ is the KUKA KR AGILUS-2 – a fast, lightweight, 6-axis robot. It features a robotic arm that extends up to 110 centimetres, making it ideal for use in AutoStore pick stations. The enhanced vision system consists of a 3D camera and smart image recognition software that allows the system to quickly and reliably identify optimal grasping points.

Cloud-based machine-learning
Machine learning uses image data from the system to continually optimise system performance and the system’s simple user interface enables quick set up with no knowledge of robotics required. When needed, the learning logic could be cloud-based to allow robots from multiple sites to share their learnings.

Shane continues: “Both existing AutoStore users and those considering implementing an AutoStore system can transform the goods-to-person retrieval system into a fully automated goods-to-robot picking solution.

“One of the main benefits of this transformation is increased productivity. Automated systems don’t take breaks, get tired or lose focus. This allows AutoStore users who integrate the new generation ItemPiQ robot into their AutoStore system to get more from their investment in automation.”

Robotic teamwork
In AutoStore, the robots moving across the top of the grid work together to compensate for the downtime of any single robot while ItemPiQ is based on robotic technology proven in demanding manufacturing applications. Together, the two systems provide the availability to support 24/7 picking.

This “dream team” is made possible by new picking technology and a new design approach in the Swisslog ItemPiQ robot. Swisslog’s next-generation ItemPiQ robot is designed for speed and accuracy. Operating at up to 1000 picks an hour in ideal circumstances, the ItemPiQ robot picks from the AutoStore bin and places the product in a target bin or carton. Additional conveyor systems can be added to enable automatic removal of the target bin.

ItemPiQ can reach 1100 mm, increasing application flexibility and allowing ItemPiQ to be used with standard AutoStore port configurations. The multifunction gripping system features a central suction cup which is supported by three fingers with smaller suction cups that encircle it. The ability of the central suction cup to work alone or in combination with the supporting fingers allows ItemPiQ to pick a wide range of product shapes and sizes.

Integrated intelligence
Built-in intelligence within SynQ enables the gripper to learn as it picks. The first time it encounters an item it will make a decision on the best way to pick it. The next time it “sees” the same item, it will remember whether that choice was successful and make constant improvements that translate into shorter cycle times and higher pick success rates the longer the system is in operation.

“Since ItemPiQ and AutoStore are controlled by the same software, Swisslog’s SynQ platform, they work together seamlessly,” says Shane. “ItemPIQ also includes standard interfaces that allow it to easily connect with any WMS.”

For many businesses, it can be difficult to justify an investment without evidence that robotic technologies are compatible with their product lines. “We have developed a system where we can prove that the robot arm is able to pick certain items,” concludes Shane. “Anyone interested can take a variety of SKUs and send them to our tech lab where we’ll film the robot picking the products.” 

To learn more about the automation dream team or scheduling a test for your products, contact your local Swisslog representative: www.swisslog.com/locations