MODEX 2020: Swisslog to Showcase Data-Driven, Robotic Automation Solutions to Bring Greater Speed, Intelligence and Precision to Logistics

 

With rapid robotic picking, improved product recognition and multiple gripping modes that adapt to different products and sizes, Swisslog’s ItemPiQ makes robotics an option in more places than ever. And when integrated with the AutoStore robotic storage and retrieval system, it’s a solution that creates a fully automated goods-to-robot system designed to shorten both pick times and ROI.

 

At the core of the ItemPiQ solution is a KUKA 6-axis lightweight robot that works with extreme precision, even in tight spaces, with the robotic arm extending up to 43 inches to reach into bins containing individual items. The vision system, consisting of a 3D camera and smart image recognition software, quickly and reliably identifies the optimal gripping points of the items to be picked and instructs the robot arm’s multi-function gripper. 

 

“Picking is one of the most time- and cost-intensive processes in internal logistics. Picking and packing can account for nearly 50 percent of all logistics costs in industrial and commercial logistics and distribution centers,” said Markus Schmidt, President, Swisslog Americas. “ItemPiQ helps cut these costs permanently while helping alleviate labor shortages. This advanced version of the technology works faster, smarter, and with higher precision, while offering a very simple user interface. Best of all, the system’s SynQ software 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 in in operation.” 

 

When linked to the compact, cube based AutoStore warehouse storage and retrieval system via the standard interface, ItemPiQ augments scarce human labor in picking operations to extend greater productivity. As the world's leading integrator of AutoStore with over 160 successful installations, Swisslog provides both its current and new customers rapid and easy entrance into the world of fully automated single-item picking.

 

 

 

As e-grocery sales increase, grocery chains need a strategic approach that supports same-day home delivery and curbside pickup. With Swisslog, grocers have a range of automation solutions to choose from to fit their e-fulfillment strategy. Whether it’s a hub-and-spoke arrangement, a bolt-on store automation approach, micro-fulfillment centers or a fully automated grocery store, Swisslog has the actual experience with major grocers as well as the automation technology and software to support e-grocery fulfillment. Swisslog will showcase solutions that enable grocers to meet rapidly changing customer demands while allowing them to leverage new technologies as they emerge.

 

 

With 50 years of continuous improvement behind it, Vectura sets the standard for innovative design in pallet stacker cranes for high bay warehouses. Vectura is one of the world’s most trusted ASRS solutions with nearly 4,000 in use around the globe. Its modular structure and compact design handle single-, double-, triple- and even multi-depth layouts, all while reducing energy consumption by up to 20 percent compared to traditional cranes.

 

Swisslog’s PowerStore is the global market leader in pallet shuttle systems. PowerStore has the ability to meet high demands for throughput in the smallest space requirements, making it an ideal solution for facility retrofits, fast moving pallet ASRS and end of production line storage.

 

 

 

The Swisslog exhibit will feature the dynamic interaction of innovative robotic components with Swisslog’s intelligent and modular SynQ software platform. Deployed in more than 200 customer sites worldwide, SynQ orchestrates and improves all material flows and visualizes them in real time and in 3D. In addition to traditional WMS functions for automatic and manual storage zones, SynQ also offers intelligent services. They may include virtual and augmented reality applications that streamline maintenance, employee training or spare parts management. For the user, this means greater transparency over material flow processes and the ability to continually optimize, which boosts workflow efficiency.

 

 

Grant Beringer, Vice President, Americas Technology Center, will present Choosing the Right Pallet ASRS for Your Operation on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from 12:45-1:30 PM in Theater F. Attendees will learn the criteria that should be considered when evaluating traditional pallet stacker cranes vs the new pallet shuttle systems. When assessing a system for pallet ASRS, business requirements including throughput, SKU profile, batch sizes, and available building cube need to be factored. The choice of ASRS will impact total cost of ownership so that system redundancy, energy use and sustainability also need to be considered with the initial capital expenditure.

 

Mitch Hayes, Vice President, E-Commerce/Retail, will present The Dream Team: Pairing Robotic Picking with Cube-Based ASRS on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 3:00-3:45 PM in Theater E. Pairing robotic item picking with goods-to-person automation delivers an unheard of level of productivity for e-commerce fulfillment operations. With speeds of up to 1,000 picks per hour, improved product recognition and multiple gripping modes that adapt to different products and sizes, next generation robotic item picking is an option in more operations than ever before. When integrated with automated storage and retrieval systems, it’s a solution that creates a fully automated goods-to-robot system designed to shorten pick times and ROI, and augment scarce human labor. Learn how these systems are working in real-world applications.

 

 

Swisslog Americas 

Megan Wolf 

 

Phone: +1 757-820-3469 

Email: megan.wolf@swisslog.com

 

Swisslog collaborates with forward-thinking companies to optimize the performance of their logistics automation. As part of the KUKA Group, we have more than 14,000 passionate employees worldwide. Swisslog is known for delivering renowned technology, reliable solutions and world-class service. Our customers trust the expertise and dedication of our people to transform the future of intralogistics with innovative robotic, data-driven and flexible automated solutions.