Collaborative Robots Enhance Efficiency in E-Commerce Fulfillment
Geodis, using 30 Locus cobots, increased their pick-to-cart rate from 90 to 200 units per hour, while XPO operates 50 cobots across three sites. After a successful year of pilot programs in 2022, e-commerce robots have demonstrated their potential to significantly boost productivity in fulfillment centers. These advancements are supported by technologies such as Siemens' SIMATIC…
As the e-commerce industry continues to expand, the integration of collaborative robots, or cobots, is playing a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and accuracy within fulfillment centers. By optimizing both human and robotic tasks, these advanced systems are transforming the way warehouses operate, particularly within the realm of e-commerce.
Optimizing Human and Robot Collaboration
Centralized intelligence is at the core of this transformation, streamlining the coordination between human workers and robots. Companies such as Locus and 6 River Systems have been pioneers in employing artificial intelligence to fine-tune this collaboration. After a successful year of pilot programs in 2022, e-commerce robots have demonstrated their potential to significantly boost productivity in fulfillment centers.
Geodis, for instance, has deployed 30 Locus cobots alongside seven human workers, achieving a remarkable increase in the pick-to-cart rate. While traditional methods allowed for 90 units per hour (UPH), the introduction of cobots has more than doubled this rate to 200 UPH. Similarly, XPO Logistics has incorporated 50 cobots across three sites, further emphasizing the scalability and effectiveness of these technologies.
Technological Advancements in E-Commerce Fulfillment
The technological backbone of these advancements includes several key innovations. The SIMATIC Robot Pick AI technology, developed by Siemens, empowers robots to automate manual tasks, addressing the logistical challenges faced by the e-commerce sector. This system is designed to handle various stock-keeping units (SKUs), focusing on ease of use and seamless integration into existing operations.
Universal Robots' UR20, with its extended reach, and Zivid's 2+ M130 camera for 3D imaging, further enhance the capabilities of these systems, allowing for more efficient e-commerce fulfillment processes. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are particularly beneficial in navigating warehouse environments dynamically, supporting the demand for automation in fulfillment centers.
Improving Efficiency and Accuracy
The use of cobots not only improves efficiency but also enhances order accuracy. Cobots can hold up to 20 containers for orders, reducing the travel time for human associates by making long journeys to pack stations. This hands-free picking method enables associates to focus on more value-added tasks, while the cobots move at speeds surpassing walking pace.
The reduction in errors at both third-party logistics providers (3PLs) showcases the reliability of these systems. Furthermore, new workers can be trained in as little as 15 minutes, highlighting the user-friendly design of these next-generation solutions for intra-logistics fulfillment.
Designing Modern Fulfillment Centers
In designing modern fulfillment centers, integration with core systems and dynamic slotting are critical for maximizing efficiency. Fleet management software plays a pivotal role in managing the cobot workforce, ensuring that AMRs augment human workers effectively. This integration adds flexibility to operations without necessitating major infrastructure changes.
Space optimization is another consideration, with aisle widths and docking areas being evaluated to accommodate AMRs. Real-time insights from AMR dashboards provide ongoing support and updates, facilitating continual improvement in operational processes.
Ultimately, mobile automation is proving to be an essential component in the design of modern fulfillment centers, enhancing labor efficiency and order accuracy while providing the flexibility needed to adapt to the evolving demands of the e-commerce industry.