Meyer & Meyer tests innovative order picking technology
Osnabrück, 19/04/2018. For the first time the (Osnabrück-based) fashion logistics specialist Meyer & Meyer is using two modern order picking robots for carton handling in its halls. The robots are part of the company's continuous innovation and automation efforts. Since April 2018, the modern new technology has been supporting the smooth and error-free storage and retrieval of shoe cartons for the customer zLabels at the location in Peine. The technology partner for the project is the experienced Munich robotics manufacturer Magazino. The company develops and builds perception-controlled, mobile robots for intralogistics. The technology allows piece-accurate access to specific objects and therefore automated handling of shoe cartons. "Our aim is the constant optimization of all our supply chain services for our customers. The use of innovative technology is very important to us," says Marcus Reibetanz, Director Logistics Planning & Development. "We are pleased that we have found a long-term partner in Magazino who enables us to use the most modern robotics technology in various application scenarios".
The robots in detail
Die Kommissionier-Roboter mit dem Namen TORU gehören zu den ersten wahrnehmungsgesteuerten Robotern am Markt, welche nicht nur den autonomen Transport beherrschen, sondern auch den Griff ins Regal. Damit wird erstmals das Kommissionier-Prinzip Pick-by-Robot möglich. Über zahlreiche 3D-Kameras, Sensoren und Laserscanner können die Roboter ihre Umgebung wahrnehmen, interpretieren und dadurch selbständig agieren und Entscheidungen fällen. Mit seiner 3D-Kamera schaut TORU beispielsweise immer erst ins Regal, um die genaue Lage sowie die Dimensionen eines Schuhkartons zu erfassen – basierend darauf wird dann in Sekundenbruchteilen der Greifprozess geplant und anschließend ausgeführt. Seine Arbeitsaufträge bekommt TORU über eine WLAN-Verbindung zum Warenwirtschaftssystem. Zusätzlich können sich die Roboter darüber vernetzen, Erfahrungen mit komplexen Situationen austauschen und somit voneinander lernen.
Meyer & Meyer expects a variety of advantages from the use of the robots. These include, for example, additional off-hour activities such as pre-order picking overnight or inventory support. Further advantages result from the high flexibility of the location-independent robots and the support during ergonomically particularly challenging picking processes, such as picking from the top or bottom level of a shelving rack. From September 2018, Meyer & Meyer plans to use an additional SOTO robot for cartons up to 60x40x40 cm and a maximum weight of 15 kg. "We consider robotic solutions to be an essential component of future-proof intralogistics and fulfillment solutions," says Marcus Reibetanz.
About Magazino
Magazino GmbH, based in Munich, was created in 2014 by Frederik Brantner, Lukas Zanger and Nikolas Engelhard. The startup develops and builds perception-controlled, mobile robots for intralogistics. The picking robot TORU is Magazino's most important development. Until now, it was only possible to retrieve entire load carriers such as pallets or crates automatically, but with TORU, piece-accurate access to the individual object is finally possible. The Magazino technology uses 2D and 3D cameras to identify and locate individual objects on the shelf, grip them securely and then place them accurately at their destination. The intelligent robot works parallel with people and delivers the necessary parts directly to the workbench or shipping station at the right time. Magazino supplies the perfect goods logistics for industry 4.0. With more than 80 employees, Magazino is one of the largest teams in Europe to promote the development of perception-controlled robots.
Florin Wahl
Public Relations
Tel.: +49 89 21552415-3
E-mail: wahl@magazino.eu
Magazino GmbH
Landsberger Straße 234
80687 München