Robotic parcel solution provider Cleveron has developed a new robot for small parcel handover stores, optimising storage to speed up customer services.
The Cleveron 405 stores up to 170 parcels with a footprint of just over 1m2. According to the Estonian company, the new robot was developed following requests from companies that operate as parcel handover points.
These small stores, who work with logistics companies and other retailers, were said to be struggling to manage the parcel volumes in small storage rooms.
Mihkel Ilp, chief operations officer of Cleveron, said: “Cleveron is known as the partner to big retailers, offering robotic parcel solutions to handle high volumes.
“After the virus hit, we started getting requests for a machine that would hold the same benefits as our robots but would take a minimal amount of space.
“We saw pictures of how the entire store was almost filled with parcels, leaving little room for everyday business.”
Furthermore, Cleveron claimed that a growth in parcel drop-offs also led to a customer service problem, with staff becoming more occupied with handing out parcels than their other duties.
“Our team set out to create a solution that would have the same smart storage system and fast parcel handout capability like our other robots, but with the smallest footprint possible” added Ilp.
The Cleveron 405 will be available in four sizes, with a footprint of 1.3–1.8m2. The largest model can hold up to 315 parcels.
A smart storage system measures each parcel during insertion. Items are stored on movable trays accordingly to the height.
The company said this differs from other solutions, which feature only fixed shelves that do not adjust to parcels.
The items are inserted via one user console by scanning the code. The customer can take out their order without needing assistance, they scan the code on their phone, and the robot will issue their order via the console in under 10 seconds.
The first pilot of the Cleveron 405 has started in Europe. It will be suitable for businesses such as parcel handover points, petrol stations and small convenience stores.
“Our smallest robot helps to solve the issues the stores are facing due to growing parcel volumes. It also offers an opportunity to expand your business by offering new services or becoming a parcel handover point yourself,” said Ilp.
