Fetch Robotics and Zebra Technologies have announced a collaboration to help automate picking processes through the integration of Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and Zebra’s FulfillmentEdge software.
The system optimises picking across multiple orders for piece, case, and pallet workflows, Fetch said.
The dynamic optimisation and orchestration of movement of warehouse workers and robots will “enable collaborative picking for faster, more accurate fulfilment and improved workflows that allow workers to spend more time in the aisle instead of manually moving material throughout a facility,” the companies said in a statement.
With the solution, workers are collaboratively dispatched in optimised pick paths across multiple orders, turning manual material movement into more productive picking time.
Worker and AMR movements are orchestrated for picking operations, but can also include other tasks, such as replenishment, into the flow to help leverage workers’ time in the aisles, the companies said.
The FulfillmentEdge software can also direct Fetch robots to other non-picking operations, such as recycling materials removal, reverse logistics and restocking of packing station, to help maximise robot utilisation.
The system also aims to make it easier to train workers for new workflows, reducing training and on-boarding time up to 90%, the companies said.
“By integrating Fetch AMRs with Zebra FulfillmentEdge and the optional enterprise-class HD4000 head-mounted display, we have created a solution for companies to modernise their picking operations without having to upgrade their warehouse management system or make changes to their facilities,” said Stefan Nusser, vice president of products at Fetch Robotics.
“This combined solution enables companies to increase revenue by directing workers to high-value activity, reduce unproductive material movement and dwell time, and improve efficiency across piece, case, and pallet picking operations.”
The Zebra FulfillmentEdge software uses multiple sources of data, including a customer’s warehouse management system and other back-end systems, contextual and mobile device data to direct and synchronise the actions of multiple workers and Fetch AMRs for collaborative picking assignments.
The process is streamlined with visual cues presented in a graphical and numerical overlay in the HD4000 head-mounted display, providing workers with information that includes item location, pick total, directional prompts and cues that show where to place the right quantities for each customer order on the Fetch AMR cart.
“Warehouse operations leaders need to synchronise their WMS, worker, and workflow optimisation solutions and new automation deployments to maximise return on investment and minimise risks to supply chain operations,” said Joe White, senior vice president of enterprise mobile computing at Zebra Technologies.
“Combining Zebra FulfillmentEdge with Fetch’s broad portfolio of AMRs empowers our joint customers to modernise their warehousing, distribution and fulfilment operations by optimising the performance of front-line workers alongside AMRs.”
Want to learn more about how automation is transforming warehousing? IntraLogisteX – the UK’s only intralogistics event in 2020 – takes place on the 31st March and 1st April 2020 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Register your interest now at www.intralogistex.co.uk
