Constantly shifting consumer habits, partly due to the global pandemic, have left e-commerce retailers searching for automated solutions to fulfil orders. Increased automation is the only realistic solution to providing increased e-commerce. But there is uncertainty about what is the ideal balance between manual and automated operations. Different available solutions include goods to man picking and pick to light.

This article was first published in the May 1st 2022 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.

TGW is building a high-performance fulfilment centre for UpFresh in the harbour city of Ostend, at which automation will allow maximum flexibility and help the Belgian grocery specialist meet its ambitious growth targets. Orders will be picked at three high-performance PickCenter One workstations. Robots will handle the fully automated process of putting pallets together as well as depalletising empty totes.

Vanderlande has announced a new automated piece picking robot as an addition to its Smart Item Robotics (SIR) portfolio of technologies, which fits with the company’s strategy of accelerating the use of robotics for warehousing. It features intelligent gripper technology, a sophisticated vision system and control software. Designed and built by US-based RightHand Robotics, the picking robot is specifically suitable for warehouses and distribution centres handling general merchandise products.

Specialist temperature controlled 3PL provider, Moran Logistics, has seen its production output ramp up eight-fold since switching to the technologically advanced, cloud-based SnapFulfil WMS. Moran’s 100,000 sq.ft Castle Donington HQ in Derbyshire is central to its nine-site multi-drop and trunking network and required a WMS solution that could maximise operational proficiency and traceability in what is a health & safety and security-driven sector. The rapid implementation process of just three weeks was aided by specific modifications around labels and printers, workflows and processes, while a bespoke JavaScript converts data with minimal import work for the client.

Berkshire Grey, the leader in AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, has announced the launch of its Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system. The system includes advanced auto-identification and item manipulation technology for touchless eCommerce autobagging. Using Berkshire Grey’s advanced AI-enabled robotic technology, BG RPPi combines automated picking with intelligent placement for packing eCommerce items directly into autobagging equipment, thereby increasing throughput capacity without adding additional labour.

It is great to see order picking solutions reaching the market to help warehouses meet the increased demand that e-commerce brings.

George Simpson

Features Editor

Comments are closed.