According to Interact Analysis, 50,000 warehouses will be created across the globe during the next six years. They predict that 25% of that warehouse space will be used for online fulfilment by 2027. Needless to say, the industry requires game-changing solutions to meet today’s demands—and those in the future.
Ocado Intelligent Automation, a division of Ocado Group, is transforming the fulfilment industry with a game-changing move. Ocado Group was founded in 2000 as an online grocery retailer. At the time, no one believed this business model could work, yet Ocado had revolutionised the competitive online grocery market, all within its first two years. In 2002, the company delivered groceries to 2.2 million households and opened its first Customer Fulfilment Centre in the U.K. Today, 26 Customer Fulfilment Centres operate in 11 countries. Each fulfilment centre uses state-of-the-art bots and robotic pick-and-pack technology that can pick a 50-item order within minutes.
Having long been the authority on powerful autonomous fulfilment operations that adapt and scale to the dynamic demands of the grocery business, Ocado Intelligent Automation is now is commercialising its Ocado Automated Storage and Retrieval System OSRS for many industries, including healthcare, retail apparel and footwear, consumer packaged goods, and the third-party logistics (3PL) sectors. OIA aims to help customers in these sectors future-proof fulfilment operations with the most sophisticated combination of robotics, material handling and warehouse automation systems.
OSRS is the pinnacle of innovation in warehouse management, a robot-on-grid, ultra-high-density cubic Automated Storage and Retrieval System ASRS that simplifies and streamlines modern supply chains to minimise costs and maximise productivity.
Exceptional Storage Capacity and Density
OSRS employs a lightweight grid structure that supports market-leading bin storage capacity and density in multiple configurations to maximise space utilisation and minimise real estate costs. The flexible and durable bin storage system accommodates multiple item sets from various industries and stock-keeping units (SKUs) to increase order throughput, speed, and accuracy.
•21-bin stack height provides unparalleled cubic storage capacity.
•33-51% more vertical storage capacity per floor than alternative cubic ASRS systems.
Light, Efficient, High-Speed Robots Manoeuvre Bins
Featuring an ultra-light robot frame, the system allows for a lower-cost grid design while reducing long-term wear and tear. Robots work efficiently to automate and accelerate bin fetching and drop-offs to human-assist pick stations or fully automated robotic pick arms. Patented, single-grid cell footprint design allows robots to pass each other unobstructed, follow optimised route plans, and ensure availability and stock access.
•Built from 50% 3D printed materials, the robots have a strong carbon fibre frame for lightweight speed and durability.
•3D printed and carbon fibre construction drive 39% energy savings.
OSRS Maximises Productivity and Lowers Labour Costs
Human-assist pick stations guide employees through the process to drive productivity and support cluster picking for multiple concurrent outbound orders. Robotic arms swap batteries to provide high-capacity, high-speed battery exchange and charging for maximum robot uptime and availability.
•24/7 automated robot picking provides continual operation and productivity enhancements.
•99% labour savings reduce costs while addressing fluctuating labor challenges.
Intelligent Operation and Continual Learning
Warehouse Execution System (WES) software uses advanced algorithms and live operational data to orchestrate and optimise storage density, streamline processes, and maximise assets. At the same time, the OSRS employs a series of intelligent features that drive continual improvements.
•The system self-sorts bins to prioritise order, speed, and position, placing faster-moving SKUs at the top of the grid.
•Using cutting-edge computer vision and sensing, the robotic pick identifies, picks, and packs items from storage bins efficiently and accurately.
•Using AI, robotic pick continually trains itself to handle new, potentially delicate items to prevent damage.
Learn more at OcadoIntelligentAutomation.com, or to speak to an OIA expert.
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