ABB Robotics has enhanced its industry-leading logistics automation portfolio with the launch of the Robotic Item Picker – a new AI and vision-based solution that can accurately detect and pick items in unstructured environments in warehouses and fulfilment centers.
“The explosion of e-commerce, changing consumer demands, and global labor shortages are driving the need for flexible automated solutions that make order fulfilment and distribution faster and more efficient,” said Daniel Navarro, managing director of Consumer Segments and Service Robotics at ABB Robotics. “With its ability to learn and adapt in constantly changing warehouse environments, our AI-enabled Robotic Item Picker sees items and decides how to pick them, at speed with more than 99.5 percent efficiency, helping businesses overcome these challenges and build resilience.”
Using machine vision and artificial intelligence, the Item Picker determines the optimal grasp points for each item before the suction gripper picks up and places the item into designated bins. The system does not require any human supervision or information about the physical attributes of the items it picks. With a picking rate of up to 1,400 items per hour, businesses can handle more orders without increasing headcount or time.
Featuring a robot, suction grippers, and a proprietary machine vision software, the Robotic Item Picker fully automates complex picking and placing tasks of a range of items including cuboids, cylinders, pouches, boxes, polybags, and blister packs, which otherwise require the dexterity and flexibility of humans.
Suitable for a range of loads and applications, the Robotic Item Picker can be fitted to one of three ABB robots – the IRB1200, IRB 1300, and IRB 2600. With a payload of up to 3kg and a reach of up to 1.65 m, the Item Picker offers the flexibility required to meet many different needs in order fulfilment and sortation.
Already pre-configured and tested, the Item Picker reduces engineering effort and accelerates time-to-market by easily integrating into existing automated storage and retrieval solutions, such as shuttle, cubic and 3D storage solutions.
The Item Picker is controlled by an easy-to-use application software that seamlessly integrates all parts of the system, and interacts with other peripheral equipment, enabling customers and partners to easily add components and other functionalities. ABB also offers a suite of services for the entire package, including Service Agreements, online training, preventive maintenance, and technical online support.
The ABB Robotic Item Picker is on display at LogiMAT 2023, the world’s largest intralogistics trade show from April 25-27 in Hall 6; booth #G07 at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre. For more information about ABB’s Robotic Item Picker solution, visit: https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/functional-modules/item-picker
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors – from automotive to electronics and logistics – become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. go.abb/robotics
