“Robo-Pick”
SSI Schaefer’s Robo-Pick is designed to set new standards in both picking speed and picking quality. It is the first fully automatic picking cell which can be smoothly integrated into existing warehouse architectures. It is neither necessary to enter product characteristics into the system nor to place the individual pieces in specific positions on the storage tray or in the storage tote prior to picking.
An innovative two-step image processing system automatically recognises the position of the products on the tray and controls the universal picking robot. Schaefer’s Robo-Pick achieves up 2,400 picks per hour in continuous operation.
The Robo-Pick cell is a particularly economic system, the investment costs are far below the costs for corresponding conventional “goods to person” workstations with equivalent picking performance. The robotic picking system is a further technological innovation which SSI Schaefer has launched to the market. Easy installation together with highly flexible image processing ensures a trouble-free start-up and a unique return on investment.
Hyperlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMJl6uJyXGo
A case of Intelligent Pallet-building
A fully automated, end to end picking and packing solution is operating now in key sites across the globe. This is SSI Schaefer’s Case Picking System (SCP). Fast, simultaneous access to a large number of product cases, via automatic picking and pallet building, is the goal for many large retail operations which demand frequent and efficient store- and aisle-friendly replenishment.
The SCP is a truly fully automated solution which employs a ‘teach-in’ system designed to capture physical appearance, weights, dimensions and other statistical product data upon goods receipt and prior to putaway. This enables pallet delayering and putaway on trays, subsequently allowing automatic picking and multiple case selection, sequenced to build mixed-SKU pallets using a robotic palletiser and wrapper.
This fully automated system shortens the pick and pack time and optimises the pallet layering, which results in higher pallet capacities, better vehicle space utilisation and sequenced in-store delayering at aisle or departmental level.
SSI Schaefer employs these systems at, for example, Lidl in Kirkham/Teck (Germany) and at C&S Wholesale Grocers in York, PA (USA), where the system has enabled the customer greater and faster access to a wider SKU range than was previously possible. The system also allows 24-hour turnaround on orders and manages JIT deliveries for seasonal or event-driven peaks in demand.
Hyperlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UXQRHObj1Q
Frame-filling Automation
At a single piece level, SSI Schaefer’s A-Frame automatic picking system operates most commonly in the Pharmacy, Stationery and Tobacco industries, delivering enhanced levels of efficiency to their warehousing and distribution operations.
A-Frame product-holding channels are replenished during low load operating periods and fully automatic picking is carried out during peak load operating periods, although replenishment and picking are separate and they can be fulfilled concurrently. The automatic picking system is integrated with conveying systems and other materials handling components.
Each order is assigned to a section of the collecting belt which continually runs the length of the A-frame. When this section passes the product channel, the ordered number of products is dispensed on to the belt. At the filling point located at the end of the A-frame, the products of an order collected on the belt are dropped into an assigned order tote or shipping carton in a fully automatic and time-controlled process. The tote or carton then moves by conveyor to another part of the system to have more product added by manual picking or passes direct to a packing and shipping area in preparation for despatch.
Hyperlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFJieI9ZwpM
On the Move with MoTuM
SSI Schaefer is working in partnership with MoTuM, in which it is the majority shareholder, and now offers a comprehensive range of AGVs (automated guided vehicles), automated stackers and reach trucks for different applications. The complex and intelligent AGVs can be employed for the transport of pallets, totes and cases and they utilise ‘Swarm Technology’ controlled by SSI Schaefer’s logistics software WAMAS®, which handles planning, control and checking of all goods, information and resource flows.
The AGVs can be used for the responsive and precise replenishment as part of a picking process. The swarm intelligence of the AGVs means that they are able to communicate with one another and organize themselves independently when it comes to completing tasks efficiently. If, for instance, an operator removes a pallet from a warehouse storage location to an AGV, a replenishment command is triggered with the next free vehicle will source and deliver replenishment stock, if available. Once the AGVs have arrived at their destination, they are able to automatically place the pallets in a storage or shipping location. In order to maximize the performance and availability of the vehicles, MoTuM has equipped the AGVs with a highly efficient battery system (‘2 Lite Battery Solution’) with which it is possible to charge the vehicle completely in just eight minutes. In many instances AGVs represent a better solution compared to a forklift truck or pallet conveyor system with regard to the point to point delivery capacity. For example see the video covering their use at 2XL, Belgium via the link below.
Hyperlink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8zDRu72HD0
SSI Schaefer Limited, Livingstone Road, Walworth Business Park, Andover SP10 5QZ
Web: www.ssi-schaefer.com
Contact details: solutions@ssi-schaefer.co.uk Tel: 01264 386600
