FEATURE Automated Warehousing
Robotics in logistics off ers three further advantages in addition to speed, precision, and planning ability, which increase eff ectiveness and guarantee smooth processes:
1) Flexibility – Thanks to modern technology, automation solutions are now able to take on a variety of tasks. Software solutions such as ABB’s RobotStudio simulation and offl ine programming software allow companies to re-program robots easily and faster than ever before to respond fl exibly to changes. An important element here are collaborative robots such as ABB’s YuMi, which collaborate with the employee in the smallest possible space. These robots mainly perform precision tasks that quickly tire the worker. With ABB’s safety- certifi ed SafeMove software, however, any industrial robot can be integrated into a collaborative application while ensuring worker safety. Modern software with lead-
through programming or Wizard Easy Programming also allows robot programming without in-depth programming knowledge. This means that robots can be reprogrammed quickly and without high costs to meet new requirements in the logistics centre, making them more fl exible and intuitive when operating. 2) Simplifi cation – To enable automation units to perform as many tasks as possible, suppliers are increasingly turning to artifi cial intelligence (AI). Data is converted into useful information so that robots will be autonomous, self-learning and self-optimising in the long term. It is not about copying human capabilities. AI enables robots to work in unstructured
environments. To do this, it is important that they can recognise patterns and correct their mistakes independently. Thus, self-learning robots are able to take on tasks that are too varied and complex for conventionally-programmed robots. For example, autonomous gripping through a combination of image-processing systems and AI algorithms that help a robot to understand the size and shape of the object, as well as the correct gripper position and pressure for gripping. ABB, for example, worked with the AI start-up Covariant to develop a solution that allows robots to autonomously increase the number of objects they can grip. One robot takes on more tasks that previously required several robots, greatly simplifying handling. This solution is already in use at Active Ants, a Dutch provider of fulfi lment services for online retailers in Utrecht. The company is part of the Bpost Group, Belgium’s leading postal operator and parcel and e-commerce logistics provider. 3) Modularity – ABB’s solutions for the logistics sector are increasingly based on smaller units that are scaleable for diff erent task volumes. This modularity makes individual systems faster and easier to integrate into the process. Another advantage is that individual stations can be replaced or adapted when the tasks change, while the rest of the production continues. This is not only more cost- eff ective in terms of acquisition, but also particularly so during ongoing operation.
Increased productivity The example of Apotea, Sweden’s largest online pharmacy with more than 170,000 weekly shipments, shows how automation
ABB’s solutions for the logistics sector are
increasingly based on smaller units that are scaleable for different task volumes
solutions support fulfi lment centres. To cope with the rapid growth of the e-commerce company, sub-processes were automated in the new logistics centre in Morgongåva – increasing productivity by 30%. Three ABB IRB 4600 robots ensure an effi cient and fast workfl ow by sorting parcels in three cells in short cycle times directly into the designated transport vehicles. The ABB robots are also equipped with SafeMove. Arc sensors integrated in the robot stop the movement as soon as an employee enters the cell. This is very helpful for Apotea, as employees have to change the trolleys at regular intervals. As soon as the employee leaves the cell, the robot restarts the automated sorting process.
A robotic order-picking installation at Dutch fresh foods company
automationmagazine.co.uk
End-to-end automation The seamless integration of diff erent solutions enables ABB to off er end-to-end automation – not only for logistics, but across the entire value chain. In the future, automation solutions will help to handle fl ows of goods faster and more reliably, thanks to scaleable systems and new technologies such as AI-supported systems and collaborative solutions, coupled with the expertise of your supplier. ABB has four subsidiaries worldwide that specialise in automation solutions for logistics. These support customers in fi nding the right solution for their individual needs.
CONTACT:
ABB
www.abb.com
Automation | February 2021
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