MOVING/LIFTING/ORDER PICKING A


cross manufacturing and intralogistics environments, productivity losses are not always caused by major process bottlenecks. More often, inefficiencies stem from repeated, low-visibility handling tasks such as moving, lifting and repicking materials between process points. These activities are embedded into daily workflows and frequently accepted as operational norms, yet they represent a significant source of non-value-added time. Repicking, in particular, remains a persistent


challenge. Items may be picked from storage into totes, staged near production areas and  may also walk repeatedly between conveyors, shelving locations and workstations to retrieve components throughout a shift. While each action may appear minor, the cumulative impact on labour utilisation, throughput and ergonomics can be considerable. Alongside manual lifting and internal


transport, these repeated handling loops  increased physical strain. As labour pressures continue and manufacturers seek productivity gains without major infrastructure changes,  solutions that can address these micro- 


LIMITS OF FIXED AUTOMATION Traditional automation systems, including  effective in highly structured environments. However, many facilities operate with changing   can struggle to address the smaller, frequent  tasks.


Manual handling often persists not because


automation is unavailable, but because it offers adaptability. Operators can respond dynamically to variation in ways that rigid systems cannot. The challenge is, therefore, not simply to automate, but to introduce solutions that  


MOBILE PICKING IN PRACTICE  the integration of autonomous mobility and robotic handling into a single mobile platform capable of supporting internal transport and repetitive picking tasks.  picking vehicle have demonstrated autonomous navigation between conveyor interfaces and shelving locations, accurate positioning and repeatable pick-and-place tasks before onward transport within a facility. The aim of these trials is to validate whether mobility and robotic handling can be combined to reduce manual transport and repetitive picking within real  Initial outcomes have shown reliable  positioning for robotic picking from static storage and accurate placement of picked items into an onboard tote. Repeatable pick-


REDUCING MOVING, LIFTING AND REPICKING INEFFICIENCIES


By Dr Paul Rivers, Managing Director, Guidance Automation Ltd


Manufacturers are increasingly exploring flexible automation approaches to reduce repetitive handling, internal transport and repicking loops without major infrastructure changes


  technical feasibility of combining mobility and robotic handling in a single platform. This approach addresses not only the act of picking, but also the wider loop of transport, staging and repicking that often surrounds it.


FLEXIBILITY AND INTEGRATION A key advantage of mobile automation in moving and repicking applications is its ability    autonomous navigation with robotic handling,  supports.    scale infrastructure changes. It also allows automation to evolve alongside operational changes, which is particularly valuable in environments undergoing continuous optimisation. Reducing repetitive manual handling and walking distances can also support improved ergonomics, while maintaining operational  In practice, the value of mobile automation  storage, conveyors and production areas, where 


28 APRIL 2026 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS


LOOKING AHEAD As manufacturers continue to evaluate ways  infrastructure projects, mobile automation is emerging as a practical tool for addressing  and repicking tasks. By combining autonomous transport with repeatable picking capability, it becomes possible to reduce repeated manual movements, minimise repicking loops and  Rather than replacing operators, such


systems are best positioned as a way to remove repetitive, low-value handling tasks, allowing skilled staff to focus on higher-value activities as operations evolve.


Guidance Automation www.guidanceautomation.com


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