MODEX 2012, Booth #4900
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sterling Heights, MI – Mixed SKU order picking and palletizing work great in your warehouse operations as long as everything is presented in the perfect sequence and nothing ever changes that; but what happens when order lines aren’t presented in the right sequence or cases fall off leaving your pallet with an inaccurate or unstable shipment. At MODEX 2012 in KUKA Systems booth #4900, the answer is revealed. KUKA Systems, in collaboration with Grenzebach Corporation, combines high efficiency with new levels of flexibility through a live demonstration of Flexible Robotic Sortation (FRS). FRS is a patent-pending efficient robot-based case sequencing and buffer solution to reduce exact sequencing requirements of conventional case sequencing equipment (e.g. Multi Shuttles, Mini Loads, DLS, etc.). This approach leads to a higher utilization of the sequencing equipment (less sortation constraints) and will lead to a lower investment since less equipment has to be integrated
The concept can easily be deployed into existing manual or (semi-) automated order picking solutions to generate a specified packing sequence to solve family grouping or to pack the pallet in the sequence the re-stocker needs to unpack them into the shelves at the super markets. Depending on the randomness of the incoming sequence and the desired throughput the buffer size and number of robots can be adapted to the needs of each project. This innovative solution can be added in between manual or automated packing stations and the upstream order release / picking technology. Software is based on KUKA’s AuROrA framework (Automated Robot Order Assembly) and provides the same look and feel as the existing applications for robot based (mixed) layer forming, layer picking and palletizing and sensor based depalletizing. Incoming cases can be identified using RFID or barcode readers, vision-based identification or commu-nication interface with upstream material flow controller.
In parallel with the FRS, KUKA Systems is collaborating with KUKA’s primary shareholder, Grenzebach Corporation, to introduce a new patent-pending mobile bot platform for tugging various types of objects positioned on a simple frame with four caster wheels. The frame can hold multiple platforms, such as a mobile racks, pallet conveyors, case conveyors or any other custom designed structure to interact with other material handling equipment (e.g. Mini load, AS/RS, Multi Shuttles, Pallet Stackers and Destackers, Mono-Rails, Articulated and Gantry Robots, Conveyors, T-Carts, Wrappers, etc.) The mobile bots can push and pull payloads of up to 2,000 lbs. and the navigation concept can be based on different concepts: Inductive Wires, Path Guidance, Laser Guidance, etc.
- Inductive wire concept supports data and power transmission and thus no charging stations are required since the mobile unit is powered / charged during the motion
- Any automated equipment on the mobile frame can also be powered through the inductive wire
Mobile bots can be used to dynamically store and retrieve different SKUs to supply pallets to and from robot layer picking or palletizing systems. The de-signed drive concept allows the mobile bot to move underneath the mobile frames and to turn on the spot. During this turning the tagged frame can also be turned or can maintain its orientation. Thus “parking” a pallet or any other carrier long side or short side leading into a specific location can easily be implemented.
In addition, KUKA Systems will be displaying implemented material handling solutions on various monitors and will be outlining multiple concepts to deploy robots into end of line palletizing and warehouse automation projects. KUKA will also showcase how simulation tools such as Demo3D and KUKA SIM are used to develop and present innovative solutions. Finally, KUKA Systems will be hosting a presentation on Monday, February 6 (2012) at 12:45 pm in Theater A. The presentation, “Solutions to Solve Your Fulfillment Tasks of Today and Tomorrow” will focus on order fulfillment applications and which ones can be aided by the use of robots and establish the elements required to introduce robots to order fulfillment systems. Efficiency is the root of all operations in a successful business; see how industrial robots are the trendiest & most effective technology for complex material handling processes in today's business. In the past years, significant improvements in the fields of vision & gripping technology have been made which enable system integrators to deploy robots in more complex tasks. Learn the details from real-world case studies, US soft drink manufacturers and distributers, on the different components for layer picking, layer forming & mixed case palletizing.
About KUKA Systems – North America (www.kukanao.com)
KUKA Systems Corp North America, a Michigan-based company, is part of the KUKA Systems Group of Augsburg, Germany, a leading global supplier of flexible automation systems for the logistics, automotive, aerospace, energy and industrial solutions sectors with more than 3500 employees worldwide. The company is a world leader in automated picking and palletizing systems and logistics for warehouses and distribution centers. Its fields of competence include end-of-line palletizing, depalletizing, mixed product palletizing, and engineering and consulting services in connection with overall warehouse and distribution center storage and order fulfillment generation.
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For more information please contact:
Aaron Corcoran
586-795-2000 x 5136
aaron.corcoran@kukanao.com
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