An innovative inventory robot was launched at the VkusVilla Domodedovo distribution center , which is designed to change the approach to warehouse stock management. The project was developed by the Avtomakon company.
Source: VkusVill
The inventory robot is a special vehicle equipped with a telescopic mast and video cameras that allow reading QR codes on goods located at all levels of the racks. The AI video analytics system using neural network algorithms instantly processes the received data, compares it with cell data and integrates it with the warehouse management system (WMS).
The robot's mast consists of five sections that can rise to a height of up to 12 meters, allowing it to scan goods even on the highest shelves of the warehouse. The mast lifting mechanism is equipped with an electric drive, which makes the process of changing the scanning height quick and convenient.
The robot's software, developed specifically for this project, integrates with existing warehouse management systems, making it a universal tool for various warehouse complexes. The inventory robot can work together with a warehouse pallet-carrying robot or another traction device, such as a forklift. For this purpose, a mount is provided at the base of the inventory robot, which ensures a quick and easy connection to any forklift, allowing the robot to move autonomously around the warehouse.
The robot is powered by an AGM battery or an external source, and it is also equipped with a backup battery with a capacity of 45,000 mAh, which provides up to 2 hours of autonomous operation. This allows for inventory control without stopping the warehouse, which increases the overall efficiency of the DC.
"Our inventory robot has cameras on both sides and in one pass of the entire span it scans the racks on both the right and left, from bottom to top. The cameras are located at the height of each storage tier and (on the right and left), which allows the robot to immediately inventory all tiers and racks on both sides. One pass of the inventory robot is enough to scan all the cells. Previously, in order to inventory the warehouse, we invited about 50 employees and 15 reach trucks with drivers for them once a month ," said Alesya Sheremetyeva, manager of supply and supply chain .
The successful launch of the inventory robot at the Domodedovo distribution center is only the beginning of a large-scale program to automate warehouse processes. In the future, VkusVill plans to implement similar systems at its other warehouses and logistics centers.
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