Handling robot from AM-Automation provides AutoStore systems with additional efficiency
(Offenau, April 2020) Originally designed as a small parts warehouse, a robot developed by AM-Automation now also makes the AutoStore system interesting for handling KLTs (small load carriers) and other complete containers.
Low space requirement and high capacity, easily scalable and extremely reliable: AutoStore systems are the ideal solution for efficient intralogistics of small parts. Thanks to the sorter function, AutoStore is particularly suitable for order-by-order or multi-order picking. However, when it comes to handling KLTs or other complete containers – for example in wholesale or in the replenishment of larger production plants – the advantages of AutoStore have so far been difficult to outweigh the necessary personnel costs.
The handling robot developed by AM-Automation now also makes AutoStore interesting for the intralogistics of KLTs and other complete containers. The robot can remove boxes, cartons or unit loads from the pallets provided or from conveyor systems without human intervention, store them in the AutoStore bins and, conversely, remove them from the bins and palletize them individually according to the order. The robot’s range of applications is limited only by the capacity of the bins, which, with internal dimensions of 403 x 603 mm, can hold KLTs or other full containers up to a maximum height of 404 mm, with a total weight of 30 kg per bin. Depending on the surface structure of the products, a vacuum or mechanical gripping system is used. The gripper can be changed in seconds, giving the robot the necessary flexibility for a wide variety of articles.
The integrated, self-learning 3D image recognition system sorts the products precisely into the bins. If required, the contents of the storage containers can also contain several different items. Robot handling requires neither daylight nor artificial hall lighting, works perfectly even in the dark and can therefore be used around the clock.
In combination with AutoStore, the robot can autonomously consolidate, pick, pack and palletize the contents of up to several 100,000 bins on a footprint of less than 10 m2. The handling robot from AM-Automation is therefore probably the world’s most compact picking-sorter-packing station available on the market. Primarily developed for use in AutoStore systems, the system can also be integrated into conventional high-bay or shuttle warehouses and connected to existing AGVs or other intralogistics components. After the new development has proven itself extensively in practical use with selected customers over the past few years, the handling robot from AM-Automation is now also available for the entire market.