![]() “With this solution, a connected worker, or what some call an ‘instrumented’ worker, along with the robots, can be better coordinated, and in some scenarios, can both be redirected to the next best activity that achieves an optimized workflow overall,” Lawton said. The optimization layer is used to simultaneously direct and optimize the tasks of robots and workers outfitted with rugged mobile devices or wearables. This capability allows an operation to scale up by adding more connected workers and conventional carts to meet demand during peak periods, said the company. Zebra describes Fulfillment Edge as a “WMS accelerator” because it ties into different warehouse management systems ( WMS) to provide a user-friendly application for tasks like order picking, as well as business intelligence tools to gauge productivity. ![]() ![]() This eliminates much of the walking and all of the cart pushing typically involved in conventional pick-to-cart methods, said Lawton. The Fetch Fulfillment Solution can better manage and coordinate human and robot resources to reduce wait times, allowing robots to do what they do best: direct workers through accurate picking and fulfillment activities in a relatively compact area of the warehouse. In addition, its optimization layer for managing both people and robots draws on capabilities from Zebra’s Fulfillment Edge software package. The software uses a combination of software Fetch had developed for AMR fleet management and drag-and-drop configuration of AMR processes, according to Lawton. To address this need, Fetch and Zebra in October announced three new AMR models- FlexShelf, FlexShelf Guide, and RollerTop Guide-and a new FetchCore fulfillment software package for order or batch picking. So all that waiting adds up to waste, which could be eliminated.” “You can find the flip side of that, too-people waiting for a mobile robot to show up in one of these robot-assisted, zone-based picking solutions. “We’ve seen through our market research and by going into facilities that are utilizing robots that you would sometimes see the robots waiting around because there is no worker ready nearby to get started on a joint task,” Lawton said. Last year, Zebra acquired Fetch Robotics Inc., a leading provider of AMRs and related software, for $290 million. The Linconshire, Ill.-based company is known for its rugged mobile devices, wearables like ring scanners, and other data-collection and real-time location tracking technologies. ![]() ![]() The optimization of workflows to account for the activities of both humans and robots can reduce wait times and provide even greater benefits, said James Lawton, vice president and general manager of robotics automation at Zebra Technologies. Better coordination of people and robots can lead to even greater efficiencies, according to Zebra Technologies Corp.Īutonomous mobile robots ( AMRs) can reduce much of the travel involved in conventional pick-to-cart operations, and they often work closely with warehouse associates as part of the actual pick task. In warehousing and other sectors, tasks such as moving carts through a pick area or sending completed orders and totes downstream to packing or a conveyor system are increasingly carried out by mobile robots, not people pushing carts. ![]()
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