Robot rollout begins in NZ

DHL is the first in the country to rollout the Locus Robotics solution, which will see 10 new autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to collaborate with its warehouse team using the LocusOne warehouse automation platform. The deployment is a part of DHL’s ongoing partnership with Locus Robotics which will see 5000 Locus Origin AMRs rolled out globally.

LocusOne is a data-driven system that directs AMRs to pick and drop locations around the warehouse. DHL team members assist them by picking, loading and unloading items for despatch. The collaboration between team members and AMRs for warehouse throughput results in the automation of many time-consuming and laborious tasks traditionally performed by humans, such as walking long distances to pick locations and manoeuvring pick carts.

It results in faster product picking and team members can be redeployed to other tasks requiring a human touch. The Locus Origin AMRs feature a tablet screen and scanner to interface with team members, and eight cameras and sensors to safely navigate warehouses and around people.

The AMRs operate for up to 14 hours per charge and calculate the shortest possible routes to pick locations around the warehouse, to maximise performance throughout the shift. DHL New Zealand managing director Matt Casbolt says he’s pleased to be leveraging the global knowledge within his company to deliver a more effective solution for customers in New Zealand.

“We’ve been following the deployment of LocusOne at our company’s sites in the United States, Europe and in Australia with keen interest and we’re pleased to be introducing this technology for our customers in New Zealand.

Source: transporttalk