Robot developer Exotec has integrated a warehouse robot at French etailer Cdiscount that not only moves horizontally, but can also 'climb'. This enables Cdiscount to pick twice as many orders as with a standard system.
Exotec Solutions' Skypod system is a 3D variant of existing shuttle systems that can only move horizontally. The Skypod moves not only from left to right but also from top to bottom. Using laser technology, it navigates through the warehouse, then collects products to be packed by humans. The robots can carry up to 60 kilograms of products.
The new system would allow Cdiscount to pick 400 items per hour, compared to 200 picks with standard automation and 100 items when performed by human hands.
