Zebra Technologies Corporation has introduced a new fulfilment solution consisting of three new autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) – FlexShelf, FlexShelf Guide, and RollerTop Guide – and a new FetchCore fulfilment software package for order or batch picking.
Zebra announced it was entering the mobile robotics market by acquiring Fetch Robotics last July and completed the deal in August. The new fulfilment solution is the first project to be unveiled following the merger, with obvious aspects of Fetch’s expertise built into the products.
FetchCore’s new fulfilment software package incorporates warehouse annotation, wave management, a pick heatmap, advanced fulfilment analytics and forklift detection features. The warehouse annotation feature superimposes the physical pick locations in a facility logically into FetchCore eliminating the need for QR codes and enabling AMRs to automatically adjust to re-slotting within a warehouse.
“Zebra’s fulfilment solution enables Manhattan Associates to combine an end-to-end, best-in-class fulfilment AMR solution with optimization capabilities inherent to our warehouse management system software”, said Jon Liberman, Vice President of Enterprise Mobility at Manhattan Associates, a PartnerConnect Premier Solutions partner.
“We are excited to provide a solution that increases the efficiency of each picking and case pick to pallet operations especially while many of our customers are experiencing challenges with a competitive labour pool, supply shortages, and smaller delivery windows.”
Powered by the fulfilment software package in FetchCore, the three new AMRs expand upon Fetch’s existing case picking capabilities, delivering up to “three times increased productivity in fulfilment operations” whilst total throughput in a facility is increased as a result of these new AMRs operating “up to 50% faster” than other fulfilment AMRs.
Built on the Fetch Freight100 platform, the FlexShelf and FlexShelf Guide provide flexible configurations for bin sizing and spacing. Zebra states that both AMRs also “reduce worker training time” and “increase picking accuracy” by incorporating put-to-light and pick-side lighting – a critical element during seasonal peak periods when order volumes and seasonal staff are at their highest levels.
The company further states that “attracting and retaining staff is easier” as the solution can reduce the amount of time pickers spend walking by “up to 60%”, and features like ANSI RIA R15.08 compliance help keep them safe. An industry-first forklift detection feature enables AMRs to avoid forklift blind spots helping prevent damage to the AMRs. Businesses deploying the RollerTop Guide AMR can integrate each picking workflows with existing fixed conveyance, sortation and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).
All of the new AMRs can be purchased using capital or Robot as a Service (RaaS) model. All Fetch AMRs operate on a facility’s existing Wi-Fi network with the option to use current handheld, voice and vision technologies capable of interfacing with FetchCore’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) in the cloud.
“In 2020, we introduced SmartSight as our first automation solution for front-of-store retail, and we welcomed Fetch and its broad portfolio of AMRs for material transport in logistics and manufacturing into the Zebra family just a few months ago”, said James Lawton, Vice President and General Manager of Robotics Automation, Zebra Technologies.
“Our new comprehensive fulfilment solution brings together the best of both companies to help our retail, wholesale and third-party logistics (3PL) customers overcome the biggest challenges in their each and case picking workflows with automation that is truly intelligent”.
You can find more information about Zebra Technologies and its new fulfilment solution on its website.
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