Home > NewsRelease > Using Robots to Pick and Pack
Text
Using Robots to Pick and Pack
From:
Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP --  The Herman Group Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP -- The Herman Group
Austin, TX
Wednesday, February 28, 2018

 

The Herman Trend Alert

February 28, 2018

Using Robots to Pick and Pack

Many years ago, when a major electronics manufacturer was looking for a new fulfillment operation, our author submitted a very creative proposal from a leading-edge direct marketing company, offering an automated "pick and pack" system. At the time, that system seemed very far in the future. Now, an Israeli-based startup CommonSense Robotics, has developed new technology combining AI (Artificial Intelligence) and robotics, making that system a reality.

Aimed at the fast-growing online grocery industry

More and more grocery retailers are jumping into the business of fulfilment and delivery. Not surprisingly, CommonSense Robotics recently raised an additional $20million USD in funding, bringing the company's total to $26 million USD. "The funds will be used to scale up the company's facility deployment rate, develop their next generation of robotics and AI, and expand global operations and sales".

What these robots do

CommonSense Robotics allows retailers, even small ones, to offer grocery deliveries to consumers in one hour, on-demand, "at a profitable margin". Using what it describes as "advanced robotics and AI", the company employs robots to power customized warehouses or micro-fulfilment centers. These facilities must be small enough to be placed in urban areas, rather than miles away on the outskirts of town.

Machines working with humans help retailers compete successfully

Not only can the robots put products on the shelves, but they can also pick the right ones and bring them to humans who then pack a customer's order. Other robots get the packaged order out to delivery. This robot/AI and human combination will meaningfully reduce the cost of on-demand groceries and broaden the range of retailers that can compete with Amazon and other majors.

Different robots handle various tasks

The company has numerous types of robots designed to handle different tasks. Their AI software finds the right robots to complete those tasks. They have robots capable of moving boxes at high speeds. Once the orders are packed by humans, another type of robot will pack the orders into a van or scooter for dispatch.

Designed to work in a relatively small space

In addition, all of this picking and packing is designed to use a space of about 10,000 square feet, due to an ingenious "3D 'cube' of racks" which facilitates their using the vertical as well as horizontal space. CommonSense Robotics' entire system is proprietary and designed to maximize space, labor, and speed efficiencies. Imagine dispatching an average grocery order in less than 3 minutes, one-tenth of the time for a completely human process? The first operational facility deploying the first generation of its robots will open this year with more expected facilities in the US, UK, and Israel later in 2018.

Only just the beginning

This company's robots are just the beginning of wave of automation we expect to take over many kinds of manual labor all over the world. No matter what you do, if you want to stay employed, be sure to keep learning and growing.

********

The Herman Group is a firm of Strategic Business Futurists concentrating on workforce and workplace issues. We forecast the future and advise clients regarding relevant trends and how those trends may affect their lives. Applying our expertise as Certified Management Consultants, we advise corporate leaders regarding employee retention and organizational development to help them build workforce stability. We help organizations become Employers of Choice®. We also work with Employer of Choice, Inc. to formally recognize employers that meet the stringent standards dictated by the labor marketplace. As authors of management books and as active professional speakers, we inform and inspire people to make a positive difference in the world of work.

You did really get the ball rolling with our retention presentation, overall we have seen a move in the right direction with our turnover. 

In practice since 1980, we have served a wide variety of clients throughout the United States and in other countries. Our global affiliates assist us in sharing our expertise and advice with clients internationally. Our team of professional consultants and trainers is supported by an administrative staff that gets things done. We also have consultants certified to deliver our programs in your local area.

Delivering to both small and large groups across 100 industries, The Herman Group has provided over 2,500 educational and informative keynote speeches and training seminars worldwide.

Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, we travel extensively to meet the needs of our clients. We can always be reached through the support team in our office at (800) 227-3566. Overseas callers may reach us through 336-210-3547.

Should you have any questions after touring our website, please call or e-mail us at info@hermangroup.com.

Get started now on improving the stability and performance of your workforce and increase your chances for success in the future.

                             

Pickup Short URL to Share
News Media Interview Contact
Name: Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP
Title: Certified Speaking Professional and Management Consultant
Group: The Herman Group
Dateline: Austin, TX United States
Direct Phone: 336-210-3548
Main Phone: 800-227-3566
Cell Phone: 336-210-3548
Jump To Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP --  The Herman Group Jump To Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP -- The Herman Group
Contact Click to Contact
Other experts on these topics