Fetch Robotics’ Freight autonomous mobile platform. (Image courtesy Fetch Robotics.)
For example, facility staff can work with Freight, one such autonomous mobile platform, to load materials, parts or products into containers or shelves mounted on the robot.
Freight can support a payload of up to 220 lbs and accelerate up to a maximum speed of 2 m/s (4.47 mph). The robot can turn in place and has a base footprint of 22” in diameter, while standing at 14” tall.
Using integrated fetchcore software, staff can manage and track Freight units on a touch pad.
Freight has a nominal continuous runtime of nine hours and uses a charging dock between operations, requiring three hours to reach 90 percent battery life.
Fetch Robotics Teams Up with SAP
Fetch Robotics only recently unveiled Freight and its companion mobile manipulator, Fetch, in May 2015. The company recently found its way onto the Robotics Business Review list, RBR50 in February 2016.
Since then, the company has further developed their autonomous mobile platform by partnering with SAP, a German multinational software corporation specializing in business management and customer relations applications.
SAP’s Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM) application was combined with Freight’s Virtual Conveyor operation system. Now, staff can use SAP EWM to update part or material orders so when the loaded Freight robot is sent off, an unloaded unit can respond to the worker to take on a new job.
Essentially, the new software combination integrates complex supply chain logistics with warehouse and distribution processes.
These solutions are especially useful when considering just how much facility staff are required to traverse through a facility to pick up parts and materials. Fetch Robotics states that the average employee walks up to 14 miles a day, which can lead to fatigue and injury.
The company further states that by introducing a system like Freight, employees can spend up to 50 percent less time walking around – time that can be used more productively.
“The combination of Fetch Robotics and our warehouse management system means that warehouse operators benefit from more efficient operation," said Franz Hero, SVP of supply chain and logistics development, SAP. "This integrated warehouse functionality allows logistics companies to automate the transportation of picked and packaged goods within their warehouse and drastically improves the efficiency of the warehouse workers."
For more information about Fetch Robotics, visit fetchrobotics.com.