Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 53 2024 | Page 29

Prime Vision robots have a 35 kg carrying capacity and a 50 x 70cm loading surface , ready to carry a wide variety of boxes .
be unable to accommodate these multiple demands , so a more flexible solution was required .
Following discussions with the supplier of the ASRS , Babydump approached Prime Vision to provide a fleet of 12 robots and an additional spare to support the newly automated facility . Based in the Netherlands , Prime Vision is a global supplier of automation , computer vision and robotics technology for the logistics sector . It
currently operates over 700 robots at customer facilities around the world . Its local presence and industry expertise were critical advantages to Babydump .
Richard Hagen , Account Director at Prime Vision , says : “ While we are used to operating fleets of up to 88 robots for sorting operations for courier and express services , the complexity of operations at Babydump presented a challenge . Our experience in this area meant that we could offer a flexible , costeffective solution .”
Making the right moves
Prime Vision robots have a 35 kg carrying capacity and a 50 x 70cm loading surface , ready to carry a wide variety of boxes . Using light detection and ranging ( LIDAR ) for guidance and safety , the robots can travel without QR markers or metal on the floor . An overarching fleet management system plots the most efficient route for each robot , ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity . Smoothly travelling at between 0.8 to 1.1 m / s , Prime Vision robots quickly move items to the correct destinations . take place on it . Working with the customer , we will map out the floor in special patterns , then upload these maps to the robots so they can navigate . The other element is marking out the pickup and drop off points such as conveyors , box machines , picking stations and chutes .
“ Information from the warehouse management system tells each robot which destination to travel to , and we facilitate this with bespoke software that seamlessly communicates with the customer ’ s infrastructure . Any robot can drive to any destination , so they are much more flexible than conveyors . We can have the entire system up and running in less than weeks , providing quick installation and smooth processes .”
The robots have been operating at Sint-Oedenrode since the start of 2024 . As well as facilitating the movement of items , the robots have the flexibility to accommodate stock orders for stores . With a battery life of over 10 hours , each robot covers
multiple shifts , while the interchangeable batteries can be fully charged within 2 to 3 hours . For maintenance , Prime Vision offers remote assistance and preconfigured spare robots ready for rapid deployment to reduce downtime .
Order picking operations reborn
Since the system has gone live , Babydump has recorded a 400 to 500 % improvement in the productivity of its order pickers . This increased throughput has meant the company can comfortably meet rising demand . As well as simplifying order picking for employees , it has also reduced errors and returns , saving costs , lowering emissions and improving customer satisfaction . Meanwhile , optimised packaging has saved space and materials , enhancing sustainability at Babydump . Prime Vision robots have made a significant contribution to these successes .
Richard adds : “ For complex logistics processes where efficiency is paramount , robots are often the best solution , and I think the market is becoming aware of the benefits .”
Managing Director of Babydump , Henk Timmer , says : “ For us , being at the forefront of innovation , continuity and sustainability is in our DNA . Prime Vision ’ s solution fits perfectly with that .”
Prime Vision has released a video of the robots in action , which can be viewed here .
More from Prime Vision : https :// primevision . com / primevision-robots-help-babydumptake-first-steps-in-automatedorder-picking /
Richard explains the setup process : “ What ’ s important to us during implementation is the floor and what interactions will
Babydump approached Prime Vision to provide a fleet of 12 robots and an additional spare to support the newly automated facility .
FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk 29