How Bastian Solutions SmartPick Robotic Piece Picking Works
The vision platform will direct mechanical controls to manipulate the robotic arm and EoAT (end of arm tool) to successfully pick the item without encroaching on other objects or the tote walls. The robot then retracts from the bin and places the object in a secondary shipping carton and is ready for another pick and place sequence. As the robot picks different object shapes, dimensions, and surfaces, it continues to learn and improve how to identify and pick objects in different positions, further improving accuracy and efficiency. In the rare case that an item can’t be picked in the first few attempts, the AI vision system determines whether object’s orientation should be changed, and it will jostle the item to expose a different surface and try to pick again.
Fully Automated Order Picking & Fulfillment
A fully automated order fulfillment solution consists of a goods to person system, industrial robot, AI vision system, takeaway conveyor with automated labelling and checkweighing, and warehouse software to control the entire process, like a WES. When an order is received, the warehouse software communicates with the GTP (goods to person) system to deliver the bin containing the ordered item to the robot operated GTP workstation. The robot’s AI and vision platform identifies the SKU(s) needed for the order, then selects the “most pick-able” product in the pile and releases the robot to pick it and place into the designated container. When the order is complete, the container will be transported via the takeaway conveyor for further outbound processing like checkweighing with in-line scales to ensure order accuracy and automated labeling to attach a shipping label.
Artificial Intelligence and Vision System
Equipped with innovative AI and machine vision, Bastian Solutions’ piece picking robots don’t require training or programming to handle your current products or new product integration. As new products are introduced, the AI software builds a library of objects it has seen and handled over time, along with optimal picking information. This is shared across the entire fleet allowing them to continuously learn from each other so they can function as a single, highly efficient order fulfilment operation. The AI and vision platform directly interfaces with Bastian Solutions’ Exacta® intralogistics software, communicating product data and sharing order fulfillment information. This integration allows the cells to run with even higher autonomy.