Museum of the Future 2018

Swisslog debuts ‘Robot of the Future’ in Dubai

By Jenny Eagle

- Last updated on GMT

Swisslog debuts ‘Robot of the Future’ in Dubai
Swisslog, which manufactures automated machines for warehouses and distribution centers, has debuted its CarryPick robot at Dubai’s Museum of the Future.

It claims its automated storage and goods-to-person order picking system is flexible, scalable and quickly adjustable to changing demands in warehousing, where ‘product variability, delivery time and cost efficiency are daily challenges’.

Automated systems to accelerate returns

CarryPick at Museum of the Future

The modular concept of CarryPick fits into existing buildings and stands out for its ability to be extended and relocated on short notice.

It consists of four components including mobile racks, automated guided vehicles, Swisslog‘s workstations ProPick and the warehouse management system WM 6.

Frédéric Zielinski, GM, Swisslog Middle East, told BeverageDaily, returns are a major financial issue, with a number of items unable to be sold again at the same profit margin after they have been returned.

Even if returned items are in a sellable condition, the handling costs are doubled before any revenue is made. In addition to shipping charges, companies need to pay internal personnel and intralogistics costs​,” he said. 

In the past, it was more common for e-commerce merchants to think of ways to make it difficult for customers to return purchases, however the industry has since realized returns are an inherent part of online selling​.

Swisslog’s strategy is to integrate returns processing into the ongoing picking processes using partially and fully automated systems to accelerate returns movements.

Adding the returned items into the flow of goods at this early stage, aided by the robot’s innate intelligence, means returned items are made available much more quickly for delivery to other customers​.

Our innovative technological approach allows picking and put away of returns to take place at the same time​.”

Multifunctional workstations

CarryPick robots bring shelves to warehouse operatives based on an analysis of time, product, and destination.

Multifunctional workstations are continually supplied with mobile racks by automated guided vehicles. These are controlled and monitored by the WM 6 warehouse management system.

CarryPick combines storage with a replenishment and picking functionality.

CarryPick_Work_station

Today’s automated processes are undoubtedly a sign of the future ahead of us and machines have long-since been capable of delivering skills beyond our own physical capabilities​,” added Zielinski.

So too, we have developed computerization to push our intelligence forward. We are not only bringing the two together, but allowing these systems to interact with the world around us to deliver a smart and fully integrated present that will enhance our future​.”

Zielinski said depending on the product range and space situation, it is possible to create customized intralogistics processes using individual applications or a combination of technologies.

The Museum of the Future is on display at the 2016 World Government Summit in Dubai. It is an initiative by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that explores the future of science, technology and innovation and will open in 2018.

The Museum will demonstrate and test the latest inventions and prototypes from up and coming start-ups and the world’s technology giants. It will offer courses, workshops, public talks and events and will host innovation facilities and design studios with universities, companies, and research partners.

3D printing technologies

The building will be built in part using 3D printing technologies, and will change over time to test and reflect the latest advancements in various fields.

The current exhibition is based on ‘Machinic Life’; how machines are becoming more life-like, and how our lives are becoming more machine-like with exhibits on augmented senses, robotic pets, biomechanical limbs and artificial intelligence.

The CarryPick robot is on display in Algorithmic Logistics, part of the focus on the integration of life and machines.

The CarryPick robot was chosen because it enables complex logistical chains that “no human being can understand” and is used where products are stacked and sorted accordingly to a logic known only to the algorithm​,” said a spokesman for Museum of the Future.

Other machines on display include: Hasbro’s Joy for All, an interactive robotic companion for the elderly; Microsoft Xiaoice, a conversational AI app that has personalised conversations with over 20 million regular users in China and Hunchlab, a predictive policing system that analyses complex historical and real-time data to identify future ‘windows’ of risk.

 

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