New Fulfillment Automation from Robotica™
Rapid Automation™ is the business model for automation products. The only viable solution for many retailers in today’s economy.
Ecommerce continues to be the fastest-growing segment of the global economy. A 49 year low in unemployment is resulting in a shortage of workers. Competition is forcing free overnight deliveries. Fulfillment operations worldwide are in dire need of cost-effective automation.
The implementation rate of traditional automation cannot keep up with current demand. Sortation is the most automated of all functions within fulfillment and distribution. Traditional sort automation requires months of engineering followed by more months of manufacturing and weeks of installation. Retailers are waiting eight months or more before receiving support in fulfillment operations. Compounding these delays, current operations space cannot accommodate automation, and facilities must be constructed or leased. The lost opportunity cost for unfulfilled orders could be the demise of retail operators.
Enter Rapid Automation™. The automated sorting solution is implemented in weeks, for less cost, and in existing spaces. Unlike traditional automation, Rapid Automation equipment is pre-engineered and mass-produced. Its flexibility to work in existing spaces, fulfill a large range of sortation requirements, and offthe shelf availability allows operations to enjoy the benefits of automation in a few weeks.
Years in the making, only eSort® from Robotica™ meets all requirements for Rapid Automation™. Unique functions and designs produce an unprecedented level of flexibility and robust operation.
- Awarded multiple patents for new material handling technologies
- Capable of handling the latest ecommerce packaging including polybags
- Wide range of sort rates available from 30 to 300 sorts per minute
- Configurable from 3 to 300 sort designations
- Capable of fitting in smaller and unusually shaped spaces
- Thousands of possible configurations are shipped in weeks and installed in a day or two.
eSort® is configured from just a few highly engineered plug-and-play building block modules. Traditional manufacturers adhere to the old and lucrative business model of engineering each and every system. They argue a one “size” fits all approach forces a compromise in the name of expediency. eSort® is thousands and possibly millions of sizes and configurations with years of engineering captured in a versatile modular design. Each module always operates in the same way proven over millions of cycles perfected over years of installations.
eSort® does not push the boundaries of physics. For this the reward is simple, a more robust sorter capable of sensing and correcting issues in real-time. Missed sorts are virtually eliminated. The range of “conveyable” packages is expanded. Inductions are simple with superior accuracy in code scanning. Even a simple restart after power failures is possible.
This sorter system has the unique capability to increase both sorter performance and expand in size through the addition of standard modules (one part number). In 30 or 300 sorts per minute, the parts are the same. No special or custom-engineered designs are required for high sorting rates.
Controls are self-scaling. As the sorter size increase so does the processing power. As the sorter rate increases so do the processing and scanning power. All were accomplished with the same few pre-programmed parts.
eSort® does not operate like traditional material handling systems or conveyors. Modules are smart more robot than conveyors. Thinking for themselves, each multi-axes module communicates with each other, learning the line configuration, passing down instructions, and backing up each other’s programs.
Smart robotic sort modules detect issues and act to sort accurately. Sorter operation is closed-loop within each module. Packages and cartons are sensed and measured. Unprecedented sensing resolution detects packages small and flat as an index card. Packages are monitored entering and leaving each module. Modules can hold or slow packages from going downstream anytime milliseconds are needed for corrective actions.
eSort® features a comprehensive toolset of conveyors, transfers, curves, merges, inducts, scanners designed to bolt and plug together. Layouts are simple and flexible. Sorters can curve and be configured in multiple shapes and segments filling spaces available. Systems can be configured from stocked components. The spare parts list is always short.
Sorter spacing is easily configured for totes, mailbags, and Gaylord containers. Elevations range from 10” to 100”. Leg sets and frame components are heavy steel construction with a 3.5” steel tube and 6.5” x 2.5” inch channel.
eSort® transfer modules are designed from the ground up to handle all shapes and sizes of ecommerce packaging and parcels. Irregular-shaped and or non-rigid polybags are handled along with heavy cartons small and large. Fulfilling Rapid Automation™ requirements for fast installs, eSort® rolls off the truck ready to plug and play. Small systems are usually running the afternoon of the first day of installation. Larger sortation systems are running in a day or two. Rapid Automation™ gives retail fulfillment operations an avenue to automate ship sorting now rather than later. Eliminate paying and waiting for engineering. No more waiting for backed-up manufacturing. Maximize space available and minimize disruption installing equipment. Automate and increase velocity of order filling in weeks, not months.