Harvest Automation showcases mobile robot that could immediately triple picking productivity

Many distribution and fulfillment operations in the e-commerce space are considering automation. But according to Matt Aprea, director of product management for first-time exhibitor Harvest Automation (Booth 5116), there is a gray area between smaller or fast-growing operations who need affordable flexibility and larger, stable ones that can entertain large-scale automation like AS/RS systems and AGVs.

“From one extreme to the other, most companies are looking for solutions that avoid extensive infrastructure changes,” Aprea said. “We’re offering an alternative to long-term commitments by creating a solution that can work within existing infrastructure and alongside employees to address short-term needs while easily scaling as business grows.”

The OmniVeyor TM-100 is a mobile autonomous robot system for distribution and fulfillment that increases worker productivity and lowers order fulfillment costs. With what Aprea said is the lowest entry cost for automation, the OmniVeyor can save millions of dollars in fixed capital by eliminating the need for custom shelving, racking and conveyors.

The robots support single-order and batch picking, replenishment and returns processing, and can adapt to any workflow. “Then you simply add or remove as many robots as are needed to meet future demands.”

ProMat 2015 is scheduled to be held March 23-26, 2014 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2015 coverage.