In a press conference yesterday, Swisslog (Booth 3105) unveiled the SmartCarrier automated goods-to-person picking system with carriers that are not restricted to only one per storage array level. Ideal for high-throughput, small items, the unit can travel outside of the system to provide direct delivery to picking stations and sequencing buffers. Up to four carriers can simultaneously store or retrieve goods on any level and the system can be expanded at any time.
The company also presented its AGVPick product, which safely applies automatic guided vehicles (AGV) to manual case picking. By automating the vehicle’s movement, the system removes non-productive tasks from the picking process to increase order picker productivity.
The company also announced two new U.S. projects: a new automated frozen food storage and distribution center for Publix Super Markets, and an installation of the AutoStore inventory storage system with integrated robotic, goods-to-person picking for Medline Industries.
Additionally, the company announced that Hama, a European supplier of electronic accessories, will upgrade its central DC in Germany with the SmartCarrier, according to Markus Schmidt, SVP of Swisslog North America.
Modex 2012 is scheduled to be held February 6-9, 2012 in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete Modex 2012 coverage.