L'Artificial intelligence (IA) and the robotics are bringing an epochal transformation to the industry logistics and warehouse automation.
In particular, AI plays a key role in the processes of picking, enabling businesses to optimize efficiency, improve accuracy and transform operations management.
There artificial vision, based on Computer Vision and Robotic Vision algorithms, also plays a fundamental role in allowing the most modern robots to perceive the environment and interact with it intelligently and autonomously.
These evolutions radically change the processes of picking, which become increasingly autonomous and safe, leaving human operators the time to dedicate themselves to less repetitive and tiring activities, in line with the principles enunciated by Industry 5.0.
And, among the enabling technologies, we will see how the mobile collaborative robots, as well as i advanced vision systems equipped with AI.
AI and robotics in warehouse automation
In the traditional logistics, the picking process involved the manual work of workers, who identified and removed the items from stores.
This approach, although common, had several limitations. Human errors were a constant, execution times were often slow, and the ability to handle peaks in demand proved problematic.
L'introduction of AI and robotics ushered in a new era of warehouse automation.
AI-driven robots, known as “picking robots“, they can perform picking activities in a way autonomous. These robots are equipped with advanced algorithms planning and optimization, which allows them to calculate the most efficient routes to pick items.
Furthermore, they exploit the computer vision (more precisely the robotic vision) to recognize and locate objects in the warehouse, ensuring high precision even in unfavorable light conditions.
Machine learning (machine learning) it also allows systems to dynamically adapt to changes in the warehouse, maintaining operational efficiency in unexpected situations.
And these are precisely the technologies that allow us, today, to talk about Robotic order fulfillment.
More precisely, it is an automated system that uses robots to carry out the picking, packaging and shipping of orders, thanks to a integration of software and hardware, which allows robots to perform tasks autonomously and precisely.
Robots, in fact, can be programmed to collect and transfer products from warehouse to warehouse, work collaboratively with humans and other robots, and send orders directly to customers.
Artificial Intelligence for vision systems in picking
There artificial vision plays a vital role in enabling robots to perceive the environment and interact with it intelligently and autonomously.
We then enter the scope of Computer Vision and, more specifically, of Robotic Vision.
We have already mentioned it but it will be important to briefly understand what the difference is between the two concepts and how the picking processes change.
First of all, the main difference between Robotic Vision and Computer Vision lies in thepractical application.
There Computer Vision mainly deals with the processing of images or videos on computing devices for purposes such as facial recognition, video surveillance, medical image processing, visual data analysis and much more.
There Robotic Vision, instead, uses Computer Vision techniques and algorithms to allow robots to "see" the surrounding world and make decisions based on the visual information acquired.
We are talking about Artificial Intelligence applied to vision systems for image recognition, object detection, scene understanding, and even depth perception.
Drawing on the magic of advanced image processing,machine learning he was born in deep learning, computer vision systems can analyze and interpret visual content, giving robots a comprehensive understanding of the world around them.
In picking, the application of such advanced technology allows robots to minimize the risk of errors in identifying packages and objects to be transported.
Thanks to vision systems with robotic vision, therefore, robots can truly carry out all picking operations relating to work in warehouses in full autonomy and safety.
New trends in picking automation
One of the most interesting trends is growing man-machine collaboration in automated warehouses.
Although picking robots can carry out many activities autonomously, in fact, the presence of human operators is still crucial and, indeed, it is precisely the robots themselves who enhance its strategic importance.
AI, applied according to the principles dictated by the paradigm of Industry 5.0, is therefore able to increase the productivity of human operators, supporting them in the selection of items and in packaging and shipping activities.
This intelligent collaboration maximizes the strengths of both: the precision and attention to detail of the man and the speed and efficiency of the robot.
Another important trend is the spread of mobile collaborative robots, now increasingly used also for picking operations in logistics warehouses.
The reason is simple and is linked to the fact that these robots are capable of move independently within the warehouse, take the items from the shelves and deliver them to the designated places.
Solutions such as mobile collaborative robots make the picking process even more efficient, reducing times of crossing the warehouse and increasing the capacity of manage high workloads.
The advantages of AI-automated picking for companies
The application of Artificial Intelligence to the vision systems of robots for picking, starting from the considerations we have made previously, can only offer great advantages for companies who rely on these solutions to automate warehouses.
First of all, this type of picking automation reduces operation execution times and increases productivity, allowing businesses to process more orders in less time.
Secondly, advanced AI algorithms and computer vision reduce errors to a minimum in picking, improving accuracy and reducing costs associated with incorrect shipments.
But it's not enough. Indeed, in such a rapidly evolving market as the current one, these AI-based solutions offer companies the ability to succeed adapt quickly to fluctuations in demand, even during peaks of activity.
Furthermore, picking automation can help reduce the physical workload on human operators, improving the employee satisfaction And reducing turnover of the staff.
Companies that embrace AI and automation of the warehouse picking process can ultimately achieve a competitive advantage on the market, as I am able to offer faster delivery times and more efficient customer services.
Project yourself into the future of picking with TOD System solutions
The impact of AI in picking processes for warehouse automation is revolutionary.
Human-machine collaboration, mobile picking robots and advanced algorithms are redefining efficiency and precision in the logistics sector and companies that embrace these technologies position themselves advantageously in the market
AI and robotics represent a key chapter in the logistics of the future, but in TOD System we are not sitting on our hands waiting.
Our team of Research and development works hard to develop and patent innovative solutions for logistics 4.0 which is already 5.0.
todrobot TR1 it is one of the fruits of this commitment.
Let's talk about a completely solution autonomous and customizable, small in size and easy to reprogram and position even in small company spaces.
Thanks to Robotic Vision that our Research and Development department studied and created for the TR1 project, ours mobile collaborative robot is able to identify and distinguish the packages and objects with which it will have to interact.
A system of Vision Detection which, therefore, guarantees perfect execution of goods handling operations.
Potential, this, guaranteed to todrobot TR1 give it Smart Gripper, also from TOD System, mounted on its robotic arm.
Our Smart Gripper it's a Compact electric vacuum gripper with integrated vacuum generator, which allows extremely flexible configuration based on application needs.
Easy to move and simple to program, the Smart Gripper is quick and easy to reposition, for greater operational flexibility.
Contact us to learn more about all the TOD System picking solutions.
