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Fetch Robotics Partners With Warehouse Automation Software Company Lucas Systems

August 20, 2021 by Aline Dias

Fetch Robotics and Lucas Systems band together in hopes of enabling the next generation of smart warehouses.

Lucas Systems was established in 1998 to help transform distribution center operations with the goal of increasing productivity, operational agility, accuracy, and reducing the need for labor. The company’s solutions include the Warehouse Optimization Suite as well as Jennifer™, a voice-directed warehousing solution.

 

 

Motion planning in FetchCore. Image used courtesy of Fetch Robotics [created using GIPHY]

 

Fetch Robotics manufactures autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehouses and fulfillment centers to help automate manual material movement. Some of its AMR solutions include picking, counting, line feeding, and removal. Additionally, the company claims it was the world’s first to implement a cloud robotics platform.

 

Lucas Systems Warehouse Optimization Suite

The Warehouse Optimization Suite by Lucas Systems utilizes Jennifer™, which incorporates various AI, machine learning, and other decision-making technologies. The suite helps workers communicate with machines, devices, and systems.

 

Different ways the Warehouse Optimization Suite helps a factory workflow. Image used courtesy of Lucas Systems

 

Because the suite integrates with existing robotics and automation systems, as well as its on-premise or cloud availability, Lucas believes that it’s a flexible and configurable solution.

The “brain” AI of the suite, Jennifer™, integrates optimization, orchestration, and communication in a facility. The AI uses predictive analytics gathered from real-time data and AI-based algorithms. From this data, it orchestrates workflows across workers, robots, and automation systems. Finally, Jennifer™ uses a mobile app and voice-directed applications. The voice-direction uses dual speech engines and deep neural networks.

This software suite will integrate with Fetch’s AMRs to create a tailored solution for customers.

 

Fetch Robotics Portfolio

Currently, Fetch has its FetchCore cloud software, which deploys, controls, and monitors the company’s fleet of robots. Its features include building and annotating maps for motion planning, and building and scheduling workflows.

In addition to its cloud software, Fetch offers a robust AMR portfolio. For instance, the HMIShelf autonomously transports bins and packages; the PalletTransport1500 automates pallet movements with a built-in lift module; the RollerTop automates tote transport and conveyor handoffs. 

 

The RollerTop AMR bringing a bin full of packages to a conveyor belt. Image used courtesy of Fetch Robotics

 

Fetch’s AMRs and cloud software can integrate with any warehouse management system (WMS), warehouse execution system (WES), or management execution system (MES). The partnership will now unite Lucas’s software suite, including voice direction, which integrates with existing systems. 

 

A Partnership Built for Warehouse Operations

Through the partnership with Lucas Systems, Fetch Robotics hopes to tailor its fleet of AMRs along with Lucas Systems’ software for warehouse workers. According to Fetch Robotics, manufacturers need help increasing throughput and productivity while meeting accuracy and delivery requirements. 

As seen with digital transformation, smart facilities incorporate people, robots, machines, and control systems all working together. 

Combining Lucas’ AI-based software with Fetch’s AMRs could optimize order, batch, case, and pallet-picking operations in virtually every industry moving materials manually. The companies hope their partnership will increase efficiency, reduce cycle times, as well as the labor shortage impact.

With this partnership, robots should be able to manage tasks better suited to their abilities, leaving workers more time for higher-value tasks.