Mecalux’s Collaborative Picking System Incorporates Siemens’ AI-driven Tech

Siemens has announced a collaborative venture with Mecalux, a provider of automated warehouse technologies and systems. Mecalux has brought forward its latest robot-picking solution, but this time, a technology from Siemens provides an exciting boost to bin-to-bin and conveyor-based picking operations. The Mecalux picking solution incorporates Siemens’ Simatic Robot Pick AI 3D vision software, enabling robots to pick objects of any size and shape safely and with speed.
 

The Simatic Robot Pick AI 3D vision software uses a pre-trained, deep-learning algorithm to detect optimum picking positions. Image used courtesy of Siemens

 

Automated Warehouse Picking

Ask any warehouse production manager, and they will undoubtedly point out manual picking as a timely, labor-intensive, and costly activity. According to Siemens, 90% of picking jobs are still conducted by human workers. This is where Siemens and other forward-thinking automation adopters seek to make a change.

Manual picking in warehouse and production processes presents drawbacks, such as the potential for human errors, slower picking rates, the risk of injuries from repetitive tasks, and worker fatigue. Conversely, automated picking robots mitigate these challenges by providing increased speed, precision, and reliability. These robots can also operate continuously without succumbing to fatigue, enhancing overall efficiency.

Moreover, automated picking systems often integrate advanced technologies like computer vision and machine learning, enabling robots to adapt to dynamic environments and handle diverse product types. Using an automated picking system enhances order fulfillment accuracy and allows human workers to concentrate on more intricate tasks, ultimately optimizing warehouse and production processes.

 

 

An overview of the Siemens-Mecalux collaboration to optimize order fulfillment in warehousing and logistics environments. Video used courtesy of Mecalux 

 

Simatic Robot Pick AI

Siemens' Simatic Robot Pick AI 3D vision software incorporates pre-trained AI models to gauge depth and differences in color from input provided by a 3D camera sensor. Using Simatic Robot Pick AI, picking cobots can choose suction gripper pick points (6 degrees of freedom grasp postures) on varied items in boxes during operation without requiring extra computer-aided design-based training.

According to Siemens, robots employing Simatic Robot Pick AI can move items in a bin-to-bin picking scenario with a success rate above 98%. When applied to conveyor induction picking, the Simatic Pick AI software enhances the picking of objects placed in fixed positions for deposit onto a moving conveyor belt system. 

Users can integrate Simatic Robot Pick AI with Siemens’ Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal and use the Simatic Robot Library to standardize information exchange between robots and PLCs.

 

Mecalux’s collaborative picking solution utilizes Siemens’ Simatic Robot Pick AI technology for improved order processing. Image used courtesy of Mecalux

 

Siemens TIA Portal

Siemens' TIA Portal provides access to specialized processes, including digital planning, operational visibility (or transparent operation), and integrated engineering. In terms of digital workflows, the TIA Portal provides a virtual environment for overseeing systems and machines. Users can access comprehensive simulation of controls and human-machine interfaces, as well as connect to the cloud and operational information technology for team collaboration and data standardization. Automation components are centralized through the portal, allowing for teamwork, facilitating the more rapid detection of programming errors, and reducing response time to customer requirements. 

 

Siemens and Mecalux's combined technology and expertise seek to optimize the robot-picking process. Image used courtesy of Mecalux

 

Mecalux’s Picking Robot Solution

Mecalux has created a solution that encourages cobots' precise placement of goods. The collaborative picking solution, seamlessly integrated with Mecalux's warehouse management software, can autonomously adapt its gripping system based on the nature of the items. Leveraging Siemens' vision processing system and AI algorithm, the cobots efficiently identify and assess the contents of newly received boxes. 

Siemens and Mecalux are working together to determine the optimal approach for picking each product, enabling cobots to execute the picking process independently and accurately. This collaboration underscores the synergies between Siemens and Mecalux, resulting in a highly efficient and automated warehouse solution.