HAI Robotics: Transforming Warehouses with Flexible and Scalable Robotics

This session at DELIVER Europe 2024, presented by Alexander Peschel from HAI Robotics, showcased the company's innovative robotic solutions for warehouse automation, emphasizing flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

HAI Robotics: A Leading Provider of Autonomous Case-handling Robotic (ACR) Systems

HAI Robotics, founded in 2016, has rapidly become a leading provider of ACR systems, with over 1,800 employees and 1,300 projects installed in over 40 countries. The company's mission is to empower warehouses with intelligent robotics, improving efficiency and productivity.

The Advantages of Mobile Automation

Peschel highlighted the key advantages of mobile automation compared to traditional, stationary systems:

• Flexibility: Easily adapt to changing business needs and order profiles.
• Scalability: Add or remove robots and workstations as needed to adjust capacity and throughput.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Lower investment costs and faster ROI compared to traditional automation.

HAI Robotics' Solutions: HAIPICK Systems

HAI Robotics offers three main HAIPICK systems:

• HAIPICK System 1: Utilizes ACRs to transport totes and boxes within aisles and to workstations.
• HAIPICK System 2: Combines ACRs with pallet AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) for efficient order consolidation.
• HAIPICK System 3: Disconnects the vertical and horizontal movements, using ACRs for vertical storage and AMRs for ground transportation.

Key Features and Innovations

• Unique Load Handling Device: A hook-based system enables multi-tote retrieval and high-density storage.
• Telescopic Lift: HAI's ACRs can reach up to 12 meters, maximizing vertical storage space.
• Triple-Deep Storage: Increases storage density by up to 36% compared to double-deep configurations.
• Safety Vest: A transponder-equipped vest allows maintenance personnel to safely interact with robots during operation.

Case Study: New Wave Textiles

Peschel presented a case study of New Wave Textiles, a workwear service provider with a vast SKU range and complex fulfilment requirements. HAI Robotics' solution helped New Wave:

• Increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Optimize storage utilization.
• Simplify order consolidation.
• Improve ergonomics and workplace safety.

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility is Key: Mobile automation offers greater flexibility and adaptability compared to traditional systems.
• Scalability for Growth: HAI's solutions can easily scale to accommodate future growth and changing needs.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Mobile automation offers a faster ROI and lower investment costs.
• Safety and Efficiency: Innovative features like the safety vest and multi-tote retrieval enhance safety and efficiency.
• Customer-Centric Approach: HAI Robotics focuses on understanding and meeting the specific needs of each customer.

By offering flexible, scalable, and cost-effective robotic solutions, HAI Robotics is empowering businesses to transform their warehouse operations, improve efficiency, and overcome labor challenges in today's dynamic market.