Overview
Kitbot ASRS – A warehouse automation solution for automated storage and retrieval, easy kitting process, and automated material movement in shop-floor.
The solution consists of
- Pickbot – a robotic storage and retrieval system
- Rhino – an AGV for material movement between store and shop-floor
- Pick and Deposit stations
- Central monitoring System – synchronizing the tasks between the robotic systems, interfacing with ERP and human
The system is capable of handling thousands of material containers with high efficiency and absolute accuracy. Robotic platforms in the system are built with modularity and flexibility to expand for larger storage, handle heavier and variety of containers / payload.
Pickbot
Pickbot is an automated storage and retrieval machine.
Operates within a single storage aisle to store and retrieve loads. It is designed for high lifts, fast speed, and accurate positioning.
The Pickbot has a carriage mechanism which consists of arm and gripper mechanism to retrieve and carry the load. The mechanism services both sides of the aisle and can operate in very narrow aisle configurations, where the aisle is only marginally wider than the load. Pickbot transfers loads to and from a multi direction Pick and Deposit (P & D) station.
Rhino
Rhinos are Battery powered Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), primarily used to transport the loads between shop-floor / manufacturing / shipping and storage. The robotic system uses optical, magnetic and RF guidance, where the overall control is with the central monitoring system.
Rhinos can co-work with human with awareness of its surrounding environment to avoid obstacle, collision with other vehicles and human.
- Speed up-to 3 ft. /sec
- Cliff and Obstacle sensors for safety
- Uses wireless Communication with Central Monitoring System
- Carry weight up to 30 Kg
P&D Station
Pick and Deposit (P&D) stations are locations in the holding store at which a load is entering or leaving storage supported by the Pickbot machines.
The system is a combination of motorized racks, lifts, and multidirectional conveyers.
Every Pickbot has its own dedicated pick-up and delivery station, and are located at end of the storage aisles. The P&D stations are integrated with the central monitoring system.
Central Monitoring System
Central Monitoring System (CMS) is the brain of this automation system.
CMS interfaces with the ERP system to receive order picking requests, prioritizes the tasks, and assign tasks to individual robotic and conveyer systems.
The detailed graphical interface helps operator to monitor real-time status of individual tasks and units, as well allows manual assignment of tasks.
Monitors sensors-switches, and controls power and emergency response systems to ensure safety
Functionality
- Interfaced to ERP for order-picking based on predefined BOM and locations of components
- Pickbot Speed of 6ft/Sec – deliver a load within 30sec for a 100ft long bay
- Rhino Speed of 3ft/Sec – Steady and safe to co-work with human
- Integrated with obstacle sensors for safety
- Pickbot is powered externally from overhead track, Rhino is Battery powered
- Pickbot picks up bins from shelves placed at height up-to 8’
- Lifts/carries weight up to 30kg
- Carries containers up-to size of 60x60x60cm
User Benefit
- Integrate multiple small warehouses into a single central warehouse
- Capability to handle large number of items efficiently, without error
- Avoid pilferage and wastage by eliminating handling errors
- Minimum 3X increase in productivity compared to manual labour
- Round the clock operation resulting in faster ROI
- Easy to deploy, high quality product and post-sale service
- In-house Development and quality control of complete design
Gallery
Rhino mechanism to handle uneven surface
Configurable Actuators for different load
Can pick up loads from both side of aisle
Specification
| Item | Specification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 30Kg | Both Pickbot and Rhino on a flat surface |
| Power Source | Overhead 120VDC power-train for Pickbot, 48VDC Battery for Rhino | |
| Data interface | Wi-Fi with Central Monitoring Station (CMS) | Extended network required for Rhino |
| Speed | 6ft/Sec for Pickbot, 3ft/Sec for Rhino | Varying based on environment, task |
| Number of Pickbot | 1 Pickbot per aisle | |
| Number of Rhino | As many as required depending on floor area and task | Task allocation synchronized by CMS |
| Size | Pickbot – 3ftx3ftx10ft, Rhino – 2ftx3ftx1.5ft | |
| Body | Mild Steel, Aluminium, Glass Fibre | |
| Temperature Range | -25 to 85 Deg | |
| Weight | Pickbot – 150kg, Rhino – 20kg | |
| Pickbot Safety | Cordoned area, human entry/presence will shut down the power | Entry/Exit monitor, obstacle avoidance |
| Rhino Safety | Travels on predefined path, with obstacle avoidance | Redundant Infrared, Sonar, and Optical sensors |
