The transport robots will automatically transport pallets and containers to the transfer stations and picking stations. Dematic is also installing 45 pick and pack stations. For Dematic, this is the largest AMR-based order to date in the EMEA region. The planned system will enable Radial to process orders faster with a minimized error rate. The e-commerce retailer also expects an increase in service levels for its customers. The system is scheduled to go live in May 2023.

Processing of e-commerce orders

At Radial, a provider of omnichannel commerce technologies and processes, the almost 300 AMRs will be used to process e-commerce orders in the textile sector. "Our technology will give an enormous boost to the level of automation, making processes many times more efficient. The system enables Radial to anticipate changes in order volumes more quickly and react flexibly to them," says Bernard Biolchini, Executive Vice President EMEA at Dematic.

The project includes the delivery of the transport robots, which will be supplied by the KION Group's strategic partner Quicktron, and the installation of 45 pick and pack stations. The AMRs are divided into three types: Pallet-moving AMRs transport pallets from the entrance to the buffer. From there, they are transported to the transfer stations and the racks of the picking stations at the packing stations. Container-moving AMRs also transport the containers between the rack storage area and the picking stations. There, container lifting machines move them from the rack location to the transfer stations at the bottom of the rack. The racking system has a total capacity of around 65,000 containers for end customer goods.

According to Dematic, one of the most important advantages of AMR is its operational safety. Sensors and cameras detect obstacles and can reroute the route accordingly. The control system and software also enable quick and easy adjustments to be made during operation. Francis De Backer, Managing Director, Benelux and Nordics, EMEA, adds: "Our AMR solutions can therefore be used as stand-alone systems or in conjunction with other material handling systems. They work with highly developed software algorithms and are therefore able to create orders independently and define efficient routes." Furthermore, the system is comparatively easy to implement and can be used in different environments.