It combines the performance of Fetch's Freight500 and Freight1500 autonomous mobile robots (AMR) with the optimization functions of Körber's warehouse management systems to support case picking processes in facilities of all sizes.

"Warehouse operators today are struggling with record order volumes and limited access to labor and need flexible solutions more than ever," says Stefan Nusser, Chief Product Officer at Fetch Robotics. "With our new case picking solution, our customers can realize safer and more efficient picking in locations of any size."

In a traditional case-pick-to-pallet process, picking employees spend the majority of their shift driving or pulling a forklift or pallet truck from storage bin to storage bin as indicated by the pick sheet or RF device. They have to manually find the right product, carry out the picking, return to the forklift and move to the next storage location, load products and continue transporting them until the collection container (such as a pallet) is fully loaded. Although this procedure is widespread, it has considerable disadvantages. Long distances often have to be covered. This leaves little time for the actual picking. In addition, congestion can occur in the warehouse aisles as several employees use the same routes.

The new case picking solution from Fetch and Körber enables zone-based picking, which means that employees remain in the assigned aisles. This improves picking across multiple orders. The workflow uses the pick path optimization of the Körber WMS: the solution directs the AMR to the right places in the right order, ensuring an optimal pallet build. The solution can be used via RF scanners, voice picking or together with visually based picking solutions. Nishan Wijemanne, Global Leader AMR/Robotics, Körber Business Area Supply Chain, says: "Fetch Robotics continues to develop state-of-the-art automated warehouse solutions. The new integrated case-pick-to-pallet solution speeds up order fulfillment, improves worker safety and optimizes workflows for our customers worldwide."

While the new solution is focused on picking cartons, Fetch's AMRs can also be combined with Körber's WMS to optimize single order picking, batch picking and replenishment. Together, the companies also enable automated pallet-based workflows such as cross-docking, putaway, replenishment and returns. Fetch's broad AMR portfolio can also be used to automate virtually any material movement, including recycling/waste disposal, putaway, the milk run concept, rush orders and other tasks that require manual labor.