"Depalletizing random, mixed cartons is new in logistics, while robots have been around in manufacturing for many years," says Karoline Kowalik, logistics engineer at Arvato. "Robots are usually good at doing one task at a time, adding label recognition and separation makes them special for use in logistics." In the warehouse, robots have to deal with thousands of different sizes and shapes in rapidly changing environments. Arvato was specifically looking for a provider that could develop and implement a turnkey, end-to-end solution internationally, not just the robot. In collaboration with the global robot integrator AWL and the image processing developer Fizyr, Arvato developed its depalletizing robot called 'Stark'. With a flexible gripper head and self-learning KIVision software, 'Stark' can place up to 750 different cartons per hour on the conveyor belt. "The close collaboration was the key to success, as there are only a few similar solutions on the logistics market," explains Karoline Kowalik.

"With our first robot application, we are further expanding our automation expertise and our modular solution kit," explains Bernhard Lembeck, Vice President Future Warehouse at Arvato. "Recurring processes such as the storage and retrieval of goods or order picking can often be handled more efficiently and cost-effectively, especially in combination with other automation technologies such as driverless transport systems."

Arvato has already initiated various cross-industry projects to further advance automation and the use of innovative robotic solutions. The aim is to meet customers' demanding fulfillment requirements even more reliably and flexibly in the future. "Warehouse automation is not only an optimal support for our customers in developing their business," emphasizes Martijn Nielen, Managing Director at Arvato in the Netherlands. "At the same time, it is also an important step in Arvato's digitalization strategy." Not only can the automated systems and their IT be integrated into the company's massively expanded cloud technology, but they also generate a wealth of new data that Arvato uses together with its extensive big data pool from the entire value chain to develop new digital solutions. The Arvato experts agree that innovative robotic solutions are therefore becoming increasingly important on the road to the future warehouse in logistics. Various other robotics applications are therefore being planned, with which Arvato intends to continue its innovation journey and play a pioneering role in the logistics market.