Knapp began developing robot solutions for single-piece handling and using them in automation solutions several years ago. Around five years ago, the robot solution Pick-it-Easy Robot powered by Covariant was further developed with the AI-supported vision system from Covariant. The robot solution is a combination of Knapp's KiSoft software and Covariant Brain's image processing. This enables the automatic handling of individual items, for example for high-performance order picking or the fully automated transfer of goods to pocket sorter systems. Pick-it-Easy Robot is already relieving warehouse employees of monotonous routine picking tasks in numerous applications.

First meeting at AI conference

Knapp and Covariant got to know each other during a visit to the GTC, a major AI conference in Silicon Valley. They quickly discovered the potential for collaboration. "So we decided to carry out some tests together and challenge Covariant's artificial intelligence. The results were very impressive. We therefore decided to enter into a partnership and combine our robotics and logistics expertise with Covariant's AI brain," recalls Peter Puchwein, Vice President Research & Development at Knapp.

Today, 26 Knapp customers worldwide in various industries in Europe, North America and Australia rely on the Pick-it-Easy Robot. These include projects with well-known companies such as Würth, McKesson and Brodrene Dahl. Ted Stinson, Covariant COO, emphasizes: "This long-term partnership is an example of what happens when two pioneers join forces. We are thrilled with the trust Knapp has placed in Covariant and look forward to continuing to deliver transformative results for our joint customers and the industry as a whole."