Conveyor technology for the robot picking cell © Klinkhammer

The piece-picking robot removes the medicines from the source containers and scans the item-identifying, machine-readable pharmaceutical central number. The robot automatically places the goods in the order carton only after checking that they match the order. This keeps the error rate very low. Robot piece picking not only increases picking accuracy, but also efficiency, especially in batch size 1 picking.

Sophisticated logic improves the software and therefore the performance of the system

As orders for online orders can contain different numbers of items, an optimized retrieval strategy for the source containers from the automated warehouse is particularly important. To ensure that the piece-picking robots are always working to capacity with six source containers and one target carton, the material flow control system was supplemented with an order management system using mathematical algorithms. The retrieval strategies now use complex logic to ensure that the source container changes and the container sequences are optimized according to the order structure. The aim is to avoid idle times at the 15 robot picking stations.

A circulation mode and a pre-reservation mode are stored if, for example, the same source containers are required for several picking cells. The algorithms also take into account the storage times of items, such as the FiFo principle, in which the oldest container has priority. The software also increases the storage density. The degree of occupancy of the bins is taken into account during selection and the almost empty bins are preferably emptied first. The algorithms also take into account express orders for customers that have to be dispatched with higher priority. By optimizing the retrieval strategies according to a variety of criteria and weightings, the utilization of the robot stations could be significantly increased. The optimization was possible because Klinkhammer was able to verify the order data several times over several days and peak times using various simulations.

"With the highly automated pharmaceutical logistics centers, the company is well positioned for future growth," explains Dirk Wappler, COO and Managing Director of the apo.com Group. "Not only the consistent digitalization and continuous improvement of processes, but also the use of artificial intelligence in logistics and recyclable materials when shipping products are factors in the company's success."

AI-supported robot technology for piece picking

Picking workstations can be fully automated with AI-supported robot technology. The robot's intelligent image recognition detects the different orientations of the products in the bins. The robot takes care of "reaching into the box", scanning the ID and depositing it in the target carton. The robot cells have an extremely compact design. The picking robots can also perform additional tasks such as warehouse compaction and consolidation of goods. The system is designed in such a way that more than 48 picking robots could be implemented in a further expansion stage.

The Klinkvision visualization system enables data exchange with all conveyor controls and integrated system components. The location and status of each carton and its destination data can be tracked transparently in the Klinkhammer visualization system, enabling rapid alarm diagnosis in the warehouse. Numerous service and rapid assistance services, which previously required an on-site visit, can now be carried out remotely with the help of the visualization system. The logistics center is connected to the remote service and is centrally monitored and supported by qualified Klinkhammer specialists.

This article appeared in issue 6/23