The robotic singulation automated induction (RSAI) is a solution MHS designed to help distribution centers address some of the industry’s most pressing obstacles: high-volume e-commerce orders, labor challenges and limited square footage. The robotic singulation solution combines advanced robotic technologies to identify and pick individual items from bulk flow, sorting and placing packages in a properly oriented, single-file stream to feed downstream processes with speed, accuracy and efficiency.
The singulation solution is a much more space-efficient solution than existing conveyor based automated singulation solutions and can process up to 2,000 parcels per hour. Vision software and machine learning algorithms enable the solution to pick individual items from bulk flow, learning from every attempt, then properly orienting them in a single-file stream.
The sophisticated gripping system uses vacuum-based end effectors (suction cups) to handle a variety of packaging types commonly found in e-commerce and parcel-processing environments, from corrugate cases to polybags. A confirmation vision system verifies that each parcel is placed in the proper location and is only a singular piece.
As e-commerce volumes continue to surge and challenges finding and retaining labor persist, robotic singulation effectively addresses both, making a meaningful impact at an attractive value with ROI possible within two years.
Computer vision, smart controls and a sophisticated gripping system provide an alternative to bulky, space-eating conveyor based singulation solutions and laborious manual workflows. When necessary, the system automatically retries picks before allowing a parcel to proceed to the sync and merge zone, ensuring smooth singulation to feed downstream processes.
Exception cases are processed by the automatic reject function, without interrupting continued singulation. Optional modules such as a scale and scan tunnel provide additional functionality. The solution enhances speed, accuracy and efficiency in the singulation process while reducing labor dependency – all in a smaller footprint than conveyor-based systems.
