Automated intralogistics solutions provider Swisslog is ushering in a new era of digital logistics leadership at CeMAT 2023, launching its new AutoPiQ solution, showcasing its refreshed branding, displaying a live CarryPick modular storage and picking system demo, and hosting thought leadership speaking sessions.
Swisslog Australia and New Zealand head of sales and consulting Sean Ledbury said the company was becoming increasingly future focused.
“This year we are looking to the future, and companies in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly conscious about using more sustainable solutions, better utilising existing warehouse space to save on high rental costs, and technology that provides greater flexibility and more functions,” said Ledbury.
A softer touch with AutoPiQ
AutoStore – a grid-based automation solution for which Swisslog is the leading integrator globally – can be combined with Swisslog’s ItemPiQ robots to create an AutoPiQ solution, which will be displayed for the first time at Swisslog’s CeMAT stand.
Swisslog’s latest ItemPiQ robot cell is equipped with an intelligent vision system and multifunctional gripper to enable gripping of a wider product range. The cell is based on a human/robot shared picking principle – the robot picks the item it is able to pick, and the worker finishes the order.
The Swisslog stand will be live streaming an AutoPiQ set up, where visitors will have the opportunity to register to see the solution in person at Swisslog’s head office, just down the road from CeMAT.
“This is a great opportunity to see our latest technology in person. The gripper on the new AutoPiQ solution can delicately handle a wider range of product, opening up new picking options within a warehouse,” said Ledbury.
Live CarryPick demonstration
At Swisslog’s CeMAT stand, there will be a live demonstration of its CarryPick technology. CarryPick is a flexible and modular storage and order picking system designed for multi-channel intralogistics.
Automated mobile vehicles, developed by Swisslog and KUKA, navigate via a grid to deliver mobile racks to workstations for picking, thereby reducing the travel path for workers.
The workstations are safe and configurable to specific requirements. They also reduce the picking error rate thanks to pick-by-light and pick pointer. Users benefit from an intuitive workstation interface making it easy to use and ensuring smooth processes.
“CarryPick is a highly flexible solution, which can easily store goods of different shapes and sizes, and can be changed as a business’ needs change. Advanced algorithms optimise the way goods are stored and picked, to deliver the most efficient performance. It also has simple installation requirements, so a CarryPick solution can be installed in as little as six months, depending on the site’s specific requirements,” said Ledbury.
Staying in-SynQ
CarryPick, like the broader range of Swisslog’s automated warehousing solutions, can be further optimised with the addition of Swisslog’s SynQ software. SynQ is a software powered by Swisslog that stands for synchronised intelligence. It synchronises people, process, and machines for efficient operations. In addition to being a WMS, it can perform the task of a WCS (Warehouse Control System), or MFS (Material Flow System), and can seamlessly interact with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and e-shop systems.
SynQ can extend the flexibility and productivity of the full Swisslog range, including its pallet Automated Storage and Retrieval (ASRS) systems, and PowerStore high density shuttle systems.
For a solution like CarryPick, SynQ creates a simplified user interface to speed up pick performance and onboarding. SynQ has modules specific to each automation solution, and for CarryPick, there are two main sections:
CarryPick Director, which includes order management, inventory management, putaway, counting, picking, and data visualisation. “CarryPick Director allows for the smart dynamic assignment of products to racks. With a single point of control, its proven algorithms deliver maximum warehouse performance, including tailored customer processes,” said Ledbury.
Carry Manager, which includes energy management, data visualisation, fleet management, mobile racks, path planning, and blacklisting (blocking areas where Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) cannot go). “Carry Manager helps plan the movement of the AGVs for the greatest efficiency and least energy consumption, so that warehouse operations can be more sustainable, whilst simultaneously delivering product more efficiently,” said Ledbury.
CeMAT thought leadership sessions
Swisslog experts will be providing their industry insights in speaking sessions at CeMAT, including:
Dense storage split case picking
Swisslog Senior Consultant, Steve Dimitrovski, and SKUTOPIA co-founder, Talea Bader, look at how SKUTOPIA is using a Swisslog MFC solution to save space and maximise efficiency. Micro-Fulfillment Centres (MFCs) provide a high density and more sustainable solution than traditional warehousing alternatives.
Swisslog has installed an AutoStore grid-based automation solution for e-commerce fulfillment specialist, SKUTOPIA, which began with 7,000 bins served by 16 robots, and is now upgrading the system to over 32,000 bins and 65 additional robots to meet growing demand. The SKUTOPIA AutoStore solution by Swisslog, is also the first globally to feature an integrated click and collect feature, allowing customers to collect their parcels at any time that suits them, day or night.
Maximising your existing operational footprint.
Swisslog Senior Consultant, Charles John, and Sales Consultant, Richard Bercich, discuss how ROI can be greater when maximising the space in an existing warehouse, compared to purchasing a new site.
For companies experiencing growth, it can be tempting to look at establishing an additional warehouse to cope with demand. But the capital expenditure and ongoing costs mean payback can take a long time. Instead, many e-commerce, retail, and industrial companies are looking at ways to maximise their existing operational footprint with intelligent and space-saving automation solutions, with a quick ROI.
A future-focused rebrand
This year, Swisslog undertook a rebrand to better reflect its position in the digital and dynamic world of the future.
Swisslog CEO Antonio Trioschi said the new digital brand fit the direction of the business.
“Swisslog is becoming more digitalised, through the solutions we provide and in the way they are deployed and serviced.
We are proud to be launching a fresh brand that drives this commitment across the logistics automation industry, representing Swisslog's core strategy of creating exceptional value for our customers,”said Trioschi.
Under the new leadership of Swisslog Australia and New Zealand MD Dan Ulmamei, and the recent appointment of Ledbury, Swisslog has undergone a customer-focused transformation, driven by their shared passion for customer-centricity and commitment to delivering exceptional service, which drew them both to the organisation.
“As part of our customer strategy, we have built a specialised local software and controls capability by having our teams work on-site and be available within close proximity to our customers. Our team is committed to delivering customer-centric services through reliability, engagement, and pro-active continuous improvement,” said Ulmamei.
Swisslog will be at CeMAT 2023, stand B12, at Sydney Olympic Park, 25-27 July.
