(Commonwealth) Dematic, a renowned global leader in intelligent automated solutions, recently achieved a significant feat by completing the implementation of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solution for Radial Europe, a subsidiary of bpostgroup specializing in BTC e-commerce fulfillment. This milestone involved the installation of 299 cutting-edge AMRs at Radial’s logistics center in Groningen, Netherlands. These AMRs are designed to seamlessly transport pallets and totes to transfer stations and picking stations within the logistics center. The deployment of this advanced AMR solution signifies a pivotal enhancement in Radial’s warehouse processes, poised to unlock heightened efficiency in their order fulfillment operations. Notably, this represents Dematic’s largest AMR order on a global scale, underlining the technological prowess and scale of this implementation. Kevin Heath, the global director of robotics at Dematic, emphasized the custom-tailored nature of their solution, which aligns seamlessly with Radial’s objectives of augmenting efficiency, bolstering flexibility, and ensuring scalability for future growth. Heath highlighted that this integrated solution isn’t solely about process optimization but also centers on enhancing experiences for both employees and customers.
Radial primarily leverages the AMR system to process e-commerce orders, particularly focusing on apparel products. The system is ingeniously designed, comprising three key application areas utilizing distinct types of AMRs for optimized functionalities. The AMR system deployed comprises three specialized units, each meticulously designed to optimize distinct facets of the order fulfillment process. The Pallet-to-picker AMRs function seamlessly, facilitating the movement of pallets from storage bays to transfer stations and picking station racks situated at the packing stations. This streamlines and expedites the order-picking process, enhancing overall operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the Bin-to-picker AMRs take charge of pallet storage within an automated high-bay warehouse, efficiently transporting them to the picking stations. Specifically tailored for executing split-case orders, these AMRs accommodate a wide array of individual products or article variants, ensuring a comprehensive and agile approach to order fulfillment. Additionally, the Order-shelf-transport AMRs play a pivotal role in transporting orders across multi-level shelves, ensuring swift and accurate delivery to the packing stations, where they undergo further processing. These meticulously crafted segments collectively optimize logistics operations, contributing to heightened efficiency and precision within the fulfillment center’s workflow.
Dries De Love, executive vice president at Radial Europe, highlighted the multifaceted benefits derived from this innovative solution. It not only optimizes operational efficiency, thereby enhancing services and cost-effectiveness for customers but also delivers ergonomic and safety improvements for employees, culminating in an overall stronger performance for Radial.
The successful execution of the project at Radial’s Groningen facility is a significant milestone for Dematic, underscoring its expertise and collaborative effort with KION partner Quicktron. Heath emphasized that this milestone contract has not only paved the way for establishing best safety practices for innovative technology but also set the stage for exemplary customer service and spare parts provision within the EMEA region, serving as a template for global AMR service standards. This project has been instrumental in amplifying Dematic’s expertise in the application, design, and implementation of AMR systems. Heath emphasized that this experience has immensely contributed to their understanding of AMR-based order fulfillment systems, fostering plans for further global expansion in this domain. Dematic’s remarkable implementation of the AMR solution for Radial Europe stands as a testament to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in optimizing warehouse operations. This transformative project not only redefines efficiency in order fulfillment but also serves as a catalyst for advancing technological frontiers in automated logistics solutions on a global scale.
