Dematic integrated robotic layer picking solution with FreePick Maximiser software

Dematic has introduced an integrated robotic layer picking solution, combining an advanced robotic layer picker with software that enables the system to operate at efficiency rates of up to 150% and, in some cases, eliminate as much as 80% of manual handling.

The layer picking system achieves high throughput rates via the FreePick Maximiser software. By cross-matching orders and pairing those with compatible order profiles, FreePick Maximiser enables up to 50% of goods to be distributed without them being handled at all.

Dematic’s PickDirector warehouse control system initiates picking and orders the stock required for layer picking in the sequence required to fulfil the next wave of orders. Pallets of stock are automatically conveyed to the layer-picking robot where they go direct to one of several pick-and-put locations, which enable several orders to be picked concurrently.

While the software requests pallets to arrive at the layer-picking robot in a particular sequence to suit order assembly, the reality is that pallets occasionally turn up out of sequence. Buffer storage locations enable such pallets to be temporarily stored online until required. An empty pallet station accommodates the production of multiple layer sandwich pallets.

As new pallets of stock are fed into the system, the layer picker selects the required layers and transfers the stock to customer order pallets.

The 4-axis layer-picking robot is equipped with a Qubiqa vacuum head for better handling reliability.

Completed orders are conveyed to despatch through check weighing, stretch wrapping and labelling, meaning even greater savings in reduced handling.