Cobot Revolution: Mecalux and Siemens Pioneer Collaborative Warehouse Automation

Simatic Robot Pick AI 3D vision software enables robots to pick any item in warehouse picking tasks, regardless of shape and size.

(IN BRIEF) Mecalux, a global provider of warehouse solutions, and Siemens have partnered to enhance industrial automation technologies. They have introduced a pioneering solution, utilizing artificial intelligence, to optimize warehouse picking tasks. The solution, based on Siemens’ Xcelerator platform, leverages Simatic Robot Pick AI technology, enabling robots to efficiently pick items in warehouses regardless of their shape or size. Mecalux has also launched two collaborative picking solutions using this technology, including a cobot designed to work alongside human operators. These innovations aim to increase operational efficiency and address labor shortages in warehouses.

(PRESS RELEASE) NUREMBERG, 14-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Siemens AG (ETR: SIE), a German multinational conglomerate and Europe’s largest industrial manufacturing company, announces that it has joined forces with Mecalux, a global leader in automated warehouse solutions and stacker cranes, to revolutionize industrial automation technologies. Leveraging Siemens’ expertise in artificial intelligence and Mecalux’s proficiency in warehouse solutions, they have unveiled a cutting-edge solution set to optimize picking tasks in warehouses and logistics centers.

This groundbreaking solution harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and is built upon Siemens’ Xcelerator, an open digital business platform featuring a comprehensive software and IoT-enabled hardware portfolio, a thriving partner ecosystem, and a dynamic marketplace.

Introducing Simatic Robot Pick AI: Elevating Warehouse Efficiency

Mecalux’s latest automated solution is founded on Siemens’ Simatic Robot Pick AI technology, a state-of-the-art image processing software fueled by machine learning. This 3D image processing software empowers robots to proficiently pick items during warehouse operations, irrespective of their shape or size. A pre-trained deep learning algorithm empowers the identification of 3D positions for picking with unrivaled accuracy and speed, facilitating high-throughput systems that operate seamlessly without collisions. Simatic Robot Pick AI seamlessly integrates into the TIA Portal automation platform, offering standardized communication channels between robot and PLC systems.

Javier Carrillo, CEO of Mecalux, enthuses, “The technology partnership with Siemens has enabled us to develop a highly flexible, safe, and user-friendly robot solution that adapts to the specific needs of our customers.”

Mecalux Launches Innovative Cobot-Powered Picking Solutions

Building on Simatic Robot Pick AI, Mecalux has introduced two collaborative picking solutions:

1. Cobot for Operator Collaboration: This cobot is programmed to work safely alongside human operators, enhancing the efficiency and safety of shared workstations.
2. Autonomous High-Performance Cobot: Designed for high-speed picking stations, this cobot operates autonomously, ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 operation with up to 1,000 picks per hour.

A sophisticated 3D camera positioned above the cobot’s picking box captures a detailed image of the items, facilitating efficient order compilation. The cobot, driven by precision and guided by an algorithm developed by Mecalux, accurately places items in the picking box, optimizing space utilization. Mecalux’s warehouse management software adds a layer of intelligence, allowing the cobot to adapt its gripping system based on the item type. When presented with a new box, Siemens’ vision processing system and AI algorithm swiftly identify its contents and determine the most efficient way to pick each product. Both cobots execute the picking process autonomously and with remarkable precision.

Dr. Alexander Bollig, Vice President of the Vertical Market Intralogistics at Siemens Digital Industries, emphasizes, “The picking robot solution from Mecalux shows how AI-controlled picking robots will now be more flexible, allowing different shapes, sizes, and types of packaging to be processed quickly. The effects of the labor shortage can now be mitigated and operational efficiency in warehouses increased at the same time.”

This collaboration between Mecalux and Siemens represents a significant leap forward in warehouse automation, offering unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability.

Siemens Digital Industries (DI) is an innovation leader in automation and digitalization. Closely collaborating with partners and customers, DI drives the digital transformation in the process and discrete industries. With its Digital Enterprise portfolio, DI provides companies of all sizes with an end-to-end set of products, solutions, and services to integrate and digitalize the entire value chain. Optimized for the specific needs of each industry, DI’s unique portfolio supports customers to achieve greater productivity and flexibility. DI is constantly adding innovations to its portfolio to integrate cutting-edge future technologies. Siemens Digital Industries has its global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, and has employed around 72,000 people internationally.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €77.8 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 320,000 people worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Media contact:

Katharina Rebbereh
Siemens AG
+49 172 841 35 39
katharina.rebbereh@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens AG