Modern fulfillment centers are characterized by the automated transport of large quantities and variants of stock keeping units (SKUs). The three companies' solution is designed to enable users in the logistics and e-commerce sector to automatically pick items in this material flow regardless of shape, size, opacity or transparency.

"We are delighted to be working with Universal Robots and Zivid to introduce a ground-breaking solution for intralogistics," says Ignacio Moreno, Business Development Manager at Siemens. "We are using advanced machine vision with collaborative robotics and our Simatic Robot Pick AI. The result is an application that allows users to automate picking effortlessly in any environment."

"There is huge potential and demand for automation in fulfillment centers and the e-commerce industry. Our application is easy to use and integrate," says Daniel Friedman, Global Director, Strategic Partnerships at Universal Robots. "The cooperation with Siemens and Zivid shows how we are increasingly linking our robot platform with AI technologies."

Specifically, the solution combines these technologies:

• 'Simatic Robot Pick AI' from Siemens is a pre-trained, deep learning-based image processing software that enables robots to perform tasks that were previously handled manually.
• The 'UR20' from Universal Robots with its long reach and compact design also lifts heavy objects over extended work areas. Safety standards are adhered to. The solution also works seamlessly with the other UR models.
• The '2+ M130' from Zivid is a 3D camera that can reliably capture even transparent and translucent objects. This makes it possible to automate demanding gripping tasks in e-commerce and fulfillment.

The solution has already been presented at selected trade fairs in Europe and North America in recent weeks - including Logimat in Stuttgart. It can be seen at the Hannover Messe from April 22 to 26 and at Automate in Chicago from May 6 to 9.

Hannover Messe: Hall 9, Stand D53