Urbx has recently introduced its new robotic inventory storage and retrieval system. According to the company, this system boasts the capability to fulfill complex, multi-SKU orders with remarkable efficiency.
Drawing from the foundations of traditional automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), Urbx’s innovation combines robotics, software, and storage racking to offer notable advantages in speed, height, density, and scalability within goods-to-person order fulfillment processes.
The system operates through a fleet of Urb TowerBots, each equipped with AI technology to navigate efficiently through a dense storage grid, retrieving totes and delivering them to a pick station via the shortest 3D path.
These TowerBots traverse atop the racking and descend through strategically positioned columns to access inventory, eliminating the need for navigating aisles or extensive digging to reach lower storage layers. This design enables quick access to inventory at various levels, with storage capacities reaching up to 75 totes high.
After retrieval, the TowerBots transport the totes to built-in conveyor tiles for further processing and order consolidation.
In practical terms, the Urbx system demonstrates remarkable fulfillment speeds, capable of completing a 50-line order in less than 2.5 minutes.
Lincoln Cavalieri, Urbx’s founder and CEO, states, “Our initiative with Urbx was to meet the demand for expedited retail order fulfillment, a demand that existing solutions were not adequately addressing. We’ve developed a system that pushes the boundaries of automation, ultimately enhancing fulfillment operations.”
He further emphasizes the potential applications of the system beyond warehousing, suggesting its suitability for grocery fulfillment and various consumer-facing retail scenarios.
The Urbx system offers double-deep storage capabilities, reaching industry-leading heights for maximum density and capacity, while occupying minimal horizontal space. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for supply chains aiming to establish distribution points closer to urban consumers, where space constraints drive the need for vertical expansion.
With its ability to accommodate up to 100 pounds per tote, the system is versatile enough to handle a wide range of inventory types, including heavy and dense items.
Urbx has prioritized integrator flexibility, avoiding strict software requirements and specialized hardware components. The system is distributed and supported globally through a network of material handling automation systems integrators, with standard controls provided by Beckoff and totes supplied by Utz.
Breaking supply chain news is just a click away at The Supply Chain Report. Enhance your knowledge of international trade at ADAMftd.com with free tools.
#UrbxLaunch #RoboticStorage #InventoryAutomation #WarehouseTech #SupplyChainInnovation #SupplyChainNews
