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Edeka automates single-item picking with two AI robots from Knapp
Automation Strengthens Process and Supply Security
In addition to the actual picking of items, the robots take on further process steps. These include scanning barcodes and recording the actual item weight. By integrating these functions into the automated picking process, manual steps are expected to be reduced and process quality improved.
With this expansion, Edeka also aims for increased independence from personnel and other external influencing factors. The additional automation is intended to support delivery availability and strengthen the resilience of the supply chain.
Shuttle Warehouse with Around 70,000 Storage Locations
The new robots complement an existing automation solution whose concept Knapp had already designed in 2019 for future expansions. The distribution center processes up to 40,000 containers daily on an area of around 8,000 square meters at a constant temperature of +2 degrees Celsius.
The warehouse processes include both meat and sausage products from the directly connected production facility as well as products from external suppliers. After goods receipt, the goods are depalletized and the containers are destacked. Subsequently, they are stored in a shuttle system with around 70,000 storage locations.
The automated warehouse prepares the items for subsequent picking processes. Depending on the turnover frequency, the goods are directed to different picking areas.
Multiple Picking Methods in Use
For store-compliant order assembly, the Edeka Nordfrische Center utilizes various picking technologies. In addition to ergonomic goods-to-person workstations from the "Pick-it-Easy" product line, pick-to-light stations and the newly integrated picking robots are employed.
By combining different methods, the distribution center can adapt order processing to different item structures and turnover frequencies. While the existing workstations and pick-to-light stations remain part of the picking process, the robots take on additional tasks in automated single-item picking.
After picking, orders are prepared according to planned delivery routes. The stacking of goods on roll containers, pallets, or in chilled thermal containers is also largely automated. The processes are designed for store-compliant delivery, maintaining the cold chain.
"Kisoft" Controls Goods and Process Flows
To control automated intralogistics, Edeka uses the "Kisoft" software from Knapp. It coordinates the goods and process flows from goods receipt through storage and picking to shipping.
The "Kisoft Appsuite" software solution assists customer orders from transmission to delivery. It provides information on inventories, available capacities, and current process statuses. Based on this data, the system supports the optimization of storage strategies and resource management according to needs.
Additionally, the software handles tasks in planning customer orders, delivery routes, and personnel deployment. According to Edeka, similarly structured user interfaces facilitate the use of applications in different work areas, including goods receipt, picking, and loading.
Gradual Expansion of Existing Automation
The integration of the two picking robots is part of the long-term collaboration between Edeka and Knapp. During the automation solution's conception in 2019, possible future growth steps were already considered, according to the company.
With the additional robotics, the Nordfrische Center is now enhancing its existing warehouse technology to include full-automatic single-item picking. The goal is to adapt existing processes to increasing demands regarding performance, flexibility, and supply security.
Translated automatically from German.
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