Laputa Robotics announced on October 29th that it had delivered its "Laputa PA-AMR Large Capacity Model" picking assist robot to Keihin Distribution's Yokohama Distribution Center and that it had begun operations there.
<Laputa PA-AMR high-capacity model currently in operation at the Yokohama Distribution Center>
The system introduced is a Laputa PA-AMR high-capacity model equipped with four 30L folding containers, allowing for picking one order per container.
Compared to the conventional method of consolidating multiple orders into a 60L container, this system allows for simultaneous work across four openings, reducing travel distance. By combining multi-order picking with reduced walking distance, we aim to more than double the productivity compared to conventional methods.
By scanning barcodes on pre-printed forms, the robots can be flexibly assigned the order of tasks, eliminating the need for post-processing (matching forms against packages) and reducing rework.
Until now, Keihin's shipping operations relied heavily on the experience and know-how of veteran staff, and a challenge was how to quickly integrate spot workers and new staff into the workforce. The worsening labor shortage was also increasing the burden on on-site operations.
We decided to introduce the Laputa PA-AMR high-capacity model in order to move away from tasks that rely on individual expertise and create an environment where newcomers and temporary workers can quickly become productive.
