The new division is responsible for the application and implementation of robotic solutions designed to make order fulfillment more efficient, productive and responsive to today's on-demand and omni-channel shipping requirements.

The new division offers a wide range of automated solutions based on process improvements, robot technology, new visions and software. From goods receiving to shipping, these solutions can be used in all areas of the warehouse. Typical solutions include layer-by-layer and piece-by-piece depalletizing, tote replenishment, robotic piece picking, kitting, the introduction of crossbelt and pocket sortation systems as well as palletizing and truck loading. The solutions are designed for handling unit loads, crates, containers, layers and pallets.

Head of the new Robotics Center of Excellence division is Crystal Parrott. She brings more than 28 years of experience in robotics and automation and is responsible for leading all robotics initiatives, driving the robotics roadmap, and directing, coordinating and supporting robotics solutions. Prior to joining Dematic, Parrott was responsible for the development of advanced robotic solutions at Southwest Research Institute.

Jim Stollberg, EVP Global Product & Solution Management at Dematic, says: "Our customers are looking for solutions that address the order fulfillment challenges posed by changing consumer behavior. Robotic automation will be that solution. As was the case decades ago in the manufacturing industry, robotic applications counteract labor shortages and ensure accuracy and speed in operations." E-commerce fulfillment, stock replenishment for retail stores and wholesalers (B2C and B2B) are some of the typical market sectors that have the necessary requirements for automated and robotic order fulfillment.

"Technology advances in the future, in product handling and in software are the key factors that make robot technology, which is widely used in production, more practical and cost-effective for a wide range of applications," explains Parrott. "In addition, we can leverage our past experience in implementing robotic solutions for depalletizing and palletizing and combine it with new features. In this way, goods-to-robot picking, tote replenishment and sorter loading provide a powerful solution for a wide range of applications." kp