Goods-to-Person Warehouse Automation

2. Shuttle/Mini-Load AS/RS 

Shuttle systems use robotic shuttles to transport items within the storage structure. These shuttles move horizontally and vertically to access items efficiently. They are well-suited for high-density storage applications. Benefits of Shuttle/Mini-Load AS/RS include:

• High Throughput: Shuttle systems excel in high-throughput environments, where they can rapidly move items within the storage structure, facilitating faster order processing.
• Flexible Configuration: Shuttle systems are adaptable to various storage configurations and can be customized to accommodate different types of products and shelving systems. They can also utilize extended vertical space, improving the storage density.
• Reduced Labor: By automating the retrieval process, shuttle systems significantly reduce the labor required for picking and replenishment, leading to lower operational costs.
• Error Reduction: The automated nature of shuttle systems minimizes human error during the picking process, resulting in higher order accuracy.

Mobile Solutions

1. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

AMRs are a flexible and cost-effective alternative for Goods to Person picking. These robots are equipped with advanced navigation systems and sensors that allow them to move autonomously within the warehouse environment. AMRs can carry individual units, pallets, or storage shelves of product to operators. Benefits of AMRs in floor picking include: 

• Flexibility
• Easy Integration
• Scalability
• Increased Efficiency

2. Floor-Guided Robots

Floor-guided robots, similar to AMRs, are designed to assist in GTP picking by transporting individual items or small storage units within the warehouse. While they may not have the same level of autonomous navigation and adaptability as AMRs, they may be the more appropriate application in certain cases. Some of the benefits of floor robots in GTP picking are: 

• Affordability
• Simplicity of Operation
• Task-Specific
• Easily Integrated into Larger Systems
• Scalability

Goods-to-Person (GTP) Picking vs Person-to-Goods (PTG) Picking

Goods to Person (GTP) picking and Person to Goods (PTG) picking represent two distinct approaches to warehouse operations. While GTP focuses on bringing items to the operator, PTG involves operators retrieving items from warehouse storage locations and transporting them to the picking area.

In some cases, both GTP and PTG methods may incorporate automation technologies. For example, in PTG picking, operators might select items from warehouse shelves and load them onto an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) or similar system, which then transports the items to the picking station. This hybrid approach reduces the time operators spend walking and minimizes labor-intensive tasks associated with carrying heavy items.

In general, GTP systems require a higher initial investment to achieve greater variable operating savings, while PTG operations require lower upfront capital, but higher variable labor expense.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)

AMRs are a type of automated storage and retrieval system that are able to navigate without human guidance. They’re able to use sensors and cameras to make their way to products, select them, and transport them around an area. Depending on the size and capability of the AMR, they can transport boxes, trays, crates, totes, or pallets. They can be used in picking to bring items to operators, or can be used for security, maintenance, and inventorying purposes.