Siemens recently entered into a partnership with logistics technology company Mecalux. The two sides will give full play to the technical accumulation and rich experience in their respective fields, and use artificial intelligence technology to create automatic sorting robot solutions to improve the efficiency of warehouses and logistics centers.

Simatic Robot Pick AI integrates artificial intelligence technology into warehouse management

The new Mecalux robotics solution is based on Siemens Simatic Robot Pick AI technology, a cutting-edge vision processing software based on deep learning algorithms that drives robots to grab objects of any size and shape on demand while performing sorting tasks. Its pre-trained deep learning algorithm is able to calculate the optimal picked 3D pose in a short time, achieving high cargo throughput while avoiding collisions in the box. Simatic Robot Pick AI can also be seamlessly integrated with the TIA Boto automation platform, and with the Simatic Robot Library, the PLC system can establish standardized communication with the robot.

Javier Carrillo, CEO of Mecalux, said: “By joining forces with Siemens, we have created a flexible, secure and user-friendly robotic solution that can better meet the diverse needs of our customers.”

Mecalux creates a new automated sorting solution for collaborative robots

Mecalux has introduced two collaborative sorting solutions based on Simatic Robot Pick AI: a collaborative robot that works with an operator in a shared workstation, and a collaborative robot that works autonomously in a high-performance sorting station. Mecalux’s sorting solutions operate around the clock and can perform up to 1,000 picks per hour.

The collaborative robot is equipped with a camera above its sorting box to capture 3D images of the goods. Once the item is selected, the collaborative robot accurately places it in the sorting bin and makes the most of the available space. Mecalux’s algorithms ensure that cobots place goods exactly where they need to be. With the help of Mecalux warehouse management software, the collaborative sorting solution automatically ADAPTS to the type of goods. When a new box is received, Siemens’ vision processing system and artificial intelligence algorithms identify the items and determine the most appropriate way to sort each item. Both collaborative robot solutions can perform the sorting process completely autonomously with extremely high accuracy.

Dr. Alexander Bollig, Vice President Logistics at Siemens Digital Industries, said: “The Mecalux sorting robot solution demonstrates how artificial intelligence can drive sorting robots to process goods of different shapes and sizes more flexibly and quickly. By applying cutting-edge technology, we can help mitigate the impact of labor shortages while improving warehouse operational efficiency.”