Fast Deployable Autonomous Systems for Order Picking - How Small and Medium Size Enterprises Can Benefit from the Automation of the Picking Process

Abstract

Abstract:The paper focuses on a recently introduced paradigm for the logistic process of picking, with respect to the man-to-goods and goods-to-man concept: the robot-to-goods. First the task and system architecture of the fast deployable autonomous commissioning system are described, then the economic efficiency of the system is analysed in a real business case scenario using a simplified method, which is explained and discussed. The clearly positive Net Present Value of the investment and the short Payback Period obtained in the business case prove how the robot-to-goods paradigm for the commissioning process, implemented through the automation of the forklift platform, is economically attractive for small and medium size enterprises.

Automated order picking systems and the links between design and performance: a systematic literature review

“…Costs are studied by Bonini, Urru, and Echelmeyer (2016), specifically investment costs and the payback period for a robot mounted on an AGV.…”