Augmenter la performance de prélèvement avec les mises à jour logicielles de 6 River Systems

6 River Systems (6RS) offre aux utilisateurs mondiaux des robots de prélèvement collaboratifs Chuck des mises à jour logicielles continues, permettant d’augmenter encore la performance de prélèvement. Les améliorations pilotées par le cloud sont un élément essentiel du partenariat étroit entre 6RS et ses clients.

Tesla drivers know this: At regular intervals, electric cars receive free software updates that further enhance functionality and efficiency. Owners simply need to agree before the fully automated installation begins. The mobile collaborative picking robot Chuck from 6 River Systems (6RS) operates on a similar principle, being regularly improved or expanded with new features through cloud-controlled software updates. One of the goals of these updates is to increase the productivity of existing customers year after year.

Chuck specializes in storage, picking, counting, replenishment, and sorting tasks with a maximum payload of just over 90 kg. Chuck guides its operators through the processes within their assigned picking zones. It is supported by artificial intelligence, which identifies the ideal route and prioritizes orders. By adaptively directing the various picking zones, 6RS increases efficiency. Congestion is reduced, and relevant tasks are combined. Employees remain in their picking zones, being sequentially accompanied by different Chucks that autonomously cover longer distances between the zones. This principle significantly reduces the travel costs of employees.

Fonctionnalités pour plusieurs niveaux

Based on optimized algorithms, a software update can, for example, enable robots to detect obstacles and congestion in individual aisles even faster and adapt to them. A new version can also help Chuck navigate around obstacles more quickly. Other updates address the challenges of specific markets. Facilities in Europe, for example, are more often built with multiple levels than in North America, which affects the deployment of robots and their process control. For Europe, 6 River Systems introduces features to manage Chucks across multiple levels and distributed work areas. Last but not least, a software update can be a proactive tool to prepare for seasonal demand changes.

All updates are announced, managed, and personally explained by the respective 6RS Customer Success Manager (CSM). The partnership between CSMs and users is one of the unique features that set 6RS apart from other providers. Once Chuck has been successfully implemented, 6RS takes responsibility for the customer’s success. The CSM analyzes and reviews the current installation and provides guidance on further improvement potentials that can be realized by changing on-site processes. This is done as part of the ROAR program initiated by 6RS. ROAR stands for « Raise Our Average Rates, » with software updates and individual on-site improvements forming the pillars. Unlike traditional automation with physically connected conveyor systems, software improvements can be integrated into everyday operations with minimal effort.

« Customer Springboard » - Un comité de clients

The collaborative interaction between 6RS and its customers worldwide is also reflected in their « Customer Springboard » program. This is a panel of customers who contribute ideas and wishes for further development. The resulting feedback loop ultimately influences the content of software updates. There is also a parallel with Tesla. Elon Musk likes to draw inspiration from his customers. Some improvements, such as the « Dog Mode, » have emerged in this way.

Photo: © 6 River Systems