Bauhaus has automated the goods receiving process at its import and central warehouse in Krefeld by using robots from XYZ Robotics. The RockyOne and RockyOne SE systems are responsible for unloading containers, sorting and palletising in a seamless, automated workflow.
The autonomous RockyOne solution drives into the containers, analyses the dimensions as well as the shape of parcels and unloads the boxes, which vary in size and orientation. A barcode scanning system then identifies each box for real-time sorting. The RockyOne SE then stacks the boxes onto pallets according to customer-specific patterns.
According to Bauhaus, the logistics centre in Krefeld processes thousands of incoming goods deliveries every day, comprising more than 10,000 items. The shape, weight and stacking configuration of the boxes can vary considerably. The technology provider has tailored its solution to these changing requirements.
Robots work round the clock
According to Bauhaus, the system has been running round the clock since it was commissioned, with no manual intervention required – from the shipping container right through to the warehouse. “We are already looking into where else we can deploy this technology within our logistics network,” says Torsten Winter, Vice President of Operations Warehousing & Transport at BAHAG / Bauhaus AG.
Rather than unloading the boxes themselves in confined spaces, warehouse staff monitor the systems via a tablet interface. The automation is designed to reduce the need for physically demanding lifting tasks in extreme temperatures and improve process safety. According to XYZ Robotics, only a brief induction is required to operate the technology.
XYZ Robotics aims to expand presence in Europe
Following the deployment in Krefeld, XYZ Robotics aims to attract further warehouse and distribution operators across Europe. To this end, the company is expanding its presence in Europe. Locally based teams will support customers throughout the entire lifecycle of the systems.
The technology provider has been developing mobile handling robots since 2018 for loading and unloading trucks and for picking boxes. XYZ Robotics has branches in Germany, the USA, China, Japan and South Korea.
The video, in German, shows how the RockyOne systems work at Bauhaus’s central warehouse. (Video: XYZ Robotics)
