Customer Success Story - IAM Robotics
Customer – IAM Robotics
IAM Robotics, creators of the world’s first autonomous mobile
manipulation robot, has found a niche in e-commerce order fulfillment. Its
robots use highly advanced computer vision and perception technology combined
with an articulated robot arm on a mobile base to autonomously navigate
warehouse aisles, picking and transporting products just like a human.
Our Task
IAM Robotics turned to us for our polyurethane expertise.
The company tasked us with the job of providing a wheel material suitable for the
typical usage and environments of their mobile picking robots, named SwiftTM.
The company designs their robots to work
around the clock, continuously moving on the floors of warehouses and
distribution centers. Its charging system only requires a 30-second change
about once a shift, avoiding any lengthy downtime. The continuous operation made
localization a key consideration when selecting wheels for the Swift robots.
The Swift™ Robot
Swift works like a
human order picker, moving through inventory aisles, finding the right
products, picking them into a tote, and then transporting that tote downstream
for packaging and shipment.
Picking
The robot sports a six-axis articulated
arm engineered with highly advanced computer vision and perception technology.
One of the fastest in the industry, its arm can grab from both sides of an aisle
and reach up as high as 7 feet or as low as 2 inches from the ground.
Mobility
Swift’s high-powered mobile base is
one of its primary differentiators in the industry. Several picking and
grasping robotic arms exist on the market but none are married to an autonomous
mobile base to move, pick, and carry items, like Swift. Its base also
offers convenience through a hot-swappable battery, which requires only one
person 30 seconds to change out. This feature keeps Swift robots working 24/7
without the need for breaks.
Obstacle Avoidance
Picking and mobility are the
machine's primary functions, but it also is engineered for maximum safety as it
continually looks to avoid obstacles. Swift has multiple 3-D cameras onboard
providing wide fields of view, making it one of the most advanced detection
systems in the industry.
Our Solution
After becoming familiar with the robot and its usage, we
recommended to IAM Robotics the Smoothy® material. Our Smoothy® products are
uniquely manufactured to a nearly perfect OD, giving them a virtually perfect
cylindricity.
This technology was attractive to the roboticists at IAM
Robotics because of the effect it would have on the robot’s localization. Localization
refers to the robot’s ability to accurately recognize its position within the
environment. Picking machines require unparalleled accuracy, and their localization
is no exception. While it may be hard to believe, the slightest irregularities
in the wheel’s profile can impact on the machine’s locational accuracy. The
smallest imperfection would be magnified revolution after revolution, especially
in Swift robots, which are designed to run continuously.
At Stellana, we solve problems. Whether our customers would
like to find a wheel for a new product or find a better wheel for an existing
product, we are always happy to bring enhanced performance and efficiency to
their application.
About Stellana
Stellana is the leading global manufacturer of VULKOLLAN®,
polyurethane, rubber, thermoplastic, and TPU wheels. With more than 60 years of
industry experience, we are the material handling industry's largest global
supplier of polymer wheels. Strategically located in Sweden, Germany, the
United States, China, and Sri Lanka, we offer a comprehensive range of wheels
and tires. Learn more at www.stellana.com.
IAM Robotics
IAM Robotics makes autonomous mobile manipulation robots
(AMMRs) capable of fully automated order picking and transportation in
fulfillment centers and warehouses. Founded in 2012, the company is comprised
of the best and brightest robot and automation experts, tinkerers, and problem
solvers, who are laser focused on delivering innovation and operational value
that is transforming the material handling industry. IAM Robotics is based in
Pittsburgh, a leading region for robotics innovation, invention, and discovery.
To learn more about IAM Robotics, visit www.iamrobotics.com.
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