Edeka Automates Single-Item Picking with Two AI Robots
The Nordfrische Center processes up to 40,000 containers daily and supplies approximately 650 stores. Two robots from Knapp now handle up to 900 picks per hour.
The Edeka Nordfrische Center in Lüttow-Valluhn has expanded its existing logistics automation system with two Pick-it-Easy robots from Knapp. The systems handle the single-item picking of meat and sausage products, each achieving approximately 450 picks per hour.
The facility supplies approximately 650 Edeka stores daily with about 2,500 different items. The distribution center covers approximately 8,000 m² and processes up to 40,000 containers per day at a constant temperature of 2 °C. A shuttle system has approximately 70,000 storage locations.
The two new robots use AI-powered image processing and gripping technology to recognize and handle different products. In addition to order picking, they scan barcodes and record the actual weight of the items. According to Edeka, the automated order fulfillment system can operate around the clock as needed.
The center combines several methods for order fulfillment. In addition to the new robots, “goods-to-person” workstations and “pick-to-light” stations are used. The automation solution, designed by Knapp in 2019, processes both products from the adjacent production facility and goods from external suppliers.
Knapp’s Kisoft software manages the flow of goods and processes. It tracks orders from goods receipt through storage and order picking to shipping and provides data on inventory, capacity, and process statuses.
After picking, the orders are consolidated into delivery routes. According to the companies, stacking onto roll containers and pallets, as well as the handling of refrigerated thermal containers, is also largely automated.
With the two additional robots, Edeka is further expanding an automation solution that has been in place for several years. The primary focus is on increasing the automation of single-item order picking and reducing manual tasks.
