The new Geek+ C200 Robot Shuttle System combines the bin-carrying C200 series robot with normal mezzanine rack to realize goods-to-person picking as a cost-effective, high storage capacity and high flexibility solution. The solution has a weight of 270 kg and measures 920 x 690 x 2500 mm (length x width x height). It identifies, picks and transports standard-sized bins and cartons weighing up to 40 kg. It is suitable for multi-SKU storage and picking applications and designed to operate on single layer racks and multi-layer mezzanine racks.

The system fits into existing warehouses and can be implemented quickly and without major modifications to the building or infrastructure. Furthermore it is easy to adapt to changes in workload by adding or removing robots. The system can also be used in single-layer environments as well as in multi-layer operations, where, for example, goods are collected on a mezzanine floor.

Geek+ C200 Robot Shuttle System navigates accurately, to the exact last centimetre. For this, the solution uses QR-codes and three cameras. One underneath the vehicle and one on either side of the load carrying device. It is characterized through new data analysis and machine learning. With new data, the AI algorithms are constantly upgraded to increase in precision and complexity. The robot shuttle can reach driving speeds of 2 m/s. The lifting speed is just over 26 cm/s.

When processes allow it or the battery capacity is under 70 percent, the C200 independently navigates to the charging station to recharge the lithium-ion battery. Continuous availability is thus guaranteed.

This picking solution can reduce costs. Overall costs have been halved compared to traditional shuttle systems – and with equivalent picking efficiency and storage capacity – according to the manufacturer.

Moreover, compared to former models in the market, its modular layout and high flexibility make the deployment and maintenance of the AI robots easy and accessible.

There is no concrete IFOY test protocol for this type of solution, but during the IFOY TEST DAYS, the accuracy of the robot, the swift movements and the trouble-free deployment impress the testers.

As soon as the robot detects and approaches an obstacle, it gives an audio warning. This is in Chinese for the IFOY test robot, but can also be set in English, the manufacturer assures us. If the obstacle is not removed in time (or the person does not pass through in time), the C200 stops at 30 centimetres from the detected object (or person). This distance is adjustable as well.

Of course, the QR codes on the floor in particular face the risk of becoming dirty or damaged. A clean working environment and regular attention to the codes is therefore desirable.

IFOY Test Verdict

The new Geek+ 200 Robot Shuttle System is an innovative, productive and AI driven solution to improve order fulfillment efficiency in the warehouse distribution center, realizing goods-to-person picking in a way of cost-effective, high storage capacity and high flexibility.