inVia Robotics Expands Rakuten Super Logistics Deployment to Multiple New Locations

inVia deploys additional robot fleets at Rakuten Super Logistics warehouses

inVia Robotics announced today the expanded deployment of its Picker autonomous mobile robots (AMR) in additional  Rakuten Super Logistics (RSL) warehouses across the United States. The first warehouse of the expansion is already in operation, having gone live in Las Vegas, Nevada earlier this year. Over the course of the next few months, the system will be added into facilities in several key RSL distribution centers across the country. This expanded deployment is further proof that inVia is delivering value to goods-to-human use cases with its unique AMR solution. inVia AMR Pickers can be deployed quickly into existing warehouse facilities with minimal to no facility reconfiguration. The Pickers are able to autonomously pull totes or boxes from multi-level warehouse shelves and stage them for pack out stations.

inVia Robots-as-a-Service is a key differentiator

inVia’s Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) solution, a subscription-based model, was chosen by RSL ahead of competitors due to its ability to increase efficiencies across many operating layers within RSL’s facilities without having to develop in-house robotics expertise. Since using inVia’s system, RSL has seen 50% – 70% percent increase in throughput, as well as an increase in employee morale.

Integration to the warehouse management system

“For Rakuten Super Logistics and our broad mix of customers, inVia Robotics’ solution is the perfect way to seamlessly integrate automation into our operations and immediately realize the benefits of increased productivity,” explains Michael Manzione, chief executive officer, Rakuten Super Logistics. “Our expanded partnership with inVia is indicative of our company’s commitment to providing clients with state-of-the-art technology designed to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.”

Rakuten selected inVia over the competition primarily because of their ability to scale. Additional Pickers can quickly and easily be added to the fleet and they are immediately productive. The RaaS model employed by inVia for all of their customers means that Rakuten doesn’t have to invest long term capital into the operational fleet. This feature of the solution is what has made it easy for Rakuten to initially prove the solution and now expand to more facilities. inVia’s platform seamlessly integrates with any existing warehouse layout and software, and its RaaS model lets customers see an immediate ROI with pricing based on the productivity of the system.

“We look forward to continuing to support the rapid growth of Rakuten Super Logistics. through automation of their fulfillment workflows, which provides them with an edge over their competitors,” said Lior Elazary, founder and chief executive officer, inVia Robotics. “The ability for inVia’s system to adapt to any environment and to scale makes it the perfect solution for Rakuten Super Logistics’ existing and new warehouses as e-commerce demand  and RSL’s business continues to grow.”

If you are in Chicago this week for the Automate and ProMAT 2019 tradeshows, be sure to stop by the inVia booth (ProMAT S3684) and see the solution. Otherwise, check them out at the inVia website 

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Written by

Mike Oitzman

Mike Oitzman is Senior Editor of WTWH's Robotics Group, cohost of The Robot Report Podcast, and founder of the Mobile Robot Guide. Oitzman is a robotics industry veteran with 25-plus years of experience at various high-tech companies in the roles of marketing, sales and product management. He can be reached at moitzman@wtwhmedia.com.