Numina Group unveils Batchbot AMRs with voice picking

Numina Group Inc. recently launched its Batchbot autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, which feature voice picking technology. This enables the robots to more easily work in sync with people, said the company.

Batchbot picking combines AMRs with pick-by-voice technology, Numina’s RDS Victory Voice Suite, and hands-free barcode scan validation. Numina said that with the technology, operators can achieve over 350 picks per hour.

Numina’s RDS warehouse execution and control system (WES–WCS) orchestrates the picking. The platform includes a library of pre-developed execution and control modules.

The system delivers a coordinated zone-based workflow that streamlines order fulfillment, reduces reliance on forklifts, achieves a 99.98% accuracy, and doubles the case-per-hour pick rate, Numina claimed.

The Woodridge, Ill.-based company also asserted that its technologies boost picking accuracy to 99.9%. Numina has more than 40 years of experience designing and implementing automation for omnichannel business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) fulfillment operations.

Voice software can increase productivity

With its voice-directed warehouse software, Numina claimed that it can increase picking productivity by up to 35%.

Mobile robots deliver items to Numina’s Pick Modules (PMs). These modules with human workers are managed by the WES. When an AMR comes with new items, a voice prompt guides workers through each step of the order-picking process.

In combination with a hands-free barcode scanner, this allows staffers to use both hands while confirming picks. During order picking, the WES uses voice commands to direct workers to the PM zones with the highest demand in real time, ensuring optimal labor utilization and maintaining high units-per-hour performance, said Numina.

Numina highlights Batchbot benefits

Numina’s RDS system uses high-capacity AMRs that can handle 1,300 to 3,300 lb. (589.6 to 1,496.8 kg) and contain up to 30 orders per batch. The company listed potential Batchbot benefits:

• Labor cost reduction: Numina customers can cut labor costs by 50% or more.
• Increased productivity: Boost pick, pack, and ship efficiency can increase by 40% to 70% or more, it said.
• Higher order accuracy: RDS can quickly improve pick-pack accuracy to 99.9% with pick-by-voice commands and hands-free barcode scan validation, according to Numina.
• Reduced wasted walk time and fatigue: It said the system can eliminate excessive walking and manual cart pushing, using optimized travel paths and directing AMRs and workers simultaneously.
• Seamless integration: RDS is designed to integrate with existing WMS and enterprise resource planning systems for a smooth transition.
• Modular and scalable: Companies can add automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and AMRs as their business grows.
• Real-time tracking: RDS tracks automated order start, pick route navigation, and real-time operator pick rates.
• Reduced staffing requirements: Numina noted that its AMRs self-advance to starting points, pick-up, and drop-off locations without human intervention.
• Eliminate idle time: Customers can maintain 95% equipment utilization rates by keeping AMRs continuously moving.
• Improved on-time delivery: Numina promised that higher throughput and efficiency would lead to more reliable delivery times.
• High ROI: The company said its users can achieve a high return on investment (ROI) by reducing idle time and increasing equipment utilization.