Pickommerce today announced that it has secured $3.4 million in funding to advance the development, production, and marketing of its PickoBot piece-picking robot. The Meitar, Israel-based company said it has delivered the “missing link in achieving a fully autonomous warehouse workflow.”
While today’s logistics operations are increasingly automating processes such as crate collection and package unloading, the final “pick and pack” step still largely relies on human pickers, even in the most advanced warehouses. Piece-picking robots can mitigate labor shortages by taking on repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and efficiently handling a wide range of items, said Pickommerce.
The global market for warehouse automation could experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53.4% and reach nearly $9 billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence.
PickoBot has multiple gripping methods
Pickommerce said its autonomous pick-and-pack station uses computer vision, artificial intelligence, and patented robotic grippers. The company noted that its technology is based on academic research in robotic grasping and can be integrated with existing automation.
PickoBot uses computer vision and machine learning to safely pick and package objects of different sizes, weights, and textures, according to Pickommerce. The system includes multiple gripping methods, including vacuum, finger-based, and patented adhesive-based end effectors.
An AI-driven decision-making algorithm selects the optimal gripper and grasp configuration for each item. Pickommerce said its patented technologies can significantly increase the variety of products that can logistics robots can handle, as well as their level of autonomy.
The company claimed that its systems support industries such as apparel, retail, consumer goods, e-commerce, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and spare parts.
Havivian Farm benefits from robotic precision
Pickommerce cited its recent installation at Havivian Farm, one of the largest organic farms in Israel. It said it showecased the adaptability, precision, and gentle touch of its intelligent gripping technology.
The organic farming enterprise turned to Pickommerce to reduce operational costs by automating its high-volume fresh-produce packing line. Unlike competitive systems, PickoBot can adapt to the complexities of picking and packing fresh produce at a rapid pace, asserted Pickommerce.
This rapid and accurate picking capability is valuable for any supermarket that accepts online orders, the company said.
“At Havivian Farms, quality is at the core of everything we do,” said Boaz Havivian, owner of Havivian Farms. “From planting seeds in the soil to harvesting our crops, we are committed to ensuring our customers receive the freshest, highest-quality goods.”
“Pickommerce has been integral to this process,” he added. “Their Picobot enables us to efficiently handle and pack our produce for shipment, ensuring it reaches customers in perfect condition.”
Investors promote Pickommerce approach
IL Ventures, a fund focused on disruptive technologies for legacy industries, led Pickommerce’s funding roud. It also included InNegev, Fusion VC, the Israel Innovation Authority, and strategic investor ZIM Ventures, the corporate venture arm of maritime shipping company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
“Pickommerce is disrupting the logistics industry by delivering advanced solutions that streamline automation operations, significantly enhancing their overall efficiency,” said Yoni Heilbronn, managing partner at IL Ventures.
“In an industry where manual picking still overwhelmingly dominates the process, this solution is poised to redefine standards and drive a new era that’s more agile, responsive, and cost-effective,” he said. “Booming demand for Pickommerce’s technology shows that the company’s solutions cater to an urgent and essential market need.”
“We appreciate the commitment from our investors, customers, and partners, and we are seeing significant market demand for Pickobot,” observed Kfir Nissim, co-founder and CEO of Pickommerce. “We are pushing the boundaries of the industry by offering unmatched, robot-agnostic flexibility with the PickoBot’s diverse gripping abilities. This is achieved through the seamless integration of advanced computer vision, a highly optimized packing algorithm, and AI-powered decision-making.”
