Using robotics to fulfil online orders

For many large companies, warehouse robotics are key to fulfilling online orders by automating key steps in the supply chain. Robots equipped with AI and computer vision can identify, grasp and sort products with precision. 

Many companies use these cutting-edge robotics systems to power one of the world's most advanced logistics networks.

What happens once an online order has been placed?

When an online order is made, there are systems in place to ensure orders are completed and shipped as quickly as possible. Algorithms determine which warehouse, or 'fulfilment centre', has the item in stock and is closest to the customer. 

Amazon uses robots in their fulfilment centres, these robots are called 'drives'. The robots work on the 'robotic floor', where products are stored in tall shelves called 'pods'. The products within the pods are laid out randomly which actually improves efficiency, especially during times when a particular range of products is in high demand. Once an order is placed by a customer online, it's the robot's job to locate the correct pod which contains the product and bring the pod to the picker. This is much faster than a human walking from shelf to shelf to find products for the picker.

The robotic drives are designed solely to transport products to pickers, they have wheels to be able to move around quickly. The robot drive units are strong, capable of lifting pods containing many different products at a time. The robotic drives are also smart, they are fully automated, aware of their surroundings and each other. They are constantly looking for the most efficient route to take.

Tracking robots using QR codes

How do the robot drives know where each other are and how are employees able to monitor this? To solve this the whole floor is split up into a grid with a QR code painted in each square, the robots have a QR code scanner located underneath to continually scan the QR codes on the floor and then feed this data back to a cloud computer. This allows employees to know where each robot is, through programming this also allows the robots to keep track of one another and report any dropped items. 

Through a combination of programming, the QR code system and cloud computing, the robots are able to find the most efficient path to deliver the correct products to the picker without crashing into each other. 

What type of engineers work in a fulfilment centre?

A variety of engineers are needed to design and improve the technology, equipment and systems needed to ensure orders are received as quickly as possible in the most efficient manner.

From mechanical engineers who design the robotic systems and packaging machinery, to electrical engineers who work on sensors, wiring, power systems for robots, and software engineers who create logistics algorithms or work on integrating machine learning. 

Roles in software engineering and hardware engineering are vital to create and improve machines, technology and systems to ensure customers get the best service possible.