Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEGG), a global e-commerce leader for technology products, announced it has recently deployed Geek+’s shelf-to-person mobile picking system that uses autonomous mobile robots (AMR) in its Ontario, Calif., warehouse.
Geek+ Service Project Manager Luiz Hernandez updates a P800 robot with the latest software. Newegg recently deployed a shelf-to-person mobile picking system from Geek+ inside its Ontario, Calif., warehouse.
The AMR system features dozens of robots that operate within a designated area before lifting and carrying mobile shelves to workstations where employees pick and scan products to prepare them for shipping to customers. The Geek+ system includes 24,360 storage locations for products within hundreds of shelves.
The P800 robots glide simultaneously on the floor throughout a designated area of the warehouse and move under racks. Robot routes and duties are assigned by Geek+ software based on inbound orders. Once parked underneath a rack, the robot lifts the rack and drives it to a warehouse employee for them to pick the products. All P800 robots can move at the same time without collisions to fulfill their duties, bringing racks to employees and returning the shelving units to storage areas until needed again. Products are stored in racks based on both order frequency and compatibility.
Designed to resemble a large robotic vacuum cleaner, the P800 robots move and lift over 2,200 pounds at over 3.5 miles per hour.
The innovative robotics technology eliminates the need for warehouse workers to walk long distances, a time-consuming and physically demanding process, to pick products from shelves. Picking, packing, and shipping products has become faster and more accurate with the system.
“We’re optimistic about seeing improvements in picking efficiency and storage space optimization with the new Geek+ robotics system in our Ontario warehouse,” said Tim Zhou, IT Manager for Newegg. “Newegg pursues advanced technology solutions throughout our business to offer the best services for customers, so this new system is part of fulfilling that commitment.”
“Our shelf-to-person picking system improves the entire process for Newegg,” said Rick DeFiesta, EVP of Sales & Solutions at Geek+. “The benefits include improved efficiency and productivity; accurate fulfillment; reduced labor costs; safety and ergonomics, and space optimization. With a robust data collection and analytics process, all these benefits equip Newegg with a competitive advantage and a better customer experience.”
Robots are taking over repetitious, physically demanding tasks, allowing associates to focus on more complex, value-added activities requiring advanced problem-solving, decision-making and cognitive skills. As a result, employees learn how to supervise and maintain robots while evaluating how they work with the entire logistics system.
AMR footprint was determined in Newegg’s warehouse and training was provided by Geek+ for its employees. The system was fully implemented in about six weeks.
