Cargo Business Techwire

Friday, May 8, 2015

Fetch designs robots for the retail logistics industry

Fetch Robotics has introduced a robotics system designed for the logistics industry, particularly e-commerce warehouses.

"The growth of e-commerce and mobile e-commerce is pressuring retailers to invest in solutions that can handle the burdens of an on-demand economy," according to Melonee Wise, CEO of Fetch Robotics. "We see our robots as a key ingredient for warehouses that are looking to become more efficient with respect to fulfillment and customer satisfaction."

The Fetch Robotics system is comprised of a mobile base (Freight) and an advanced mobile manipulator (Fetch). Fetch and Freight can also use a charging dock for autonomous continuous operations,

allowing the robots to charge when needed and continue their tasks. The system includes accompanying software to support the robots and integrate with the warehouse environment. Both robots are built upon the open source robot operating system, ROS.

The robots are designed to work autonomously alongside workers, performing repetitive tasks such as warehouse delivery, pick and pack, and more. Fetch and Freight used in tandem are capable of handling the vast majority of all items in a typical warehouse.

For more of the Robotics Tomorrow story: roboticstomorrow.com