Berkshire Grey launches new sorting robot

Berkshire Grey has introduced its next generation Robotic Product Sortation (BG RPS) solution to speed up order fulfilment without additional labor costs.

The AI-enabled robotic solutions specialist said its high-capacity automation solution robotically picks, sorts, and packs individual items into outbound order containers without the need for operator interaction. The latest version of BG RPS includes a host of new features including a unique dual wing design that increases speed by over 25% and doubles the simultaneous order processing capacity.

This approach augments human labor to provide additional order processing capacity in existing operations and facilitates lights-out warehouse operations for customers looking to fully transform their fulfillment operations in the face of increasing labor shortages.

Fast high-volume sorting

Currently deployed at multiple Fortune 100 retailers, BG RPS is specifically designed to autonomously pick, sort, and pack large orders in high volume operations for store replenishment, eCommerce, and B2B fulfillment. BG RPS systems easily integrate into existing operations to process growing eCommerce and less-than-case order volumes to help fulfillment operations overcome labor scarcity issues, according to the supplier.

BG RPS systems enable retailers and eCommerce providers to:

• Increase throughput of existing fulfillment operations by up to 2X without adding labor
• Improve shipment capacity and container cube utilization by up to 10%
• Integrate order processing with automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) to maximize the ROI from automation designed primarily for storage
• Scale processing in an orchestrated fashion across multiple BG RPS systems
• Operate with maximum flexibility by combining and coordinating BG RPS processing with operator inducted BG Robotic Shuttle Product Sortation (BG RSPS) systems
• Install into existing operations with a small footprint of less than 2,500 square feet
• Support configurable order container sizes and batches

The systems are compatible with the broadest range of products, packaging, and order types including health and beauty items, apparel, electronics, housewares, packaged food, childcare products, pet care, office supplies, toys, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other general merchandise items.

Proven solution

“Our Robotic Product Sortation (BG RPS) solution uses AI and machine learning software coupled with advanced machine vision, sensors, patented gripping technology and engineered material handling components to reimagine work for enterprises thriving in an on-demand world,” said Steve Johnson, COO at Berkshire Grey. “RPS is a proven solution that addresses some of the most labor-intensive processes our customers face in their fulfillment operations.”

Berkshire Grey’s RPS solution is a fully integrated system powered by BG’s core AI-enabled Software Platform that underpins all of Berkshire Grey’s robotic automation solutions. The BG RPS solution delivers best-in-class SKU coverage, real-time picking accuracy, and unparalleled autonomous throughput that enables distribution centers to double their order processing capacity without adding labor.

The systems can be used as stand-alone modules, in conjunction with other advanced Berkshire Grey technologies, e.g., mobile robots, or integrated with leading ASRS solutions from multiple suppliers. The modular design allows enterprises to scale the number of simultaneously fulfilled orders into the thousands and the number of items robotically picked per week into the millions.