---
title: "Cobot (Collaborative Robot Picking)"
type: module
sources:
  - areas/cobot/index.md
related:
  - concepts/picking.md
  - concepts/task.md
  - concepts/stations.md
  - concepts/container.md
last_compiled: "2026-04-10"
---

# Cobot (Collaborative Robot Picking)

## Overview

The Cobot module integrates collaborative robotic picking systems (cobots or picking robots) with Easy WMS. A cobot fully automates order picking at designated picking conveyors, maximizing efficiency and productivity for eligible items. Cobot stations always have a corresponding manual picking station nearby for handling incidents and items that cannot be processed robotically.

The cobot can be incorporated into HPKS (High Performance Picking Station) as HPKS-R, or into any other picking station configuration.

## Key capabilities

- Automated picking: robotic arm picks stock from source containers to destination containers
- Item eligibility: not all items are suitable for cobot picking; eligibility configured per item with handling conversions
- Incident management: items rejected by cobot → routed to adjacent manual picking station for human handling
- Conveyor assignment: order picking tasks assigned to cobot conveyors based on line eligibility
- Tool management: each cobot has a predefined set of suction cup tools for different item types

## Architecture

### Cobot components

| Component | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| Robotic arm | Performs the physical picking movement (source container → destination container) |
| Tools (suction cups) | Interchangeable end effectors; each cobot has a predefined set for different item geometries |
| Security elements | Sensors ensuring safe operation around humans and equipment |

### Cobot station design
Every cobot station is paired with a **manual picking station**:
- Cobot handles eligible items automatically
- Manual station handles: items not eligible for cobot, incidents from cobot processing, overflow

### Picking conveyor assignment
Order picking tasks are assigned to cobot conveyors based on:
- Whether all order lines are eligible for cobot picking
- Item handling conversions configured for cobot use
- If a line is ineligible: entire task or that line routes to manual station

### Item eligibility configuration
Per item:
- Cobot handling enabled/disabled
- Handling conversions (how the cobot grasps/places the item)
- Tool assignment (which suction cup tool handles this item)

## Configuration

1. Configure picking conveyor as a cobot station (station type, conveyor settings) in EasyS
2. Register items eligible for cobot picking with handling conversions
3. Configure cobot tools (suction cup set) per cobot unit
4. Define cobot picking station assignment rules

## Operations

### Automated picking process
1. Order released → task assignment evaluates cobot eligibility
2. Eligible tasks assigned to cobot conveyor → executed automatically by robotic arm
3. Source containers brought to cobot by conveyor system; destination containers filled automatically
4. Incidents → items routed to adjacent manual picking station

### Manual fallback
All cobot incidents are resolved at the manual picking station:
- Physical issues (item fell, cobot couldn't grasp)
- Ineligible items in an otherwise-cobot order
- System failures requiring human intervention

## Errors & troubleshooting

| Issue | Cause | Resolution |
|-------|-------|-----------|
| Item not assigned to cobot | Item eligibility not configured | Configure cobot handling conversion for the item |
| Cobot incident | Physical issue with item or container | Operator resolves at adjacent manual station |
| Conveyor not assigned to cobot tasks | Assignment rules not met | Check line eligibility; verify cobot station configuration |

## Related

- [[picking]] - Cobot picking integrates with the standard picking process for automated order fulfillment
- [[task]] - Cobot picking tasks are assigned and tracked in the standard WMS task system
- [[stations]] - Cobot conveyors are a specific type of picking station in the warehouse layout
- [[container]] - Source containers (with items to pick) and destination containers (for picked items) are core to cobot operation