Arthur Ria
4.1 KiB
4.1 KiB
title, type, sources, related, last_compiled
| title | type | sources | related | last_compiled | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobot (Collaborative Robot Picking) | module |
|
|
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
- Configure picking conveyor as a cobot station (station type, conveyor settings) in EasyS
- Register items eligible for cobot picking with handling conversions
- Configure cobot tools (suction cup set) per cobot unit
- Define cobot picking station assignment rules
Operations
Automated picking process
- Order released → task assignment evaluates cobot eligibility
- Eligible tasks assigned to cobot conveyor → executed automatically by robotic arm
- Source containers brought to cobot by conveyor system; destination containers filled automatically
- 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