It has been developed as an alternative to fixed tilt-tray and cross-belt conveyor-based sortation systems that have traditionally been used within many busy parcel and e-commerce operations. Initially, two models will be offered to the European market – a 5kg tilt-tray robot and a 30kg cross-belt model. Both types have CE certification.
Because it requires no fixed infrastructure, the modular system is scalable and offers complete flexibility: additional robots can be introduced as they are needed and the technology is fully portable – meaning systems can be switched between sites if required. As the name suggests, ‘Mini Yellow’ robots are more compact than other AMRs currently on the market, which means they require less space within which to operate: 350 ‘Mini Yellow’ AMRs can cover 1,300 square metres and handle 20,000 items per hour.
LiBiao’s control software directs robot navigation and ensures the optimum route is taken, the company says. The software is said to be compatible with all popular European warehouse management systems.
A significant product differentiator is that they can operate within cold store environments down to a temperature of -30 degrees Centigrade.
LiBiao Robot’s founder and chief executive, Xia Huiling, comments: “Demand for more efficient and smarter warehouse management is strong in Europe, where online shopping has been growing at a tremendous pace and driving up the number of parcels handled, so we believe that the market will benefit from our advanced mobile robot technology.”
More than 10,000 LiBiao autonomous mobile robots are said to be in operation across China, Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and the USA. LiBiao is seeking strategic alliances with distribution partners in the UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy.