Siemens, Universal Robots, and Zivid partner to unveil smart robotic picking solution

Siemens, Universal Robots (UR), and Zivid have joined forces to create a smart, 3D-vision enabled robotic picking solution that taps the capabilities of each company. According to the partners, the solution is capable of a picking a wide variety of SKU items to help alliviate order picking challenges.

The partners explained the solution is composed of these key technologies:

• Siemens’ SIMATIC Robot Pick AI, a pre-trained, deep learning-based vision software.
• Universal Robots’ UR20, with its extended reach and compact design, enabling automation of applications requiring the lifting of heavy objects over longer distances, while maintaining UR safety standards.
• Zivid’s 2+ M130 camera, which uses a 3D sensor said to be capable of imaging everything, including transparent and translucent items, expanding the accessibility and pick ability for e-commerce and fulfillment applications. 

“We are excited to collaborate with Universal Robots and Zivid to introduce a game-changing solution for intra-logistics fulfillment,” says Ignacio Moreno, Business Development Manager at Siemens. “By harnessing the power of advanced vision technology and industry-leading collaborative robotics, the SIMATIC Robot Pick AI is able to bring effortless picking to any environment.”

The partners said the solution represents a significant leap in solving the complex challenges faced by the logistics and e-commerce sectors. Modern fulfillment centers are characterized by the automated transport of large quantities and varieties of stock-keeping units (SKUs) and the new solution is specifically developed to offer the industry a reliable and trusted solution for the picking of these items, regardless of their shape, size, opacity, or transparency.  

“There is a huge potential and significant demand for automation in fulfillment centers and the e-commerce industry. This solution provides our customers with the ease of use and integration one would expect from working with the top providers of vision, robotics, and detection software,” says Daniel Friedman, Global Director, Strategic Partnerships at Universal Robots. “The collaboration with Siemens and Zivid signals our continued push into connecting our robot platform to AI technologies and is further testament to our dedication to delivering automation for anyone, anywhere.”

“By combining our 3D vision solution with Siemens and UR, we offer a robust solution that addresses the evolving needs of the logistics and e-commerce sectors,” added Amy Landau, Product Marketing Engineer at Zivid. “Our collaboration opens new possibilities for the automation of reliable order picking, that can really be made accessible to anyone.”

After also being demonstrated at selected tradeshows in Europe and North America in recent weeks, the solution will be presented in depth for the first time on April 4 at a webinar hosted by the trio. The webinar will be broadcast live from Universal Robots’ headquarters in Odense, Denmark.