Movu Robotics partners with KPI to create customized warehouse systems

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Movu Robotics’ eligo, ifollow, atlas, and escala robots. | Source: Movu Robotics

KPI Solutions, a supply chain consulting, software, systems integration, and automation supplier, has announced a strategic partnership with Movu Robotics, formerly Stow Robotics. Movu is a developer of warehouse automation systems intended to facilitate logistics. 

The companies said their partnership will combine goods-to-person (G2P) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) with operational designs. The result will be customized warehouse systems “that transform the storage, retrieval, and fulfillment chain,” according to Movu Robotics. 

“We’re excited to be a key North American partner for Movu Robotics and welcome them as a new technology offering that will drive long-term value into our clients’ distribution operations,” Ron Adams, chief commercial officer at KPI Solutions, said in a release.

“KPI and Movu are committed to delivering tailored, scalable, and agile solutions for our clients,” he added. “Our partnership will deliver near-term client value by optimizing storage space and elevating distribution performance, as well as enabling growth and building competitive advantage.”

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Movu systems at the core of partnership

Companies facing labor challenges, rising costs, and ever-evolving customer requirements are increasingly turning to efficient, flexible, and scalable storage and fulfillment systems to meet these challenges. 

Lokeren, Belgium-based Movu said its portfolio of robots and warehouse execution system (WES) software can work together to fit all kinds of facilities. The stow Group unit‘s robots include:

• atlas: Movu has built its pallet shuttle sub-system for high-density, multi-pallet ASRS. Atlas has a maximum payload of more than 3,300 lb. (1,500 kg). It can operate without lift truck aisles or manual handling, and the modular system can adapt to the end user’s available space. 
• ifollow: This is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) for collaborative picking or pallet transport. With a maximum payload of over 2,645 lb. (1,200 kg), Movu said ifollow can be rapidly deployed. It allows users to independently map and modify tasks to their own requirements. 
• escala: This ASRS enables G2P picking from bins. Escala eliminates the need for manual handling in the delivery of goods in bins to picker workstations. The modular system can hold up to six containers deep, and handle up to 650 by 450 bins.
• eligo: Eligo is Movu’s robot picking arm. It can automatically pick from a single-SKU source bin and place items into multiple mixed-SKU destination bins. The robotic arm can lift up to 4.4 lb. (2 kg) and has over 99% picking accuracy, claimed Movu. 

KPI Solutions provides a range of warehouse automation

“We are very excited to announce our partnership with KPI Solutions,” stated Nate Richter, president of Movu US. “Our decision was based on both companies’ dedication not only to the short term, but [also] the long-term advancement of our industry.”

“Together, we can deliver advanced and innovative solutions for our customers with Movu’s comprehensive suite of automated technologies and systems,” he said. “We view this relationship with KPI as a true collaboration, dedicated to excellence, innovation, and future with limitless possibilities.”

Belton, Mo.-based KPI’s range of systems includes automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AMRs, ASRS, conveyor and sortation systems, palletizing and depalletizing, robotic piece picking, and warehouse storage and pallet racking. Such warehouse automation was a topic of discussion at RoboBusiness last month.