Increase Picking Performance with Software Updates from 6 River Systems

6 River Systems (6RS) provides users of the collaborative picking robot Chuck worldwide with continuous software updates that further enhance picking performance. The cloud-controlled improvements are a key part of the close partnership between 6RS and its customers.

Tesla drivers know this: At regular intervals, electric cars receive free software updates that further improve functionality and efficiency. Owners simply need to agree before the fully automated installation begins. The mobile collaborative picking robot Chuck from 6 River Systems (6RS) operates on a similar principle, being regularly improved or expanded with new features through cloud-controlled software updates. One of the goals of these updates is to increase the productivity of existing customers year after year.

Chuck specializes in storage, picking, counting, replenishment, and sorting tasks with a maximum payload of just over 90 kg. Chuck guides its operators through the processes within their assigned picking zones. Chuck is supported by artificial intelligence, which identifies the ideal route and prioritizes orders. By adaptively directing the various picking zones, 6RS increases efficiency. Congestion is reduced, and relevant tasks are combined. Employees remain in their picking zones, being accompanied in succession by different Chucks that autonomously cover longer distances between zones. This principle significantly reduces the travel costs of employees.

Multi-Level Features

Based on optimized algorithms, a software update can, for example, enable the robots to detect obstacles and congestion in individual aisles even faster and adapt to them. A new version can also help Chuck navigate around obstacles more quickly. Other updates address the challenges of specific markets. Facilities in Europe, for instance, are more often built with multiple levels than in North America, which affects the deployment of robots and their process control. For Europe, 6 River Systems introduces features to manage Chucks across multiple levels and distributed work areas. Last but not least, a software update can be a proactive tool to prepare for seasonal demand changes.

All updates are announced, managed, and personally explained by the respective 6RS Customer Success Manager (CSM). The partnership between CSMs and users is one of the unique features that sets 6RS apart from other providers. Once Chuck has been successfully implemented, 6RS takes responsibility for the customer’s success. The CSM analyzes and reviews the current installation and provides guidance on further improvement potentials that can be realized by changing on-site processes if necessary. This is done as part of the ROAR program initiated by 6RS. ROAR stands for “Raise Our Average Rates,” with software updates and individual improvements on-site forming the core pillars. Unlike conventional automation with physically connected conveyor systems, software improvements can be integrated into everyday operations with minimal effort.

“Customer Springboard” – A Customer Committee

The collaborative interaction between 6RS and its customers worldwide is also reflected in their “Customer Springboard” program. This is a committee of customers who contribute ideas and wishes for further development. The resulting feedback loop ultimately influences the content of software updates. There is also a parallel to Tesla here. Elon Musk likes to be inspired by his customers. Some improvements, such as the “Dog Mode,” have emerged in this way.

Photo: © 6 River Systems