Austrian Post: This is strong proof of how far we have already transferred our automation strategy into practice

 In less than a year, Austrian Post‘s lay-up robot “Robin” (short for ROBotic INduction) has processed more than one million parcels, significantly relieving its human colleagues during a highly physical activity. “Robin” is only the first step in a series of developments to expand the Parcel Logistics Center Vienna into an automation and innovation hub.

Peter Umundum, Deputy Director General, Board Member for Parcel & Logistics: “Our lay-up robot ‘Robin’ has processed over a million parcels in less than a year. This is strong proof of how far we have already transferred our automation strategy into practice. We also use AutoUnloader to unload trucks and automatic roll container tippers on a large scale. We are currently testing another robotic arm for heavy parcels in Vienna, and the first autonomous industrial trucks will soon be launched. Our parcel logistics centre in Vienna will thus finally become an automation and innovation hub!”

MECHANICAL MUSCLE POWER WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
“Robin” is a lay-up robot that can place up to 1,500 packages per hour on the input line of the small parts sorter. Using artificial intelligence (AI), “Robin” can better sense the size, weight, and position of a package to calculate the force required to lift it.

An automatic roll container tipper and a connected separation system supply the support robot with small packages. At the end of the conveyor belt, an image of the respective package is taken and analysed with the help of algorithms according to position, dimensions, orientation, shape and packaging type. Based on these features, “Robin” decides where to position the pneumatic gripper, how many suction cups to activate, and how much lifting force to apply.