b'LOGISTICSRedefining Warehouse Efficiency: SCOA Logisticsand Rapyuta Partner for Smarter FulfillmentI n a landmark move for the logistics and warehousing industry,Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) has teamed upwith Rapyuta Robotics, Inc to usher in a new era of warehouse fulfillment across the United States. This partnership, announced in October 2023, is set to deploy a combination of PA-AMR(Picking Assist-Autonomous Mobile Robot) technology and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), promising to dramatically enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of warehouse operations.Rapyuta Robotics brings to the table its expertise in cloud robotics and autonomous mobile robots, a field in which it has established itself as a leader. The companys foundation at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) underpins its innovative approach to robotics, characterized by an open, platform-centric development strategy.Arudchelvan Krishnamoorthy, President and CEO of Rapyuta Robotics, Inc, commented on the evolving needs of the industry: In an era where efficiency, speed, and accuracy are paramount, the demand for automa-tion has transformed fulfillment centers into dynamic hubs where Pictured left to right: Takayoshi Wada: SCOA Logistics robots and workers work side-by-side to meet the ever-growing Business Department Trainee, and Shashank demands of customers. Krishnamoorthys statement encapsulates theRanebennur, Senior Business Development Manager vision behind the partnership: creating a collaborative environmentat Rapyuta Robotics, at the NRF Supply Chain 360 where technology and human expertise drive unprecedented levels Summit in New York.of operational efficiency.Breaking Down the Technology |A Glossary of System TermsPicking Assist-Autonomous Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) is a radioReal-Time Location Systems Mobile Robot (PA-AMR) technologytechnology that uses a very low energy(RTLS) are advanced tracking systems refers to a class of robotic systems designedlevel for short-range, high-bandwidththat identify and track the location of ob-to assist or automate the picking processcommunications over a large portion ofjects and people in real-time, usually with-in warehouses, distribution centers, andthe radio spectrum. UWB transmits data inin a building or other contained area. RTLS manufacturing environments. These robotsa wide spectrum of frequencies above 500technology uses a variety of methods to are equipped with advanced sensors, artifi- MHz, which allows it to carry a significantdetermine position, including RFID (Radio cial intelligence (AI), and machine learningamount of data over a short distanceFrequency Identification), Wi-Fi, infrared, algorithms to navigate autonomously withinwith very low power. This technology isultrasound, and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band). a workspace. They are specifically tailored tocharacterized by its ability to penetrateThese systems provide precise location improve the efficiency and accuracy of thethrough obstacles, high-precision ranginginformation, often with accuracy down to picking process, where items are selected andcapabilities, and minimal the meter or centimeter level, depending gathered for shipping or further processing.interference with other on the technology used. RTLS is employed PA-AMR technology integrates seamlesslywireless technologies. in various sectors, including healthcare for with existing warehouse managementUWB is widely used in patient and asset tracking, manufacturing systems (WMS) to optimize route planning,real-time location systems and logistics for inventory and equipment item selection, and inventory management.(RTLS), wireless data management, and in corporate settings By working alongside human workers ortransfer, and radar for security and personnel tracking. By independently, PA-AMRs reduce the physicalsystems that require providing immediate location data, RTLS strain on employees, increase productivity,precise positioning enables organizations to improve oper-and minimize errors associated with and tracking ational efficiency, enhance safety, and manual picking. capabilities. optimize asset utilization.10 visions Winter 2024'