Pick-assist robots are transforming warehouse operations by enhancing efficiency and productivity. These robots streamline the picking process, reduce manual labor, and increase accuracy. This article explores the top pick-assist robots, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
These robots have advanced technology to navigate warehouse environments, collaborate with workers, and ensure timely order fulfillment. Integrating pick-assist robots optimizes workflows, minimizes errors, and improves operational efficiency. As background, to learn more about why and how Pick-assist robots are impacting business, read the article How Pick Assist Robots Are Maximizing Efficiency here. Let’s examine the top contenders in this innovative field.

1. Rapyuta Robotics

As the leader in the Japanese market and a trustworthy footprint in North America, Rapyuta Robotics boasts a 67% market share with its Rapyuta PA-AMR. Rapyuta offers a unique ROI-based flexible pricing model, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Their collaborative pick-assist robots are designed to work seamlessly with human workers, enhancing productivity and accuracy. Rapyuta’s strong presence in Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, speaks to the trust and reliability of their solutions.

As PA-AMR is all about human-robot collaboration, several features offered uniquely by Rapyuta can further improve that interaction for a surprising impact on various efficiencies. The Rapyuta PA-AMR performs picking and replenishment in collaboration with warehouse associates. The intuitive UI provides clear work instructions on an easy-to-read monitor making it easy to learn and operate on day one. Besides productivity from day-one, its easy to understand user interface has built in training modules reducing the burden of hiring and training new staff. A unique put-to-light feature aids in mis-pick prevention.

Operations can grow and scale as multiple robots can work together to handle varying workloads and for scalability. This is all managed by group control AI. Further, AI suggests the shortest picking routes and handles the transportation of items. Path planning is more important than people realize at first, the faster a pick-assist robot makes its way through a warehouse, the less robots are required. Further, Rapyuta offers the ability to navigate aisles as narrow as 3 feet, offering a 20% space-saving solution. The PA-AMR is easy to deploy because it requires no change to warehouse layout and can be used with existing operations. Rapyuta’s PA-AMR robotics solution improves productivity and reduces the load on employees.

The impact of these features makes it obvious that indepth research is highly recommended when selecting the best solution for any warehouse and distribution center.

2. Locus Robotics

Founded in Massachusetts in early 2015 by Bruce Welty and Mike Johnson, Locus Robotics emerged as a response to Amazon’s acquisition of Kiva Systems. Locus Robotics provides two models, Locus Origin and Locus Vector, for PA-AMR warehouse and fulfillment operations. They support multiple use cases including shelf/rack moving, case- and each-picking and putaway, routine routes such as parts-to-line, dunnage, or milk runs, and point-to-point material moves.

Locus Origin can be configured for multi-level shelving and a wide range of containers, from tote-arrays, bulk bins, and shipping boxes. Origin has a 80-lb payload.

Locus Vector has a 600-lb payload and has Mecanum wheels that can move in any direction or orientation. These robots are known for their efficiency, flexibility, and ease of integration into existing systems.

3. Fetch Robotics (Zebra Technologies)

Fetch Robotics, now part of Zebra Technologies, Fetch Robotics, founded in San Jose, California in late 2014 was acquired by Zebra Technologies in 2021, and has been a popular name in the PA-AMR space. Zebra, known for its extensive portfolio in warehousing and logistics technology, integrates Fetch Robotics’ solutions to enhance warehouse automation.

Zebra offers 4 main product categories for pick assist mobile robotics all based on the Fetch100 series. Fetch100 Connect automates cart moves. Fetch100 Flex is part of the Zebra Fulfillment Solution and moves totes. Fetch100 Roller features an integrated conveyor top that automatically inducts and discharges totes and bins without human intervention. Fetch100 Shelf is built with configurable shelving that allows it to transport a wide variety of bins, totes and packages.

These robots are designed to work seamlessly with Zebra’s existing ecosystem, providing a comprehensive solution for warehouse automation. Fetch Robotics continues to innovate in warehouse automation, providing scalable solutions that enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

4 and 5. Ocado Group and 6 River Systems

Ocado Group was founded in the UK in the year 2000. 6 River Systems was founded in Massachusetts in 2015 by ex-Kiva executives. Ocado acquired 6 River Systems in 2023. Both business units go to market with the Chuck Robot. Ocado Group is known to focus on grocery business automation. 6 River Systems has had success in aerospace, retail and e-commerce 3PL fulfillment sectors. Together, Ocado and 6 Rivers, offer Chuck Robot as their entry to pick-assist automated mobile robots (PA-AMRs) to streamline warehouse operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity.

Chuck Robot can carry 200 lbs and is used in warehouse automation, goods to person, totes to person, rack to person, replenishment and sortation applications. Chuck does not need wires, cables, or stickers as it moves around autonomously, and can move on all types of floors, notably rack-supported mezzanine floors as well.

6. GreyOrange

GreyOrange is a global leader in AI-driven robotics systems, also offering pick-assist robots for enhanced warehouse operations. Grey Orange is known for its innovative Ranger Assist, a highly configurable mobile cobot system powered by the GreyMatter software platform. This system excels in assisted picking applications, working seamlessly with human workers to optimize warehouse operations. The GreyMatter platform orchestrates the movement of bots, ensuring that the right picks are made at the right time. Grey Orange’s focus on software integration and automation makes it a standout option for businesses looking to enhance their warehousing capabilities. Their solutions are known for efficiency, flexibility, and advanced technology.

Global Presence and Impact: With installations across North America, Europe, and Asia, GreyOrange has transformed warehouse automation, boosting efficiency and productivity.

7. Tompkins Robotics PickPal

Tompkins Solutions, founded in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1975, is a leader in warehouse design, automation technology and material handling systems integration. Tompkins Robotics, a business unit of Tompkins International, is focused exclusively on robotic automation solutions for distribution and fulfillment operations. Both businesses offer robotics solutions, including unique sortation solutions, as well as pick assist mobile robots. 

Tompkins PickPal solution is based on 2 main models that are highly configurable in order to tailor solutions for all environments. PickPal AMR can carry 60 kg and PickPal+ AMR has a higher payload of 100kg.

8. ForwardX Robotics

ForwardX Robotics specializes in AMRs including pick-assist automated mobile robots (PA-AMRs) designed to enhance warehouse operations by combining AI and robotics.

In the pick assist AMR field, ForwardX offers the Flex family, Flex-L, Flex Mini and Flex Slim as well as the Max series. The Max 1500-L supports case picking applications and a payload over 3,300lbs. The Flex line supports smaller items with various optional shelves and payloads ranging from 176 lbs to 1,300lbs. These robots are equipped with custom shelves and operator interfaces at comfortable heights, making them ideal for tasks like mixed pallet picking and put-away

ForwardX offers a 3 year ROI. Their innovative approach underscores the transformative potential of PA-AMR solutions.

9. Syruis Robotics

Syrius Robotics’ pick-assist AMRs are designed to enhance productivity through human-robot collaboration. These robots are highly adaptable, integrating seamlessly with existing warehouse management systems (WMS) to automate critical processes like inventory management, order picking, and replenishment. By reducing the need for manual transport of goods within the warehouse, Syrius AMRs allow workers to focus on higher-value tasks, thereby increasing operational efficiency.

Syrius robots can be deployed in stages, growing as operational needs increase, all without requiring major layout changes or staffing adjustments

10. Ground Robotics

The PEER SpeeMa+ from Ground Robotics is a versatile mobile robot designed to optimize warehouse picking operations by seamlessly integrating into existing workflows. Featuring a portable design with an unloaded weight of just 35kg, it can still carry up to 42.5kg at speeds of 1.2m/s, transporting totes, boxes, and small containers manually loaded by human operators. With an 8-hour battery life, it operates continuously, minimizing downtime and supporting high-throughput environments. 

Its compact design enables it to navigate tight spaces without requiring layout changes, while its integration with warehouse management systems ensures efficient, accurate item transportation, reducing errors and enhancing productivity. The PEER SpeeMa+ exemplifies human-robot collaboration, improving efficiency and reducing physical strain on workers in fast-paced warehouse environments.

Conclusion

Pick-assist robots revolutionize warehouse operations by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. Integrating these robots streamlines workflows, reduces errors, and improves performance. Explore Rapyuta Robotics’ innovative solutions to transform your warehouse operations. Their advanced technology and commitment to excellence make them a standout choice. Contact Rapyuta Robotics for more information or to schedule a demo to embrace the future of warehouse automation.