With ItemPiQ, item picking for e-commerce, retail and pharmaceuticals can be fulfilled rapidly and accurately. The robot cell is designed to handle repeated piece picking, error-free. The robot is operational 24/7 and can pick and place products from a source into a target bin or carton.
(video: Swisslog)

Fully automated picking solution with intelligent vision system and machine learning functions

**The vision system, consisting of a 3D camera and intelligent image recognition software. (photo: KUKA)**

The leading supplier of automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers is part of the KUKA Group and presented the fully automated picking solution for the first time at LogiMAT 2019.

The latest robot technologies, coupled with an intelligent vision system and machine learning functions, promise higher speed, intelligence and accuracy in item picking.

The KR AGILUS is integrated into the automated picking solution with the latest technology and the proven Swisslog gripper system, whereby up to 1,000 picks per hour can be achieved. The solution is designed so that the six-axis small robot can be operated without expert knowledge of robotics and provides maximum accuracy even in smallest of space.

3D camera and intelligent image recognition software for the ItemPiQ picking solution

**The KUKA KR Agilus in the ItemPiQ picking solution is supported by the intelligent SynQ software from Swisslog. (photo: KUKA)**

The robot arm has a flexible reach of up to 1,100 mm when picking items from containers.

The vision system, consisting of a 3D camera and intelligent image recognition software, quickly and reliably identifies the optimum gripping points for various articles and sends the corresponding information to the multifunctional gripper of the robot.

“Nearly 50 percent of all logistics costs in industrial and commercial logistics and distribution centers are due to picking and packing activities,” says Jan Louwen, responsible Strategy Manager at KUKA.

“These costs can be reduced by using the new ItemPiQ solution and the integrated KUKA small robot. This is achieved through intelligent technologies, higher picking speeds and more precision. An additional enormous advantage of the solution is the intuitive user interface, which does not require any programming or robotics knowledge to operate.“

**Automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers. (photo: KUKA)**

The continuous optimization with machine learning: adapted to new challenges

The KUKA KR Agilus in the ItemPiQ picking solution is supported by the intelligent SynQ software from Swisslog, which continuously improves picking accuracy and gripper performance thanks to machine learning. The image recognition software analyzes each image and stores the resulting data. This data is used to optimize gripping points so that the gripper can learn continuously and adapt to new challenges.

This information can be used and shared with customers so that they can benefit from site- or enterprise-wide data sharing and ensure long-term process stability.