Ranmeet Singh, Head of Solutions, Addverb Australia, talks about warehouse automation, robotics solutions, and Addverb in Australia.
Founded in 2016, Addverb has swiftly risen to prominence as a global robotics and automation powerhouse, with a presence spanning India, Australia, North and South America, South-East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The company’s industrial robot technology and automated warehousing systems are transforming material
flow management, boosting throughputs, optimising storage, enhancing productivity, and refining inventory management, while reducing operational costs.
Through a unique four-dimensional approach – discover, design, deploy, and dedicated support – Addverb has delivered automation solutions to high- profile clients like Maersk, DHL, Myer, Hindustan Unilever Limited, PepsiCo, the Coca-Cola Company, Marico, Johnson & Johnson, and many more.
Addverb is equipped with a product portfolio of fixed and flexible automation systems such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), sorting robots, automatic storage and retrieval systems, and picking technologies, fuelled by enterprise software, which helps it to provide different and customisable solutions to customers.
INNOVATION THROUGH IN-HOUSE MANUFACTURING
One of the key aspects that sets Addverb apart from its competitors is its in-house manufacturing facility. The Bot-Verse, located in Noida, India, is a testament to this commitment.
Spanning more than 600,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to advancing the robotics ecosystem.
“With only steel sheets coming in as raw materials, the entire process from design conceptualisation, R&D, to manufacturing is conducted in-house,” says Ranmeet Singh, Head of Solutions, Addverb Australia.
“This approach not only enhances our ability to innovate but also significantly reduces lead time, ensuring timely completion of customer projects.”
The facility’s capacity to manufacture 100,000 robots annually positions Addverb as a key player in the global market.
This venture promises to drive technological advancements, foster creativity, and shape a brighter future for both the industry and the world.
Addverb differentiates itself through a focus on innovation and a customer- centric approach. Its solutions encompass both fixed automation (conveyors, shuttles, cranes) and flexible automation (AMRs, sorting robots).
It competes with established players in fixed automation and product-focused companies in flexible automation. Its ability to offer complete solutions across both domains – managed by its proprietary software suite – sets it apart in the industry.
Addverb’s in-house software and hardware enhance flexibility and responsiveness across various industries.
These platforms are designed to quickly tailor solutions to meet specific operational requirements, ensuring automation solutions effectively address unique customer needs.
The proprietary software and hardware integrate with existing systems, minimising disruption and maximising efficiency gains from automation initiatives.
TRANSFORMING WAREHOUSES WITH DUAL EXPERTISE
Addverb’s dual expertise in hardware and software is a game-changer for warehouse operations. Its in-house software and hardware platforms offer flexibility and responsiveness across various industries.
By retaining full control over scalability and expansion capabilities, Addverb can efficiently scale to accommodate growth or changing demands without compromising performance or reliability.
This approach fosters rapid innovation cycles, incorporating customer feedback and industry trends into updates, enhancing functionality, and boosting customer satisfaction.
LEVERAGING CURRENT TRENDS IN ROBOTIC INTEGRATION
Advances in safety systems have opened numerous doors to automating many manual tasks without compromising safety. Addverb leverages its expertise in machinery safety to provide solutions that benefit customers by adhering to accepted
ISO norms for human-machine interaction, ensuring machines are safe for operators in the warehouse.
“One of our notable implementations is a sortation solution for a leading 3PL player, where robots can be safely stopped wirelessly, meeting international ISO standards,” explains Ranmeet.
Another emerging trend is the 4-Way Shuttle ASRS, revolutionising warehouse automation with its high operational efficiency.
This system maximises storage density by utilising vertical space, accommodating up to 10 pallets per square metre. Its versatility and flexibility allow seamless movement
in both x and y axes, adapting to evolving warehouse needs.
THE FUTURE OF SUPPLY CHAIN ROBOTICS
The global supply chain faces numerous challenges, from geopolitical uncertainties to natural disasters and global health crises.
Traditional, manual-driven supply chain models are proving insufficient to cope with today’s business complexities. Companies now recognise the urgency to adopt advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability, says Ranmeet.
“Warehouse automation is emerging as a transformative force in the
quest for resilient supply chains. The integration of robotics and automation in the supply chain is proving to be a game-changer,” he says.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), companies can streamline their operations, reduce human errors, improve overall efficiency, and introduce agility and scalability –
key elements in building resilience.
OVERCOMING INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Despite the transformative impact of robots and industrial automation, Addverb’s adoption presents both challenges and opportunities. This includes managing vast inventories amidst diverse customer preferences and meeting evolving demands for faster delivery strains on traditional warehouse models.
Addverb addresses these challenges by integrating advanced picking and sorting systems like Pick-to-Light technology to enhance agility and meet accelerated delivery timelines effectively.
The 4-Way Shuttle.
“Additionally, cutting-edge tracking solutions such as RFID and IoT-enabled sensors offer real-time visibility into perishable inventory, mitigating losses,” says Ranmeet.
Maximising storage capacity in space-constrained warehouses remains a priority. Addverb achieves this through automated storage and retrieval systems like carton shuttles and pallet shuttles, optimising efficiency without compromising space utilisation.
In addressing the prevalent issue of labour shortages, Addverb strategically implements automation solutions, particularly in established facilities.
The deployment of AMRs and robotic sortation offers immediate relief, especially in brownfield sites where labour scarcity is acute.
Leveraging AMRs and robotic sortation ensures smoother material flow and enhanced productivity in warehouses facing labour constraints.
Addverb’s journey from its inception in 2016 to becoming a global leader in robotics and automation is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centric approach.
By leveraging its in-house manufacturing capabilities, dual expertise in hardware and software, and staying ahead of industry trends, Addverb continues to revolutionise warehouse operations and supply chain management.
As the industry evolves, Addverb remains committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that not only meet but exceed the demands of its diverse clientele, shaping a brighter and more efficient future for global logistics and automation.
For more information on Addverb, click here