Körber has partnered with HAI Robotics to deliver industry-leading automation and robotics projects across the country. MHD recently sat down with the two organisations to learn more about their successful partnership.
Since 2016, Körber has proactively formed strategic partnerships to integrate mobile robotic solutions.
As a leading integrator of automated intralogistics solutions, Körber continually seeks new and innovative partners to provide the best solutions for customers.
In response to increasing costs and labour shortages, Körber joined forces with HAI Robotics to offer comprehensive automation solutions.
From increasing costs to labour shortages, logistic operators in Australia are constantly under pressure to meet stakeholder demands.
As a result, Körber and robotics specialist, HAI, have partnered to bring their collective expertise together
and provide clients with all-in-one solutions for their automation needs. What key strengths do each partner bring to the collaboration? “Our company’s vision is to empower every warehouse and factory with logistics robots,” says Will Fan, General Manager of ANZ for HAI Robotics.
“Partnering with Körber, with their expertise in software and integration solutions, allows us to provide competitive solutions to clients.”
Körber’s Andrew Leslie, the head of the company’s AMR division for APAC, agrees.
“Körber has completed some of the biggest and most complicated automation projects in Australia, and to succeed at this level requires real dedication from all parties,” says Andrew.
“Ultimately, all of Körber’s decisions come down to providing the best service for customers, our customer- centric approach ensures the best outcomes for our clients.
“With robotics, we can achieve improved customer experience by reducing wait times and empowering businesses to strategically schedule orders so that they meet delivery deadlines.
“We boost overall efficiency by minimising the number of handling steps for each order while reducing the power requirements compared with traditional fixed automation solutions.”
And why is the collaboration between HAI and Körber important?
“HAI Robotics are leaders in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) technology and multiple types of totes-to-person robots,” says Andrew. “At Körber we offer an end-to-end solution, and we can now leverage HAI’s extensive options for customers in different areas such as the totes-to- person space.”
Will agrees that both companies are a good fit for a variety of reasons and envisions both companies being able to provide a variety of competitive solutions to many sectors soon.
Körber and HAI are targeting various markets as their combined solutions will tick a lot of boxes for those seeking cost-effective solutions to their supply chain needs.
“Most [companies in this space are] in the field of goods-to-person,” Will says.
“Compared with other AMR solutions, HAI Robotics focuses on a more refined aspect – totes-to- person. This provides us a competitive advantage in B2C and loose picking for industries such as e-commerce, apparel, small spare parts, and healthcare.”
Both organisations emphasise data-driven solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Andrew Leslie enjoys analysing customer data to create superior solutions. “We work to analyse data from customers that shows their current operations, and then the problems they have,” he says.
“Then it is on us to create a solution that is better than all of our competition – which we continue to do.”
Andrew has spent his career building conveyors and production lines and has a background in automotive manufacturing.
He believes that many organisations need to start exploring scalable, agile automation solutions sooner rather than later if they want to keep pace with the competition.
This is one of the reasons he believes there is good synergy between Körber and HAI Robotics.
The partnership allows Körber to mix and match robots for optimal project outcomes. For instance, in a current project, they are using multiple robot types to complement each other’s strengths.
Their nearly completed project for Myer’s NDC showcases the use of three different robots addressing different picking processes.
What are some of the key features of HAI robots that make them such a suitable fit for the type of projects Körber is involved in?
“First is density,” Will notes. “The latest ACR can achieve a storage height of 12 metres, allowing it to compete with most multi-shuttle systems in the industry in terms of storage density.
“Then there is accuracy. Our HAIQ software manages robot movements and integrates with clients’ WMS, ensuring the right tote is delivered to the correct position in the most efficient way.
“Finally, we have efficiency. HAI has conducted more than 1,500 projects globally, resulting in an average productivity increase of 2.4 times compared to traditional warehouses.”
The combination of skillsets and technology expertise within both companies is paramount to helping customers.
“Körber provides WMS and Commerce solutions which complement our AMR integration – this contributes to us being one, trusted supply chain partner,” adds Will.
“Furthermore, our APAC support team ensures customers’ cybersecurity, compliance and efficiency challenges are constantly also addressed.”
Looking ahead, Andrew is excited about the potential of autonomous mobile robots. “With consumers demanding faster deliveries, efficient processes in distribution centres are imperative. Agile automation solutions can prioritise orders based on customer needs,” says Andrew. “This is where the magic really happens.” The partnership between Körber and HAI Robotics is a great example of how collaboration can help meet the evolving demands of the logistics industry.
To read more about Körber, click here