In context
In mid-2024, the logistics and warehousing sector was under intense pressure to accelerate order fulfillment while managing rising real estate costs, especially in urban areas. Traditional automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) offered density but often lacked the speed and flexibility needed for complex, multi-SKU orders. Urbx's launch addressed this gap by combining robotics and AI to push the boundaries of goods-to-person fulfillment.
What was reported
Urbx unveiled its robotic inventory storage and retrieval system, designed to fulfill complex, multi-SKU orders at unprecedented speeds. The system employs a fleet of proprietary TowerBots that use AI to calculate the shortest 3D path through a dense storage grid, retrieving totes and delivering them to pick stations. TowerBots traverse the top of racking and descend through strategically placed columns, eliminating the need for aisles and enabling access to inventory stacked up to 75 totes high in seconds.
The system integrates with built-in conveyor tiles for transport to consolidation areas. Urbx claims it can fulfill a 50-line order in less than 2.5 minutes. The storage grid supports double-deep storage at industry-leading heights, maximizing density while maintaining a small footprint—a key advantage for urban distribution centers. Each tote can handle up to 100 pounds, accommodating heavy items.
Designed for integrators, the system uses standard controls from Beckhoff and totes from Utz, avoiding rigid software and specialized hardware requirements. It is sold and supported through a global network of material handling automation integrators.
“We started Urbx to satisfy the demand for speed in retail order fulfillment that just wasn’t being met by existing solutions.”
Why it mattered
Urbx's system represented a significant step forward in AS/RS technology, offering a combination of speed, density, and scalability that could transform goods-to-person fulfillment. Its ability to handle heavy totes and operate in tight urban spaces made it a versatile solution for retail, grocery, and consumer-facing applications, potentially reshaping how distribution networks are designed.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2024-05-27 · “Urbx launches robotic inventory storage and retrieval system”