Vanderlande has signed a strategic partnership with Fizyr to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology for its automated order picking, storage, unloading and palletizing robotic solutions. The results will be integrated into Vanderlande’s existing product portfolio, such as Smart Item Robotics (SIR), which has been designed to handle the large variety of items common to the warehouse, parcel and airports markets.
Fizyr is a Delft-based company that researches and develops ‘deep-learning’ computer vision software. This enables robots to process a broad selection of items through extended flexibility and improved handling capabilities, and enables companies to maximize their operational efficiency. For Vanderlande, the partnership will help to improve its existing robotics solutions such as SIR and develop and introduce new robotics solutions within its markets.
“The use of robotics in the logistics industry is extremely complex due to the variety of goods being handled, for example in terms of the shape, size, color and material,” explained Fizyr’s CEO, Herbert ten Have. “By applying deep-learning technology software, we can identify the best grasp locations for a robot, allowing it to cope with a high level of variation.”
Vanderlande’s CTO, Vincent Kwaks, commented, “Deep learning is changing our landscape and multiple applications will benefit from these techniques. That’s why we’re delighted to be partnering with Fizyr to explore the potential for our robotics solutions and maybe other automation domains.
“Fizyr is recognized as one of the leading technology companies in its field and this partnership demonstrates Vanderlande’s commitment to our customers, who look to us to create innovative solutions that help them to remain competitive.”
