The TM-100 from NextShift is an out-of-the-box robotic solution that takes warehouse order fulfillment processes to a new level.

The system combines real-time work tracking to dynamically adjust for order volume, shipping priority and seamless collaboration with warehouse staff.

The TM-100 system optimises both human and robotic workers, using real-time monitoring and fault detection to improve delivery time and reduce incorrectly picked items.

NextShift Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robot solutions for automated order fulfilment and warehouse materials management, has been granted a second patent, for this unique system.

The Method and System for Automated Transport of Items patent covers the ability of the robot to raise itself vertically to access shelving of different heights to pick the appropriate container from a range of shelf heights and storage system configurations.

The robot then autonomously transports the container throughout the facility and delivers it to a human or robotic pick/pack station.

Thus, this patent covers an eventual unattended worker-free picking and packing operations.

This is NextShift’s second patent, following their original patent for a Storage Material Handling System.

It covers an advanced materials handling workflow in which autonomous mobile robots collaborate with warehouse workers but perform independently – i.e. without direct worker interaction.

This enables a more efficient picking process involving fixed storage locations distributed in a storage space.

After items have been placed into collection totes within the pick zones the mobile robots autonomously load, transport, and unload the totes at destinations around the facility.

The new patent covers a key requirement for companies that need to retrieve containers from varying height locations in the warehouse and deliver them to pick/pack stations without assistance from human workers.

The TM-100 is designed to recognize humans and other obstacles in its path. It is courteous enough to stop to give way to people and smart enough find a way around obstacles.

The TM-100 is built to handle normal warehouse conditions – obstacles, dirt, dust and temperature extremes are all in a days work.

And with its rugged industrial design, uneven floors, bumps and dropped items are no big deal either.

An intuitive app has a simple interface that error-proofs the picking process. It guides the picker to an aisle and zone for an accurate next pick and placement into the tote.

Available for Android, iOS and Windows mobile platforms, it can be customised to include different data elements.

The TM-100 is low maintenance and requires minimal training to use.