In December 2023, ABB Electrification Norway AS signed a contract with LIS, Movu Robotics distributor in Norway, to install Movu's escala order fulfillment solution in its new production facility in Skien, Norway.
The decision came when ABB was deciding how to better use its limited space by moving the storage component out of the production space and handling production at smaller blocks at a time.
"We talked to ABB about the challenges a few years ago, as we could not deliver the automation size they required at that time. I think that honesty helped build trust. We only sell something if we are sure the solution will work well," said Urban Jansson, the Sales Manager for Automation at LIS.
"The engineers from ABB were as impressed by the escala solution as we were. The solution is a huge stamp of quality," said Eirik Toft, Senior Sales Manager at LIS.
Kjetil Andersen agrees, saying, "We liked the flexibility, scalability, and redundancy of having free, autonomous robots. If a robot breaks down, it is still possible to operate the warehouse with somewhat less capacity. That was not possible with the other systems we looked at. If things go wrong, it can come to an abrupt halt."
When the escala installation is completed it will be 74 L x 36 W x 46 H feet (22.5 L x 11 W x 14 H meters). There are about 6,000 locations, which are not dependent on being picked from the most accessible first.
Next to the flexibility that allows the entire product catalog to be collected in the same system, big or small, the automatic input and output are major innovations. The robots automatically move between storage and production, picking and delivering assembled kits rather than individual items.
Previously, such kits had to be left outside and took up a lot of floor space in the middle of the production area, which now allows ABB Electrification Norway AS to build production more compactly.
The system is equipped with two lanes on different floors, which mirror the two floors of the AMR robots that pick and deliver goods between plants and production workers. This allows them to load boxes back into the system at the same time as receiving new ones, saving large amounts of time.
"Success in robotics isn't just about building advanced machines; it's also about delivering accessible and reliable solutions. And it's about forging successful partnerships. Innovation thrives when teams like Movu and LIS come together, combining diverse expertise and perspectives from which the customer benefits in the end. Thanks to our smooth collaboration with LIS, we were able to deliver to the expectations of ABB!" said Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics.
"We have experienced a positive collaboration with Movu Robotics and LIS. They responded quickly when we needed advice and provided the resources we needed," concluded Andersen.
Movu Robotics, part of stow Group, is a warehouse automation brand that stands out by bringing easier logistics automation solutions to the world’s warehouses. Employing more than 300 employees across Europe and the US, Movu Robotics offers a complete portfolio of automated technologies for efficient warehouses.
This includes the pallet shuttle “Movu atlas” for multiple deep storage, the AMR solution “Movu ifollow” for collaborative picking or transport of pallets, the robotised 3D storage and fulfilment system “Movu escala” and the integrated picking robot arm “Movu eligo”. All Movu systems are controlled and managed via their own warehouse execution software.
Movu Robotics’ headquarters in Lokeren, Belgium, combines a 5,000 square metre large office area with a 10,000 square meter surface for logistics and manufacturing operations under a single roof, next to a state-of-the-art experience center - one of the biggest in Europe - where the latest technologies are showcased live to customers and partners. For more information: www.movu-robotics.com