Chuck gets an upgrade

WALTHAM, Massachusetts – 6 River Systems (6RS), part of Ottawa-Ontario-based Shopify Inc., Is showing an upgraded Chuck mobile robot at MODEX, along with enhancements to its putaway and picking systems.

The exhibit includes an interactive picking contest and a wall-to-wall fulfillment demonstration with automated tote loading and unloading, batch picking, sortation and packing.

Improvements to the solution’s order allocation algorithm and batch, zone and other picking methodologies are intended to reduce the need for warehouse workers to waste time walking to fulfill orders. Chuck the robot can now handle new modular and larger multi-level workspaces.

“Operational efficiency is critical to providing an accurate and fast delivery experience, and the demand for this continues to grow. Our solution from 6 River Systems enables us to increase our throughput and get more orders out the door and into customers’ hands,” said Glen Sutton, SVP Americas, Ingram Micro Commerce & Lifecycle Services, which is a Chuck user.

Chuck’s increased capacity handles up to six levels for a total of 43.5 square feet of workspace, handles a broad range of SKUs and a payload of up to 200 lb. Its patent-pending safety system meets international safety standards, including CE and UL1740.

The system also upgrades itself with over-the-air software updates.

“Chuck replaces cumbersome and dangerous manual carts, eliminates long walks to receive and deliver work and improves associates’ jobs. In turn, this helps companies recruit and retain the best workers,” said Gillan Hawkes, 6RS’ VP of product.