Körber has installed a VarioPick AI-powered robot at PostNord’s sorting centre in Rosersberg, Sweden.

Körber learned of PostNord’s interest in developing and testing technologies to improve business operations. It opted to run an AI robot pilot project to meet automation needs and be prepared for future demands.

PostNord chose Körber (www.koerber-supplychain.com) because it met its requirements for throughput, the required range of formats including bundles, and tight schedule. VarioPick has been sorting bulk mail in the Rosersberg mail terminal for the past six months.

PostNord is a provider of communication and logistics to, from and within the Nordic region. The company provides postal services to homes and businesses in Sweden and Denmark and operates as a logistics and freight distributor in all Nordic countries.

The company’s goal is to be a leader in parcel distribution and ecommerce, and to run a sustainable, demand-driven mail delivery business. The pilot’s objectives were to automate workplaces, streamline processes and improve efficiency, and to investigate how the AI robot could be used to enhance work environment and employee safety.

The AI robot took over the work that was previously done manually by two employees, feeding parcels from the smallest packages to bundles weighing 7kg. It takes them from a moving bulk stream and places them precisely on an induction belt. VarioPick also has to sort out the non-conveyable items.

The robot had to be quickly installed in a small space in the existing Rosersberg mail centre.

The system includes an AI-based vision system for accurate item identification. In addition, a pusher ensures seamless removal. PostNord also integrated a container tipper to enhance overall functionality.

The 3D bulk stream generated by the container tipper is delayed into a 2D bulk stream and fed to German firm Körber’s AI-based vision system. The system identifies the individual items and sends the corresponding information to the VarioPick. The system uses this information to process one of three cases:

• Picking and placing conveyable items onto a sorter infeed line
• Placing non-conveyable items on a conveyor belt that leads to a designated container
• Using the pusher to remove items that the gripper cannot process

VarioPick (koerber-supplychain.com/supply-chain-solutions/parcel-logistics/parcel-solutions/dynamic-picking-variopick) replaces two manual workstations. Sorting capacity is up to 2000 parcels per hour of bulk-stream items and 600 bundles per hour. Consignment dimensions are from 120 by 50 by 5mm to 350 by 450 by 250mm. Consignment weight is 0.05 to 3kg, or 7kg for bundles.

“PostNord strives to meet automation needs of today and be well prepared for tomorrow,” said a PostNord (www.postnord.se) statement. “With the flexible VarioPick, Körber provides exactly the right technology to take our automation to the next level. The AI-based robotic picking operates 24/7, enhanced our productivity and reduced our costs. Together with Körber, we managed a quick implementation. It now improves our work environment and contributes to increased productivity of our sorting centre in Rosersberg.”