Robotics and supply chain automation company GreyOrange is set to unveil at the 16th edition of LogiMat 2018 in Germany, its expanded range of Butler robots capable of managing a variety of payloads from 100 to 1,600 kgs (220 to 3,500 lbs).

The goods-to-person Butler system lets warehouses run high-speed operations by automating inventory storage (putaway) and order fulfilment. It has been deployed in distribution centers in Japan, Hong Kong, India, Europe and the Americas for industries such as 3PL, e-commerce and retail. The robotics systems handle a variety of items including apparel, home furnishing and personal care, reducing cost per shipment and enhancing productivity of warehouse operations by more than four times.

The new Butler XL handles payloads of up to 1,600 kgs (3,500 lbs). Its versatility is ideal for handling bulk inventory in factory warehouses, omnichannel fulfilment centers and large distribution hubs. A wide range of loads from raw materials to finished goods, including automotive components, manufacturing material and liquids can be moved on and put or picked from pallets, drums, sacks, crates and cases.

Sid Chatterjee, Vice President – Products, GreyOrange said, “We are delighted to add the Butler XL to the growing Butler family. The entire Butler range operates with minimal supervision using our software platform, GreyMatter, developed by GreyOrange to revolutionise warehouse operations by connecting people, process and technology more efficiently using Artificial Intelligence. In real-time, it integrates and delivers all of the functionality, intelligence and services required for optimum warehouse operations.”

At every step of the order process, from receiving to storage, picking to fulfillment, the orders are managed by the software platform GreyMatter. One of the key advantages of the expanding Butler family is its ability to manage multi-floor operations with the use of an elevator. This provides greater flexibility in handling material and inventory on multiple floors, and optimises space utilisation vertically in a warehouse.