AS/RS manufacturer HWArobotics deploys system for Darwynn

Automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) manufacturer HWArobotics recently announced it deployed a system for third-party logistics (3PL) e-commerce fulfillment company Darwynn.

Darwynn provides end-to-end localized warehousing and logistics services through an integrated e-commerce platform and modularized intelligent warehouse with real-time inventory tracking. The company was looking to streamline order fulfillment operations at its logistics facility in Toronto, Canada.

HWArobotics describes its goods-to-person AS/RS installed at Darwynn’s facility as a multi-level shuttle system with 24 carts, 6 cart elevators, and 10,368 storage locations. During the first phase of Darwynn’s project, storage was configured as 3 double-deep aisles with 8 levels enabling parallel operation of multiple shuttle carts. The system included picking stations and WCS systems.

AS/RS system’s inventory capacity totals 200,000 items

Darwynn was looking to meet the demands of its business expansion as the number of SKUs within its facilities increases. The company’s Toronto facility handles 20,000 individual SKUs. HWArobotics said the system's total inventory capacity is 200,000 items.

HWArobotics said its AS/RS increased Darwynn’s throughput to 2,400 bins per hour, expanded storage capacity, improved warehouse space utilization, lowered error rates, and optimized inventory management.

“This project delivered an efficient, reliable, user-friendly and easily-maintained multi-level shuttle AS/RS warehouse system,” said Sky Chen, HWArobotics general manager. “We are very pleased with the system performance so far and the potential the solution offers to Darwynn for further expansion.”

HWArobotics offers AS/RS systems globally

HWArobotics said it has established a team to provide after-sales service, including on-site engineers, for its North American customers as it expands into the region. The company debuted its SLS600 four-directional tote shuttle robot at ProMat 2023 in Chicago to seek partnerships with North American system integrators.

“Leveraging our extensive experience in supply chain efficiencies across the Asia-Pacific region, HWArobotics is an ideal partner for companies in North America, offering our full range of shuttle robot products,” said Chen.

In addition to expanding its North American customer base, HWArobotics has deployed systems globally. The company said its customers include Shein, Bosch UAES, SONY, Freshippo-Alibaba Group, Hisense Hitachi, Faurecia, JD.com, and Phoenix Media. HWArobotics said it provided South Korean consumer cooperative group iCOOP’s fresh food project with a system including 22 shuttle cars, 4 cart elevators, and 4,840 storage locations.

Want to learn more about robot and automation system integration? This article was featured in the December 2024 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled “The process of robot integration.”