Element Logic to Add Addverb Mobile Robots, Fleet Management Software to Warehouse Portfolio

Element Logic AS last week said it will integrate Addverb Technologies' systems for autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, into its existing portfolio alongside a fleet management platform. The companies said this will enable customers to decrease operational costs and increase profits.

Element Logic and Addverb said they can jointly offer customers flexible systems for material transport, consolidation, and sequencing -- buffers before and after the picking process from an AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS).

“By using AMRs, we can help our customers to improve internal processes, increase efficiency, and offer them faster and more reliable order processing," stated Hans-Jörg Braumüller, group design and consulting director at Element Logic.

Since 1985, Element Logic said it has been optimizing warehouse performance with robots, ASRS, fulfillment systems, software, and services. The Kløfta, Norway-based company serves the electronics, third-party logistics (3PL), pharmaceutical, apparel, and other industries.

Element Logic also claimed that it is the world's first and largest AutoStore integrator. Earlier this year, Element Logic acquired SDI Industries, a provider of sortation systems and automation, which it said made it one of the largest systems integrators in the world.

Element Logic finds flexibility in Addverb

Warehouse operations have increasingly turned to mobile robots because of their flexibility for dealing with a wide variety of goods.

Addverb said it offers a "unique" combination of mobile and fixed automation, as well as enterprise software for logistics. The Irvine, Calif.-based company said it provides expertise and warehouse automation based on Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics.

“After an intensive search on the market for a partner who can support Element Logic in international projects, Element Logic has found a well-established technologically and reliable partner in Addverb," said Håvard Hallås, chief commercial officer at Element Logic.

“This is an important step to provide an even stronger competitive advantage for customers by expanding the end-to-end warehouse automation portfolio," he added. "We are excited and look forward to growing together with Addverb and the opportunities the partnership will bring."

Addverb's users include fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) enterprises such as Unilever, Flipkart, Amazon, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Dabur. The company recently opened a Center of Excellence for Advanced Robotics Research and Development in Fremont, Calif.

From left to right: Johnny Andersen, general manager of Addverb Europe; Pieter Feenstra, CEO of Addverb EMEA; Håvard Hallås, chief commercial officer of Element Logic; and Hans-Jörg Braumüller, group design and consulting director of Element Logic. Source: Element Logic

AMRs maneuver to new markets

Unlike automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), AMRs don't require predefined, fixed paths, instead defining their routes on the fly. If an obstacle is detected, the AMR adjusts its path to navigate around the object.

An intelligent fleet management system with integrated swarm technology and onboard laser navigation will manage the jointly offered robots, said the partners.

“We are thrilled to enter this partnership with Element Logic and proud to work together with such a prestigious player of the industry, renowned across Europe and globally,” said Pieter Feenstra, CEO of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region at Addverb.

“Our ability to serve the market demand will exponentially increase, offering access to a complete solution combining AutoStore systems and mobile robots," he said. "We believe the strong portfolio, innovation expertise, and depth of resources we are bringing together through this partnership will allow us to create even more value for our customers.”