Geek+ Mobile Robots Help Chinese LED Factory Automate Internal Logistics

Autonomous mobile robots are a key component of next-generation smart factories. Geekplus Technology Co. today announced a strategic cooperation with PANGQI Technology Co., a Chinese logistics provider, and LED display manufacturer Unilumin Energy Saving Technology Co.

The three parties said they will jointly "create the LED industry’s first fully automated smart factory." In it, the whole logistics process, from raw material receiving and quality inspection to warehousing, discharging, production, and distribution, will use Geek+’s mobile robots.

"Geek+ is committed to achieving global smart logistics transformation and is constantly striving to provide robot solutions in complex scenarios," stated Zheng Yong, founder and CEO of Geek+. "We are excited to leverage the combined strengths of our robot fleets and work with PANGQI to empower industry innovation pioneer Unilumin to create a comprehensive and integrated flexible solution that continues to lead global LED manufacturing."

Founded in 2015, Geek+ said it applies robotics and artificial intelligence for warehouse efficiency and supply chain management. The Beijing-based company has more than 1,500 employees worldwide and provides autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to more than 500 customers.

Unilumin, PANGQI light up flexible logistics

"We have partnered with industry leaders Geek+ and PANGQI to create a whole-process flexible logistics system in the second phase of our factory in Daya Bay, Huizhou," explained Pan Xixiang, deputy director of automation of Unilumin. "Introducing technologies and equipment such as human-computer interfaces, industrial robots, and intelligent logistics, we are constantly working to realize digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 upgrades."

Guangdong, China-based Unilumin develops and makes light-emitting diode (LED) displays and lighting products, as well as Internet of Things and smart cities applications. The company said its products are used for commercial displays, in stadiums, and for road lighting, among other scenarios.

"I am very pleased that Unilumin has chosen to introduce our smart logistics solution to achieve flexible full-process automation," said Wu Xiaoqian, founder and CEO of PANGQI Technology. "Through PANGQI's smart logistics solution and Geek+’s AMRs and artificial intelligence, we have solved the problems of receiving, zoning storage, set shipping, and production-line receiving of raw materials for over 180,000 SKUs, achieving an industry breakthrough."

"Unilumin not only ensured no production-line stoppage and normal production operation during the upgrade process, but [it] also continuously created a new historical high in production," Wu Xiaoqian added.

Wuhan, China-based PANGQI Technology said it provides smart manufacturing and logistics systems with the mission of using "AI to empower customers and data to connect the future."

The company's systems include goods-to-person technology, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) for material handling, intelligent information systems, robotic picking systems, and tote-to-pallet automation. PANGQI said it enables conveyor lines and large warehouses to be intelligent, providing customized services for customers.

P800 goods-to-person picking robots transport goods. Source: Geek+

Geek+ provides mobile platforms

The joint project features multi-floor robot collaboration, as well as fully integrated digital operations for the first time, setting a new benchmark in terms of scale and complexity, claimed the trio. More than 100 Geek+ robots are handling nearly 30 different LED production operations over 10 floors and an area of about 100,000 sq. m (1 million sq. ft.).

The setup involves four types of AMRs from Geek+. The facility uses its P800 goods-to-person picking robot for raw material storage and in-store picking. It also uses the RS5, a totes-to-person picking robot, for bin storage and in-store picking.

The MP1000R mobile robot is responsible for inbound and outbound flows and empty container recovery, while four-way shuttles are used for finished product storage. Geek+ and PANGQI said they customized Unilumin’s warehouse management system (WMS) and robot management system (RMS) to create "the first integration of a cross-floor, multi-category robot fleet in the LED industry."

Geek+ said its project with PANGQI and Unilumin demonstrated the flexibility and scalability of its AMRs and software. Not only can they handle complex and diverse production scenarios, but the production line can also be upgraded without stopping production, said the company.

The deployment of the AMRs is already under way without disrupting Unilumin’s operations, said Geek+. Once fully implemented, the technology will improve Unilumin's inventory accuracy rate, greatly reduce labor requirements in production-line material handling, and provide a boost to picking efficiency, it said.