Introducing INDUCT: the robotic e-commerce 'induction' system
Introducing INDUCT: the AI-Powered Robotic Induction Workcell for Parcel, Post, and E-Commerce Fulfillment
San Francisco-based robotics and AI outfit Kindred – which is owned by UK grocery retailer Ocado – has recently created INDUCT, a high-speed,
AI-powered robotic work cell that accurately picks, maneuvers and places items onto a moving belt, bomb bay or tilt sorter. As the company’s CEO, Marin Tchakarov, explains, the platform combines AI-powered machine vision, grasping and manipulation algorithms to handle parcels of varying size, fragility and materials. “We were able to quickly solve the engineering challenge of automating induction – a more difficult process than picking and sorting due to the unstructured and unpredictable dynamics of handling parcels,” he says.
Starting with a ‘cluttered avalanche’ of parcels, Tchakarov says the INDUCT in-feed system separates items from a chute onto a series of belts, dividing and unstacking pieces into two organized streams. Two synchronized robotic arms then pick up each item at the precise speed and grip required for its shape and weight, and place it on a free space on the moving sorter. Numerous INDUCT work cells can also be used collaboratively along the same fulfillment line and further units can be added to support peak periods.
“The work cell has been in a trial at a global package fulfillment, logistics and delivery company for the last nine months,” adds Tchakarov. “The system has been in use along a parcel fulfillment line, handling parcels of up to 4kg [9 lb] and moving them from an incoming chute onto a moving tilt sorter.”
Built on Kindred’s proprietary CORE/AutoGrasp™ artificial intelligence platform, the INDUCT robotic system is a high-speed workcell that identifies items and determines how to handle them, a process known as induction. It accurately picks, maneuvers, and places items onto a moving belt, bomb bay, or tilt sorter. The platform combines AI-powered machine vision, grasping, and manipulation algorithms to handle parcels of varying size, fragility, and materials.
Starting with a cluttered avalanche of parcels, the INDUCT in-feed system separates items from a chute onto a series of belts, dividing and unstacking pieces into two organized streams. Using Adaptive Motion Control, two synchronized robotic arms pick up each item at the precise speed and grip required for its shape and weight and place it on a free space on the moving sorter. Built-in scanners capture barcodes as items move down the sorter, regardless of orientation.
Grasp & Maneuver Various Items
• Up to 4 kilograms (8 pounds)
• Variety of shapes, surface textures and materials
• Both rigid packaging and loose plastic polybags
Supercharged Induction Speeds
• 1600-2000+ picks per hour (PPH)
• 99.5% uptime with remote human-in-the-loop piloting support
Compact Workcell Design
• Fits within the confines of most induction workstations
Footprint of 2.7 meters by 1.4 meters (8 feet 10 inches by 4 feet 6 inches)
This week Package Fulfillment, Logistics & Delivery Expo highlighted Kindred INDUCT as one of the most innovative technologies recently brought to market. Kindred CEO, Marin Tchakarov, explains: “The workcell has been in trial at a global package fulfillment, logistics and delivery company for the last nine months. The system has been in use along a parcel fulfillment line, handling parcels of up to 9 pounds and moving them from an incoming chute onto a moving tilt sorter.”
