Vanderlande has signed a strategic partnership with Fizyr to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology for its automated order-picking, storage, unloading and palletising robotic solutions.
The results will be integrated into Vanderlande’s existing product portfolio, such as Smart Item Robotics (SIR), which has been designed to handle the large variety of items common to the warehouse, parcel and airports markets.
Fizyr is a Delft-based company pivoted from Delft University in the Netherlands that researches and develops ‘deep-learning’ computer vision software available from a box.
This enables robots to process a broad selection of items through extended flexibility and improved handling capabilities, and it enables companies to maximise their operational efficiency.
Improved Robotics
For Vanderlande, the partnership will help to improve its existing robotics solutions, such as Smart Item Robotics, as well as develop and introduce new robotics solutions within its markets.
"The use of robotics in the logistics industry is extremely complex due to the variety of goods being handled, for example, in terms of the shape, size, colour and material," explains Fizyr’s CEO, Herbert ten Have.
"By applying deep-learning technology software, we can identify the best grasp locations for a robot, allowing it to cope with a high level of variation."
Vanderlande’s CTO, Vincent Kwaks, is excited about the future of this dynamic sector and said, "Deep learning is changing our landscape over the last years, and multiple applications will benefit from these techniques.
"That’s why we’re delighted to be partnering with Fizyr to explore the potential for our robotics solutions and maybe other automation domains."
"Fizyr is recognised as one of the leading technology companies in its field, and this partnership demonstrates Vanderlande’s commitment to our customers, who look to us to create innovative solutions that help them to remain competitive,” Kwaks added.
About Vanderlande
Vanderlande is the global market leader for value-added logistic process automation at airports and in the parcel market.
The company is also a leading supplier of process automation solutions for warehouses.
Elsewhere, Vanderlande’s baggage handling systems move 3.7 billion pieces of luggage around the world per year – around 10.1 million per day.
Its systems are active in 600 airports, including 13 of the world’s top 20.
More than 39 million parcels are sorted by its systems, which have been installed for the world’s leading parcel companies, every day.
Efficient And Reliable Solutions
In addition, many of the largest global e-commerce players and distribution firms have confidence in Vanderlande’s efficient and reliable solutions.
The company focuses on the optimisation of its customers’ business processes and competitive positions.
Through close cooperation, it strives for the improvement of their operational activities and the expansion of their logistical achievements.
Vanderlande’s extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software, and life cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.
Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 5,500 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent.
With a consistently increasing turnover of €1.4 billion, it has established a global reputation over the past seven decades as a highly reliable partner for value-added logistic process automation.
For more information about the company and its products and technology, as well as career opportunities, please visit www.vanderlande.com.
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