Wild Robotics (Uruguay) and Kuka (Germany) are two industrial robotics companies that recently joined the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator. They will develop a flexible robotics solution to automate the palletising process and sell it throughout Latin America.
Addressing the Challenge
In logistics, palletising refers to the process of stacking goods onto a pallet to create a single unit for easier handling, transportation, and storage.
Such a process can still be done manually. And it is becoming increasingly unpopular.
Source: “Palettisation automatisée : comment ça marche et comment commencer ?” from Robotiq.com
Why?
- It is inefficient: A worker would manage to place 3-6 cases per minute on the pallet, while an automated system can do 10 times better.
- It is tedious and physically straining: Because of such tasks, 24% of industrial workers report health issues, and turnover in factories can reach up to 60%.
The bottom line: Manual palletising is a loose-loose. Neither factory managers nor workers want it anymore.
However, if the solution is obvious (install automated systems), implementation is another story.
Installing automated palletising systems is costly: several thousand euros in the best case, a fortune for a small SME.
Besides, how to customise the robotic arms to a variety of products? Products can vary in dimension, weight, and packaging materials.
As a result, no investment and no improvement. Meanwhile, the global palletising market grows at a 30% rate annually.
German company Kuka specialises in industrial robots and systems for various applications: automotive manufacturing, material handling, welding, and assembly. The company has established a solid reputation in industrial robotics and operates in over 60 countries worldwide.
They, however, haven’t yet developed a robotics technology that can specifically address the automation challenges in palletisation: cost and customisation.
This is where Wild Robotics comes in.
A Strategic Partnership
On the other side of the Atlantic, Wild Robotics is a Uruguayan startup specialised in cost-effective robotics software for factories. It is a direct spin-off of the company Genba Robotics.
But that’s not all: they have developed Paretto, a flexible robot built to automate the palletising process.
Implementation? Not a problem. Paretto is a plug-and-play solution. As a result, implementation time is reduced by 90%.
Costs? Wild Robotics offers a rental service that costs approximately $35,000 per year. It is also worth mentioning that Paretto can save up to 80% of operational costs.
The Collaboration Framework
Together within the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, both companies will work with Paretto to make Kuka’s robots more efficient when it comes to palletisation.
How?
First of all, Paretto will enhance Kuka’s robots with computer vision. Computer vision acts as the robots’ “eyes.” It helps them identify, locate, and orient items on pallets using advanced imaging algorithms and 3D vision systems.
Secondly, Paretto will gift Kuka’s robots with intelligent path planning. Intelligent path planning ensures collision-free motion, smooth transitions, and optimal stacking patterns, maximising pallet density and stability.
Not to mention that Paretto’s intuitive interface makes advanced automation accessible to all factory workers. No specific robotics expertise is required.
Expected Results
In addition to this technological collaboration, both companies will work closely with the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator to expand their presence in Latin America and further develop their product.
Through the soft-landing strategy service, Kuka and Wild Robotics intend the following:
- Gain intelligence about potential customers in Latin America (factory automation potential, industrial specialities, service expectations, etc.) but also about competitors to refine Wild Robotics’ positioning and added value versus existing offers.
- Get market validation to answer relevantly the demand for Paretto in Latin America. This means, in particular, analysing data from the International Federation of Robotics and other industry sources. From a practical perspective, the partnership also needs to secure some pilot clients for real-world testing.
- Build a detailed roadmap for new market expansion that includes the following steps:
– Integration: How to align the different parts of the business? Which suppliers? Which distributors?
– Geographical reach: Which countries should the partnership focus on?
– Operational scaling: How to meet the demands of the expanded market without compromising quality or efficiency?
The global palletising market is expected to reach $410 million in Latin America, and Wild Robotics aims to capture 30% of this market!
Besides, Wild Robotics, in particular, will take advantage of the investment readiness service. The service includes:
- Creating and refining pitch decks to make them as appealing as possible for potential investors.
- Participating in events and meetings to pitch their solution in front of investors.
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