Fully Automated Distribution Centers

End-to-End Automation

From pallet-in to pallet build and order processing

Symbotic’s distribution solution fully automates and manages inventory in their native cases from door-to-door, speeding up operations, improving order accuracy, digitizing inventory, lowering operating costs, condensing storage, improving downstream gains, and lowering loss.

Inventory management

Automated Storage

Goods are stored in their native packaging together in the Symbotic automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). Packaging material is not restricted and can be almost any material, softness, crushability, and shape. Items can range in size from 2 x 6.4 x 5 in (5.1 x 16.3 x 12.7 cm) to 36 x 24 x 16.2 in (91.4 x 61 x 41.2 cm) and SymBots can transport a total payload from 1 lb to 60 lb (0.5 kg to 27.2 kg).

Goods are robotically stored in a fully secured ASRS that provides 30 – 60% more density than traditional storage, providing greater usage per-square-foot. SymBots sequence order pick priorities in real time to maintain maximized efficiencies and cycles products appropriately.

SymBots sequence order pick priorities in real time to support continuous, maximized efficiencies and cycles products appropriately.

Pallet build

Order Preparation

Inventory is scanned and labeled, before two robotic arms work together to build a complete pallet up to 102.5 in (260.4 cm) tall and fully prepared for shipping in 3.7 – 7 minutes. As the pallet is built, it is simultaneously wrapped – ensuring stability and protection through shipment.

Each order is a Smart-built Pallet, considering the packaging type, weight, shape, center of gravity, and crushability of each item to prevent damage. Goods are stacked to ensure stability of the pallet and consider any additional business rules for specific items such as chemicals. Final placement for each item is determined by need upon arrival at its destination. Items that are needed together, or SKUs that are located near each other at a retail location are packaged near each other — reducing time, travel and labor on site for replenishment.