Knapp continues collaboration with AI expert Covariant

Smart Future Knapp continues collaboration with AI expert Covariant

2024-09-02 Source: Knapp | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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It's a perfect fit! The automation specialist Knapp and Covariant, a U.S.-based company specializing in AI-driven image processing and robotics, aim to continue developing "intelligent" robotics.

Knapp and Covariant will continue their fruitful cooperation on AI-driven robotic systems for logistics. This collaboration has produced solutions like the Pick-it-Easy Robot, which supports the staff at Brødrene Dahl, the largest Danish sanitary wholesaler.(Image: Knapp) — Knapp and Covariant will continue their fruitful cooperation on AI-driven robotic systems for logistics. This collaboration has produced solutions like the Pick-it-Easy Robot, which supports the staff at Brødrene Dahl, the largest Danish sanitary wholesaler.
(Image: Knapp)

Knapp and the California-based company Covariant have announced the extension of their multi-year partnership. Founded as a startup in Silicon Valley, Covariant is now a leader in the development of AI models that enable robots to operate in complex and dynamic environments. The focal point of their joint projects is the robotic picking system Pick-it-Easy-Robot, which is noted for combining the most advanced technology with extensive logistics expertise. The partnership aims to further expand their already strong market presence in AI-powered robotic systems. A look into the future is promising.

AI and robotics enhance logistics

About five years ago, the Pick-it-Easy-Robot system was elevated to a new level with the AI-powered vision system from Covariant. At that time, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) opened up new possibilities for the deployment of robotics in logistics, such as handling more items with varying sizes, surface properties, or packaging. Both substantively and personally, the chemistry between Knapp and Covariant clicked from the first second, leading to a decision to conduct some tests together and challenge Covariant's artificial intelligence. The results were very impressive, recall the partners. Today, 26 Knapp customers worldwide in Europe, North America, and Australia rely on the Pick-it-Easy-Robot, including Würth, McKesson, and Brodrene Dahl (lead image). This long-standing partnership is an example for both companies of what can happen when two pioneers join their forces.

And at Würth Industrie Services, two generations of Pick-it-Easy robots are autonomously fulfilling orders, as emphasized by Knapp and Covariant.
(Image:Knapp)

AI robot system for greenfield and brownfield

More specifically, the robotic system is a combination of Knapp's "KiSoft" software and the image processing capabilities of the Covariant Brain. Users benefit because it enables the automatic handling of individual items (for example, for high-performance order picking) and the fully automated transfer of goods to pocket sorter systems. As such, Pick-it-Easy-Robot has already relieved warehouse staff from monotonous picking activities in numerous applications. Where labor is scarce or only limitedly available, Pick-it-Easy-Robot supports and enables order processing around the clock. Companies can thus optimize their human resources and simultaneously increase the capacity of the warehouse without the need for additional staff, according to the partners. The robotic system is used in so-called Greenfield applications without an existing warehouse structure, but it has also proven effective in Brownfield environments for optimizing existing sites.

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Smart Future Knapp continues collaboration with AI expert Covariant

AI and robotics enhance logistics

AI robot system for greenfield and brownfield

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