SICK PRESENTS CAMERA SOLUTION FOR HANDS-FREE PICKING

SICK presented an image-based code-reading system for order picking personnel at LogiMAT 2024 in Stuttgart. The system eliminates the need to manually scan barcodes and 2D codes, allowing items to be picked up and placed with both hands. The camera is installed above the workstation and records the product identification when an item is passed through the sensor's field of view during repacking. The triggering of the code reader, as well as the reading of the barcode or 2D code, is therefore automatic; in other words, without the need for any manual operation.

Picking stations with manual or semi-automated sorting require the use of people. At the same time – quite apart from the current shortage of skilled workers – the growing volume of orders, particularly in e-commerce, has increased performance requirements in terms of work efficiency. Classic mobile handheld scanners only allow one-handed picking by personnel or require the device to be set down. Both processes impair the picking process.

Higher throughput with better ergonomics
In contrast to the use of a mobile handheld scanner, the Ident solution from SICK frees up the hands of picking personnel, as the 2D presentation camera is integrated directly into the goods transfer processes in its mounting situation above the picking station. Barcodes and 2D codes on the packaging label are automatically scanned and identified as soon as goods are moved through the camera's field of view from the storage container into the picking box. The reading takes place in a large field of view and with immediate feedback. This significantly reduces the picking time per item, improves the performance of the picking processes and increases throughput capacity. And this increase in performance is not at the expense of employees. The system allows them to work in an ergonomic posture without having to stretch, bend or lean forward.

Intelligent integration, quick and easy commissioning
The solution from SICK scores points for its simple and fast commissioning and its smart integration options. The presentation camera can be pre-configured at the factory or set up by the user using AutoSetup. The devices can also be replaced quickly thanks to the integrated parameter backup. The camera can then be integrated into the OR environment at the workstation via plug and play. During operation, the camera behaves like a keyboard. Information that has been read in by the camera is output in a user-configurable format directly in the mask of an application. The identified article data can be individually filtered, sorted and aggregated. Everything from a single source: on request, SICK can take care of the complete implementation and commissioning as well as ongoing service.

Also suitable for robot applications
Thanks to its lightweight and compact design, reliable reading performance and diverse connectivity options, the 2D presentation camera can also be integrated into robot-guided picking processes. SICK supports users in optimizing and automating existing pick stations, thus rendering the pick station fit for the future.