Fulfillment centers across the globe are currently facing a scenario that’s enticing to say the least. From healthcare to the transportation sector, the integration of artificial intelligence is inevitable and fulfillment centers aren’t any different. The benefits of an AI-powered fulfillment network are manifold and profound, as the basic purpose of AI integration is to mimic human intelligence. This aspect provides a highly efficient growth model in business processes which offers business leaders a chance to go beyond a defined boundary.
It’s been almost a year since Shopify acquired 6 Rivers System with a whopping deal of $450 million. With this acquisition Shopify made its intentions clear that Artificial Intelligence is the way forward.
Shopify’s AI-Powered Fulfillment Network:
Shopify’s AI-powered fulfillment network works on the basis of providing warehouse operators with flexible fulfillment solutions. This is where the acquisition of 6 River Systems by Shopify proved to be a game changer. 6 River Systems with its dedicated team of AI experts were able to devise a fulfillment network which offered higher efficiency for warehouse management system & seamless expansion for merchants.
6 River Systems follows a holistic approach towards sections within a fulfillment center. The following are some of its features:
Speed & Reliability:
There’s a lot going on in a fulfillment center and when there’s a lot going on, one needs to be precise without much room for error. Integrating Artificial Intelligence hence must cater towards the process of inventory management, which includes receiving and shelfing products. 6 River Systems hence offers a path that’s negates human error and focuses towards speed and reliable results.
Collaborative Robotics:
Collaborative robotics or Cobots is a field in robotics which focuses on the development of robots that are designed to interact with humans in a confined proximity. You guessed it right! A confined proximity such as of a warehouse allows perfect conditions to gain advantage from collaborative robotics. 6 River Systems hence developed a Cobot that was designed to act as a lending hand to humans in a warehouse. 6 River Systems named the Cobot, Chuck. Maybe a bode towards its friendly nature. Chuck plays an integral role in Shopify’s AI-powered fulfillment network.
How does Chuck Work?
Chuck is designed in such a way that it works in a collaborative manner. Its essence lies in the fact that it acts as an operator itself and supplements the role of other workers in a warehouse. It uses machine learning to understand workflow dynamics within a proximity.
This feature allows Chuck to assist other operators in defining their work zones which in turns increases collaboration between individuals. Furthermore, Chuck provides assistance in stacking, replenishing & counting products which leads to better inventory management.
Sensory Navigation System:
A major advantage Chuck provides is its ability to navigate around with its sensors. It uses state of the art sensors which detect motion and presence of a material object. According to its surroundings, Chuck responds, whether it’s to slow down or to completely stop. One thing is to be noted, that this ability makes Chuck agile but will never interfere in slowing down the overall process of fulfillment.
The Process of Mobile Sorting:
Machine learning is driven on one basic criteria which focuses on being adept. Picking and sorting manually is a tiresome process and does cause time wastage. With the help of Shopify’s AI-Powered Fulfillment Network this issue is easily navigated. Associates in the warehouse are directed by Chucks to pick and sort intelligently which eliminates any chances of miscommunication and wrongful sorting.
Chuck is a Workaholic:
Chuck isn’t just a highly intelligent machine; it also loves to work for long hours. A fulfillment center is typically a busy place and someone who can work for long hours without losing its efficiency can be extremely beneficial.
Machine learning & collaborative robotics are firmly built in the epicenter of Shopify’s AI powered fulfillment network. Through machine learning, Chuck analyzes massive amounts of data from a specific warehouse and gains intelligence on what the course of action should be. The fulfillment industry is beginning to understand the importance an AI powered fulfillment network. The possibilities are endless and they definitely go beyond the boundary.
