Goods-to-Person: Exploring the Different G2P Technologies

Since the 1990s, goods-to-person (G2P) technology has been transforming warehouses, streamlining picking and order fulfilment operations. After exploring the core principles and benefits of the G2P approach, we’ll delve into six leading solutions that help operators reduce manual labour and minimise errors. Follow the evolution of these robots, which bring goods and people together in record time within automated warehouses.

ASRS shuttles, introduced in the 1990s, are designed to move along rails, enabling vertical transportation. These shuttles are commonly paired with storage racks to retrieve items stored at height.

By efficiently transporting goods between storage and picking areas, ASRS shuttles significantly enhance the flow of goods within the warehouse.

Despite the futuristic name, cASRS (Cube Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems) are not vehicles, but rather robots that first appeared in Norwegian warehouses in the mid-1990s. These robots operate on 2D rails (either horizontal or vertical) and are specifically designed for picking operations within high-density storage areas, including bins.

The first AGVs (Autonomous Guided Vehicles) emerged in the 1950s, moving along fixed paths guided by lasers or floor markings. By the 2000s, mobile AGV robots had evolved to integrate G2P systems.

These large robots, sometimes up to 4 metres in length, are capable of transporting entire shelves from storage locations to picking stations, greatly reducing order-picking times and the physical effort required from warehouse operators.

The PA-AMR (Pick Assistant Autonomous Mobile Robot) segment saw rapid growth in the 2010s, particularly after Amazon’s acquisition of Kiva, which led to the withdrawal of Kiva robots from the market and gave Amazon exclusivity. PA-AMR robots are versatile, featuring modifiable routes, unlike the more rigid AGVs.

These AMRs perform tasks similar to manual picking carts but with far more advanced navigation systems.

mASRS (mobile ASRS) are automated systems that revolutionised the market upon their introduction in the 2010s. These ASRS robots, which transport goods from storage locations to picking stations, now have the ability to move in 3D, navigating both within storage areas and along the ground. This enhanced flexibility has greatly improved warehouse operations.

Our Skypod system is a prime example of this technology. Our robots can operate at speeds of up to 4 metres per second and access any item in the warehouse in under two minutes. They function autonomously within designated zones, reducing the risk of collisions and boosting productivity.

Introduced in the 2020s, AGV shuttles combine AGV navigation with ASRS principles. Similar to AMR shuttles, AGV shuttles move along the warehouse floor and can retrieve goods from heights of up to 12 metres, making them particularly suited for high-density storage systems.

Would you like to discover the solution chosen by Exotec to improve storage and order-picking speeds? Find out how the Skypod automated warehouse system works.