Logistics of the Future: Hai Robotics Solutions at TME

TME (Transfer Multisort Elektronik) has established itself as a prominent player in global distribution. A cornerstone of its success lies in its modern logistics centres strategically positioned in central Europe. These facilities ensure a seamless balance between maintaining high stock availability and delivering rapid order processing.  

By leveraging advanced infrastructure and innovative practices, TME has optimised its supply chain to meet the growing demands of its customers while adhering to industry-leading standards of efficiency.  

Partnership with Hai Robotics 

In line with its vision of continuous improvement, TME has formed a strategic partnership with Hai Robotics, a pioneering manufacturer of warehouse automation solutions. This collaboration is aimed at redefining warehouse operations by integrating cutting-edge robotics technology.  

The partnership focuses on enhancing the automation of core processes, ensuring that TME remains at the forefront of logistics innovation. This aligns with TME's commitment to delivering unparalleled efficiency and service excellence to its global customer base.   

Hai Robotics: Transforming Warehouse Automation 

Founded in 2016, Hai Robotics has quickly established itself as a leader in the field of warehouse automation. The company's innovative approach to logistics challenges has been instrumental in redefining automation standards across industries. Its reputation is built on cutting-edge robotics technologies, enabling businesses to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and precision in warehouse operations.  

Core Technology: Autonomous Systems  

At the core of Hai Robotics' technological advancements is its focus on Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robots (ACRs). These innovative systems, exemplified by the HaiPick solution, are among the first of their kind to automate case handling and retrieval processes.  

The HaiPick system stands out as a hallmark of automation excellence, enabling warehouses to streamline operations with minimal human intervention. These robots enhance operational accuracy while improving storage density and retrieval speeds, making them an indispensable tool for modern logistics.  

Mission and Vision  

Hai Robotics is committed to supporting warehouses and factories worldwide with intelligent, flexible, and efficient automation solutions. The company's mission is driven by three key objectives:  

• Flexibility: Ensuring seamless integration with existing warehouse infrastructures. 
• Scalability: Offering solutions that grow with the needs of businesses. 
• Efficiency: Significantly enhancing operational performance while reducing costs. 

This vision places Hai Robotics at the forefront of the automation revolution, providing businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.  

Benefits and Applications of Hai Robotics Solutions  

Hai Robotics' solutions are designed to revolutionize warehouse operations, offering substantial enhancements in both efficiency and storage capacity. Through the deployment of advanced robotics systems, businesses can achieve significant operational gains. For instance, operational efficiency can improve by up to 100%, enabling faster order fulfillment and streamlined workflow management. Additionally, storage capacity can expand dramatically, increasing from 80% to as much as 400%. This optimization maximizes the use of existing space, allowing businesses to manage larger inventories without requiring physical expansion.

These transformative capabilities enable warehouses to keep pace with growing demands while maintaining exceptional levels of accuracy and speed.

Cost Optimisation and Flexibility  

Hai Robotics' automation solutions are designed to optimise costs while enhancing operational flexibility. Key benefits include:  

• Space Optimisation: By significantly increasing storage density, companies can make better use of their existing facilities, reducing the need for costly expansions. 
• Cost Reduction: Automation minimises manual labour costs and improves accuracy, lowering expenses related to errors or inefficiencies. 
• Integration with Legacy Systems: The technology is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing warehouse infrastructure, eliminating the need for extensive overhauls and ensuring a smooth transition to automation. 

These features make Hai Robotics an attractive solution for businesses looking to modernise their operations without incurring prohibitive costs.  

Real-World Applications  

Hai Robotics' solutions have proven their versatility and effectiveness across a range of industries, including:  

• Logistics: Streamlining the movement and storage of goods in distribution centres. 
• Apparel: Managing high SKU diversity and ensuring quick, accurate order fulfillment. 
• Electronics: Handling delicate and high-value items with precision. 
• E-Commerce: Supporting the rapid growth of online retail by enabling fast and accurate order processing. 

By addressing the unique challenges of these industries, Hai Robotics provides a powerful platform for businesses to enhance their operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.  

Case Study: Logistics Center in Rzgow  

Since its establishment in 2021, the logistics centre in Rzgow has been a cornerstone of TME's operations. Designed with efficiency and scalability in mind, the facility is a model of modern warehouse management. Plans for further development include achieving 60% process automation, a goal that aligns with TME's commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence.  

Implementation of HaiPick System 1  

To achieve its ambitious automation objectives, TME partnered with Hai Robotics to implement the HaiPick System 1. This advanced system was designed to enhance the high-storage system, enabling the efficient utilization of both vertical and horizontal space within the facility. Alongside this, the transport infrastructure was significantly improved to optimize the movement of goods, ensuring smoother and faster internal logistics.

The system also introduced a balanced approach to automation, focusing on both manual and automatic dispensing areas. By integrating cutting-edge robotics with human oversight, TME achieved a streamlined and highly efficient operational workflow.

Key Upgrades and Features  

The implementation of HaiPick System 1 introduced significant upgrades, including:  

• Expanded Storage Capacity: The centre now features 56,166 storage locations, each capable of holding two totes, effectively doubling its storage capacity within an area of approximately 2,400m². 
• Deployment of Robots: Nearly 120 robots, including 80 Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robots (ACRs), were integrated into the system. These robots handle a variety of tasks, from stacking and crane operations to product packaging. 

These enhancements have significantly boosted the centre's capacity and operational efficiency, enabling it to meet growing demands. 

Advanced Conveyor System  

To complement the automation efforts, the conveyor system was extended by an additional 1.2km. This expansion plays a critical role in supporting the increased throughput of the facility, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation of goods across the warehouse.  

The integration of this advanced conveyor system, combined with Hai Robotics technology, has elevated the Rzgow logistics centre into a benchmark for modern warehouse operations.  

Impact on TME's Operations  

The integration of Hai Robotics' solutions has significantly transformed TME's operational capabilities. With a catalog now exceeding 950,000 items, TME has expanded its assortment to accommodate a broader range of products, effectively meeting the diverse needs of its customers. Automation has further streamlined order processing workflows, reducing picking times and enabling the logistics center to manage increased volumes with remarkable precision and speed.

These advancements have firmly established TME as a leader in logistics, combining efficiency and scalability to maintain its competitive edge.

Enhanced Customer Experience 

The operational upgrades implemented by TME have directly resulted in a significantly improved customer experience. The increased efficiency of automated systems has ensured that customer orders are processed and shipped in record time, meeting even the most demanding delivery expectations. Enhanced storage capabilities have also enabled TME to maintain higher stock levels, ensuring customers have consistent access to the products they need when they need them.

Through its alignment with cutting-edge technology, TME continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering exceptional service and reliability to its global customer base.

Conclusion  

The collaboration between TME and Hai Robotics marks a significant milestone in the evolution of modern warehouse automation. Through the integration of advanced solutions such as the HaiPick system and Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robots (ACRs), TME has achieved substantial improvements in storage density and operational efficiency. The implementation of cost-effective automation that seamlessly integrates with existing systems has enabled TME to deliver versatile solutions that address the unique needs of industries including logistics, apparel, electronics, and e-commerce. These advancements have reinforced TME’s position as a leader in logistics excellence, offering substantial benefits to both its operations and its customers.  

Future Prospects  

TME remains committed to advancing its use of automation and embracing technological innovations. Its plans include broadening the scope of automated processes beyond the current 60% target, as well as exploring emerging technologies to further enhance efficiency, scalability, and customer service. By continually setting new benchmarks for operational excellence, TME is well-equipped to address the evolving demands of modern logistics. 

As the industry continues to transform, TME's ongoing collaboration with Hai Robotics positions it to remain at the forefront of these changes, driving innovation and delivering exceptional value to its global network.