The North American warehouse automation market is undergoing rapid changes as it continues to expand and innovate. Shuttle systems pioneer HWArobotics is attracting attention in the region with the recent adoption of its technology by Canadian e-commerce fulfilment specialist Darwynn.
Third-party logistics provider Darwynn, which prides itself on using cutting-edge warehousing solutions, turned to HWArobotics to streamline order fulfillment operations at its site in Toronto, Canada. Robotic automated storage and retrieval systems (Shuttle ASRS) technology from HWArobotics – comprising a multi-level shuttle system of 24 carts, 10,368 storage locations and 6 goods lifts – was selected by Darwynn for its intelligent logistics center.
Darwynn provides sellers with localized warehousing, logistics and after-sales services through an integrated e-commerce platform, modularized intelligent warehouse, and seamless integration with multiple logistics platforms. It was looking to meet the demands of its business expansion as the number of SKUs within its facilities increases, in addition to enhancing service quality, efficiency, safety, and its sustainable development capabilities.
HWArobotics technology delivers immediate and future benefits
With 20,000 individual SKUs handled by the new facility, the HWArobotics Shuttle ASRS “goods-to-person” system was able to increase throughput for Darwynn to 2,400 bins/hour. In the first phase of Darwynn’s project, storage is configured as 3 double-deep aisles and 8 levels for the efficient parallel operation of multiple shuttle carts.
The shuttle ASRS solution, with picking stations and WCS systems, was easily integrated into Darwynn’s end-to-end fulfilment operations via HWArobotics’ industry-leading speedy onboarding process. It has delivered a series of benefits for Darwynn and its customers, including:
- Optimized inventory management
- Enhanced operational efficiency
- Higher throughput
- Improved warehouse space utilization
- Expanded storage capacity
- Reduced overall business costs
- Lower error rates
- Reliability and ease of maintenance
Complementing Darwynn’s real-time inventory tracking and e-commerce offering and meeting the demands of sellers and buyers, the new system is also future-proofed – with total inventory capacity of 200,000 items, the capability to meet peak business needs, and the adaptability to match Darwynn’s growing demand.
Commenting on the project, HWArobotics General Manager, Sky Chen, explains, “This project delivered an efficient, reliable, user-friendly and easily-maintained multi-level shuttle ASRS warehouse system. We are very pleased with the system performance so far and the potential the solution offers to Darwynn for further expansion. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership in the future.”
HWArobotics plans to continue expansion in North America
Darwynn is just one of many successful customer deployments by HWArobotics. Bringing its 20 years of rich industry experience in logistics automation to North America, the company has established a high-performance team in the region to provide extensive global after-sales service, with on-site engineers to assist post-sales. The company debuted its SLS600 four-directional tote shuttle robot at the ProMat 2023 trade expo in Chicago last March to gain momentum and seek further partnerships with North American system integrators.
Sky Chen, adds, “Our tested and trusted ASRS solutions embody advanced design principles and are based on two decades of industry knowhow, innovations, and outstanding R&D competence. Leveraging our extensive experience in supply chain efficiencies across the Asia-Pacific region, HWArobotics is an ideal partner for companies in North America, offering our full range of shuttle robot products. We are keen to bring our value proposition to U.S. system integration partners to achieve a win-win situation for the long term.”
In addition to its expanding customer base in North America, HWArobotics also has successful deployments of its pioneering shuttle technology around the globe, with customers including Shein, Bosch UAES, SONY, Freshippo (Alibaba Group’s grocery retail chain), Hisense Hitachi, Faurecia (a subsidiary of global automotive technology giant FORVIA Group), JD.com, and Phoenix Media. In South Korea, the company has been a key part of consumer co-operative group iCOOP’s fresh food project, supplying a solution with 22 shuttle cars, 4,840 storage spaces and 4 goods lifts.
HWArobotics was recently nominated as a “Finalist” for the prestigious IFOY Award 2024. Run by German logistics prize group IFOY, the international industry prize this year features 15 companies from 6 countries. The winners are determined by an independent jury of international trade journalists and will be announced in June at a ceremony in Baden, near Vienna, Austria. Announcing the shortlist, Anita Würmser, Chairperson of the IFOY jury declared that the finalists “reflect the mega trends of our time”.
About HWArobotics
As an industry leader with over two decades of experience and cutting-edge technology, HWArobotics, based in Singapore, has consistently been at the forefront of warehousing and logistics automation innovation. Renowned for technologically advanced, performance-driven, and reliably engineered solutions, including pallet shuttle systems, tote shuttle systems, mini shuttle systems, split-case picking systems, and associated control software. Additionally, HWArobotics has established highly specialized teams worldwide, with multiple branches in the United States, Europe, and South Korea, along with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
To learn more, visit www.hwarobotics.com
