What is the project
In this project, a vertical refrigerated cabinet was developed to enable the automatic restocking of yogurts using a robotic system that transports products from a buffer area to the display area. The system is designed to ensure product availability for customers while providing real-time monitoring of the stock inside the cabinet.
The shelves are inclined to ensure that the front is always fully stocked while also facilitating product placement by the robotic system. The robotic system consists of a robotic arm mounted on a linear axis, enabling it to move from the buffer area to the display area.
The buffer area consists of inclined shelves mounted on carts that can be transported from the store’s warehouse to the front-of-store area. Continuous monitoring of products in both the display and buffer areas generates alerts that notify staff of low stock levels or out-of-stock conditions, prompting the preparation of new buffer units for the cabinet. Replacing the buffer allows the robotic system to continue restocking operations seamlessly, preventing stockouts in the display area.
Project at a glance
Focus: Automated Vertical Cold Cabinet with Autorefill is an intelligent vertical refrigeration system with automated yogurt restocking, ensuring continuous freshness, optimal product availability, and increased operational efficiency at the point of sale.
Key demonstrators: A new vertical refrigerated cabinet integrated in-store, featuring two 7.5 m display fronts and a 1.25 m buffer area, with a robotic system automatically restocking products from the buffer to the display.
Primary pilot locations: Continente do Gaia Shopping
Objectives
- Continuous monitoring of the products within the cabinet, reducing the risk of stockouts.
- Automatic product restocking by the robotic system, reducing ergonomic risks for staff during replenishment operations.
- Ensure that the cabinet fronts are continuously stocked with products.
- Rear-loading of products combined with inclined shelves ensures optimal control of product expiration dates.
What we delivered
We have deployed a pilot vertical refrigerated cabinet for yogurts in-store, featuring two 7.5 m display fronts and a 1.25 m buffer area, along with a robotic system comprising a manipulator arm on a linear guide that restocks products from the buffer to the display area. The cabinet integrates with existing store aisles, and in this pilot phase, no modifications were made to the entire aisle.
Metrics / KPIs
Real-time stock monitoring within the cabinet
Value: Efficiency
Notes: Stock information in the cabinet is monitored in real time, whereas currently, staff only check stock levels when they visit the cabinet.
Product stockouts
Value: Reduced
Notes: Having products in a buffer for the robotic system to restock, along with continuous monitoring of product quantities, helps reduce the risk of stockouts.
Ergonomic risk level
Value: Eliminated
Notes: Manual staff are no longer required to perform cabinet restocking operations.
Summary
This project developed and deployed a pilot automated vertical refrigerated cabinet for yogurts, integrating inclined shelves, a buffer area, and a robotic restocking system. Products are transported from a rear buffer to the display area by a robotic arm mounted on a linear axis, ensuring continuous front-facing availability and improved control of expiration dates. Real-time stock monitoring generates alerts for low or out-of-stock conditions, enabling seamless buffer replacement and reducing stockouts, while eliminating ergonomic risks associated with manual replenishment.
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