Brightpick Launches Giraffe: A Novel Autonomous Mobile Picking System

A New Era in Warehouse Automation

Brightpick, a leading manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, has announced the launch of its latest innovation, the Giraffe system. This cutting-edge solution is designed to revolutionize warehouse storage density by providing a unique approach to picking items from high shelves. The Giraffe system is notable for its large, retractable platform capable of reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters) in height, making it an ideal solution for warehouses with ceilings that are out of reach for both standard autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and human workers.

How Giraffe Works

The Giraffe system accomplishes its feat by utilizing a telescoping arm with three overlapping segments that measure 8.5 feet when fully stowed. Rather than constantly extending and retracting 11.5 feet at a time, the system is designed to work in tandem with Brightpick’s existing Autopicker robot. The Autopicker robot, which sports two supply bins, meets the larger robot halfway by extending up to 11 feet, allowing for a seamless and efficient workflow.

Comparison to Other Solutions

The Giraffe system bears some resemblance to the telescoping warehouse robots offered by Dexory, a London-based outfit. However, while Dexory’s "DexoryView" platform features sensors for scanning shelves, the Giraffe system has the more challenging task of transferring the shelves’ contents. In contrast, drone-based scanning startups like Gather AI, Verity, and Corvus are not equipped to handle the task of lifting and moving payloads, making them less of a competitor to the Giraffe system.

A More Suitable Comparison

A more apt comparison for the Giraffe system can be made with the automated storage and retrieval systems offered by companies like AutoStore and Kardex. Their tightly-packed grid solutions are expensive to install, difficult to repair, and less flexible with inventory sizes. In contrast, Brightpick’s order picking solution features AMRs cruising around and retrieving inventory from more traditional warehouse shelves, providing a more flexible and efficient solution.

Other Solutions in the Market

Other companies, such as BionicHive, offer solutions like their Squid systems, which ride on shelf-mounted tracks to retrieve inventory. Amazon has also invested in BionicHive, as part of its Industrial Innovation Fund. However, these solutions are not as versatile as the Giraffe system, which can be easily integrated with existing warehouse infrastructure.

Expansion and Adoption

Brightpick is rolling out the Giraffe system for two major customers in 2025. E-commerce retailer The Feed will employ six Giraffes alongside 73 Autopickers at a Colorado facility, while medical supply firm McGuff Company is deploying a more modest four Giraffes and one dozen Autopickers at a warehouse in California. Brightpick claims that the Giraffe/Autopicker combo allows for 3x the warehouse density of manual, human-based operations, while doubling its own existing solution.

Conclusion

The Giraffe system represents a significant advancement in warehouse automation, offering a unique solution for picking items from high shelves. With its ability to reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) in height, the Giraffe system is poised to revolutionize the way warehouses operate, providing a more efficient and flexible solution for inventory management.