Block storage, a foundational method in logistics, is a simple, cost-effective way to stack pallets directly on the ground. It is a staple in industries like beverages, consumer goods, and hygiene products. However, this simplicity comes with significant challenges, especially in dynamic staging areas used for loading and unloading. These environments are characterized by high labor costs, which account for 75% of expenses, and significant safety risks. Approximately 11% of manually operated forklifts are involved in accidents annually, a statistic that highlights the urgent need for a safer solution. RISES (Robotics Integration for Smart Efficiency and Safety) is our groundbreaking experiment under the ARISE project designed to tackle these very issues. We’re integrating robotic forklifts with an AI-driven management system to create a new standard for sustainable logistics that empowers workers and optimizes operations.
Practical Benefits for Today’s Warehouse
RISES delivers measurable, real-world benefits that transform brownfield block storage operations. Our solution minimizes infrastructure needs with a modular, plug-and-play system. Combined with the SLAPStack OS, companies can see a reduction in operating expenses by up to 70% and an improvement in order processing by up to 50%. The return on investment (ROI) is achieved within two years. While traditional automation projects often require 9 to 18 months for integration, RISES can be deployed within just a few weeks thanks to its simulation-based approach. This drastically shortens time-to-value and makes automation accessible to both large enterprises and SMEs.
The Technology Behind the Transformation
At the core of RISES is SLAPStack OS, an AI-based operating system for block storage management. It orchestrates autonomous forklifts in dynamic staging areas by combining real-time data from multiple sources, including LiDAR, Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras, and safety sensors of robotic forklifts. This advanced technology enables selective obstacle recognition, allowing forklifts to differentiate between static and dynamic elements, such as workers, reacting under 200 ms and ensuring human safety. In dynamic staging areas, RISES introduces coordinated access with virtual barriers, ensuring human-robot collaboration without interference. The system also leverages FIWARE technologies, specifically the Orion-LD Context Broker and NGSI-LD standards, for real-time condition monitoring and automated alerts. This provides real-time insights, for example, into forklift locations, battery levels, and potential bottlenecks in the warehouse.
The Human-Centric Warehouse
RISES is a prime example of Industry 5.0, where technology works to augment, not replace, human capabilities. By automating high-risk, monotonous tasks like stacking and navigation in staging areas, RISES reduces physical strain and accident risks. This allows workers to shift their focus to higher-value responsibilities, such as process oversight and quality control. The intuitive SLAPStack WebApp and reduced physical demands make warehousing roles more accessible to diverse worker profiles, including individuals with physical limitations. This focus on human-centricity not only boosts job satisfaction and retention but also helps address the industry’s skilled labor shortage.
Our Commitment to Open Standards
A key component of RISES is its commitment to open-source innovation. We are contributing several open-source ROS 2 modules to the ARISE Catalog. These include a HRI and FIWARE Monitoring Module for real-time alerts, an Integration Module for fleet management. By adhering to standards like ROS 2, FIWARE, NGSI-LD, and VDA5050, RISES ensures interoperability and scalability across diverse hardware platforms and industries. Our collaboration with research institutions like Fraunhofer also guarantees alignment with industrial standards and fosters continuous improvement.
Join Us on the Road Ahead
RISES is a scalable, plug-and-play solution designed to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market. Our go-to-market strategy begins with pilot projects in beverage and canned goods warehouses, which provide a stable foundation for growth. Our Warehouse-as-a-Service (WaaS) business model offers SaaS subscriptions, integration fees, and maintenance contracts, making automation accessible and cost-effective. In the mid-term, we plan to expand into other sectors like cross-docking logistics and the chemical industry. We invite innovators, partners, and industry leaders to explore how RISES can transform their operations.