Following Amazon, Indian startup-turned-unicorn Flipkart has started the first robot-based sortation technology, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), at its sortation facility in Bengaluru.

The introduction of AGVs is aimed at providing flexibility and mobility, necessary for scaling supply chain operations.

AGVs are basically robots. They are computer-controlled and are wheel-based load carriers that are typically used in warehouses. The compact, box-shaped robot does not require a driver and it follows markers or wires in the floor or uses vision or lasers. They are usually run on rechargeable batteries.

The AGV technology, for ecommerce companies, was first seen being used in the US warehouse of Amazon. Alibaba too uses AGVs in its plants.

"The Soukya set-up involves 100 plus self-guided bots that automatically sort packages to the right customer pin codes by identifying encoded information on each package," the Flipkart statement said.

Although Flipkart will be using these AGVs for sorting out delivery packages, the technology comes with features that ease manual labour. These features could include lifting truck as well.

These robots can also help in handling raw materials, in-process work movement, removal of waste to recycling them, product storage, among others.

The AGVs can help industries and companies save on cost and give opportunities to the manpower to be upskilled.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published:Mar 20, 2019 12:49 PM IST