Proven reliability as the foundation
For years, we’ve earned trust in warehouses and distribution centers worldwide with our Light Directed Pick-to-Light solutions. Not through promises, but through performance. Large clients rely on our pick carts every single day. They operate with virtually zero downtime, even in high-pressure environments. That reliability is the foundation on which we continue to innovate.
The next evolution: AMR-enabled Pick-to-Light carts
As leaders in automation, we are currently developing a new Pick-to-Light cart designed to work seamlessly with an AMR. An AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is a self-navigating robot that moves safely through dynamic environments, without fixed routes or infrastructure.
In our offering, the AMR positions itself underneath the Pick-to-Light cart, hooks-on the entire cart by connecting a pin to the cart, and transports it autonomously through the facility, while the cart continues to run on its own wheels. The AMR provides guidance, propulsion, and positioning, without lifting the cart or transferring its weight.
Key advantages of a centrally mounted vertical pin AMR
Positioned directly under the pick cart, the centrally mounted vertical pin AMR delivers a combination of compactness, control, and robustness:
- Compact footprint: AMR stays fully under the cart, ideal for narrow aisles
- Excellent maneuverability: Central pin ensures tight turns and natural cart tracking
- High stability: Towing forces applied near the cart’s center of gravity, resulting in controlled cart dynamics
- High positioning accuracy: Short, rigid coupling improves stop-and-go precision
- High payload capability: Cart weight remains on its own wheels
- Low energy consumption: No lifting, only rolling resistance
- Simple, robust coupling: Reliable vertical pin, tolerant to small misalignments
- Easy cart integration: Minimal modifications required
Once in position, the AMR lowers from the cart and moves on, either to pick up another cart for a different operator, or to transport completed carts directly to the outbound or transport area, while the operator continues picking without interruption.
In another application, the cart stays with the operator throughout the entire picking process.
As soon as a specific product is picked, the AMR automatically drives the cart to the next location.
No pushing. No lifting. No unnecessary walking.
Designed for modern logistics reality
Logistics centers are becoming larger, more complex, and more widespread. At the same time, fewer people are willing to work in physically demanding warehouse roles. Our Pick-to-Light carts already deliver significant efficiency gains and combining them with autonomous internal transport adds an extra layer of efficiency and work satisfaction.
The AMR handles long distances. Operators stay where they create the most value.
That means:
- The distance between racking and carts remains consistently minimal
- Operators move directly from one cart to the next, without taking a single step
- No unnecessary pushing or physical strain
- People can stay within one dedicated aisle or zone, increasing process knowledge
- Higher knowledge leads to fewer errors and more stable performance
Zone Picking with AMR Handoff (Goods-to-Person Hybrid)
In more advanced warehouse setups, the AMR-enabled Pick-to-Light cart enables a powerful zone picking with handoff process. This Goods-to-Person hybrid concept is designed for higher throughput environments where scalability, labor efficiency, and predictability are critical.
How it works:
- The warehouse is divided into multiple picking zones.
- Each zone has a dedicated picker responsible for a defined SKU range.
- An AMR enters a zone carrying a Pick-to-Light cart with open order totes.
- The AMR positions itself underneath the cart and connects via the central vertical pin.
- The cart remains on its own wheels, while the AMR provides movement and precise positioning.
- Light-directed picks are completed for that specific zone only.
- Once all required picks in the zone are finished, the AMR autonomously transports the cart to the next zone.
- This process repeats until all zones have been completed.
- After the final zone, the AMR delivers the fully completed orders directly to packing or shipping.
Throughout the entire process, pickers remain inside their zone.
Best suited for:
- Large distribution centers (bridging distances), though efficiency is also there with smaller operations
- High SKU counts
- High order velocity
- Multi-zone warehouse layouts
Benefits include:
- Strongly reduced walking per picker
- Higher units per hour (UPH)
- Better labor specialization per zone
- Faster onboarding through limited SKU exposure
- Extremely scalable during peak periods
- Stable, predictable throughput even under heavy load
Beyond Warehousing: Manufacturing & Kitting
The same AMR-enabled Pick-to-Light carts used in warehousing can also be deployed in manufacturing environments. In these settings, they support kitting operations by collecting individual components and delivering the right parts to the right assembly station at exactly the right time.
In a manufacturing flow, the AMR autonomously transports the Pick-to-Light cart:
- Executes the Pick-to-Light kitting process
- Travels automatically from storage to the assembly line
- Moves seamlessly between workstations
- Arrives precisely when components are required
This enables just-in-time assembly, reduces line-side congestion, and ensures assembly operators stay focused on value-added work such as assembling products instead of walking, searching for parts, or moving materials.
Automation that fits every operation
The same principle applies to autonomous internal transport in general. No matter how small or large your operation is: automation of repetitive tasks is achievable. The key is not complexity, it’s having the right, tailored components.
Designed for ROI and simplicity
Yes, an AMR is a significant investment. But based on operational data, we believe that for most companies the ROI can be achieved within two years.
Just as important: VCO removes complexity from the equation.
- For normal operations, no direct integration between your WMS and the AMR is required
- The AMR integrates primarily with our Pick-to-Light software
- Our PTL software already integrates seamlessly with the most common existing Warehouse Management Systems
Automation should support people, not burden them with IT projects.
Contact us
If this development resonates with you, let us know. Early conversations allow us to incorporate process-specific requirements into the first version, ensuring the solution fits your operation even better.
We learn from our customers. And we innovate based on the real-world experiences we gain together. That collaboration is what turns technology into lasting value.