Festo develops AI robot solution for logistics center in Würth

Innovation partnership between Festo and Würth

The "GripperAI" software from Festo was developed with innovation partner Würth for robots in the logistics chain to handle products up to 20 kg. The aim is to reduce the physical load on humans and thus improve working conditions. The prototype AI software is being tested at the Reinhold Würth Innovation Center Curio, among other places. Würth, as a developer, manufacturer and supplier of assembly and fastening materials, has more than 1 million products in its portfolio and can use the support well in the logistics chain.

The main location of the Würth Group is located in Künzelsau. Here, the logistics center houses several final packaging stations where employees prepare products brought in on trays for shipment. Würth has about 1,000,000 products in its portfolio - ranging from small and light products to very heavy parts. And precisely handling these heavy parts is very stressful for employees.

Customized software solution

For that reason, Würth wants to use the "GripperAI" software from Festo testing that allows robots to handle parts weighing up to 20 kg. The Advanced Development Analytics and Control division of the R&D department of Festo worked on the project for more than two years: "We recreated Würth's sorting belts in our laboratory in order to optimally develop the various capabilities of the robot. These include the selection of object-dependent grippers, the picking of random objects, the packing of shipping boxes and the handling of the boxes and trays," said Jan Seyler, head of Advanced Development Analytics and Control.

Using an integrated camera, the robot "looks" at the type of object, its shape and surface. Based on this, it selects the best tool for handling this product from the tool station in the robot cell. This includes a choice of grippers specially developed for this project and equipped with suction cups from the Festo portfolio. The Festo GripperAI solution can grab almost anything it gets in front of it - provided the gripper and robot are suitable for it.

The prototype offers the promised benefits: it relieves Würth employees from handling heavy parts and simultaneously increases work efficiency. "Another advantage of the Festo-solution is that it requires no lessons or training. Just do it, just get started. It also works with any robot and vision system, which gives us flexibility in choosing partners," said Roland Schneider, head of Würth's technical department. For Festo means the ultimate way to test the solution in a large logistics center and develop the associated training.

Successful deployment

The robotic cell has been in satisfactory operation at Würth since spring 2023 and can be used on all lines. Future optimization steps focus on higher speed, better packaging and optimization of the overall process. Johannes Scheuermann, head of inventory management at Würth: " We are convinced that this project will enable us to significantly improve our logistics processes and enable further growth. Even in difficult times when there is a shortage of skilled labor."