U.S. retailer trials label-reading robot Keonn AdvanRobot for inventory counting
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Keonn Technology has launched a new version of the RFID tag reading robot AdvanRobot, and its system integration partners plan to use the robot for a large-scale pilot in a major U.S. retailer this spring. In January 2016, the latest version will be commercialized. The robot has a built-in UHF RFID reader and antenna, laser sensor, 3D camera and an onboard sensor system for tag reading reports. The system can also prompt the location of the tag reading based on the tag signal strength and the location information stored in the sensor system, and the sensor data collected by the laser and 3D camera.
The anonymous retailer conducted a three-month test in the summer of 2015. Keonn co-founder and CEO Ramir De Porrata-Doria said the company will use the new version of the robot for a more extensive test this year.
(AdvanRobot uses the on-board sensing system to walk, and the built-in RFID reader is used to record the location of items)
In recent years, Keonn has been developing, modifying, and testing AdvanRobot in retailers to create an easy-to-use, transmit and navigate in-store RFID tag reading solution. In addition to Keonn, some other companies also provide RFID robots because the solution is easier to read in the store than the traditional store clerk holding a reader. At the same time, the system can also provide label location and inventory counting.
De Porrata-Doria explained: “The main factor is not technical, but usability. Robots are a technologically advanced tool, but users do not need to be manipulated by those with a technical background.”
De Porrata-Doria said that Keonn has been improving the robot to make it easier to control by sales staff. He said that if sales staff can manipulate the robot to perform inventory counting, the frequency of inventory counting will increase.
AdvanRobot is part of Keonn’s retailer RFID platform-an RFID suite that communicates with the AdvanCloud cloud server. These systems include smart locker rooms; other interactive systems such as smart mirrors; inventory tracking solutions using handheld readers; RFID payment and loss prevention systems; and the robot. AdvanCloud software interprets the data read by the reader and integrates it into the user’s management software. In addition, Keonn also provides an Android application for users to connect. Using this application, the user can control the robot, view the 3D camera image and issue instructions to indicate the need for inventory.
First, the user uses the joystick to manipulate the robot to move to create map information. This information will be stored in the robot memory and AdvanCloud software and accessed using the AdvanRobot application. The system uses in-store WiFi to communicate with the robot. The robot’s built-in laser sensor can detect obstacles on the floor, and the 3D camera not only provides real-time image information, it can also confirm that the current floor is barrier-free and make a detour.
(Retailers can use the joystick to control the movement of the robot and create store map information)
For the gate point, the robot’s inventory tracking area can be divided into several areas. In this way, the user can assign the robot to scan in a designated area—eg: underwear or furniture or skip some areas that do not need to be scanned.
After the map information is created, it will be stored in the cloud server and the robot’s memory, and employees and managers can start inventory checks. Employees only need to press the joystick on the robot to move to the starting point in the store. The user can specify the tag point that needs to be read on the mobile phone, and then the inventory count can be started.
AdvanRobot has built-in AdvanReader 150, an EPC Gen 2 UHF RFID reader manufactured by Keonn. Six Keonn Advantenna p22 readers are also installed on the left and right sides of the robot. When the robot moves in the store, the reader will read the product RFID tag ID number. The onboard software can determine the antenna with the strongest tag reading strength, and then bind this data to the robot position. If the robot judges that the area has a large number of tags, it will slow down, and if the number of tags is small, it will speed up the movement. If the number does not match, the robot will move back to read again.
RFID data is stored on a cloud server, and store managers can view it remotely. The staff can also view the label reading results and the image information of a specific area through the app. In addition, users can also change the robot instructions in real time to perform inventory counting in a specific area.
The new version of the robot provides many improvements. The capacity of the built-in battery is expanded, and the tag reading rate is also faster. At the same time, the robot can also be more convenient for maintenance, and the battery module can be easily removed. The robot can be folded in half for easier movement.
(The robot can be folded in half for easier movement)
AdvanRobot’s maximum moving speed is 1 meter per second, 400 tags can be read per second, and the maximum reading range is 20 feet.
Keonn sells its products through system integration partners around the world, and these partners are currently negotiating with potential customers in Europe, North America and Asia.
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