Technician 1 - Operations & Maintenance

BEUMER Group launches BEUMER robotpick to transform inbound parcel automation. September 23, 2026 No Comments 4 Mins Read Post Views: 64 Increasingly diverse parcel streams and persistent labour shortages are creating new operational challenges for courier, express and parcel (CEP) operators, with growing parcel volumes placing even greater pressure on existing processes. To help address these challenges, BEUMER Group has launched BEUMER robotpick, a fully autonomous robotic picking and singulation solution capable of automating 99.9% of bulk parcel handling with the correct parcel mix and operating conditions. This addresses one of the most labour-intensive stages of parcel processing while improving operational flexibility and reducing operating costs. Already proven in a live customer environment, BEUMER robotpick has processed more than 1.75 million parcels. As the latest addition to BEUMER Group's end-to-end parcel automation portfolio, BEUMER robotpick has been developed to help CEP operators overcome one of the key challenges in modern parcel hubs: dynamically transforming unpredictable bulk parcel streams into a continuous flow ready for automated sortation. By combining autonomous robotic picking, intelligent parcel singulation and seamless downstream induction, BEUMER robotpick automates 99.9% of bulk parcel handling, reducing reliance on manual labour while enabling operators to maintain efficient parcel flows despite changing parcel mixes and seasonal fluctuations. BEUMER robotpick combines BEUMER Group's proprietary computer vision, intelligent robot control and adaptive vacuum gripping technology to identify, pick and place a wide variety of parcels, including cardboard boxes, carton bags, polybags and letters. Designed specifically for the dynamic nature of CEP operations, the system continuously adapts its picking strategy to different parcel sizes, shapes and packaging types, maintaining a continuous parcel flow for downstream processing. Each robot cell can process up to 1,600 parcels per hour[1], with multiple cells working together to provide the flexibility to match capacity to operational requirements. Automation that scales with demand Unlike conventional automation systems with fixed capacities, BEUMER robotpick has been designed with scalability at its core. Its flexible system architecture enables integration into a wide variety of parcel hub layouts, supporting different conveyor configurations and destination belt arrangements without compromising operational performance. The modular solution can be configured with between one and four robot cells as standard configuration on a single bulk feeding line, with further cells added as demand grows, providing a clear pathway for future expansion. Each robot cell operates independently, allowing maintenance, software updates or servicing to be carried out without stopping the remaining cells, maximising system availability and operational resilience. BEUMER robotpick has also been engineered to handle the realities of modern parcel operations. Intelligent recirculation and automated handling of non-pickable items minimise operational interruptions and maintain continuous parcel flow, reducing the need for manual intervention. Dynamic robot movements automatically adapt to different parcel sizes, shapes and packaging types, helping maintain consistently high picking performance across mixed parcel streams. "Parcel operations are becoming more demanding every year," said Mathias Höwer, Global Sales & Systems Director, BEUMER Group. "It's not simply a question of processing more parcels. Operators must also manage far greater variation in parcel sizes, shapes and packaging, while dealing with ongoing shortages of skilled labour. BEUMER robotpick has been developed specifically to meet these challenges. It brings autonomous picking and singulation to one of the most labour-intensive parts of the parcel handling process, helping operators build more resilient, adaptable operations while allowing skilled employees to focus on higher-value tasks. As a fully integrated BEUMER solution, it also gives customers the confidence of working with a single partner throughout the entire system lifecycle." An integrated approach to parcel automation Unlike solutions assembled from multiple suppliers, BEUMER robotpick has been developed as an integrated solution, bringing together a BEUMER-owned vision system, robot controls, vacuum technology, parcel feeding and system interfaces. The result is seamless integration with BEUMER's wider parcel automation portfolio, enabling customers to benefit from a single, fully supported solution encompassing hardware, software and lifecycle services. The system also integrates operational monitoring through BEUMER SCADA and data-driven maintenance insights via BG Insight, helping customers maximise performance while reducing scheduled maintenance requirements. Proven performance in live CEP operations BEUMER robotpick is already proven in a live customer environment, having processed more than 1.75 million parcels. It has demonstrated the ability to automate 99.9% of bulk parcel singulation processes[2]. The launch of BEUMER robotpick further strengthens BEUMER Group's ability to deliver integrated automation solutions across the entire parcel handling process, from bulk induction and robotic singulation through to high-performance sortation and final dispatch. Supported by comprehensive lifecycle services, including data-driven performance analysis, system optimisation and predictive maintenance, BEUMER Group helps CEP operators maximise system availability, optimise operational performance and reduce total cost of ownership throughout the lifecycle of their parcel handling systems.

October 1st | Oakland strengthens team. Welcome to the October 1st issue of Warehouse & Logistics News. Oakland Speciality Supply Chain has named Jamie Smith as its new Operational Excellence Manager. Smith joins the business from the food manufacturing and D2C sectors, where he held a number of supply chain and operational leadership positions. Having started his career with Oakland through its Management Development Programme, he now returns to the company as it continues to develop its operations and technology capabilities. His background includes experience in manufacturing, fulfilment and supply chain management. BEUMER Group, which operates across industries ranging from e-commerce and parcel handling to mining and airport baggage systems, is targeting further growth in Europe as businesses increase investment in automation and logistics efficiency. Speaking to Warehouse & Logistics News, Peter Elmvang, Director of Marketing and Communications, outlines the trends driving demand, the company's latest developments, and what sets it apart in the material handling market. Hai Robotics is to provide automation technology for a new e-commerce fulfilment centre serving a leading European fashion retailer. The facility will feature the HaiPick Climb system in what the company says will be the world's largest deployment of rack-climbing warehouse robots. The project reflects continued investment in warehouse automation as online retailers seek to manage growing order volumes. Nowaste Logistics has completed what is believed to be the world's first installation of an AutoStore AutoCase system. The system, supplied by Swisslog, has been installed at one of the Nordic logistics company's warehouses and is designed to automate the handling and storage of cartons within an AutoStore grid. Trials are now under way ahead of the system entering full operational use. Hörmann UK has strengthened its industrial sales division with the launch of a dedicated Industrial Trade team. The team has been set up to work directly with installers and trade partners, offering technical guidance and account support across the company's industrial product portfolio. The move is intended to increase Hörmann's focus on the trade market as the company looks to expand its presence within the industrial and commercial sectors. Combilift has introduced Combi-Connect, a new cloud-based telematics system aimed at improving visibility across material handling fleets. The platform allows operators to track machine utilisation, monitor energy use and access diagnostic and maintenance data in real time. By providing a clearer picture of fleet performance, the system is designed to support maintenance planning and reduce operational disruptions caused by unexpected equipment downtime. Enjoy reading the issue. James Surridge Publishing Editor