Fetch Robotics adds two models for material handling operations

Warehouse robot vendor Fetch Robotics Inc. said today it has expanded its fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) designed for warehouse fulfillment operations by adding two models that handle a wide range of workflows for material handling and transport.

San Jose, Calif.-based Fetch said its RollerTop and CartConnect robots are intended for mixed-inventory and variable-workflow environments operated by third party logistics providers (3PLs), retailers, and manufacturers.

The RollerTop robots feature active conveyor modules built into the platform, allowing them to hand off or receive material from fixed conveyor lines without human interaction. To handle materials that cannot be immediately loaded or unloaded, the CartConnect robots can pick up, transport, and drop off warehouse delivery carts to any location in the facility, then immediately move on to their next task.

Both models can be integrated into any warehouse workflow strategy without changes to existing facility or information technology (IT) infrastructure by using the firm's FetchCore Cloud Robotics Platform software, according to Fetch.

The RollerTop and CartConnect join Fetch's existing line of AMRs, the Freight100, Freight500, and Freight1500 models, each named for its carrying capacity measured in kilograms. The two new models add flexibility and maximize the use of existing conveyance equipment for factory and warehouse workflows, according to a statement from Fetch Robotics CEO Melonee Wise.

The release comes after Fetch raised $25 million in venture funding in December and announced plans to expand its warehouse automation product line for e-commerce fulfillment customers struggling to meet warehouse labor demand.

Investors have recently been funneling money into warehouse robotic products. Funding rounds include $25 million for 6 River Systems Inc. (6RS) this week. Venture capital deals in 2017 included an additional $15 million for 6RS, $25 million for Locus Robotics Inc., and $8 million for RightHand Robotics Inc.