Enbi Automation Solutions

Project overview

Enbi has partnered with a pioneering warehouse automation company on a innovative system that enables robots to pick and stow items using both vision and tactile sensing—blending force feedback with conveyors in dense storage pods. Enbi Automation Team Solutions partnered with system integrators to supply precision conveyor modules, rollers, and customized end‑effector components to streamline the systems nuanced handling requirements.

Challenges addressed

1. Delicate tactile handling
   1. End effectors end‑of‑arm tools combine suction and force sensors to maneuver items in compact, elastic‑banded fabric storage pods.
   2. Conveyor systems and rollers needed ultra‑smooth, low‑vibration operation to avoid disturbing nearby inventory.
2. Precision indexing & motion control
   1. The solution required sub‑.5 mm positioning accuracy at speeds up to ~370 fpm, as demanded by conveyor‑end‑effector sync .
   2. Components had to integrate seamlessly with robotic arms and internal pod conveyors.
3. Rapid prototyping & iteration
   1. Prototypes were tested in real world environments in Europe and the USA during beta rollouts.
   2. Enbi needed agile development to refine roller diameters, materials, and to apply specialized coating and tolerances in sync with evolving grip and force profiles.

Enbi’s automation solutions product portfolio

Enbi delivered an extensive range of products aimed at fulfilling complex stow system requirements:

Rapid prototyping & development cycle

1. Requirements & collaboration
   1. Enbi engaged early with the customers’ integration partners, reviewing grab-force test data from the sensor telemetry.
   2. Defining use cases—fragile electronics, apparel, books—helped tailor surface textures and compliance.
2. Rapid prototyping
   1. Initial rapid prototypes allowed fit-checks on EOAT assemblies.
   2. FEA analysis refined wall thickness and spine support for precision under load.
3. Functional testing in beta labs
   1. Integrated components were tested in lab environments replicating real life conditions.
   2. Iteration cycles were under two weeks, enabling swift refinement before beta rollouts.
4. Field validation & scale‑up
   1. 1. Once validated, Enbi scaled up to produce batches supporting > 30 units in initial beta, meeting tight supply deadlines
      2. Enbi’s global footprint allows “localized” manufacture to support installations around the world.

Outcomes & impact

High-precision conveyance: Achieved sub-0.5 mm repeatability and vibration-free material handling, enabling the stow system to deploy across 500k+ stow cycles .

• Flexible product range: Offered linear, modular kits catering to various item sizes and handling strategies.
• Quick turnaround: From spec to pilot-ready tool in under 4 weeks, ensuring the customers rapid development cadence was matched.
• Seamless system integration: Tight collaboration with integrators ensured perfect alignment with the systems EOAT systems—minimizing friction and downtime.

Key takeaways

• Integrated development: Co‑engineering with integrators and the designers evaluated dynamic sensor data, not just static specs.
• Prototype‑driven design: Rapid iteration and lab-to-field validation ensured reliable performance in real warehouse environments.
• Modular & scalable solutions: Product flexibility allowed adaption across the system units and future robotic platforms.
• Automation-boosted efficiency: Precision rollers enabled the stow system to handle 75% of item types with tactile accuracy—reducing strain on the workforce and enhancing throughput .

Conclusion

Enbi’s Automation Solutions exemplifies how a specialized precision roller manufacturer can accelerate innovation within robotic automation by offering:

• A broad, high-precision product lineup
• Iterative prototyping synced with real use‑case data
• Responsive development cycles matched to integrator needs

Their contribution was instrumental in enabling the customers tactile end‑effectors and conveyor systems to operate with the dexterity, integrative precision, and reliability demanded by modern fulfillment environments.