NūMove Robotics & Vision Partners with KPI Solutions to Develop New Robotic Order Picking System for Beverage Warehousing

Why It Matters

Automating mixed‑SKU order preparation boosts productivity and safety, giving beverage distributors a clear ROI in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways

• RAPTOR occupies only 2,500 sq ft footprint
• Dual‑robot design separates depalletizing and palletizing
• Handles mixed SKUs, cases, trays, and returnable shells
• Improves throughput while enhancing worker safety
• Scalable solution for beverage distributors of any size

Pulse Analysis

The beverage distribution sector has long wrestled with the paradox of high SKU velocity and limited warehouse real estate. As consumer demand for craft beers, ready‑to‑drink cocktails, and other fast‑moving drinks accelerates, operators are turning to robotics to squeeze more throughput out of existing footprints. Industry analysts note that automated order‑picking systems can lift labor productivity by 30‑40 % while cutting error rates, making them a strategic priority for firms seeking to stay competitive in a tight margin environment.

NūMove Robotics & Vision and KPI Solutions address this pressure with RAPTOR, a dual‑robot, vision‑guided platform that occupies roughly 2,500 sq ft. The system first depalletizes incoming cases into SKU‑specific buffer lanes, then recombines them into mixed‑SKU retail pallets. Its ability to manage closed cases, wrapped trays, bottom‑pad cartons, and returnable shells eliminates the need for multiple dedicated machines. By separating the two functions and using a temporary buffer, RAPTOR delivers continuous operation, higher uptime, and the flexibility to switch between donor and order pallet formats on the fly.

Early adopters across the United States report measurable gains in order‑to‑ship cycles and a noticeable reduction in workplace injuries, underscoring the solution’s dual economic and safety value. Because the platform scales with demand, even midsize distributors can justify the capital outlay through faster order fulfillment and lower labor costs. As more beverage wholesalers integrate RAPTOR, the competitive landscape is likely to shift toward fully automated, mixed‑SKU fulfillment centers, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in the broader supply‑chain automation market.