Interview with Fetch Robotics

In this talk

1. 2:00

   A pallet-moving AMR

   Nuss describes the Pallet Transport 1500, built to automate pallet transport in distribution centers. It serves workflows such as cross-docking, storage moves, case picking, and returns, carrying loads between handoff points where forklifts load or unload pallets.

2. 5:01

   Safety, throughput, and orchestration

   Fetch’s approach keeps forklifts at loading and unloading points while an AMR handles transport between them. Nuss cites an annual forklift injury accident rate of 11% and an average injury cost of about $150,000. He says some deployments have doubled or tripled productivity, and describes integrating the robot with Honeywell’s Momentum warehouse execution system to schedule pallet movements.

3. 16:40

   Fetch’s product strategy

   Nuss highlights a fleet spanning payloads from 100 to 1,500 kilograms, integrated solutions that include the robot, lift, and transfer station, and the FetchCore cloud platform for deployment and fleet management. He says customers are also asking about compliance with the newly released R15.08 safety standard.

4. 20:30

   Pandemic-era deployment and collaboration

   As e-commerce demand accelerated, logistics operators looked to automation amid labor shortages. Fetch began guiding customers through setup remotely; in one example, a customer mapped and configured a robot with video support and had it operating within a day or two. Nuss says employees often grow comfortable sharing space with AMRs after a few days.

5. 25:26

   People and robots in the warehouse

   Nuss says fully lights-out warehouses remain uncommon and generally suit standardized, high-volume operations. He expects people and robots to work together for years, since that combination offers flexibility as workflows change and can be adjusted quickly.