Picking robot TORU continues to evolve
How NEOintralogistics is further exploiting the potential of TORU
RobotsTechnology
6. February 2025
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From shoebox specialist to all-rounder in the logistics system by NEOintralogistics
Imagine a robot that was originally developed as a specialist for picking shoe boxes could suddenly handle spare parts, e‑commerce products and small parts for production just as efficiently. This is exactly what NEOintralogistics (hereinafter also NEO) has achieved with our mobile commissioning robot TORU. Find out more in this article.
Commissioning robot TORU expands its potential as a core element in NEO’s logistics system
Our autonomous robot TORU is currently known as a “picking robot for shoe boxes”. In this field, it is unique in solving its complex task and is established at companies such as Zalando, Gabor or Schuurman. However, NEOintralogistics recognized further potential in our robot. Together, we have developed it further: Now TORU is used as a universal picking robot as part of its innovative complete system solution.
By integrating TORUs into the system, NEO is expanding its field of application to new sectors, such as:
- E‑Commerce-Products: Books, electronics, fashion and consumer goods
- Spare parts: Differently shaped and heavy parts
- Small parts for production & assembly: just-in-time deliveries
- Multi-client warehouses: Different products for different customers? No problem. The system picks the items in the respective small load carriers (KLTs) autonomously and picks them
How does the NEOintralogistics logistics system work?
The NEO system combines our autonomous TORU robots with an automated buffer station, an ergonomic goods-to-employee station and an intelligent operating system to create an efficient picking solution for existing and new shelving systems. This system takes the automation potential of such warehouses to a whole new level.
NEO’s holistic approach of “thinking in boxes” is very simple: all items measuring up to 380 x 240 x 140 mm and weighing up to 5 kg are stored in appropriately standardized small load carriers (KLTs). These are picked directly from the shelves by our enhanced TORU robots and transported to the fully automated buffer station.
The containers are temporarily stored in the buffer and prepared for further processing. If required, the KLTs are provided “just in time” by a cobot arm at the ergonomic goods-to-employee station. An employee removes the required items, stores new ones directly if necessary and returns the container to the buffer. All processes are controlled and continuously optimized in real time by the intelligent NEO operating system.
You can see the system in action in the following video.
What makes the automated logistics system by NEOintralogistics unique?
Pay-per-pick model:
By opting for NEO, the customer is provided with and implements the entire system — totes, TORU robot, buffer station and software. Payment is made per pick, always at a price that is below the current costs of manual picking.
This means that NEO pays for itself right from the start, without incurring any investment costs. This makes the use of the robots risk-free, as only the service actually provided is invoiced.
Full compatibility with existing racking systems, increase in storage density possible:
Instead of risking expensive and time-consuming conversions or interruptions to operations, the system can be integrated into any existing systems with shelving racks.
The only requirement is that the goods must be stored in the standardized KLT boxes supplied so that TORU can grip them and the buffer can provide them optimally.
It should also be emphasized that due to the narrow lane width required by TORU and the full utilization of the rack height, the storage density can be significantly increased.
Reduction of the error rate in the picking process:
Where humans need more time in the picking process from a working height of 160 cm and are more prone to errors, TORU picks safely and efficiently up to a height of 220 cm.
TORU can pick KLTs with a total weight of up to 5 kg safely from the shelf — and does so flexibly at different heights. Whether it’s electronics, books or spare parts — thanks to its high-tech vacuum gripper, it grips them securely in standard KLTs and moves them effortlessly.
TORU, as a multi-load robot ideal for filling the buffer
TORU is not a “single picker”. It can transport up to 16 KLTs simultaneously, which greatly increases its efficiency compared to conventional robots.
This makes it the optimal choice for e‑commerce environments and a core element of the NEO system.
Intelligent buffer management for thousands of orders:
TORU works as a team with an automated buffer station and intelligent software.
This interaction ensures that the items are provided in the correct order before picking.
The smart system can thus prepare thousands of orders, literally “overnight” if required. This saves time and decouples the various work processes from one another.
The logistics system from NEOintralogistics: more than just automation
Customers who opt for the NEO system and carry out more than 3,000 picks/day are taking a path that goes far beyond pure automation.
Without any investment risk, they receive a complete solution, support from experts, pay only per pick and can thus enjoy benefits that go even further:
|
The challenge |
The solution with NEOintralogistics |
| Managing product diversity |
Books, electronics, spare parts, fashion — everything that fits into the KLT containers can be processed |
| Minimize investment costs |
No investment risk — use in the pay-per-pick model |
| Flexibility for more growth |
Scalable solution — add new products, more robots or even buffer stations at any time. |
| Safety in the warehouse |
Thanks to intelligent human-robot collaboration, employees and robots can work safely and smoothly in parallel, significantly reducing the workload on humans. |
| Countering labor shortages |
Reduces personnel requirements by up to 70%. |
| Increased efficiency |
350+ picks per hour — pure efficiency. |
| Implementation without friction losses |
Ready for operation in just 6–8 weeks — no expensive conversions necessary, delivery of all components. |
Conclusion: A robot with potential, a system for the future
In this system, the Magazino TORU has developed from a shoe box robot into a universal overall solution. Thanks to the partnership with NEOintralogistics, TORU unfolds its full potential far beyond shoe logistics.
By combining TORU and the innovative NEO system, companies of all sizes benefit from state-of-the-art warehouse automation, thanks to the pay-per-pick model, without major investment and with full flexibility.
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