DB Schenker deploys Gideon Brothers' logistics robots

Austria-based global logistics provider DB Schenker has introduced Gideon Brothers’ autonomous logistics robots into service at its Leipzig facility.

Gideon Brothers, a Croatian AI and robotics company, developed breakthrough autonomy technology that combines deep learning and advanced vision-based perception. The technology offers a flexible solution for automating logistics operations in existing facilities, allowing productivity gains without the need to modify facilities.

"In our drive to offer strategic advantages for our clients in the increasingly complex digital environment, DB Schenker continuously explores opportunities to integrate innovations from visionary start-up companies. Delivering automation possibilities for logistics and warehouse operations is a foundation for building the next-generation supply chain," said Xavier Garijo, Member of the Board Contract Logistics at Schenker.

Gideon Brothers’ autonomous logistics robot is capable of moving 800 kg and is designed to navigate safely around people and equipment as well as other moving machines. It is equipped with a Visual Perception-based Robot Autonomy System, which combines deep learning with stereoscopic cameras to create the next generation of robot vision. Gideon Brothers’ technology is as reliable for navigation as LiDAR but is – unlike LiDAR – data-rich. Other than the revolutionary AI-powered visual perception, a critical competitive advantage is a hot-swappable battery system, allowing minimum downtime for recharging.

During the pilot, robots automated tasks associated with regular order fulfilment, speeding it up and allowing employees to focus on more complex tasks. A few weeks into the project, DB Schenker expanded the pilot by adding a significant number of new pick-up and drop-off points. The flexibility of the system is showcased by the fact that both the expansion and the ongoing fine-tuning was undertaken by DB Schenker staff. In the first month of the pilot, a typical distance covered by a robot surpassed 26 km per week.

˝Our machines perceive the world just like we do – by processing visual inputs and understanding what surrounds them and how it relates to their tasks. This is a technological leap. Self-driving machines, powered by vision visual perception and AI, will succeed where earlier technology failed – it will become ubiquitous in industrial environments,“ said Matija Kopić, CEO and Co-Founder of Gideon Brothers.

˝LiDAR is the dial-up of the autonomy world. It is a very good technology but 2D LiDAR has too many real-world limitations, making it a transitional step on the road to full autonomy. 3D is great, if economics don't matter. Camera vision technology is the future of mobile autonomy, particularly in busy and ever-changing logistics centres," said Milan Račić, Chief Growth Officer and Co-Founder of Gideon Brothers. 

"Our technology is gaining clear and unequivocal validation from our customers. This validation will help us become the leading mobile robotics provider in the industry," he added.

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