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Status Prioritization Queue
Created by Guest
Created on Jan 24, 2022

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Point to Point (P2P) transport functionality for Locus Bots

We require the ability to perform "dumb" P2P transfer from Point A to Point B and back, without instructions from a WMS. See below for a rough outline of the feature/1 bot mission.


  1. Robot waits at "Point A", Induct point, adjacent to AutoStore pick station.

  2. Associate physically loads completed orders (totes) onto the robot

    1. User does not scan totes nor do they indicate the location on the robot

  3. Once a robot is physically full, user presses button on UI - "Move to [Point B]"

  4. Robot navigates to Pack Station, "Point B", autonomously

  5. At "Point B" another user physically removes orders (totes) from the robot

  6. Once all orders [totes] are removed, user presses button on UI - "Move to [Point A]"

  7. Robot navigates to Pack Station, "Point A", autonomously

  8. Rinse and Repeat

Problem/opportunity trying to be solved

Pitney Bowes manually transports completed orders (totes) from AutoStore pick stations to packing stations ~100m (~330ft) away. They currently employ 3 people full-time to load, unload, and transport orders from 8 AutoStore pick stations.


Concept of Operations v1 is attached. The RFP is for 2 sites, but P2P transport is only required at the Greenwood, Indiana facility. Focus only on slides containing the "IND" marker in the top right corner.

Locus COO - PB ...
Locus COO - PB RFP - v1.pptx
 Locus COO - PB RFP - v1.pptx
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Locus COO - PB RFP - v1.pptx
Quantify the problem/opportunity

The POC is slated for transporting goods from 1 AutoStore picking station, estimating ~5 bots. Total opp at this site is 8 pick stations, estimating 35-40 bots (just for P2P). The RFP also includes a picking oppurtunity (1 customer, 10 bots) with expansion to 8 additional customers in the same facility. 100+ bots.


From RFP, additional sites are possible post succesful POC:

  1. Greenwood, IN - IND (3 clients may get 2 more clietns in 2022)

  2. Hebron, KY - CVG (9 clients)

  3. Ontario, Calif. - ONT (8 clients)

  4. Reno, NV - RNO (1 client)
What is the root cause of the problem/opportunity

Existing picking (AutoStore) and packing (Stations and Conveyor) infrastructure cannot be moved, leaving a large travel distance (100m or ~330ft).

Customer need date Mar 18, 2022
Urgent request Yes
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  • Jason Boehm
    Jan 25, 2022

    Nike ReLAy inquired about this feature as well. After cartons / envelopes are packed they are placed into large bins. Associates will then move the bins to the dock door. With this request, associates will load up bots and the bots will perform the "none productive" horizontal travel.

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