A parcel sorting robot Posti has developed has been shortlisted in the Parcel and Postal Technology International Awards 2024. This is now the 16th time the respected awards ceremony for the postal and logistics sector is being held, and the last time Posti won an award was in 2020.
The robot, which has been named ”Reima”, is a unique solution on an international level and allows Posti to pilot new technology in its Lieto logistics center. It has been developed to assist employees in a physically demanding phase of parcel sorting: in lifting parcels from the ramp to dedicated transport units.
“Automation is becoming more common in parcel sorting, but robots like Reima are still rare. There are no similar, ready-made solutions available on the market. Reima was developed and tailored with technology partners to fit Posti’s needs, from its hand that grabs the parcels to its operating system, artificial intelligence and work safety,” says Laura Inttilä who oversees operations in Posti's e-commerce and delivery services.
Reima can handle around 150 parcels with different sizes and packaging in an hour
Reima operates with 16 cameras, out of which eight are 3D cameras. They tell the robot the parcel’s destination, size, shape, angle, and the free space available in the transport unit.
The robot is still a prototype, and its development is ongoing. Posti is examining if similar solutions could support the sorting work done by people in other phases, as well.
“Working with Reima is new and different. There’s been a lot of development in a short time, but Reima still requires a bit of supervision. This is a unique opportunity to follow how technology develops and how we can make Reima an even better colleague for us,” says Saara Mattila who works with Reima in the Lieto logistics center.
The winner will be announced on October 22
Reima is competing for sorting technology of the year with other international logistics and technology companies. The winner will be announced at Parcel + Post Expo in Amsterdam on October 22.
“If we win, Reima will host a party and invite friends of automation, artificial intelligence and robotics to come meet him in Lieto,” Inttilä says.