HaiPick ACR System

HaiPick represents the world’s first commercially deployed Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robot (ACR) system, developed by Hai Robotics in 2016. Unlike traditional rack-to-person solutions that move entire shelving units, HaiPick robots intelligently identify and retrieve individual totes and cartons, delivering them directly to picking workstations. This approach has driven widespread adoption in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, where the system addresses the sector’s demanding requirements for accuracy, traceability, and efficient handling of thousands of SKUs.

Product Overview

The HaiPick system emerged from recognizing limitations in existing warehouse automation approaches. Traditional Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) require substantial infrastructure investment and facility modifications, while simpler mobile robot solutions moving entire racks cannot achieve the storage density required for pharmaceutical operations handling high SKU counts with varying demand patterns.

HaiPick’s case-level retrieval approach enables storage density improvements of 80-400% compared to manual warehouse configurations, while maintaining the flexibility to work with existing racking infrastructure. The system achieves deployment timelines of 1-2 months for most implementations—significantly faster than traditional ASRS installations—and supports subsequent expansion without disrupting ongoing operations.

Key Features

Autonomous Navigation: HaiPick robots navigate warehouse environments without rails or tracks, using proprietary algorithms for path optimization, obstacle avoidance, and traffic management across multi-robot deployments.

Multi-Case Handling: Depending on model configuration, individual robots transport up to 9 totes or cartons simultaneously, with payloads reaching 300 kg per trip for heavy-duty variants.

Vertical Reach: The system supports picking heights from ground level to 12 meters (39 feet), enabling full utilization of warehouse vertical space that manual operations cannot access efficiently.

Mixed Storage Support: Robots handle both plastic totes and cardboard cartons of varying dimensions within the same installation, accommodating the product diversity typical of pharmaceutical distribution operations.

Fleet Coordination: The HaiQ software platform orchestrates multi-robot operations, optimizing task allocation, charging schedules, and storage placement based on demand patterns and warehouse heat maps.

Technical Specifications

Designed for pharmaceutical warehouse throughput, HaiPick robots handle up to 9 totes per trip with payloads reaching 300 kg and picking heights up to 12 meters.

System Components

ACR Robot Fleet

The HaiPick ACR lineup includes multiple models addressing different operational requirements:

• A42 Series: Standard multi-layer robots for operations up to 6 meters, available in variants including A42 (standard), A42D (double-deep storage), A42N (carton-optimized), and A42-FW (dynamic width adjustment)
• A42T: Telescopic lift variant reaching 12 meters for maximum storage density
• A42-E Series: Grappling hook models for triple-deep rack configurations
• A3 Series: Fork-lifting robots for manufacturing environments handling trays, tires, and irregular loads
• HaiClimber: Climbing robot for the HaiPick Climb system, enabling simplified deployment on standard racking

HaiStation Workstations

Ergonomically designed goods-to-person workstations that interface between robots and human operators. Components include:

• HaiPort: Automated inbound/outbound stations separating worker and robot zones
• Pick Walls: Order consolidation interfaces for batch picking operations
• Conveyor Integration: Connections to downstream sorting and shipping systems
• Robotic Arm Integration: Optional automated picking for specific applications

HaiQ Software Platform

Enterprise software providing warehouse execution capabilities including:

• Real-time inventory tracking and location management
• Order orchestration and wave planning
• Robot fleet management and task allocation
• Heat map-based storage optimization
• Integration APIs for WMS and ERP systems

Clinical Applications

Pharmaceutical Distribution

HaiPick systems address pharmaceutical logistics challenges including:

• Expiration Management: System-enforced FEFO (First Expired, First Out) picking sequences ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical inventory rotation requirements
• Lot Traceability: Complete tracking of product movement from receipt through shipment, supporting recall management and regulatory documentation
• Temperature Considerations: Compatible with ambient pharmaceutical storage environments; integration with cold chain monitoring systems for products requiring temperature documentation

Medical Device Warehousing

Healthcare product distributors use HaiPick for:

• High SKU Management: Efficient handling of diverse product portfolios spanning consumables, equipment, and specialty items
• Accuracy Requirements: System-guided picking achieving 99%+ accuracy rates critical for healthcare applications
• Demand Variability: Flexible capacity scaling to handle both routine replenishment and urgent orders

Hospital Pharmacy Support

Central pharmacy distribution centers employ HaiPick systems for:

• Unit-Dose Preparation: Efficient retrieval of medications for unit-dose packaging operations
• Controlled Substance Handling: Integration with security protocols for medications requiring additional documentation
• Emergency Response: Rapid retrieval capabilities supporting urgent medication needs

Deployment Considerations

Implementation Timeline

Standard HaiPick deployments follow a 1-2 month timeline from equipment arrival to operational handover:

• Week 1-2: Site preparation and racking installation
• Week 2-4: Robot deployment and system integration
• Week 4-6: Testing, training, and go-live support

Infrastructure Requirements

• Level floor surface (typical industrial specifications)
• Wireless network coverage throughout operational area
• Compatible racking (existing structures often suitable with minor modifications)
• Adequate ceiling height for selected robot models

Scalability

Systems support modular expansion without disrupting ongoing operations. Additional robots integrate with existing deployments through software configuration, and racking extensions follow standard warehouse expansion procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does HaiPick improve pharmaceutical warehouse operations?

HaiPick delivers measurable improvements across key pharmaceutical logistics metrics: storage density increases of 80-400% reduce facility footprint requirements; picking efficiency gains of 3-4x reduce labor requirements; and system-guided picking achieves accuracy rates exceeding 99%, critical for healthcare applications where errors carry patient safety implications.

What is the typical return on investment for HaiPick implementations?

ROI timelines vary based on facility size, labor costs, and operational parameters. Hai Robotics reports that typical implementations achieve payback periods of 2-3 years through reduced labor requirements, improved space utilization, and operational efficiency gains. Healthcare clients often cite additional value from reduced picking errors and improved compliance documentation.

Can HaiPick integrate with existing warehouse management systems?

Yes. The HaiQ platform provides standardized APIs supporting integration with major WMS platforms including SAP, Oracle, Manhattan Associates, and others. Integration typically requires 2-4 weeks of configuration and testing depending on system complexity.