Description
Pallet to Person is an automated order preparation solution developed by WIIO, based on the Goods to Person principle and adapted to pallet flows. Its objective is simple: instead of operators moving around the warehouse to retrieve goods, the goods are brought directly to them. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) handle pallets and automatically transport them from storage or receiving areas to preparation, picking or depalletizing stations. Operators can therefore focus on value-added tasks, while travel time and repetitive handling operations are significantly reduced.
The solution is particularly suited to logistics environments handling high volumes across a limited number of references, especially fast-moving products. It is particularly relevant for configurations where 20% of SKUs can account for up to 80% of prepared volumes. Pallet to Person can be used for cross-docking and flow-through operations, as well as case picking from stored pallets. The continuous supply of stations by AMRs helps minimize waiting times and ensures consistent activity at preparation stations.
However, Pallet to Person relies on much more than a fleet of robots. At the heart of the architecture is MAEVE, WIIO’s robotic software platform. Acting as the system’s orchestration layer, MAEVE synchronizes robots, pallets, inventory and picking stations in real time. Based on requirements transmitted by the warehouse information system, MAEVE determines the missions to be performed, prioritizes pallets, assigns available AMRs and organizes their routing to the appropriate stations. The objective is to ensure that the right product reaches the right station, at the right time and in the right sequence, helping maximize operator productivity.
This orchestration relies on algorithms developed by WIIO specifically for Goods to Person processes. These include intelligent clustering, optimized sequencing and dynamic inventory management. MAEVE can manage buffer stock, organize inbound flows, dynamically distribute missions among robots and balance workloads across picking stations. This software intelligence is a key difference between a simple AMR fleet and a fully orchestrated Pallet to Person solution: performance depends not only on the robots’ ability to transport pallets, but also on the overall optimization of missions, resources and flows.
Once the pallet reaches the station, the operator performs picking operations in an environment designed to make work easier and more efficient. Stations can be adapted to picking height, the type of products being handled and specific operational requirements. They can also integrate various assistance technologies, including voice solutions, remote displays, hands-free scanners and Spot to Light systems. These tools guide operators, facilitate checks and help improve preparation accuracy. By eliminating a large proportion of travel through warehouse aisles, the solution also improves workstation ergonomics and reduces operator fatigue.
Depending on the configuration, WIIO indicates that Pallet to Person can achieve preparation rates of 300 to 400 cases per hour per operator, while reducing operator travel by up to 95%. WIIO also reports productivity gains of up to 40% for preparation and handling operations. Actual performance naturally depends on flows, the products handled and the chosen system configuration. The use of AMRs also provides a high degree of scalability: additional robots, picking stations or product references can be integrated as operations evolve, without requiring extensive fixed infrastructure.
Before deployment, WIIO can use MAEVE Vision to simulate how the installation will operate. The environment, logistics flows and AMR activity can be modeled using real-world data to test different scenarios, identify potential bottlenecks, size resources and validate expected performance. This step helps secure both technical decisions and investment before the solution goes live.
The AMIRAL project developed with Auchan Retail provides a concrete example of this approach. Commissioned in 2025 for the flow-through preparation of fresh products, the system combines ProLogistik’s Logistar WMS, WIIO’s MAEVE WCS, a Put-to-Light system, stackers and a fleet of 49 HIKROBOT AMRs. The WMS retains control of business processes, while MAEVE dynamically orchestrates the equipment and routes products to store preparation stations. Developed in collaboration with operators to integrate into existing warehouse environments, the AMIRAL project was selected as a finalist for the 2026 Rois de la Supply Chain awards.
Through Pallet to Person, WIIO provides a comprehensive approach to automation combining mobile robotics, software intelligence, workstation ergonomics and integration with existing information systems. Support covers flow analysis and feasibility studies, simulation and system sizing, technology integration, deployment and commissioning. Modular and scalable, the solution automa
