News

Nov 15, 2023

Real Estate Tech Startup's Patent Issues for Popular Warehouse Automation System

Ecoberry is an ecosystem that sorts and transfers items of various sizes to its destination in an order fulfillment space. This popular design utilizes mechanical shelves, cutting edge industrial

Ecoberry is an ecosystem that sorts and transfers items of various sizes to its destination in an order fulfillment space. This popular design utilizes mechanical shelves, cutting edge industrial and/or autonomous mobile robots, and automated machines and/or humanoids to pick and stow items. Once items are selected they travel to their destination, typically a workstation, and are monitored to ensure delivery times are met and the order is packed or bagged correctly. Karen Montgomery, founder and president of Hotberry, had the following to say about the unveiling of the company’s automated ecosystem: “We're excited to present our patented design to retailers, 3PLs, and others who fulfill online orders daily."

Ecoberry's system can take from a matter of hours to only minutes, depending on the size of the facility, to consolidate orders. "As a design firm, we are preparing to build a unique hybrid facility where retailers may lease consumer-facing spaces that are connected to a distribution space close to their retail shoppers." In 2020, a focus on warehouse automation created a need to develop localized and regional business models that service customers quickly while limiting last mile costs. "Hotberry's goal is to include robotic solutions as a part of our leasing agreements so retailers may reduce technical investments in order fulfillment systems. Robotics as a Service (RaaS) is a featured option for our tenants," says Montgomery.

Partnership Opportunities For System Integrators

In March 2023, Hotberry‘s patent, Patent Number 11,597,599, was issued. The patent protects an automated system often referred to as a 'Micro Fulfillment Center.' Key features in the patent describe storage solutions, order fulfillment workstations, sortation systems and the like in an effort to harmonize all robotic technologies and computing systems methodically. Order prioritization, product recognition and scanning, and inventory management are some of the specifications listed in this patent. As Hotberry continues to plan the buildout of its first facility, system integrators are welcome and encouraged to apply for an Authorized Integrator partnership. Montgomery further states that "Although our mission was to first introduce this design in our own real estate hybrid spaces, we are excited to offer this design to companies who wish to install this technology into their existing facilities." Licensing opportunities are available for retailers, 3PLs, distributors and others.

Hotberry was incorporated in 2014 and serves as a creative startup that employs new technologies and systems into its real estate designs and blueprints. Working with our partners and team of engineers, architects, analysts, three-dimensional artists and animators provides our clients with the most up-to-date designs that will bring to life commercial hybrid spaces that are efficient, operable, technically advanced and inspiring. To learn more, please visit hotberry.co.