California-based eyewear brand Zenni Optical has built its reputation on
delivering affordable, high quality eye glasses to millions of customers
worldwide. With annual sales of six to seven million pairs—and double digit
growth every year—the company’s distribution and fulfillment operations must
run with precision and speed.
“Anyone wearing eyeglasses is our customer,” said Simon Goh, Director of
Distribution and Facilities at Zenni Optical, who explained that as volume
increased, so did the critical need to scale smartly.
Zenni had explored robotics for years, but earlier solutions lacked the
flexibility and intelligence required for their unique packaging workflow. The
challenge centered on reliably scanning barcodes through Zenni’s branded
eyeglass cases—something traditional systems struggled to do consistently at
high speed.
That changed when Zenni discovered OSARO.
“When it comes to machine learning, AI, and vision, OSARO actually has an all
in one solution,” Goh explained. OSARO specializes in warehouse automation,
focusing on applications like kitting, depalletization, and robotic bagging.
For Zenni, OSARO deployed a robotic bagging cell powered by FANUC industrial
robots and OSARO’s machine learning driven perception software.
The robotic cells pick up each pair of eyeglasses in its protective case, scan
the unique barcode through the case, and place the item into an automated
bagging machine. The system then seals the package and sends it directly into
the shipping stream.
To achieve the required scanning accuracy, OSARO integrated Cognex vision
technology alongside FANUC robotics and industrial automation components from
long time partners FANUC and PreciTaste. The combination delivered the
reliability Zenni needed.
“The scanning part is crucial,” Go noted. “Once OSARO brought in the Cognex
scanner, scanning became the least of our concerns.” Before automation, the
packaging workflow required five manual steps. With the robotic system in
place, Zenni reduced manual steps to just two.
“We always try to get to 100% accuracy, which is very difficult,” Go said.
“But the robot’s design and process reduce errors to nearly zero.”
OSARO’s HyperCare™ customer success model ensured Zenni had hands on support
throughout installation, commissioning and ongoing operation. “We have to
integrate with so many different pieces of equipment,” Go said. “It would be
impossible without a professional company like OSARO.”
Since deployment, Zenni has seen an 80% increase in throughput, along with
more consistent quality and a more scalable fulfillment process. With
automation proving its value, Zenni is well positioned to continue expanding
its product offerings and customer base.