Robotics

SWISSLOG’S FULLY automated robot-based order picking system, ACPaQ, has been selected by food and beverage giant CocaCola Amatil as part of the automation and major expansion of its Auckland distribution centre.

The ACPaQ technology to be installed in Auckland this year is an evolution of what Swisslog says is its proven advanced automation technology. This combines robotics solutions for palletising and depalletising with Swisslog’s CycloneCarrier shuttle technology to create a fully-automated process that facilitates high throughput and reliable picking of orders for logistics, distribution, food and beverage and retail applications.

Swisslog, and the KUKA Group of which it is a global member, have combined their robotics and intralogistics expertise to create this fully automated solution that allows customised and scalable pallets to be created.

John Truscott, General Manager – Supply Chain for Coca- Cola Amatil NZ, says the new system will enable the business to keep pace with increased demand along with rising expectations on the quality of customer deliveries.

“We are excited by this technology and the advantages that the fully automated case picking system provides us. This will certainly strengthen our capabilities heading into the 2018 pre- Christmas period,” he said.

“The whole picking system will be fully integrated using Swisslog SynQ software, which also controls automated delayering of single product pallets into individual cases.”

Amatil has been using a fully automated pallet storage system in both Auckland and Northmead (Sydney) since 2007 and the expansion into robotic picking allows the company to meet rising customer demand while reducing costs and improving quality, efficiency and predictability in its operations.

LATEST TECHNOLOGY

The heart of the new system will be three Swisslog RowPaQ robot cells, which can each handle up to four cases simultaneously and stack up to 1,000 cases per hour into multi- product pallet loads ready for customer delivery.

“This is a far higher throughput than existing mixed case robotic palletisers, which greatly improves operational efficiency,” says Sean Ryan, Head of Sales and Consulting, Swisslog. “These robots also have unique grippers designed for fast, gentle and accurate handling of almost any carton, shrink wrapped or foiled package. The solution is completely scalable and additional RowPaQ cells can be added to the system to increase throughput as required,” he said.

The new solution also includes Swisslog’s multilevel shuttle storage system, CycloneCarrier, which quickly delivers sequenced cases to the robots, all linked with pallet and case conveyors.

The ACPaQ system will be installed this year and replaces a manual, voice directed picking system but will link with the existing automated pallet store to create a seamless operation.

This new project continues Swisslog’s strong relationship with such a major part of the food and beverage sector in New Zealand.

ACPAQ MIXED CASE PALLETISING

Swisslog’s ACPaQ palletising software allows companies to customise a palletising order to increase efficiency during in-store replenishment.

ACPaQ can be used in ambient temperature and chilled warehouse zones, and can handle almost all types of cartons, shrink wrapper or foiled packages, and pallet types used in retail and beverage industries.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Reliability. Order picking by robots improves picking quality and quantity. A unique gripper type allows gentle handling of various package types.

• Efficiency. Optimised ROI and reduced labour costs due to a compact solution design and best-in- class robotic performance with up to 1,000 units per hour. A special gripper allows picking of four cases per move.

• Flexibility. The modular design allows growing companies to increase their capacity and efficiently handle peak demands. The solution is suited for small, medium and large companies.