Plastics specialist Pöppelmann relies on mobile robots from Safelog in its K-Tech division to automate the material flow between warehouse and production. This is the company's response to increasing demands for efficiency and flexibility, while at the same time reducing the physical strain on employees.
Previously, the load carriers were transported by tugger train - a noisy and physically demanding process. Now Eight Safelog M4 lift mobile robots this task. They take empty containers from a central „station“ in the warehouse to the machines and transport the filled containers back. The M4 lift Can drive under, lift and move floor rollers autonomously. With a load capacity of up to 1,000 kilograms and a tight turning circle, it is ideal for use in production halls.
„In addition to increasing efficiency, it was important for us to find a solution that reduces the physical strain on employees,“ explains Michael Czwaluk, Logistics Team Leader at Pöppelmann. The new system also enables flexible adaptation to the production flow. The changeover took place gradually during ongoing operations - Each vehicle was individually integrated and commissioned via a commissioning software.
The robots use digital maps to orientate themselves to fixed contour points in the hall - such as pillars or machines - and do not require magnetic tracks. Safety sensors ensure that they automatically slow down or stop in the event of obstacles. The system works agent-basedEach robot is independently controllable, can communicate with other units and Coordinate tasks in the swarm. If one device fails, the others take over the pending transports without the need for a central control centre.
According to Pöppelmann, the collaboration with Safelog was „professional and on an equal footing“. Further joint projects are already planned. This includes the downstream processes in the logistics hall, i.e. the removal of the pallet with the filled containers from the floor roller and the subsequent placement on the conveyor system. These processes are currently still carried out manually, but are to be automated as far as possible in future and Safelog will again be included in the tender.
Source: Safelog
