Dematic is automating the newly built warehouse of logistics service provider Yusen Logistics Benelux. For this, the intralogistics specialist will supply a Hybrid AGV system, consisting of hybrid AGVs for narrow aisles and hybrid reach AGVs.
Yusen Logistics' new warehouse in Melsele, Belgium, near Antwerp, is specifically designed for medicine storage. The building is an extension of the existing Yusen Antwerp Logistics Campus. With an area of five thousand square metres and seventeen-metre-high ceilings, it offers space for more than 15,000 pallets.
Guide wires and laser navigation
Yusen Logistics has ordered four Hybrid AGVs from Dematic. These should ensure faster and safer pallet handling despite the high storage density.The system consists of two DematicHybrid Reach AGVs and two Dematic Hybrid VNA AGVs. It has a design based on man-on-board VNA vehicles or reach trucks and is equipped with the Dematic AGV automation package. The VNA versions use dual guidance: guide wires incorporated in the floors of all aisles and laser navigation outside the aisles. They transport and place pallets up to a height of 14.5 metres.
Both autonomous and manual
The vehicles can drive autonomously as well as switch to manual driving and product handling. This allows Yusen Logistics employees to gradually get used to the automated warehouse.
The AGV system allows Yusen Logistics to increase short-term throughput during seasonal peaks, through higher frequencies, extra shifts or longer operating hours.
The system is complemented by a Dematic conveyor system with a buffer function, an integrated pallet profile checking station for the infeed process and a barcode scanner for drug tracking and tracing.
