The Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer system can work around-the-clockA South Australian meat processing plant has added a first-of-its-kind automation system from Dematic which includes freezer-rated automated guided vehicles (AGVs) designed and built in Australia.
Dematic says the end-to-end automation solution included the world-first installation of Dematic’s newly freezer-rated high-reach AGVs.
The deployment combines a Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer system with a pallet automated storage and retrieval system that features the AGVs, all managed and controlled by Dematic software.
“Meat processing facilities are ideal candidates for full automation, not only to address labour challenges in cold storage and freezer environments but also to enhance accuracy, traceability, and control of perishable food products,” says Tony Raggio, general manager sales at Dematic ANZ Mobile Automation.
“As a result, Dematic is experiencing increased demand for comprehensive solutions that incorporate multiple automation technologies.
“Our new end-to-end automation solution, which combines the Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer system with our freezer-rated AGV-based storage and retrieval system, has been developed to meet this demand in the Australian market.”
The Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer system operates in both frozen and chilled environments and can pick multiple SKUs concurrently within a single aisle, while providing high throughput, order flexibility, and accessibility to stock.
Dematic's freezer-rated automated guided vehicles were designed and built in Australia.
Dematic recently released its third generation high-reach AGVs, and they are now all rated for deployment in freezer environments.
Currently only available only in the Asia-Pacific region, these Dematic AGV systems limit occupational health and safety risks and increase productivity by picking and transporting product full-time in temperatures down to -25°C.
“Meat processing facilities in Australia are currently faced with a range of challenges stemming from the fact that cold storage facilities are harsh environments for workers, leading to the risk of worker injuries, difficulties in sourcing labour and time lost in managing complex occupational health and safety issues,” says Soeren Schauki, business development manager at Dematic.
“Our new end-to-end automation solution offers the meat processing industry an answer to overcoming these challenges, with equipment that is rated for around-the-clock operation in cold storage environments and presents minimal risk to workers.”