Sumitomo Drive Technologies has selected Seegrid’s mobile automation solutions for its expanding manufacturing operations. The power transmission component manufacturer chose Seegrid’s Palion AMR fleet and Fleet Central enterprise software to support autonomous hauling of parts and equipment between its existing 250,000 sqft. (23,000 sqm) assembly facility and its new 100,000 sqft. (9,000 sqm) warehouse. 

"Reliability is a critical factor in getting parts to the line — the initial Seegrid Palion Tow Tractor workflow is a 3,000 ft. (9.15 m) round trip, running up to 30-40 times per day,” says Tony Barlett, vice president of business operations at Sumitomo Drive Technologies. “Seegrid had us up and running in three days — fully trained and confident, our operators immediately identified more opportunities to leverage the technology."

Sumitomo integrated Seegrid Palion Tow Tractors into its daily materials handling workflows to increase productivity and reduce the cost of non-value-added activities. The company visually tracks and optimises real-time AMR material movement with Supervisor, Seegrid’s fleet management software solution.

Seegrid chief executive officer Jim Rock explains that Sumitomo is well-positioned to safely and continuously optimise, adapt and expand its use of mobile automation as its materials handling requirements change. 

Sumitomo Drive Technologies manufactures industrial gearboxes, speed reducers, servo gearmotors and accessories.