OOCL Logistics has launched AI-equipped “EVE” robots in the Ibaraki, Japan. The newly developed smart warehouse is north east of Tokyo, and will be a major logistics hub for OOCL Logistics (Japan) Ltd.
The building area is approximately 38,928 sq m, across two floors. To overcome labour shortages and increase the efficiency, OOCL Logistics Japan has decided to utilise 39 Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) warehouse management robots called “Electric VEhicle” (EVE) on the first floor of this new Ibaraki warehouse.
“EVE” is a moving system that enables the robots to carry the shelf stacks by themselves. OOCL Logistics warehouse operators input instructions and order information into the system that then does path planning according to production demands and requirements. Without any manpower, robots can complete point-to-point movement of goods in the warehouse and facilitate both put-away and picking processes automatically. Additionally, as the number of racks can be customised to store various items based on different storage and picking scenarios, flexibility and utilisation of space will be optimised.
This robotic warehouse is designed to provide for both a personnel-accessible layout and QR code-guided navigation. Through visual and auditory sensor technology, the automatic robots follow a programmed guide to navigate designated routes throughout the warehouse. By using advanced robotic technologies, historical data and statistics can be stored and analysed to benchmark picking time and monitor operational efficiencies.
OOCL Logistics is leveraging AI and the adoption of robotic process automation and customised technologies to improve operational performance, eliminate manual errors and reduce costs. By using interactive robotics, routine and sometimes dangerous warehouse work is done entirely by robots. Warehouse teams work in safer working conditions and can concentrate more on collaborative critical tasks.
Source: OOCL Logistics
