Swisslog to deploy third AS/RS for Walmart milk processing facility

Intralogistics warehouse automation and software provider Swisslog recently announced Walmart will install a Swisslog automation system within its Robinson, Texas facility.

Swisslog said Walmart’s new system has the potential to enable seamless material flow and increase uptime. Walmart is planning to break ground on the milk processing facility later this year, with the facility scheduled to open in 2026.

The Robinson location is Walmart’s third milk processing facility to deploy Swisslog’s automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) featuring SynQ software and Vectura cranes.

Walmart worked with Swisslog in 2018 to open its first milk processing facility in Fort Wayne, Ind. This facility served as a blueprint for its second facility in Valdosta, Ga. expected to open in 2025, as well as for the just announced Robinson facility.

AS/RS to include KUKA palletizing and depalletizing robots

According to Walmart, the Swisslog AS/RS helps continue the company’s commitment to building a more resilient and transparent supply chain to deliver its products. It also said the system can bolster its capacity to meet consumer demand for milk.

Products from the Robinson facility will serve more than 750 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs throughout the South, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, along with parts of Arkansas and Mississippi.

Designed by Swisslog’s automation team, the AS/RS brings together five Vectura pallet stacker cranes with KUKA palletizing and depalletizing robots, a ProMove pallet conveyor system, as well as a conveyor system for small loads. The automation system operates on synchronized intelligence from Swisslog’s SynQ software, which provides warehouse management, material flow, and automation control system functionality in a single, modular platform.

“We are honored that Walmart continues to put their trust in our automation solutions and our people behind those solutions,” said Sean Wallingford, Swisslog Americas president and CEO. “This has been a very collaborative relationship as our two teams work together to create value for Walmart and ensure our automation solutions and software enable the company and its farmers to bring fresh, transparently sourced dairy to market.”

IT management services to ensure data driven material flow

Swisslog said its SynQ management software can not only optimize the flow of the equipment to increase efficiency and accuracy of an operation, but it can also orchestrate the operation of multiple subsystems.

SynQ can equip warehouse automation and IT systems with synchronized intelligence of people, processes, and machines, which Swisslog said can boost the efficiency and productivity of warehouse processes and adapt to changing market requirements. SynQ can provide inventory management and material flow capabilities that enable real-time inventory tracking and management of items to ensure freshness, quality and transparency of the food and beverage supply chain.

Walmart’s latest project also includes Swisslog’s IT Managed Services, which puts in place team members to proactively manage IT systems and software required to keep equipment running at peak performance. Swisslog said its 24/7 support can allow Walmart to free up internal resources from routine IT system administration, while also enabling data-driven proactive maintenance that helps reduce unplanned downtime.

Want to learn more about data management in robots? This article was featured in the September 2024 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled “Robots as mobile data platforms.”