Swisslog Holding AG last week said that Toyota Motor North America will install a goods-to-person automation system that includes Swisslog's CarryPick storage and order-picking system in its facility in Hebron, Ky. The goal is to increase flexibility and efficiency, as well as enable continued growth to keep up with demand in the automotive spare parts market, according to the companies.
“Swisslog is excited to work with Toyota to bring flexibility and efficiency to its spare parts fulfillment process,” said Markus Schmidt, president of Swisslog Americas. “Swisslog's CarryPick allows the company to quickly and easily deploy a flexible and modular approach to supply chain automation that will help the company overcome the daily challenges of product variability, managed growth and the demands of a constantly evolving and rapidly expanding market.”
Swisslog is part of KUKA Group, a leading global supplier of intelligent automation with more than 14,000 employees worldwide. The Buchs, Switzerland-based company offers integrated robots and software for warehouses and distribution centers and has more than 2,000 installations worldwide. It also offers consulting, system design and implementation, and lifetime customer support in more than 50 countries.
CarryPick to automate Toyota processes
Toyota needed a future-proof automation solution that would speed up its entire operation and provide flexibility for continued growth, while also utilizing the current facility with its restrictions on ceiling height and space.
Swisslog said that CarryPick's flexibility and modularity will enable Toyota to meet its needs without requiring building modifications or additional construction.
Made up of just four components – robots, mobile racks, the SynQ warehouse management software, and pick stations – CarryPick can fit into existing buildings and can be extended or even relocated on short notice, noted the company.
The robotic goods-to-person system's standard mobile racks can be customized for items of different shapes and sizes. This is especially suitable for businesses that have large variations in product size or need the flexibility to accommodate frequent changes in product sizes or volumes, said Swisslog.
SynQ will orchestrate Toyota's order and inventory process while optimizing the automated flow of the equipment to secure highest efficiency and accuracy of the operation, said Swisslog. The companies said they expect the system to be operational in March 2022.
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