Industry Spotlight: K.Hartwall

More and more logistics are automated using robots

Heinonen begins by stating that the world of logistics is undergoing an era of revolutionary change. The change is being driven by factors such as labour shortages, supply-chain disruptions and technical advances. He expounds on his line of reasoning:

“It is very interesting to be working in the field of logistics at this juncture, particularly when here at K. Hartwall®, we are focused on helping our global customers to make their operations more streamlined and flexible for meeting these new challenges. We are a partner of numerous leading global brands.”

 

In logistics solutions of the future automation will interact with manual operation

Eero believes that in the future, simple, repetitive and hazardous tasks will increasingly be automated. Humans will be able to focus more on creative tasks, such as layout optimization and solutions for work stoppages.

“I don’t think every single operational element will be automated, because human beings can still offer a crucial combination of flexibility and independent decision-making faculties. I believe that in the future, the focus will mainly be about finding the right balance between automation and manual operation. Both of these aspects are complementary to each other and can co-exist. This interaction creates an agile future and ensures growth.

“Our mobile robot, A-MATE, is an excellent example of the new generation of mobile robots capable of efficiently working together with humans and, for example, forklifts, while taking over a large share of material handling.”

 

Re-invented logistics solutions add value for customers

K. Hartwall® often says that they are re-inventing logistics. We asked Eero what they mean by this:

“At K. Hartwall®, no two customers are alike. Therefore, we collaborate differently based on the challenges we are resolving. To name a few examples of ongoing projects, we are currently automating selected processes at a German automotive plant, with the help of mobile robots. We are doing this to reduce monotonous tasks for employees, while reducing the requirements for labor. We are also improving order-retrieval processes and ergonomics for a US retailer, through a combination of wheeled cages and semi-automated tugger trains.”

 

 

 

A-MATE, a versatile and mobile AGV

K. Hartwall® is the leading manufacturer of material handling equipment (MHE). Some time ago, they noticed that there was a clear need for a space-efficient and versatile mobile AGV* capable of MHE movements in tight environments alongside manual operators.

“After discussing this with our customers, we initiated a collaboration with Schaeffler to develop a solution. The result was the AGV, A-MATE.

“In addition to their being a fantastic development partner we are also very pleased that our partnership with Schaeffler entails that the A-MATE now meets the stringent efficiency and safety requirements of the German automotive industry.”

 

*AGV = Automated Guided Vehicle, a loop-controlled or laser-guided truck that is used for moving material.