Bridgestone Australia deploys Dematic AGV solution

Dematic has announced that sustainable mobility and advanced solutions leader, Bridgestone Australia, has deployed an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) solution across its new Melbourne warehouse in Truganina.

The AGV system helps to optimise Bridgestone’s warehouse operations by managing, transporting, and storing product pallets within the facility. The vehicle also transports picked pallets for replenishment to selected handover locations, or outbound replenishment and order staging areas.

The Dematic AGV solution includes custom-designed functionalities that enable Bridgestone to operate the vehicle for up to 24 hours with opportunity charging. The selected ‘Counterbalance Model’ AGV has a load capacity of 1,500 kilograms and a lift height of 4 metres.

“By implementing this AGV solution, we can boost our efficiency levels by automating the transportation and put-away of products throughout the warehouse, not only without compromising, but in fact improving the safety of our warehouse staff,” said Nick Tzuntzurkas, ANZ National Warehouse Manager at Bridgestone.

“Alongside these improved safety standards, the AGV will help us to reduce wasted travel time, seeing resources re-allocated across the site,” Tzuntzurkas said.

“The efficiencies we have gained in time, space, and staff allows us to concentrate on other important tasks around the warehouse, and further improve customer service for internal and external stakeholders,” he said.

The Dematic AGV works as a driverless and automated forklift, controlled by Dematic Software to be loaded with data before setting off on daily tasks.

“Our AGV systems are tailor-designed to navigate any warehouse space with a laser-guidance system, using on-board hazard detection to avoid collisions. This high-end navigation allows them to move around a facility optimally and safely,” said Tony Raggio, General Manager of Sales, Mobile Automation, Dematic.

“Additionally, our AGVs are powered by maintenance-free batteries and can drive themselves onto charging floor plates at times of inactivity to be charged,” Raggio said.

Dematic said that the AGVs are developed to operate with a high level of autonomy and can provide 24/7 service to improve output for a fast return on vehicle investment.

The company continued that the solution provide a very high level of system redundancy, and eliminate most human errors that can cause costly damages or picking and loading mistakes.

“The robust design and 360° safety field of protection allows our AGVs to effectively and safely co-work with operators and any other warehouse machinery or vehicles,” Raggio said.

“In the short time their AGV system has been in operation, Bridgestone are already seeing the benefits at the new Melbourne facility,” he said.

“With the safety of our warehouse team our top priority, the use of automation with this new AGV investment will help us to create a safer workplace and minimise process errors that may lead to damaged products. We’re very pleased with our new AGV solution which is streamlining on-the-floor operations with automation to increase the efficiency of our supply chain for the benefit of our customers,” he concluded.

Source: Dematic