Häcker Kitchens, a leading kitchen manufacturer, is significantly expanding its automated internal transport capabilities. The company will integrate three additional ERC 213a driverless transport vehicles,provided by Jungheinrich,into its Plant 5 operations. This expansion is a direct response to increased demand driven by the kitchen manufacturer’s continuous growth, bringing the total fleet size to 16 autonomous vehicles.
Meeting Rising Demand Through Automation
Table of Contents
- 1. Meeting Rising Demand Through Automation
- 2. Continuous Operation and Integrated Infrastructure
- 3. The Rise of autonomous Mobile Robots
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions About Automated Guided Vehicles
- 5. How does the integration of DTS address the challenge of increasing demand for kitchen customization at Fischer Kübler?
- 6. Innovative Integration of Driverless Transport Systems in Fischer Kübler Kitchens by Jungheinrich Enhances Efficiency
- 7. Streamlining Kitchen Logistics with Autonomous Vehicles
- 8. The Challenge: Customary Kitchen Manufacturing Bottlenecks
- 9. Jungheinrich’s DTS Solution for Fischer Kübler
- 10. How Driverless Transport Systems Improve Efficiency
- 11. Specific Applications within Fischer Kübler’s Production Process
- 12. Benefits of the Fischer Kübler & Jungheinrich Partnership
- 13. Future Trends in Kitchen Manufacturing Logistics
For several years, Häcker Kitchens has successfully utilized driverless lifting vehicles from Jungheinrich to streamline the supply of materials to both production and picking areas. The proven effectiveness of this system has prompted the need for a larger fleet to handle escalating transport volumes. According to recent data from the Association for Advancing Automation, adoption of mobile robots in manufacturing grew by 27% in the last year alone, underscoring a broad industry trend towards increased automation.
Continuous Operation and Integrated Infrastructure
The integrated system operates on a 24/5 schedule, ensuring consistent material flow. Automatic charging infrastructure is integral to the design, allowing the compact lithium-ion batteries to maintain continuous operation. The ERC 213A vehicles are specifically engineered for navigating tight spaces within the warehouse environment.
“The existing fleet of 13 ERC 213a vehicles proved insufficient for our current transport requirements,” stated Alexander Berane, Project Engineer at Häcker kitchens. “Expanding our fleet is vital to support continued growth and maintain our increased throughput. the collaborative partnership with Jungheinrich, characterized by a thorough understanding of our operational needs, consistent system availability, and reliable project execution, has been instrumental in this decision.”
Alexander Nieke, Head of Mobile Robots at Jungheinrich Sales Center North, commented, “The expansion at Häcker Kitchens exemplifies the scalability of existing automation solutions and their ability to adapt to evolving technological advancements. Regular communication regarding process dynamics and collaborative warehouse layout workshops have been key factors in this success. Our customer benefits from an economic, efficient, and customized solution perfectly aligned with their processes, enhancing the long-term viability of their warehouse logistics.”
The full implementation of the expanded system is slated for completion later this year.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Jungheinrich ERC 213a |
| Fleet Size (Post-Expansion) | 16 vehicles |
| Operating Schedule | 24/5 |
| Battery Technology | Lithium-ion |
The Rise of autonomous Mobile Robots
Autonomous Mobile Robots (amrs), like the Jungheinrich ERC 213a, are rapidly transforming warehouse and manufacturing operations. Unlike conventional Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) which follow fixed paths, AMRs utilize advanced sensors and software to dynamically navigate environments, avoiding obstacles and adapting to changing conditions. This versatility makes them ideal for complex and dynamic workplaces.
Did You Know? The global market for AMRs is projected to reach $14.2 billion by 2028, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets.
Pro Tip: Before implementing an AMR system, a thorough assessment of your warehouse layout, material flow, and safety requirements is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Automated Guided Vehicles
- What are the benefits of using automated guided vehicles? AGVs reduce labor costs, improve efficiency, and enhance workplace safety by automating material handling tasks.
- How do Jungheinrich AGVs navigate? The ERC 213A vehicles utilize advanced sensors and software to navigate safely and efficiently through the warehouse, even in mixed operation with pedestrians.
- What is the difference between AGVs and AMRs? Automated Guided Vehicles follow fixed paths, while Autonomous Mobile Robots navigate dynamically.
- What type of batteries power Jungheinrich AGVs? The ERC 213A vehicles utilize compact lithium-ion batteries for continuous operation.
- Is automation expensive to implement? While there is an initial investment, automation can deliver significant long-term cost savings through increased efficiency and reduced labor expenses.
- How can Häcker Kitchens’ success apply to my business? Häcker kitchens’ experiance demonstrates the scalability of automation and the importance of a strong partnership with a reliable vendor like Jungheinrich.
- What is the significance of the 24/5 operation? The 24/5 operation ensures a consistent and reliable material flow, maximizing production efficiency and minimizing downtime.
What are your thoughts on the increasing adoption of automation in manufacturing and logistics? Share your opinions in the comments below!
How does the integration of DTS address the challenge of increasing demand for kitchen customization at Fischer Kübler?
Innovative Integration of Driverless Transport Systems in Fischer Kübler Kitchens by Jungheinrich Enhances Efficiency
Streamlining Kitchen Logistics with Autonomous Vehicles
Fischer Kübler, a leading manufacturer of high-quality kitchens, has partnered with Jungheinrich, a global leader in intralogistics, to revolutionize it’s production processes through the implementation of driverless transport systems (DTS). This strategic collaboration focuses on optimizing material flow, reducing operational costs, and enhancing overall efficiency within the kitchen manufacturing facility. The integration of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) is proving pivotal in modernizing kitchen production.
The Challenge: Customary Kitchen Manufacturing Bottlenecks
Traditional kitchen manufacturing often faces challenges related to:
Manual Material Handling: Reliance on forklifts and manual labor for transporting components leads to potential damage, delays, and safety concerns.
Space Constraints: Kitchen components, frequently enough bulky and irregularly shaped, require significant storage and maneuvering space.
Complex Production Flow: The diverse range of kitchen designs and customization options necessitates a flexible and adaptable logistics system.
Increasing demand for Customization: Consumers increasingly desire bespoke kitchen solutions,adding complexity to the manufacturing process.
Thes bottlenecks impact production speed, increase costs, and potentially compromise product quality.
Jungheinrich’s DTS Solution for Fischer Kübler
Jungheinrich’s solution for Fischer Kübler centers around a fleet of intelligently networked AGVs and AMRs. These vehicles are designed to navigate the factory floor autonomously, transporting materials – from raw boards and hardware to finished cabinet doors – between workstations.
Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles): These follow pre-defined paths, frequently enough using wires or magnetic tape, ideal for repetitive transport tasks.
AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots): Utilizing advanced sensors and mapping technology, AMRs can dynamically navigate around obstacles and adapt to changing environments, offering greater flexibility.
Fleet Management System: A central control system manages the entire fleet, optimizing routes, assigning tasks, and monitoring performance.
Integration with ERP systems: Seamless integration with Fischer Kübler’s Enterprise resource Planning (ERP) system ensures real-time data synchronization and efficient order fulfillment.
How Driverless Transport Systems Improve Efficiency
The implementation of jungheinrich’s DTS has yielded significant improvements across several key areas:
Reduced Material Handling Costs: Automation minimizes the need for manual labor, lowering labor costs and reducing the risk of workplace injuries.
optimized Material Flow: AGVs and AMRs deliver materials precisely when and where they are needed, eliminating bottlenecks and reducing lead times.
Increased Throughput: Faster and more reliable material transport translates to increased production output.
Improved Space Utilization: Driverless vehicles can navigate tighter spaces than traditional forklifts, maximizing storage capacity and freeing up valuable floor space.
Enhanced Safety: Autonomous operation reduces the risk of collisions and accidents, creating a safer working environment.
Real-time Tracking & Traceability: The DTS provides complete visibility into the location and status of all materials, improving inventory management and traceability.
Specific Applications within Fischer Kübler’s Production Process
The DTS is utilized throughout Fischer Kübler’s manufacturing process,including:
- Raw Material Delivery: Transporting raw materials (MDF,particleboard,laminate) from the warehouse to cutting stations.
- component Delivery to Workstations: Delivering cut panels, hardware, and other components to assembly workstations.
- Finished Cabinet Door transport: moving finished cabinet doors to quality control and packaging areas.
- Waste Material Removal: Efficiently removing scrap materials and waste from the production floor.
- Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery: Ensuring components arrive at workstations precisely when needed, minimizing work-in-progress inventory.
Benefits of the Fischer Kübler & Jungheinrich Partnership
The collaboration between Fischer Kübler and Jungheinrich demonstrates the power of combining manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge intralogistics technology. Key benefits include:
Increased Competitiveness: Enhanced efficiency and reduced costs allow Fischer Kübler to offer competitive pricing and faster delivery times.
Improved Product Quality: Reduced material handling damage and more precise production processes contribute to higher product quality.
Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: Automating repetitive and physically demanding tasks frees up employees to focus on more value-added activities.
Scalability & Flexibility: The DTS can be easily scaled to accommodate future growth and adapt to changing production requirements.
* Sustainable Operations: Optimized material flow and reduced waste contribute to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Future Trends in Kitchen Manufacturing Logistics
The integration of DTS is just the beginning of a broader trend towards automation and digitalization in kitchen manufacturing. Future developments are likely
