DB Schenker is using automation and robots to transform operations in its contract logistics warehouse in Rudna, Czech Republic.

On the new site, the logistics provider has combined customised logistics with more than 100 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), seven packing lines with 162 stations, a vertical order picker and an automated sorter.

“DB Schenker offers an excellent environment for innovation, technology and highly qualified employees,” said Niklas Wilmking, board member at DB Schenker. “By deploying automation and robotisation, we have been able to optimise processes. This ensures particularly fast and punctual handling and at the same time creates better conditions for employees. After just a few weeks of operation, we were able to achieve a significant throughput for our customer from the electronics sector.”

Following a successful pilot, around 650 employees at the site will be supported in their work by automated technology. The robots are used in direct collaboration to relieve operators of heavy physical or monotonous tasks as well as to make processes more efficient and productive.

The autonomous robots are controlled by software that records all shelf locations and the location of all goods. The robot closest to a shelf picks up the shelf and takes it to the desired picking station. The operator uses the pick-to-light system to remove the required quantity of goods from the shelf. After removing the goods from the shelf provided by the AMR, the operator places the box with the goods on the conveyor belt, which transports them to the next work station for further processing, consolidation or packaging.

Each autonomous robot can be loaded with up to 500kg. Their batteries last up to three hours. When the battery is low, they drive to one of the charging stations in the warehouse and have their battery recharged in less than ten minutes. The robot system operates on a conveyor line with a total length of 3km.

In addition to the retail business, the distribution centre will also be used for B2C and ecommerce traffic, including value-added services. In future, up to 59 million products per year are to be delivered from this site.

With around 76,600 employees at more than 1850 locations in over 130 countries, DB Schenker (www.dbschenker.com) operates land, air and ocean transportation services, and it offers logistics and global supply chain management from a single source.