Dematic's new automation solution for the meat processing industry

Dematic has developed a new end-to-end automation solution with its first rollout at an Australian meat processing facility.

The solution combines a Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer system with a pallet automated storage and retrieval system that features the first installation of Dematic’s newly freezer-rated, high-reach automated guided vehicles (AGVs). It is managed and controlled by Dematic software.

“Meat processing facilities in Australia are currently faced with a range of challenges stemming from the fact that cold storage facilities are harsh environments for workers, leading to the risk of worker injuries, difficulties in sourcing labour and time lost in managing complex occupational health and safety issues,” said Soeren Schauki, Business Development Manager at Dematic. “Our new end-to-end automation solution offers the meat processing industry an answer to overcoming these challenges, with equipment that is rated for around-the-clock operation in cold storage environments and presents minimal risk to workers.”

The Multishuttle Meat Buffer system operates in both frozen and chilled environments and allows for the transfer of product cartons between aisles without the use of a traditional conveyor system, which increases flexibility and throughput.

It’s a cost-effective automated order fulfilment and dispatch processing system that limits labour-intensive manual handling and offers order assembly flexibility. The solution can pick multiple SKUs concurrently within a single aisle, while providing high throughput, order flexibility and accessibility to stock.

The system eliminates many potential occupational health and safety hazards associated with the manual handling of heavy cartons and errors associated with incorrect picking. Dematic software provides full track-and-trace capabilities for every carton of every SKU.

Dematic recently released its third-generation high-reach AGVs, and they are now all rated for deployment in freezer environments. Designed and built in Australia (and currently available only in the Asia–Pacific region), these Dematic AGV systems are designed to limit occupational health and safety risks and increase productivity by operating full-time in temperatures down to -25°C — picking and transporting product.

The self-charging AGVs feature laser guidance and the latest safety technology, including a 360° safety scanning system with automatic slowing and stopping, easily accessible emergency-stop buttons, and visual and audible warning and alarm lights. They are designed to improve operational efficiency and they can operate 24/7 year round.

Dematic’s fleet of AGVs were recently updated in line with Australian Standard - AS 5144-4 (equivalent to international standard - ISO 3691-4).

“Meat processing facilities are ideal candidates for full automation, not only to address labour challenges in cold storage and freezer environments, but also to enhance accuracy, traceability and control of perishable food products,” said Tony Raggio, General Manager Sales – Dematic ANZ Mobile Automation.