Efficiency is critical in the supply chain, especially for trailer loading and unloading. Warehouse staff often struggle with labor shortages and challenging environments. Seeking innovation, a global food leader partnered with XYZ Robotics to automate loading processes, aiming to maintain their industry position.

Project Background

Based in East China, the major global food leader produces over 80,000 tons of goods each year. Every day, trucks transport these goods to distribution centers downstream. Loading these trucks is tough. They're large, measuring up to 17 m (56 ft) in length, with uneven walls that feature structural elements. Plus, the goods are light and delicate, making loading even trickier.

In response to these challenges, the F&B giant's cross-border manufacturing warehouse embraced XYZ Robotics' RockyOne mobile manipulation robot to revolutionize its loading operations. RockyOne works autonomously, boosting safety and efficiency across three shifts.

XYZ Robotics’ Trailer Loading Solution

The automated loading solution comprises three main hardware components.

◆ RockyOne Mobile Manipulation Robot: Featuring an omnidirectional driving base and a 6-axis robotic arm, RockyOne autonomously navigates within the container. Its perception modules and motion planning algorithm enable precise carton handling, with smooth and fast trajectories.

◆ Material Handling Mechanism: Attached to the rear of the RockyOne's base, this mechanism organizes cartons for efficient picking and placing, enhancing productivity.

◆ Flexible Roller Conveyor: Connecting fixed facilities with RockyOne, this flexible roller conveyor transports cartons safely. Alternatively, a telescopic belt conveyor can be used.

Benefits and Results

Incorporating several advanced algorithms, the system achieves autonomy in navigation and operation, while simultaneously ensuring efficiency, flexibility, and safety compliance.

Enhanced Safety

With RockyOne's deployment, loading tasks that previously required 3-4 personnel can now operate automatically, ensuring maximum safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.

Increased Efficiency

RockyOne can handle over 5000 cartons per shift on-site, achieving loading rates of 1000 boxes/h. This remarkable efficiency significantly streamlines operations, allowing the company to meet customer demands promptly.

Optimized Space Utilization

The minimal gap between the container wall and the box can reach only 1.5 cm (0.59 in). This achieves a loading rate of over 90%, maximizing the utilization of effective loading space and thereby significantly reducing transportation costs.