To increase sustainability and efficiency, DS Smith has replaced people-driven forklifts at one of its UK plants with autonomous vehicles, AGVs. All electrical appliances – manufactured by Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe Oy – operate around the clock and perform various tasks in and around the warehouse.
The average life of a robot is 12 years, during which time it safely moves rolls of paper at speeds of up to 8 kilometers per hour. It operates without emissions on site, and when the battery level drops to 30 percent, it completes the current task and then proceeds to the automatic battery replacement station, where it receives an optimally charged power source and can begin its next ten-hour shift.
Ben Jennings, plant manager at Kemsley Paper Mill – DS Smith said: “The recent boom in e-commerce has increased the demand for paper and packaging. About 2,200 to 2,400 tons of paper leave the Kemsley plant every day, so it is extremely important for our team of professionals to be armed with the right innovation to benefit these people, our customers and the environment.”
“There is a growing demand for sustainable, safe and efficient solutions in the paper and packaging sector, which has also led to increased interest in our business portfolio.” Petri Pettis, Sales Manager, Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe Oy has been added. “We have nearly 40 years of experience across various industries, and our expertise helps companies grow. Thanks to the dedicated and talented employees of the Kemsley factory team, we help them tackle state-of-the-art solutions. As a result of our collaboration, we have been able to implement one of the most efficient systems in a period like this.” .
In July of this year, DS Smith announced a partnership with global industrial technology company Trimble. This cooperation will facilitate digitization in the European factories of the European packaging company.
Némethi Botond, Print & Packtech
