At the Kvasiny plant, Škoda Auto moved just-in-sequence deliveries of starter batteries from the warehouse directly to the plant.
photo: Damage–
Since June 2020, Škoda Auto has been using a robot at the Kvasiny plant to remove starter batteries from the delivered pallets and then just-in-sequence deliver them to the line. Škoda thus moved deliveries of parts in the order of assembly from the warehouse to the production hall, thus speeding up the production process.
The plant in Kvasiny is the first plant of the Czech carmaker to use this innovative idea in the field of warehouse logistics. The company has invested a total of EUR 450,000 in it and has already applied for the patent.
David Strnad, Head of Brand Logistics at ŠKODA AUTO, emphasized: “Deliveries of just-in-sequence parts to the production line presuppose the trouble-free operation of highly complex processes. By deploying a new handling robot in the Kvasiny plant, we optimize these processes in order to achieve more efficient, precise and thus faster production. At the same time, with the help of this technology from the field of Industry 4.0, we also increase work safety in the plant and at the same time improve the ergonomics of workplaces for local employees. ”
Starter batteries in Kvasiny are delivered on pallets directly to the line and, unlike the usual sequentially delivered material, they are not delivered from the warehouse in the exact assembly order.
The robot scans the battery with a special camera to identify the correct part for the car being assembled. It then moves the starter batteries to the transport trolleys, which arrive directly at the line.
At the same time, the robot can stack empty pallets and transport packaging and, if necessary, order new pallets with batteries from the warehouse. It moves through mobile route guidance and is surrounded on all sides by safety networks. In addition, it is also equipped with sensors that prevent collisions with employees or other machines.
After relatively small hardware modifications, the innovative handling robot can also be deployed at many other stations where sequential processes take place.
Therefore, Škoda Auto plans to focus even more on such systems in production and logistics. The Czech carmaker has invested approximately 450,000 euros in a handling robot at the Kvasiny plant and has already registered the system for patenting.
Škoda Auto is also testing a new system at the plant to further increase work safety at the plant: Forklifts are equipped with a location device that enables the timely identification of other forklifts that are also equipped with this system.
The employees of the plant wear a special bracelet, working on the same principle – which warns them in case of danger through clear vibrations. If the locator identifies another forklift or employee, the machines will automatically reduce speed or stop themselves if necessary to prevent a collision.
In addition, the LED light, located on forklift trucks, signals the current density of possible sources of risk in the immediate vicinity.
Today, the plant in Kvasiny is one of the most modern in the entire automotive industry; in addition to the Karoq model, cars of the Kodiaq and Superb model series also roll off the line here, as well as Superb iV with plug-in hybrid drive.
Škoda Auto consistently automates production at the plant and continuously implements new technologies from Industry 4.0. Czech carmaker since September 2019 implements the digitization project “dProduction”, which helps in the correct implementation of individual steps in production, draws attention to changes in production processes and serves to document quality controls.
Press Release
– .
