Dematic launches advanced automation in Australian meat industry

Dematic has completed the first deployment of its new end-to-end automation solution at an Australian meat processing facility. The system integrates a Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer with a pallet automated storage and retrieval system, incorporating Dematic's newly developed freezer-rated, high-reach automated guided vehicles (AGVs). This solution is managed and controlled through Dematic software.

Meat processing facilities in Australia face several challenges owing to the harsh environments within cold storage facilities, which pose risks of worker injuries, difficulties in sourcing labour, and time management issues associated with occupational health and safety. The Business Development Manager at Dematic, Soeren Schauki, stated, "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 Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer operates efficiently in both frozen and chilled environments. By allowing the transfer of product cartons between aisles without a traditional conveyor system, the automation increases flexibility and throughput. This high-performance system enhances the accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of automated order fulfilment and dispatch processing. It reduces the need for manual handling and offers unlimited order assembly options. Additionally, the solution accommodates picking multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs) concurrently within a single aisle, offering high throughput, order flexibility, and accessible stock.

This advanced system helps eliminate many occupational health and safety risks associated with manual handling of heavy cartons and decreases errors linked to incorrect picking. Dematic software ensures full track-and-trace capabilities for each carton of every SKU.

Dematic's third-generation high-reach AGVs are exclusively manufactured in Australia and are currently available only in the Asia-Pacific region. These AGVs are now rated for use in freezer environments, capable of operating effectively in temperatures as low as -25°C. Designed to mitigate health and safety risks, the self-charging AGVs utilise high-precision laser guidance and advanced safety technology, including a 360-degree safety scanning system, automatic slowing and stopping, accessible emergency-stop buttons, and visual and audible warning and alarm lights. These features collectively aid in enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy, enabling the AGVs to function continuously throughout the year.

As Australia's sole manufacturer of freezer-rated AGVs, Dematic has updated its fleet to align with the Australian Standard AS 5144-4, which is equivalent to the international standard ISO 3691-4.

Tony Raggio, General Manager Sales for Dematic ANZ Mobile Automation, remarked, "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. As a result, Dematic is experiencing increased demand for comprehensive solutions that incorporate multiple automation technologies. Our new end-to-end automation solution, which combines the Dematic Multishuttle Meat Buffer system with our freezer-rated AGV-based storage and retrieval system, has been developed to meet this demand in the Australian market."