CEVA Logistics is expanding its warehouse automation to two warehouses in Venray, the Netherlands. It hereby chooses the Skypod system from French company Exotec, which specialises in robotics for warehouses.
The Skypod system is an automated storage and retrieval system. The system works using Skypod robots, which autonomously navigate through a warehouse. Here, they put away products or, on the contrary, pick up products for employees.
Saving time and less risk of injuries
Staff work at a workstation, where they can take products in or out of a crate. The Skypod robots transport these crates through the warehouse. Not only does this save employees time, it also reduces the risk of work-related injuries by not having to lift crates.
Part of the system includes the Skypicker, a robotic order picker that can automatically prepare orders in warehouses. A plug-and-play conveyor belt, which Exotec offers under the name Skypath, connects the various components where necessary.
Crates in racks up to 12 metres high
The system works using crates, which are available in various sizes. All crates here have the same footprint, which makes switching between different crates easy. For example, as demand increases or for storage purposes, companies can switch to a different crate size. These crates are stored by the robots in a rack system, where they can reach a height of up to 12 metres.
A key feature of the system is its scalability. Users can expand all kinds of parts of the robot system. Think of adding extra order picking station, extra Skypod robots or extra conveyor belts. This allows organisations to adapt the system to, for example, changing market demand or growth.
The control of the Skypod system comes from Deepsky, end-to-end warehouse software offered by Exotec. This software ensures that the various elements of the Skypod system work closely together. The software also coordinates the operation of the Skypod system with third-party equipment.
Already in use for some time in Roosendaal
The Skypod system is not new to CEVA Logistics; the company has been using it for some time in a warehouse in Roosendaal. Now CEVA is expanding the system to two warehouses in Venray. In these two sites, the logistics company is deploying a total of 57 Skypod robots. In this way, the company wants to increase the capacity of its warehouse, while also being able to operate more flexibly at peak times. It also wants to be able to react quickly to changes in the market or customer demand.
Bart Beeks, Global Head of Contract Logistics at CEVA Logistics, said, "Our culture at CEVA forces us to look for innovative solutions that allow us to better serve our customers. The Skypod solution offers significant value in warehouse automation. As a result of our strong commitment to responsive logistics, our customers expect a high level of service, efficiency and agility in our operations. By implementing Exotec's solution, among others, we can continue to create value together with our customers."
Wim Vermeir, Senior Sales Executive, Exotec: "We are delighted with the successful cooperation with CEVA, especially now that they are also implementing the Skypod system in their two warehouses in Venray. With the Skypod system, we are able to take our customers' services to the next level. Our scalable warehouse solutions ensure that CEVA and its customers can effortlessly expand to more storage capacity. A large logistics provider like CEVA gives us valuable input from its practice with external logistics parties with which we can further improve our services."
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
