Dematic has launched its latest freezer-rated automated guided vehicles (AGVs). It's third-generation model features advancements in sensor and navigation technology that exceed recently updated global safety standards.
Designed and built in Australia, Dematic’s full range of AGVs – including high-reach and counterbalance – are now all rated for deployment in freezer environments.
Dematic ANZ Mobile Automation general manager sales Tony Raggio said cold storage facilities were harsh environments for workers.
“Having workers in freezer environments is also a complex challenge to manage, with a range of safety checks and restrictions required to protect workers.
“For an increasing number of food & beverage and grocery supply chains operating cold storage facilities, AGVs provide a solution for overcoming these complex challenges as well as the difficulties of sourcing labour. Our third generation AGVs are built to operate automatically 24/7 in cold storage environments, without posing occupational health and safety risks to workers,” said Raggio
According to SafeWork NSW, working in extremely cold environments increases risk to worker health and safety. For manual warehouse freezer operations, workers need frequent breaks from the cold – every hour worked in the freezer requires 10 to 20 minutes out of the freezer.
An AGV system removes occupational health and safety risks, as well as the reduced productivity, because it can operate full-time in temperatures down to -25°C – picking and transporting product in freezer environments.
“Dematic is extremely proud to be Australia’s only manufacturer of freezer rated AGVs and one of very few suppliers globally. As an industry leader in the AGV space, Dematic is committed to continuous improvements with the latest technology advances. Our new freezer rated AGVs reflect this commitment, with upgrades that exceed new global standards for safety and performance,” said Raggio.
AGVs operating in Australia are covered under the recently updated Australian Standard - AS 5144-4, (equivalent to international standard - ISO 3691-4). This standard specifies clear procedures for achieving safety for both manufacturers and operators.
“Updated standards make it much clearer which functions of an AGV need to be covered to ensure safety and avoid accidents,” said Raggio.
Dematic third-generation freezer-rated AGVs include the following safety features:
- 360° safety scanning system with automatic slowing and stopping;
- easily accessible emergency stop buttons;
- visual and audible warning and alarm lights;
- redundant and safety-rated features and
- compliant system and solution design
Dematic and its parent company, KION Group, have been involved in the development of updated safety standards globally, and Dematic has now completed a project to bring its AGVs and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in line with them.
