Renault Group has presented its new-generation logistics facility in Villeroy, which is 100% automated.
The facility is equipped with a system from Exotec, a French industrial robotics company. The collaboration is described by Renault as a world first for a car manufacturer. ‘Skypod’ robots facilitate the work of operators by picking items at height, thereby eliminating the risk of falling. The time it takes to prepare parts orders is shorter and the surface of the storage area on the site is also reduced.
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Exotec’s robots are autonomous and equipped with advanced navigation and handling capabilities. Renault says their compact design and their agility allow them to move quickly and efficiently in complex logistics environments, especially in the presence of other equipment and workers.
Currently, 191 robots are deployed at the Villeroy site. Renault says Exotec offers a flexible and scalable solution for managing product flows in logistics centres.
The Villeroy facility can prepare nearly 4,000 order lines per hour at its peak of activity with 14 picking stations.
The preparation time of an order (from the beginning to the delivery of the package to shipments) is 20 minutes. Previously, this operation was carried out in 2 hours.
The choice of Exotec also makes it possible to reduce the site’s energy consumption by 30% compared to the traditional solution, thanks to the elimination of handling equipment, replaced by robots that consume less energy.
Xavier Lhors, Director of After-Sales Logistics at Renault Group, said: Thanks to this solution and the teams in place, we will be able to increase by 25% the number of orders served and strengthen our commitment to customer satisfaction, which remains a priority for us.”
