Heineken automates logistics with OCME Laser Guided Vehicles

OCME S.r.l. from Parma Italy, have been selected by Heineken Brewery to supply 21 Auriga Laser Guided Vehicles to automate their end of line logistics.

11 systems have been ordered for the Madrid brewery plus 3 for the Valencia site, and will be dedicated to coordinate the raw material movement to packaging lines, automated warehousing of finished pallets and moving of finished goods to the automated truck loading bay.

7 systems for the Netherlands brewery will manage empty crates and finished products, on the outfeed and infeed of the production lines. The Auriga Laser Guided vehicles supplied will lift 4.5 tonnes, moving three x 1.5 tonne pallets on each run.

The Auriga is a system to transport goods without the need of an operator. It follows a path verifying (up to 8 times per second) its position detecting the reflection angle of a Laser ray sent out from a Laser Navigator. The use of laser technology eliminates the need to add embedded rails or to modify the site. Reflectors are positioned in inconspicuous locations and can be easily moved to cater for future site expansion.

The inbuilt safety systems used guarantee a safe working environment. If the system detects movement in the shuttle operating zone, the combined action of sensors and bumpers will automatically interrupt the shuttle movement.

 Advantages & features of the OCME Auriga LGV include: 

• High speed movement up to 1500mm/sec
• Position and movement accuracy of + 5mm
• Maximum load of 6 tonne dependant on model
• Lift height of 6 meters
• Up to 3 pallet width capability with patented auto tyne adjustment feature
• Ability to run on uneven floors
• No physical modification to site required
• Simple and fast installation and easily customised for future expansion or changes
• Automatic system for battery recharging
• WMS (warehouse management system) included
• Real time tracking of logistic cycle and product placement

With over 80 successful packaging installations in Oceania, OCME are major suppliers of packaging equipment to many industry leading food and beverage processors.