Swisslog announces that Toyota Motor North America is planning to install a goods-to-person automation system featuring Swisslog’s CarryPick storage and order picking system in its Hebron, Kentucky, facility. The solution is designed to increase flexibility and improve efficiency of the parts warehouse. Toyota is experiencing increased demand for its automotive spare parts.

Toyota needs to future proof the parts fulfillment process

The Swisslog goods-to-person automation system is designed to automate Toyota’s spare parts fulfillment process. Toyota needed a future-proof automation solution that would speed up its entire operation and provide flexibility for continued growth, while also utilizing the current facility with its restrictions on ceiling height and space. The flexibility and modularity of the CarryPick solution will allow the company to meet its needs without any constructional changes to the building.

Automated storage and retrieval solutions uses mobile robots

The Swisslog CarryPick solution is an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), in which the CarryPick autonomous mobile robots (AMR) pickup and move shelves containing specific parts from a (deep) storage location to the parts picking station. The storage area is accessible only by the robots, while human pickers remain stationary at defined picking stations. The CarryPick AMRs acquire the shelving unit with a specific part for a given order, queue the shelf, and then deliver the shelf units to the pickers, who are completing a specific parts order.

Made up of just four components – robots, mobile racks, SynQ warehouse management software and pick stations – CarryPick perfectly fits into existing buildings and can be extended or even relocated on short notice. The robotic goods-to-person solution’s standard mobile racks can be customized for different sized and shaped items. This is especially suitable for businesses that have large variations in product size or need the flexibility to accommodate frequent changes in product sizes or volumes. Swisslog’s SynQ management software will orchestrate the order and inventory process while optimizing the  automated flow of the equipment to secure highest efficiency and accuracy of the operation. The system is expected to be operational in March 2022.

“Swisslog is excited to work with Toyota to bring flexibility and efficiency to its spare parts fulfillment process,” said Markus Schmidt, President of Swisslog Americas. “Swisslog’s CarryPick allows the company to quickly and easily deploy a flexible and modular approach to supply chain automation that will help the company overcome the daily challenges of product variability, managed growth and the demands of a constantly evolving and rapidly expanding market.”

With more than 2,000 installations around the globe, Swisslog has breadth of experience in multiple flexible, scalable and modular automation technologies.