Automation of Pallet Loading Operations at Incheon GDC
Mobile Robot Palletizer Improves Efficiency and Reduces Worker Fatigue
On July 17, CJ Logistics announced that it has enhanced the level of automation at its logistics centers by introducing a mobile robot palletizer.
CJ Logistics has deployed a "mobile robot palletizer" at the Incheon GDC, which automatically sorts boxes and stacks them onto pallets. By automating the previously manual pallet loading process, the company has improved the efficiency of outbound operations.
The Incheon GDC is a global hub logistics center that processes orders from consumers in eight Asia-Pacific countries. After products are packed according to each order, they are loaded onto flights bound for various countries.
To achieve this, it is necessary to load packed boxes onto pallets according to their size and destination. This "palletizing" task involves repetitive movements and frequent bending, making it a physically demanding job.
With the introduction of the mobile robot palletizer, worker fatigue has been significantly reduced while productivity has also improved. Using AI vision, the robot recognizes box sizes in real time and can automatically sort and stack various boxes of different sizes destined for multiple locations.
In particular, unlike fixed palletizers, the mobile robot palletizer is designed to move freely back and forth, enabling it to handle up to four pallets simultaneously. This advancement allows the system to process shipments bound for multiple destinations at once, rather than only working on pallets for a single destination. Currently, one unit at the Incheon GDC is simultaneously handling outbound operations for two cities.
The adoption of a mobile design, which does not require floor anchoring, allows for flexible relocation of the equipment, greatly improving the ease of installation and movement.
CJ Logistics has also applied its patented "rotary structure automatic buffer system" to this equipment. The AI determines the size and stackability of boxes arriving from the conveyor belt, temporarily placing unsuitable boxes in a buffer area and then automatically loading them in the most efficient order.
CJ Logistics plans to continue actively developing technologies that automate simple and repetitive logistics tasks, thereby improving the work environment for employees and further increasing logistics productivity.
Koosung Yong, head of automation development at CJ Logistics, said, "Based on automation technologies and systems that have been proven in various logistics sites both in Korea and abroad, we plan to actively transfer our advanced technological capabilities to the GDC currently under construction in Saudi Arabia, securing differentiated competitiveness."
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