Laser Guided Straddle Vehicle

Challenge

Fonterra approached us for an Automated Guided Vehicles solution when they were concepting their new multi-million-dollar milk powder plant at Pahiatua. The new facility demanded best in class operations, and efficiencies and RML worked with Fonterra’s operations management and consultants at Babich during the design phase.

RML was tasked with the purchase, and all localised integration, for an automated solution. Previously the palletising of bulk milk powder required a forklift driver to be working 100% on transporting pallets from production to a day store in the warehouse.

Solution 

The automated solution created a 24/7 ‘lights-out’ operation’ meaning that the guided vehicles could stack pallets weighing 1500 kilos into Fonterra’s day store and from there be moved on to their Distribution Centre in bulk every 6 hours. Dramatic labour savings!
The vehicles perform a 600m round trip 24/7.
In addition, the AGV system was designed to ensure that all the required consumables could be supplied and loaded without any human involvement and that empty pallets be returned for re-use.
The four AGVs at Pahlatua proved so successful that Fonterra commissioned similar installations at the Te Rapa, Darfield and Lichfield factories.