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Project

Opticharge

Loading and unloading trucks is a time-consuming process that is mostly carried out manually. Truck drivers spend a significant amount of time every year waiting at warehouses to load and unload. For shippers these processes are seen as a necessary evil. VIL is working out the project ‘OptiCharge’ to see how automation can make loading and unloading more efficient.

The project ‘OptiCharge’ looks for more efficient loading and unloading processes through automation for both shippers and transporters. The complete process of loading and unloading will be analyzed at the participating companies (including related processes like pre-sorting, checks, storage,…).

The different kinds of automation available today and state-of-the-art solutions in the pipeline will be examined. Furthermore, a tool will be developed to calculate the advantages and feasability (ROI) of the existing solutions and cases, in order to match supply and demand. A selection of positive business cases will lead to a practice test.

OPPORTUNITIES

·         lower transportation costs (fewer waiting lines)

·         optimal deployment of manpower and assets

·         lower personnel expenses

·         optimal use of warehouse space

·         fewer damages


RESULTS
  • VIL conducted a market study into the state-of-the-art loading and unloading solutions that can further automate the logistics chain.
  • The systems can be categorized into three types:
    • Automated Guided Vehicle or AGV based systems: industrial robots that can move around independently .
    • One-shot based systems that can load and unload a full load in and out of the trailer in one go.
    • Semi-automated systems where human interaction cannot fully be eliminated.
  • VIL developed a successful business case and Proof of Concept at the chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut. A shot-shot based skate system was able to unload 26 pallets in 10 minutes, without hitch or damage. This provides a clear time saving compared to the 45 minutes that manual unloading currently takes.
  • This project shows that there is an automation solution for every type of load and warehouse.
Date:1 Nov 2018 →  31 Oct 2020
Keywords:Innovation, Loading, Optimalisation, Unloading
Disciplines:Transport economics
Project type:Collaboration project
Results:

RESULTS

·        VIL conducted a market study into the state-of-the-art loading and unloading solutions that can further automate the logistics chain.

·        The systems can be categorized into three types:

o   Automated Guided Vehicle or AGV based systems: industrial robots that can move around independently .

o   One-shot based systems that can load and unload a full load in and out of the trailer in one go.

o   Semi-automated systems where human interaction cannot fully be eliminated.

·        VIL developed a successful business case and Proof of Concept at the chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut. A shot-shot based skate system was able to unload 26 pallets in 10 minutes, without hitch or damage. This provides a clear time saving compared to the 45 minutes that manual unloading currently takes.

·        This project shows that there is an automation solution for every type of load and warehouse.