MiR Delivers Autonomous Mobile Robots in IKEA’s Warehouses
IWLA partner member Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y. and FM Logistic as part of a joint investment with its client, IKEA, the company has just implemented an autonomous MiR500 robot from Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), which will improve logistics processes in the warehouse in Jarosty, Poland.It is an innovative and flexible technology that can be freely configured and used in everyday warehouse operations.
The MiR500 robot will cooperate with warehouse employees in transport of pallets and other loads up to 500 kg. The main concept is to relieve employees of unproductive activities, improve work safety and optimise warehouse costs.
Alexander Damie, Innovation and Process Manager, FM Logistic Central Europe, explains: In order to build a competitive advantage of the company and our clients, we invest in innovative solutions that are flexible, easy to use and therefore cost effective. Mobile Industrial Robots’ technology is much cheaper in use than the competing concept of AGV trucks. In this particular case, it is a solution more than two times cheaper than an AGV”.
The MiR500 robot easily avoids obstacles, is responsive and does not require long and time-consuming configurations, which makes it easy to operate. Thanks to the area map created by the robot and the incorporated advanced software autonomous mobile robots are able to dynamically navigate and choose the most convenient route before driving – all without human assistance.
The machine will work independently at the IKEA Distribution Centre in Jarosty. Currently, warehouse employees and persons who will supervise the robot receive training, and within a few weeks the MiR500 will work fully independently 24/7.
Edyta Śmiechowicz, Platform Director in Jarosty, FM Logistic CE, says: This implementation tasks for our client requires transport of significant amounts of empty wooden pallet columns due to their use in storage in automatic warehouses. It is an ideal process for automation. The ongoing implementation in the distribution comprises of integrating an autonomous robot that transports empty pallets into the stream of internal flows of goods. During the tests, the robot travelled over 60 km, successfully completed 180 missions and transported over 1.500 empty pallets. Thanks to this, it was possible to optimise the movements while maintaining the full safety of employees and guarantee the profitability of this investment.
The implementation of the MiR robot at the IKEA Distribution Centre in Jarosty is another step in optimising processes, as well as implementing innovative solutions to our warehouse operations - says Sebastian Kaczmarski, Central Fulfilment Operations Manager PL at IKEA and adds - It is an example of using the synergy between our companies and joint learning to improve and adapt warehouse processes to the new reality – a hybrid between manual and automatic processes.
This is another implementation of this type of robot at FM Logistic, carried out with ASTOR and ABZ Automatyka. Last year, a slightly smaller model – MiR200 – started working on the logistics platform in Mszczonów, where it supports co-packing operations. It transports production waste, such as foil and cardboard, to the sorting plant. One such vehicle covers an average distance of about 18.5 km per day. This distance previously had to be covered by employees.
FM Logistic is considering further implementations of autonomous robots in other units.
About Mobile Industrial Robots:
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) develops and markets the industry’s most advanced line of collaborative and safe autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that quickly, easily and cost-effectively manage internal logistics, freeing employees for higher-value activities. Hundreds of mid-sized through large multinational manufacturers and logistics centers, along with several hospitals around the world, have installed MiR’s innovative robots. As the global market leader, MiR has a global distribution network in more than 60 countries, with regional offices in New York, San Diego, Singapore, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Tokyo, and Shanghai. MiR has grown quickly since its founding in 2013, with sales rising by 1,246% from 2015 to 2020. Founded by experienced Danish robotics industry professionals, MiR is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, and in 2018, was acquired by Teradyne, the leading supplier of automated test equipment. For more information, visit www.mobile-industrial-robots.com.
FM Logistic Central Europe is part of the FM Group, a global leader in logistics solutions founded in France, currently present on 3 continents, in 14 countries around the world. In the region of Central Europe, the company operates in 4 countries: Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
FM Logistic CE has 17 logistic platforms, 30 transhipment warehouses and employs over 5,500 people. It has a total of over 750,000 sq. m. warehouse space, creating over 1,000,000 pallet places, as well as a fleet of approx. 2,500 vehicles.
As a leading logistics operator in the region, the company offers its clients services related to warehousing, stockpiling, co-manufacturing, co-packing as well as transport and distribution of goods. In recent years, the organization's attention has been focused on comprehensive supply chain solutions supporting customers in implementing their omnichannel strategy.
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