Dematic has unveiled its PackMyRide automation system, the world’s first fully automated solution for parcel loading.
The system is currently being tested in a pilot project at one of the newest distribution centers of project partner DPD in Nagold, Germany, where it picks up packages from an existing intralogistics system and moves them to mobile racks via a rack feeder device.
The racks are designed in a way that enables Dematic’s automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to fully automatically transport them into the delivery vehicle. This will not only reduce the physical work of the delivery drivers but will also add value by reducing the time required for loading vehicles. It is expected that up to 80% of packages can be handled by the system.
“With Dematic PackMyRide, we’re revolutionizing parcel loading for the last mile by introducing the world’s first automated solution concept in this segment,” said Dr Daniel Jarr, project lead for Dematic PackMyRide. “Our innovative solution concept not only provides ergonomic relief for the drivers, but also saves a great deal of time, which benefits the parcel delivery company along the value chain.”
Thomas Steverding, senior group manager for process and development at DPD Germany, explained why the parcel service provider readily participated in this project: “While our parcel sorter systems are already highly automated, at the end of the process the packages for the last mile are still handled completely manually today. For the first time, Dematic’s innovative solution concept shows how we can support and relieve the human workforce at this point. We are very pleased to test this promising development.”
Dematic PackMyRide receives the packages from the intralogistics system and transports them to a scanning unit, where volume, weight and barcode data are verified for optimal sorting. In the Dematic Sequencing Tower, the packages are then stored temporarily to pass them in the desired order to a pusher unit.
At this point, the system differentiates between two types of packages and if something is wrong with the package, it will be redirected to a manual line. Otherwise, the package is loaded onto a rack feeder that moves along lined up mobile racks and places the packages at the pre-calculated location. When a rack is fully loaded, it can easily be removed from the system and transported to the delivery vehicle manually. As an alternative, Dematic provides automatic transportation with its AGV systems.