DB Schenker is making one of the largest deployments of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in Eastern Europe.
Schenker’s new distribution center near Prague will employ an automated system from Körber. The facility is 18,000 sqm (194,000 square feet), dedicated to a leading electronics company. It is expected to be operating early in 2023.
The robots will provide Schenker the capability to scale flexibly and gradually invest while increasing operational efficiency and performance, which is forecasted to double by 2034.
The installation includes a large conveyor system, value added service lines, a packaging area, a cross belt shipping sorter and over 100 integrated AMRs provided by Geek+, a Körber partner.
Körber’s software solution will handle the work assignment orchestration of the AMRs, allowing for goods-to-person picking. Approximately 15 workstations will be equipped with put-to-light and pick-by-light systems. These systems will be completely integrated.
“DB Schenker has experienced outstanding success since its inception as an early innovator in the Eastern European market. With COVID-19 driving more consumers online, we are well placed to increase and improve the service offering for our rapidly growing consumer base,” said Ingo Brauckmann, executive vice-president contract logistics / SCM Europe at Schenker.
The relationship between Körber and DB Schenker dates back to 2006, with many joint projects in warehouse management software, automation, voice and simulation.
“Our research has found that more than three out of four businesses make digitization and process automation a strategic priority,” said Dirk Hejnal, CEO at the Körber Business Area Supply Chain.
“At the same time, the issues around workplace safety and labour retention have never been greater. That’s why we at Körber look forward to continuing our long-standing collaboration with Schenker.”
With around 76,100 employees at more than 1,850 locations in over 130 countries, DB Schenker is one of the world’s largst logistics providers. The company operates land, air, and ocean transportation services, and it also offers logistics and global supply chain management from a single source. In 2022, DB Schenker celebrates its 150th company anniversary.
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