Automated depalletizing in practice for Covivins: Increased efficiency with celluveyor DEPAL

By using the celluveyor DEPAL from cellumation, Ceratec as system integrator was able to optimize the logistics processes at its customer Covivins. The system enables the efficient separation of pallets and the precise alignment of products. In short, automatic depalletizing.

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Challenge at Covivins

Optimization of logistics processes for a wide range of products

The customer Covivins was faced with the challenge of optimizing and automating its logistics processes. One challenge was the efficient separation and orientation of the product variety as part of a depalletizing process with two possible exit conveyors.
In order to transport products that are particularly at risk of tipping into the downstream material flow in a reliable process, the cell conveyor transports them at a reduced speed onto a separate outgoing conveyor belt, where they are then turned through 90°.
The depalletizing process of unmixed pallets takes place before the products are stored in a high-bay warehouse and

is a bottleneck in the overall warehouse automation. Pallets of different spirits are delivered by type, separated using a gripper arm robot and the celluveyor and then stored so that they can be re-picked for the customer in line with incoming orders. In the past, this process was carried out manually, which put employees under time pressure and high physical strain. The celluveyor DEPAL from cellumation automates this process efficiently in a very small space, separates pallet layers and ensures the correct orientation of the products in the transition to the high-bay warehouse.

TClick image to enlarge

The solution

Automation with celluveyor DEPAL

In collaboration with Ceratec and cellumation, Covivins implemented the celluveyor DEPAL, an innovative solution for automating the depalletizing process. The celluveyor DEPAL in combination with a vacuum gripper robot enables the fast and precise unloading of pallets and the correct alignment of products without the need for prior information on product dimensions. The integrated cv.DEPAL Double, with 2 exit conveyors, has a total of 105 robot cells which, in conjunction with the 3D vision system and intelligent software, separate the pallet layers. Thanks to the precise vision system, the cellumation software processes each object individually and transports it to the respective outbound conveyor in the desired orientation and speed, either with the short side or the long side in the direction of the material flow. The unloading speed of the celluveyor is precisely synchronized with the receiving conveyor. Integration is quick and easy with the help of standard interfaces and pre-configuration.

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Different spirits

System Integration

The Players

Covivins: End user

As a leading, large distributor of alcoholic beverages in Belgium, Covivins is known for its wide range of over 5000 products, including champagne, gin, vodka, rum and whisky. With more than 1200 wholesalers and specialty stores as customers in Belgium and abroad, Covivins sets standards in the field of beverage logistics. Their services include order fulfillment, storage and fast delivery, always striving to exceed their customers’ expectations.

Ceratec: Integrator

As an experienced system integrator, Ceratec is an important partner for companies looking to optimize their logistics processes. With a wide range of solutions and a proven and successful implementation experience in automation technologies, Ceratec offers its customers customized solutions that increase their efficiency and strengthen their competitiveness.

cellumation: Provider

cellumation is an innovation driver in the field of material flow technology and is known for its advanced solutions for the automation of logistics processes. The patented celluveyor technology developed there enables complex material flow movements in the smallest of spaces at high speeds. Thanks to its modular design, the celluveyor has unlimited layout flexibility, is easy to maintain and quick to set up.

„If we had to do the unloading and orientation of products again, without any doubt, we would do it again. There’s not only the advantages of the celluveyor with its small footprint. The fact that we don’t have to know the dimensions and the configuration of the load, of the pallets in advance and the fact that they are also a possibility to have, several input and outbound conveyors. But the cooperation with the people of cellumation was also smoothly. I think that it was in both senses, like that and we hope to cooperate in the future together.”

Wim Mouton

Expert Engineer - Handling & Robotics, Ceratec

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cv.DEPAL speed profiles

The special feature

The special feature of this celluveyor DEPAL is its ability to handle fragile products with particular care. If a product at risk of tipping over reaches the celluveyor, the speed is automatically reduced and another exit is selected. There, the product at risk of tipping is turned 90° on its side to ensure reliable transportation in the downstream conveying processes. This enables smooth and reliable handling of the products, even under demanding conditions, and helps to optimize the entire logistics process.

Conclusion

Why celluveyor DEPAL is the ideal solution:

Small footprint:
The celluveyor DEPAL offers a space-saving solution and is 95% more compact than competing solutions on the market. This leaves more space for the storage of retail goods.

High product variety:
Thanks to the intelligent vision system, products with different dimensions can be processed individually without the need for prior configuration. This makes it easy to expand the product portfolio.

Simple integration:
Thanks to standardized interfaces and preconfigured components, the integration of the celluveyor DEPAL into Covivins’ new system was quick and uncomplicated.

Particularly gentle on objects:
Thanks to the built-in Omni-Wheels, the celluveyor can turn (fragile) products 360° on the spot and move them gently.

Adjustable speed:
The conveyor speed is individually adjustable and can be synchronized with the receiving conveyor. Objects can be moved very slowly or at speeds of up to 1.15 m/s.

The smooth cooperation with cellumation and the outstanding benefits of the celluveyor DEPAL convinced Covivins that they would choose this solution again at any time. Ceratec’s technical expertise and supportive service contributed to the successful implementation of the project.