Coca-Cola has launched five new autonomous forklifts (automated guided vehicles or AGVs) at its regional beverage concentrate plant in Singapore, in partnership with XSQUARE Technologies (XSQUARE) – a Singapore-based warehouse automation solutions provider.
The move is part of the beverage firm’s digital transformation strategy. Coca-Cola says by introducing Industrial 4.0 capabilities into its plant, it will be able to build supply chain resilience into its system and increase plant capacity in anticipation of future growth opportunities.
XSQUARE’s Springer AGVs have been integrated into the plant’s shop floor and automated warehouse to transport finished goods within the premises. The forklifts have been incorporated with Coca-Cola’s existing sub-systems and operate in hybrid working environments using XSQUARE’s Xymphony software, which allows for seamless data interoperability and increases operational efficiency.
Gerardo Artavia, plant general manager at Coca-Cola Singapore, says the introduction of the AGVs is part of the company’s efforts to continuously improve processes, create higher value-added jobs for its workforce, and contribute to Singapore’s vibrant ecosystem for advanced manufacturing.
Jens Bohnwagner, CEO of XSQUARE, says as consumer expectations in the region rapidly evolve, warehouses must step up their capabilities. “Our technology is not just about automation; it's about enhancing human efforts and ensuring efficiency in every aspect.”
