Autonomous Mobile Robots at the Ülker Gebze Factory
Ülker, the food company, has put 20 autonomous mobile robots into operation at its Gebze factory. These robots, capable of transporting 2,600 types of materials, especially raw materials and packaging, will enhance production efficiency and cost advantages at the factory.
Ülker made a new technology investment in its Gebze factory. Twenty autonomous mobile robots (AMRs – Autonomous Mobile Robots), developed according to the infrastructure of the Ülker Gebze factory, have started working to deliver raw materials and materials within the factory.
Robots capable of transporting 2,600 types of materials throughout the factory start working upon request entered into the system by the plant operator. Once the request is approved in the system, the robots retrieve the material from the warehouse and proceed to deliver it to the specified point. Each robot, capable of communicating with six elevators and thirty-two doors, can make 150 trips per day, cover 53 km, and move along a 2-kilometer route in the dough mill, bakery, and packaging levels of the factory. After completing their task by calling and loading the elevator, the robots either perform another task on their route or return to the charging station to await a new request.
Enhancing Operational Excellence
Mete Buyurgan, CEO of Ülker, stated that they continue to effectively utilize digitization and technology in every phase of their business: „Recently, we have put 20 autonomous mobile robots into operation at our Gebze plant, specifically developed for us in collaboration with Arçelik and SK Robotik.“ We have made significant progress with robots in terms of efficiency, simplification, process acceleration, cost control, and sustainability. In the future, we will continue to integrate similar technologies into our production infrastructure and sustain our investments in line with our goal of operational excellence at Ülker.
The rapid evolution of digital technologies ensures that digital transformation always remains a top priority in the business world. Technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things come to the forefront. We also closely follow technology, especially IoT and Industry 4.0. We closely monitor end-to-end supply chain processes as well as consumer behavior and trends. With the IoT system (Internet of Things), we monitor production processes immediately through PLC devices and sensors in the production machines at our Gebze plant and take the necessary actions. We will continue to advance our digitization projects from now on.