Valeo, a global automotive parts manufacturer, has optimized its dock operations by partnering with Slip Robotics. Through the deployment of SlipBot autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, Valeo said it has drastically reduced its truck loading and unloading times sixfold.
In the fast-paced world of automotive manufacturing, staying ahead of industry demands is crucial. For Valeo optimizing internal processes was not just about improving efficiency—it was also a business imperative to maintain its competitive edge.
One of the most significant challenges the company faced was streamlining its truck loading and unloading operations, a critical bottleneck that was consuming valuable time and resources. Valeo’s journey began with a comprehensive supply chain analysis that revealed the dock was a major source of inefficiency.
The repetitive handling of parts between production and storage was leading to excessive time spent on loading and unloading trucks, slowing down the entire operation. Faced with the challenge of increasing throughput without disrupting existing processes, Valeo sought a solution that could seamlessly integrate into its workflow.
Traditional methods involving forklifts and multiple product touches were proving inadequate for the demands of Valeo’s growing operations. The company said it needed something more innovative—something that could deliver speed, safety, and simplicity.
Slip Robotics provides autonomous loading robots
Enter Slip Robotics, which has designed autonomous loading robots (ALRs) designed to simplify the truck loading/unloading process. The company said customers can use its SlipBots to stage material directly on or off the robot instead of on the floor.
The robots have connected SlipControllers. End users can command the SlipBots to enter or exit a truck, as well as to drive it where it needs to go. These controllers don’t require Wi-Fi to stay connected, said Slip Robotics.
In addition, the company offers SlipView, a live data platform, to show users their robot statuses and battery states. Users can also benefit from historical data and trends provided on the platform, said Slip Robotics.
“SlipBots can deploy at any facility without the need for IT integrations, Wi-Fi, dock modifications, or trailer modifications,” said Mason Cole, head of sales at Slip Robotics. “Because of this, we were able to deploy at Valeo in a matter of days.”
The simple deployment and ease of training allowed Valeo’s team to begin using the SlipBots immediately. This rapid integration meant that it could start seeing returns on its investment within the first week of operation, said the partners.
The flexibility of the SlipBots also played a crucial role in Valeo’s decision to adopt this technology. Unlike traditional automation, which can be rigid and difficult to adapt, SlipBots allowed Valeo to adjust its workflows on the fly, accommodating the dynamic nature of its production schedules.
Valeo sees results with SlipBots
Slip Robotics deployed 26 SlipBots at Valeo’s facilities in Seymour, Ind., directly addressing the bottlenecks that had plagued its dock operations. These AMRs were integrated at the end of Valeo’s production lines, where they took over the task of transporting finished goods directly onto trailers, ready for shipment to offsite warehouses.
“It took us 30 minutes to load or unload a trailer with forklifts. Now it’s five minutes,” said Quinn Saevre, supply chain CIM manager at Valeo. “That increased throughput lets us do up to six trailer moves in the same amount of time and unlocks different material flows.”
Moreover, the introduction of SlipBots significantly reduced transportation waste. With fewer product touches and less forklift traffic around the dock, Valeo said its operations became more streamlined.
“Slip Robotics makes our lives easier and proves that automation doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s the real deal,” noted Lou D’Allura, productivity manager at Valeo.
Safety, a paramount concern in any industrial setting, was also greatly enhanced, claimed the companies. The SlipBots eliminated the need for forklifts to enter trailers, thereby reducing the risk of accidents, they stated.
Beyond speed and safety, Slip Robotics said it also delivered on simplicity through its deployment and training process.