Kerry Logistics Network Utilises Koolbotic to Sort Chilled Products in F&B Operation

HONG KONG
SAR – Media
OutReach – 11 August 2021 – Kerry
Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’; Stock Code 0636.HK) is
utilising robotic arms in its F&B operation to boost sorting efficiency and
raise accuracy. Kerry Logistics Network has named the robots “Koolbotic” as
part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to increase automation in its operations
to enhance productivity. Koolbotic is installed in the regional distribution
centre that Kerry Logistics Network has been managing for one of the UK’s
leading retailers in Hong Kong since 2011.

Adopted
to handle large volume of chilled-food products in a low-temperature
environment and with a relatively short lead time to market, Koolbotic is able
to work 20-hour shifts and raises sorting productivity by 20%. Essentially
collaborative in nature, Koolbotic also supports warehouse staff as it can endure
freezing conditions which would be detrimental to humans for a prolonged
period, in doing so safeguards the health and safety of staff members.

Automation
is becoming an integral part of Kerry Logistics Network’s operation, especially
amid the pandemic when human contact is minimised in the sorting process. In
view of the rapid growth of e-commerce in recent years, Kerry Logistics Network
will continue to explore the possibility of expanding the use of robotics for
other sectors.

Samuel
Lau, Deputy Managing Director – Integrated Logistics of Kerry Logistics
Network, said, “At Kerry Logistics Network, we are firm believers of leveraging
the benefits of technological advances to bolster our productivity as well as to
improve the working conditions of our people. Koolbotic is added to our
chilled-food product sorting process to support staff and increase ease of
operation. We see this type of selective automation and collaborative robots as
the future of our industry, as it combines the best of both worlds – the
flexibility of humans and the endurance of machines. We anticipate installing
more cobots in our logistics centres to take our operations to the next level.”

Kerry
Logistics Network is committed to providing its customers with the latest
technologies to support the digitalisation of the supply chain with end-to-end
visibility. Its R&D department has been constantly reviewing and
implementing the latest technology developments, including blockchain, Internet
of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning.