Future-proofing food facilities starts here. Nekta and Scott are 2 of Wiley’s expert engineers passionate about helping clients increase operational efficiencies. Recently, they had a chance to see into the future.
They joined Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) and representatives from the Australian red meat industry for a technical visit to Dematic’s R&D Facility in Germany. The site includes the Imagination Centre, an interactive showroom showcasing cutting-edge automation technologies, and a dedicated Tech Centre.
Here is where real-time full scale system demos and prototype testing allow customers to engage directly with new solutions, run tests and develop concept layouts. It’s a space for real-time demos, system testing, and industry collaboration.
The tour offered valuable insight into the latest developments in logistics and automation, particularly relevant for chilled and frozen food sectors.
Key technologies included:
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) – Designed for heavy and bulky items, these systems function across temperature zones, from ambient to frozen, making them well-suited to cold chain and protein logistics. ASRS is technology that the red meat sector knows well (we have installed many ASRS’s in Australia).
- MiniLoad AS/RS – Compact, high-density storage solutions designed for small items and fast access.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) – Capable of navigating complex spaces, AMRs automate pallet and tote movement while safely detecting and interacting with workers, so they don’t need to be enclosed.
- Robotic Picking Systems – Offering potential for increased accuracy and reduced labour in picking, depalletising, and mixed-SKU handling.
- Multishuttle Systems – Now a core component in red meat processing, these systems continue to evolve with faster speeds and integration with robotic and AGV technologies.
Together we discussed how these systems can be tailored for a range of operational needs in red meat, including boning rooms, packing areas, and distribution centres.
ASRS is widely used in the red meat sector. Other technologies like AMRs, robotic picking, and AutoStore cube-based storage show significant promise if thoughtfully applied — not just in protein, but in ready meals, smallgoods, and even beyond food.
The visit also served as a reflection point on how automation is being deployed at scale. Over the past decade, Wiley has been involved in the delivery of multiple Dematic multishuttle systems for chilled and frozen environments, including:
- A 28,500-carton chilled multishuttle with robotic palletising and AGV integration
- A dual-zone 22,000 carton chilled and frozen system
- A compact 5,000 carton high-speed frozen system (10 cartons/min)
- A 6,000-carton chilled multishuttle paired with high-throughput layer palletising (30 cartons/min)
Construction is set to begin soon on a 13,000-carton chilled multishuttle paired with a 900-pallet ASRS, including multi-layer palletisers and automated stretch wrapping.
What stood out during the visit was the scalability and versatility of the systems in Dematic’s portfolio, in particular how they’re being adapted across industries to meet shifting operational and market demands.
These technologies are key to unlocking greater efficiency, flexibility, and performance in your operations. If you’re ready to explore how automation can work for your facility, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s start the conversation and find the right fit for your business.
👉 connect@wiley.com.au
