German automobile major Mercedes-Benz has deployed driverless transport trucks ‘carsets’ to supply assembly line staff with goods from logistics on Ludwigsfelde plant premises, doing away with the need for looking around during Sprinter van production.
The new 'intelligent production' system requires only a few tool carts and data terminals during output as an autonomous truck carries the required items from the logistics and unloads itself at the assembly line.
Earlier the staff had to locate, fetch and install the parts themselves into the van.
For instance, there are 350 different combinations on the lines of wheelbase, weight, motorization or color for Sprinter and the carsets will ensure that the intended item reaches the staff while working.
The automaker will also pump in €150m at Ludwigsfelde unit to fund its upgrade into body shop, paint shop and assembly line. The manufacturing facility, which makes 200 large vans on a daily basis, currently employs 2000 staff.
Mercedes-Benz Werk Ludwigsfelde manager Sebastian Streuff said: "The Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde plant is the benchmark when it comes to intelligent vehicle production. It's what future plants should look like: streamlined, sophisticated processes; pinpoint, highly efficient logistics; and faultless assembly.
"In the last two-and-a-half years, the Ludwigsfelde plant has taken its future into its own hands with its highly qualified and highly motivated workforce. Today it is a shining example of the use of innovative production systems in the Mercedes-Benz Vans worldwide production network. It's an impressive development, I am therefore all the more pleased to be shaping the future together with the team here in Ludwigsfelde."
The company claimed that the driverless trucks have improved workstation ergonomics, leading to shorter walking distances and direct access to the material.
