Vehicles simplify Whirlpool’s parts delivery process

Whirlpool Corp. is currently using 54 vision-guided vehicles to move goods across its massive washing machine manufacturing plant in Clyde, Ohio. Each of these vehicles is outfitted with patented vision technology that transforms standard pallet trucks and tow tractors into driverless vehicles for manufacturing and distribution.

“Whirlpool converted from forklift delivery to tugger and dolly train delivery to make our manufacturing process more efficient,” says Jim Keppler, Whirlpool’s vice president of integrated supply chain and quality. “Vision-guided pallet trucks and tow tractors were a natural next step in the evolution to a fork-free environment.”

According to Keppler, the solution simplified the parts delivery process and presented a low risk compared to some other materials handling automation considered for Whirlpool’s parts-to-line application. As another benefit, the vehicles allowed the company to redeploy manpower to value-added roles within the facility.

“The great thing about [the] technology is that it’s really stable,” Keppler adds. “You don’t have to worry about absenteeism or working overtime, or somebody working too many hours. It moves at a very consistent place and maybe can see things human eyes don’t always see.”

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