Hactl, Hong Kong’s largest independent handler, has taken its first step into robotics with the opening of a new Automated Parts Store (APS) for its giant container- and loose cargo handling systems.
In a statement, it said the new, robotically-operated parts dispensing system enables urgently-needed spares to be quickly accessed around the clock, both for routine maintenance and in the event of occasional breakdowns.
Hactl’s automated and highly complex Container Storage System (CSS) has 11 levels, is 260 m long, features a giant ULD racking system that holds 3,500 units and stores and retrieves up to 8,000 tonnes of air cargo per day.
Meanwhile, its automated Box Storage System (BSS) handles loose cargo, using 10,000 stillages that run on tracks between the cargo pick-up and build-up areas.
"These giant machines are the beating heart of Hactl, working 24/7/365 to maintain Hactl’s mission-critical operations, which often process over 100 wide-body freighters daily, and often 16 or more at the same time," the cargo handler said.
It added that routine maintenance, as well as occasional breakdowns, employ an 80-strong team of engineers and technicians, who are constantly visiting parts stores to collect the components they need.
"The previous, manual parts requisition process required technicians to visit the main parts store in the terminal to collect components such as sensors, switches and lamps for replacement. Outside the parts store’s opening times, the technicians could sometimes obtain the parts they needed from a cabinet in the Maintenance Services Centre on level 3 of SuperTerminal 1; but this held only 60 or so of the most commonly-used spares," Hactl said, noting that the manual process is a "time-consuming task with the potential for error or oversight."
Meanwhile, its new APS features an automated robot that manages more than 200 multi-compartment bins, housing all of the most commonly-used spare parts.
On visiting the APS, technicians simply scan the code for the relevant parts, and input quantities needed, via a user terminal. The robot then takes the shortest route to retrieve the parts and serve them to the waiting technician.
50% time savings cited
The APS robot weighs around 270kg, and can lift up to 40kg. Although the APS is a "no-man" zone with 24-hour CCTV surveillance coverage, the robot is fitted with intelligent sensors to avoid any potential collision with personnel or property. The robot also automatically re-charges itself at its home station whenever it is inactive.
Hactl said new APS reduces the time to collect any of the most frequently-needed spare parts by around 50%.
"Hactl is a mission-critical operation for its customers and the whole airport, so minimising downtime is vital in the daily operation of our core Cargo Handling Systems. The APS robot will immediately save more than 1,500 man-hours per annum, while a mobile app that enables technicians to order spare parts from any location will also be introduced in due course, further improving our efficiency," said Hactl chief executive Wilson Kwong.
He added that this is also an "important technological step for Hactl" with the experience gained in designing, implementing and operating this facility to prove "invaluable" in enabling Hactl to "identify other suitable applications for robotics within our large-scale operations, and then produce tech-led solutions."
"This is yet another illustration of Hactl actively driving innovation and efficiency in its operations, through continuing investment in state-of-the-art solutions," Kwong added.
