Kerry Logistics Network Limited (Kerry Logistics) is utilising robotic arms in its F&B operation to boost sorting efficiency and raise accuracy.

In a statement, the Hong Kong-based logistics company said the robots has been named "Koolbotic" as part of Kerry's ongoing efforts to increase automation in its operations to enhance productivity.

It added that 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%," Kerry said.

It added that 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.

Kerry Logistics noted that automation is becoming an integral part of its operation, especially amid the pandemic when human contact is minimised in the sorting process.

In this view, it added that due to the rapid growth of e-commerce in recent years, Kerry Logistics will continue to explore the possibility of expanding the use of robotics for other sectors.

"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," said Samuel Lau, deputy managing director - Integrated Logistics of Kerry Logistics Network.

 He added that Koolbotic has been added to Kerry's 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," Lau added.