Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) has opened a new automated parts store for its giant container and loose cargo handling systems – taking its first step into robotics.

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 said its automated container storage system has 11 levels, is 260m 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.

The company’s automated box storage system handles loose cargo, using 10,000 stillages that run on tracks between the cargo pick-up and build-up areas.

The new automated parts store features an automated robot that manages more than 200 multi-compartment bins, housing all of the most commonly-used spare parts. On visiting the automated parts store, technicians 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.

The automated parts store robot weighs around 270kg, and can lift up to 40kg, Hactl said. Although the automated parts store 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 automatically re-charges itself at its home station whenever it is inactive.

The new automated parts store system automatically updates stock levels after every pick, so no part stock is ever exhausted, according to Hactl. When stocks do need to be replenished, the robot collects these from parts store staff at the counter, and places them in the correct location on the racking.

Hactl noted that the new automated parts store means technicians “can collect any of the most frequently-needed spare parts at any time of day or night, and reduces the time taken to do so by around 50 per cent”.

Hactl’s chief executive Wilson Kwong commented: “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 automated parts store 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.

“This is also an important technological step for Hactl. The experience we are gaining in designing, implementing and operating this facility will prove invaluable in enabling us to identify other suitable applications for robotics within our large-scale operations, and then produce tech-led solutions.

“This is another illustration of Hactl actively driving innovation and efficiency in its operations, through continuing investment in solutions.”