Carrier Transicold’s Global Container Refrigeration factory in Singapore, a key manufacturing site for Carrier’s refrigerated container systems globally, is embracing Industry 5.0.
The term Industry 5.0 refers to people working alongside robots and smart machines to deliver more customized, sustainable and resilient operations.
The Carrier Transicold Global Container Refrigeration factory launched a five-year automation roadmap in 2019 to set the vision for its transformation strategy and to kickstart the technological infrastructure required for automation.
In 2021, the factory welcomed its first collaborative robot (cobot).
The cobot, which works together with employees in small spaces to assist in attaching access doors on refrigeration units, frees up workers to focus on other core and higher-value manufacturing operations.
In its first year, the cobot completed its programmed task approximately 900,000 times, according to Lee Meng Huat, general manager, Manufacturing, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold.
“At Carrier Transicold, we drive disruptive innovation to make a positive impact for our customers, our employees and the planet,” Huat said.
“We are focused on refining collaborative interactions between people and machines to meet the growing complexities of manufacturing.”
Cobots have contributed more than 8,000 annualized hours of productivity in the factory. Additional automation or digitalization are in development and scheduled for launch in the next year.
Senior manager of manufacturing operations at Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold, Ooi Giap Hwai, said the company continuously incorporates sustainable practices within its operations, and the use of cobots is a great example of that.
“The progress we are making today will improve our operations so we can more efficiently create solutions that matter for people and the planet,” he said.