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G-market / Building a heterogeneous robot-based logistics automation facility at Dongtan Logistics Center

Building a heterogeneous robot-based logistics automation facility at Dongtan Logistics Center

Maximizing logistics center loading space and smile delivery efficiency

2024/04

G-market has introduced a logistics automation system that can integrate and manage heterogeneous robots at Dongtan Mega Center and has begun field verification. Work efficiency and space efficiency are expected to be greatly improved as robots perform all tasks from product loading to picking, transferring, and organizing.

Dongtan Mega Center is the main logistics base for 'Smile Delivery,' G-market's next-day combined packaging service, and is a fulfillment center with a size of about 20 soccer fields.

The 'Robot Integrated Operation Solution' is a new technology that enables integrated control, management, and operation of different types of robots developed by LG CNS, and was first introduced to G-market Dongtan Mega Center based on the 'Proof of Concept (PoC) for Robot-based Automation Equipment for Logistics Centers' agreement signed by the two companies in May 2023.

The solution was applied by installing a new robot platform that makes the most efficient use of space in the Dongtan Mega Center. Currently, technology verification is underway to link the 'roboshuttle' robot and 'small picking' robot. The 'robotic shuttle' robot, which moves up and down the rack, moves multiple boxes of products to a specific place according to the order, and the 'small picking' robots waiting below deliver them to the workers.

With this solution, Gmarket has further enhanced its logistics efficiency. The space efficiency of the logistics center has increased by up to three times or more. Comparing the 'robot rack' to the existing shelf-shaped 'lightweight rack', the storage area increased by 160% and the number of locations increased by 210%.

Work efficiency has also improved. Unlike the existing lightweight rack-based logistics environment, where workers moved to each location to pick goods, the GTP method, where the robot transports goods to the workbench, minimizes the distance workers move and prevents safety accidents. In addition, the convenience of work has been improved by providing workers with a wearable scanner, the Finger Scanner, which allows them to use both hands.

It is also noteworthy that the robot integrated operation solution was customized exclusively for Smile Delivery. The company developed and applied its own technology in collaboration with LG CNS, including improving the software UI to reflect the features of smile delivery so that anyone can easily operate the equipment.

“We continue to work closely with specialized partners in each field to improve the efficiency of our logistics centers,” said Jeon Ji-hong, head of G-market's Fulfillment Service Office. ”We plan to expand our business in a way that enables us to realize logistics automation and work efficiency through smart partnerships instead of unnecessary investment, and to improve the service for customers using Smile Delivery.”