Automated logistics for the university hospital

The complete automation of logistical processes in the C. Cabrol building means a significant increase in productivity for hospital staff. The logistical transportation of various goods such as meals, pharmacy supplies, storage, waste, etc. is carried out by automated guided vehicles (AGVs), allowing staff to focus more on patient care. This can significantly improve the working conditions of hospital staff. The AGV system is designed to carry out up to 1,500 transports a day between 6:00 and 21:00. The central logistics station on level -2 is the heart of hospital logistics. All hospital trolleys pass through this central point, which has 200 parking spaces. On the individual floors, an additional 154 parking spaces have been set up in the immediate vicinity of the nursing departments in order to relieve the nursing staff as much as possible.

Hybrid navigation and modular load handling

With a maximum speed of 1.8 m/s and a load capacity of 500 kg, Lucy is designed to meet the requirements of hospital operations and is also small enough to fit in an elevator. © DS Automotion

The Lucy mobile robot from DS Automotion was chosen to implement the logistics processes in the C. Cabrol building, with a total of nine robots being used. Its hybrid navigation (SLAM and laser) enables flexible and safe movement on all levels. Lucy has a modular load handling system that can be adapted to the specific needs of the hospital and primarily transports pallet cages and roll containers at Reims University Hospital. With a maximum speed of 1.8 m/s and a load capacity of 500 kg, Lucy is ideally suited to the high demands of hospital operations. Safety features such as a scanner for obstacle detection ensure safe operation.

The Lucy mobile robots are equipped with the VDA5050 interface. This enables seamless communication between different vehicles and thus increases sustainable flexibility in the automation of logistics. DS Automotion has played a leading role in the development of this interface and ensures that it is widely used in all new installations, including those at CHU Reims.

Efficiency through intelligent control

The Navios fleet management system has a central function in controlling the vehicles and goods in this hospital. It monitors and controls the vehicle fleet, optimizes battery management and maximizes the transport capacity of the facility. Navios can dynamically adjust routes to reduce travel times. Elevator and automatic door control is also integrated into the fleet and material flow manager to ensure a smooth flow of traffic throughout the building. Navios also enables traceability and real-time monitoring of all transports, which is particularly important in the hospital sector.

With the implementation of the AGV system and control by Navios, Reims University Hospital has significantly optimized its logistics processes: hospital staff are relieved of physically demanding tasks and can devote more time to patient care. The automation also helps to sustainably improve working conditions and increase the efficiency of logistics processes.