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ŠKODA Automates Material Transport in Automotive Manufacturing

Case Study

4/12/2021

OMRON LD mobile robot supporting autonomous material transport through a ŠKODA AUTO production corridor

Industry

Automotive

Application

Material Transport

Robot Solution

LD Series Mobile Robot

Improving automotive internal logistics with autonomous mobile robot transport

In automotive manufacturing, repetitive material movement can place unnecessary demands on employees while creating opportunities for delays in production flow. At ŠKODA AUTO’s Vrchlabí plant in the Czech Republic, components needed to be transported regularly between the mechanical measuring center and processing machines — a routine but essential task within the production environment.

To improve this process, ŠKODA implemented an OMRON LD mobile robot for autonomous material transport. The robot now completes approximately 120 trips per day, traveling around 35 km daily while carrying parts between the measuring and processing areas.

Using sensors and laser scanners, the mobile robot detects people, vehicles, and obstacles as it navigates through the plant. Because it does not require fixed guide paths, magnetic strips, or reflectors, the solution helps ŠKODA AUTO maintain flexible material flow while reducing repetitive manual transport tasks.

Watch ŠKODA’s story:

“By automating repetitive material transport, ŠKODA AUTO improved the consistency of internal logistics while allowing employees to focus on higher-value production tasks.” — OMRON Mobile Robotics Team

Results at a glance:

120 trips completed per day
35 km / 22 miles traveled daily
Automated transport between the mechanical measuring center and processing machines
Reduced repetitive manual material handling
Flexible navigation without magnetic strips, reflectors, or fixed guide paths
Obstacle detection supports safe movement around people, vehicles, and equipment
More consistent material flow across the production environment

Improving material flow without fixed infrastructure

Repetitive transport can slow production teams down, especially when routes, layouts, and material needs change. OMRON mobile robots help automate internal logistics without fixed guide paths, magnetic strips, or major floor modifications.

If your team is evaluating how to move parts, carts, or materials more efficiently, OMRON can help review the application and identify a practical next step.