Integrating Industry 5.0 Principles into AGV Fleet Design: The Silikomart Case Study

In recent years, companies have had to face changes in customers’ needs, adapt to a market that requires shorter times to market to stay relevant as a company. Automation represents the most efficient way to respect new markets’ requirements: with the introduction of the Industry 4.0 concept, many companies increased their performance thanks to the adoption of its enabling technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) so on, hence improving overall operations’ efficiency and performance. The object of this thesis is to apply these principles in the design of an AGV fleet and its integration in a working environment where these vehicles need to interact closely with people. Moreover, focusing on creating a safe and adequate working environment reflects one of the principles that guide Silikomart srl in its everyday operations. This thesis is structured as follows: Chapter 1 presents the principles of Industry 4.0 and how companies are moving towards a more human-centric approach and an increased awareness towards sustainability, following a triple bottom line framework. Chapter 2 will describe the changing environment companies are facing and the increasing need to mitigate uncertainty through the implementation of new technologies related to logistics operations. Chapter 3 will briefly introduce the case study company Silikomart s.r.l. and some criticalities identified in its supply chain. Chapter 4 will comprehensively analyze the current situation in the company, supported by data regarding its operations. Chapter 5 aims at suggesting a solution for the integration of a fleet of automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots connected to the newly implemented automated warehouse with 4-ways shuttles. Chapter 6 provides the conclusion.