Success Story: The “Spaceship” Handling Robot in Stella Footwear Factory

As one of the world’s top ten footwear giants, Stella Footwear Factory has long faced challenges in improving efficiency amidst massive production and daily material handling tasks. To streamline its logistics processes and enhance transportation efficiency, Stella invested in a robot dedicated to material transport between the third floors of its facilities, significantly accelerating the implementation of automation.

Scene Overview: The “Courier” Between the Warehouse and Cutting Area

Stella Footwear’s factory consists of two buildings. Materials are transported from the warehouse to the cutting area and then returned to the warehouse. Previously, this process relied entirely on manual labor, which was both time-consuming and labor-intensive. To address this issue, the factory deployed the “Spaceship” handling robot to take charge of material transport on the third floor. Operating from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily, the robot runs an average of 100–200 trips per day, completing its tasks without interruption. This robot not only transports materials between the two buildings but also crosses a bridge, navigating a relatively complex environment. Thanks to its high-precision navigation system, it easily avoids obstacles. Workers only need to use a mobile app or remote control to call the robot, which then automatically proceeds to the designated location to efficiently complete the task. Some materials are loaded into baskets, and the robot delivers them to the cutting area. After completing the task, it automatically returns to the warehouse. A single trip that used to take 10 minutes now takes only 2 minutes with the “Spaceship” robot, increasing transport efficiency fivefold.

Why Choose the “Spaceship”?

1. High Efficiency: One Robot Equals Three Workers

Although only one robot was introduced, it has a load capacity of up to 300 kg, effortlessly transporting large quantities of goods in a single trip. Its daily workload matches that of three workers. Whether during peak hours or for routine material handling needs, the robot performs tasks efficiently and consistently.

2. Intelligent Navigation: Handling Complex Environments with Ease

The factory environment poses challenges, especially when crossing the narrow bridge. However, the “Spaceship” robot, equipped with high-precision navigation and obstacle avoidance systems, adapts flexibly to various obstacles. During operation, its navigation accuracy is within 2 cm, ensuring error-free transportation even in complex spaces.

3. User-Friendly Operation: Simple and Accessible

Operating the robot is straightforward. Employees can easily call it with a mobile app or remote control, and the robot responds immediately. Workers noted that compared to the labor-intensive tasks of the past, they now only need to tap a few buttons, saving significant time and effort.

Real-World Benefits

1. Substantial Efficiency Gains

The “Spaceship” robot handles hundreds of material transport tasks daily. Work that once required three workers is now completed by a single robot. Its precise route control minimizes unnecessary delays, boosting transport efficiency by 500%. Tasks that previously took 15 minutes now take the robot just 2 minutes.

2. Labor Cost Savings: Full ROI in Three Months

Stella Footwear calculated that the robot’s initial investment cost was equivalent to the annual salaries of two workers. Remarkably, the cost was fully recouped in just three months. Beyond that, the robot essentially functions as an “unpaid employee,” significantly reducing the company’s operating costs. This investment saves the factory over ¥300,000 annually in labor expenses.

3. Near-Perfect Accuracy: Error Rate Approaching Zero

In the past, manual transportation occasionally resulted in misplaced or forgotten materials. Now, the robot follows predefined tasks with precision, achieving a transport accuracy rate of 99.8%. This ensures smooth and accurate logistics operations while minimizing human errors.

Management’s Perspective: Faster, Simpler, Smarter

The Stella Footwear management team highlighted the robot’s profound impact despite its modest size. “With just one robot, we’ve seen a significant transformation. Transportation is faster, workers feel less burdened, and the robot’s accuracy and reliability have saved us considerable costs,” they stated. Furthermore, the robot’s deployment has advanced the factory’s automation efforts, strengthening its competitive edge.

A Model for Automation Across Industries

The successful application of the “Spaceship” handling robot at Stella Footwear demonstrates the immense potential of smart devices in optimizing logistics processes. From electronics manufacturing to food processing and automotive parts industries, intelligent robots can enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and cut costs. For businesses, investing in a robot is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic move to boost competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth.