Suzano Adopts Autonomous Robots for Moving Bales of Cellulose in Ribas do Rio Pardo

Suzano, a pulp producer, has started using autonomous robots to move bales of pulp at its plant located in the city of Ribas do Rio Pardo, in Mato Grosso do Sul. The initiative is considered pioneering in the sector for applying Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) technology on a large scale to pulp storage.

The solution utilizes the FlexNav robot, developed in partnership with the Brazilian company Dalca. The equipment integrates sustainability, operational efficiency, and professional qualification in the unit's logistics operations.

“Suzano believes that innovation must be aligned with sustainability. With the adoption of robots in the handling of pulp bales, we are contributing to increasing operational efficiency, reducing emissions, and valuing our team of professionals, who have been trained and can now dedicate themselves to more strategic activities,” highlights Leonardo Mendonça Pimenta, Director of Industrial Operations at Suzano in Ribas do Rio Pardo.

Developed specifically to meet the company's needs, the FlexNav has the capacity to transport up to four tons and is designed to accommodate two sets of pulp bales per operation. The robots operate fully autonomously and are connected in real time to a central system that monitors and coordinates activities, including managing battery charging.

With this technology, bales are removed directly from the production line and transported to specific points in the warehouse without the need for manual handling. In this first phase, four robots are in operation and handle about a third of the unit's production. The expectation is to gradually expand the use of the solution until it reaches 100% of production, as well as to evaluate its adoption in other company units.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

The implementation of FlexNav also involved training Suzano's own employees who work in pulp logistics. These professionals were trained in the management and operation of the robots, as well as in electrical, mechanical, and automation maintenance activities, allowing them to transition to roles with greater technical complexity.

“The adoption of autonomous robots at the Ribas do Rio Pardo Unit consolidates Suzano's pioneering role in the pursuit of large-scale application of this technology. This is a strategic move that combines innovation and sustainability, while simultaneously strengthening the appreciation of our professionals. We invest in training our team so that they are prepared to work in an increasingly technological industrial environment, taking on more complex roles and leading this transformation,” highlights Renan Volpatto, Executive Logistics Manager at Suzano.

The technology development began in 2022, following the announcement of the construction of the new factory in Ribas do Rio Pardo, and involved four years of research, testing, and integration before the start of operations. The project involved approximately 20 professionals from Suzano and about 30 specialists from Dalca, in the areas of electrical engineering, mechanics, programming, and technical support.