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Month: July 2019

Case Study: Viennese Brewery Uses Fronius Battery Charging

Posted on by David Priestman

Ottakringer is the oldest brewery in Vienna – and its beer is famous far beyond the city limits. As well as maintaining the highest standards in quality, the brand caters for almost every taste with over 20 types of beer. Its beer is brewed right in the heart of the Austrian capital city. To ensure that all processes run smoothly, one of the things Ottakringer relies on is its electric forklift trucks, as well as Fronius charging technology and expertise. When it came to equipping the new charging station for forklift trucks, two requirements were paramount: the station needed to comply with current safety standards and be more energy efficient than the existing infrastructure. Fronius has supplied twelve Selectiva battery charging systems.

Over 540,000 hectolitres of beer leave the tanks of the Ottakringer brewery in Vienna every year. These include classic types such as Helles, Dunkles, Bock beer and lager. But the more unusual flavours, such as mango splash, lemon & mint or the Ottarocker festival beer are also popular with customers. Particularly during the warmer months of the year, employees often work a three-shift pattern to meet the high demand. The beer is mainly sold in cans – these account for 80% of turnover. Ottakringer was founded in Vienna in 1837. The medium-sized family business is the last major Viennese brewery and, with a market share of 6%, it also one of the few remaining large independent breweries in Austria. Today, Ottakringer employs around 150 people and generates an annual turnover of 81 million euros. Although the traditional brewer produces more than 20 different beers, it is more than just the variety in the range that its customers value: they also love the events held at the brewery’s premises. With over 200,000 visitors and more than 5,000 events each year, this concept has developed into a core feature of Viennese city life.

New charging station: standards-compliant and featuring powerful technology
During peak periods, up to 60 lorries a day are loaded up with beer in Vienna. The covered storage area spreads over 10,000 square metres, meaning that seamless logistics processes are required to make sure that deliveries arrive with customers on time. To transport the pallets of beer cans as efficiently as possible from A to B, Ottakringer relies on twelve electric forklift trucks manufactured by Still. When it came to selecting the charging technology, Ottakringer managers quickly decided on solutions from Fronius. Ottakringer has already had good experiences with the Austrian battery charging specialists in the past. Back in the summer of 2015, Ottakringer kitted out its subsidiary Trinkservice GmbH (which specialises in warehousing and transport services) with Fronius battery charging systems. Once again, the decision to opt for battery charging technology from Fronius had not been difficult. Ottakringer has been operating twelve Selectiva battery charging systems since the autumn of 2017. However, the primary objective was to make sure that strict standards were met when equipping the charging station. “For us it was important that the new charging station met all the applicable standards right from the start,” explains Lukas Gröbl, technical project manager at Ottakringer. “That’s why we were looking for a battery charging technology supplier to do more than just win us over with its technology, but to also offer comprehensive advice and support on all aspects concerning safety rules and regulations. Fronius scores highly here across the board.”

A dry, frost-free and cool environment is required for example, as well as sufficient ventilation and measures to prevent fires and explosions. Furthermore, the minimum distances between the individual charging stations and battery charging systems must be observed, and a safe distance must be kept from flammable or explosive storage areas. Notices and safety symbols must also be used, such as information, warning and prohibition signs. Fronius designed the Ottakringer charging station so that it would meet all the criteria for TÜV certification right from the start. Along with an insulated, conductive and robust flooring, markings and adherence to minimum distances, the specialist also placed the charging station in a location that’s easily accessible and enjoys optimum ventilation.

Start/Stop function minimises the risk of explosion
An important function for the safety of the entire station is the external start-stop mechanism on the battery charging systems. With the help of these features, Ottakringer employees can easily connect up and disconnect the forklifts without having to change any settings on the device. The start/stop function also includes a pilot contact in the charging plug to prevent sparking in case an employee interrupts the charging process by prematurely pulling out the plug. This means that the risk of an explosion caused by the oxyhydrogen produced during charging is as good as eliminated. Gröbl continues: “Previously, our battery charging systems had been spread across the entire site. Now we have just one central charging station where our staff can charge the forklift trucks overnight. This saves a lot of space, which we can put to better use as storage areas.”

Furthermore, the new Selectiva battery charging systems are equipped with the Ri charging process. While conventional charging processes follow a fixed characteristic, the Fronius solution is dependent on the age, temperature and condition of the battery. Users can flexibly charge batteries with different voltages and capacities – always with an individual characteristic. The battery charging systems measure the effective inner resistance (Ri) of the connected battery and adapt the charging curve accordingly. This means that almost no overcharging takes place and the batteries are charged significantly more gently and also more economically. Furthermore, this new technology extends the service life of the traction batteries, lowering the energy consumption as well as CO2 emissions and optimising the availability of the forklift truck fleet.

Expansion of the station with Fronius charging technology has already been planned
Lucas Gröbl is also particularly pleased with the commissioning of the new station. “It only took a day to complete the installation – and that was without any interruptions to our ongoing business operations. The chargers are also incredibly easy to use. Our employees only needed a short introduction and then they were easily able to navigate their way around the new technology.” And if anything goes wrong, Fronius can be on site in no time. Furthermore, the station meets all applicable standards and safety requirements and is TÜV-certified. Ottakringer is already planning its next expansion: “In order to improve the availability of our fleet, we also plan to use back-up batteries in the future,” explains Gröbl. “When we do that, we will of course turn to Fronius once again.”

Case Study: Marangoni Blackline Performs for Danish Truck Fleet

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Blackline RDG101 product has the typical features that encapture the RINGTREAD Blackline range such as its innovative tread design, a wider footprint and a high-performance compound that gives a very high mileage. This Marangoni product is a modern non-directional pattern that is used for drive axles on medium and long-distances. The 3PMSF marked pattern features a high number of blocks and sipes characterised by an “interlock” tread system ensuring good wear resistance.

It is Marangoni’s recommendation that the RDG101 is utilised on vehicles typically used for regional distribution, like those of Bach & Pedersen, a Danish company with a fleet of 52 trucks and 90 trailers that have been making use of the product in the sizes of 315/60R22,5 and 315/70R22,5.

Bach & Pedersen was established in 2010 on the foundations of two old local freight companies with their headquarters located in Randers, Bach & Søn Freight A/S and Ove Pedersen A/S. This company is dedicated to supplying transport and logistics solutions throughout Denmark by means of a comprehensive system — from pickup right through to final delivery. Since 2013, Bach & Pedersen has been growing, with it now carrying out around 1,000,000 shipments a year. With a total of 125 employees, the company also provides bulk, crane and courier services across the country.

Vulkan Randers, who have worked with Marangoni since 1975, is the chosen Marangoni RINGTREAD supplier of the Blackline RDG101 for the Bach & Pedersen fleet due to its outstanding service and high quality, which has been the base for deep cooperation and trust between the two companies. This is further illustrated by the two companies having the same philosophy: delivering the highest possible service and quality to their customers/partners.

Vulkan Randers has been working for Bach & Pedersen since the fleet’s inception in 2010. Since this time, Bach & Pedersen have gradually seen improved performances in their retread policy which has led to today’s result of around 200,000-225,000km mileage on the Blackline RDG101, allowing for their vehicles to spend more time on the road, eliminating downtime.

Jörgen Spanggaard Bach, Fleet & Vehicle Manager at Bach & Pedersen declared: “The optimal performance and excellent traction of this model is remarkable. The Blackline RDG101 delivered superior results, which were more than what we were expecting some years ago. Since we started to use Marangoni Blackline RDG101, we have found the perfect tyre for our company. Its high mileage also provides a lower cost per kilometre and unbeatable traction, which is very convenient during the winter season in a country like Denmark. This deep trust in our retread policy has enabled us to focus more on our core business.”

Marangoni recommends the Blackline RDG101, an all season regional pattern with excellent traction, since it offers the ideal combination of grip and mileage, which is key when it comes to delivery services.

 

 

Victa Rail Safety Awareness Courses Celebrate 1000 Candidates

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Victa Railfreight has delivered its acclaimed Rail Safety Awareness (RSA) training course to the 1000th delegate since starting the courses in November 2013 for staff who duties take them near railway infrastructure in depots, yards, terminals and sidings across the UK.

The 1000th candidate was Martyn Kilner, enrolled on the Rail Safety Awareness Course at Drax Power Station on the 17th July 2019 along with seven of his colleagues.

This achievement was captured by Rob McKittrick, Victa Railfreight’s Operations Support Manager, at Drax Power Station who said, “We have achieved a huge milestone today by delivering our RSA course to our 1000th delegate. Victa Railfreight is a long-established award-winning provider of rail-based training courses. All candidates that attend our courses go through a classroom session to ensure that they gain a good understanding of how to keep themselves and others when on or near the line.

“Candidates also visit a protected siding for a practical assessment. This allows our trainers to see that the candidates have expanded their knowledge and that they have a clear understanding of safety on or near the railway track.”

“These courses include identifying key risks within the industry around rail operations within freight terminal, depot, railhead, port and quarry sites including personal safety, site specific risks and the loading and unloading of trains and wagons. We are continuing to provide our Rail Safety Awareness courses to a wide range of existing clients and an increasing number of new customers.”

Alongside the RSA course, Victa provides a range of other training and development courses that aim to enhance safety and operational expertise relating to rail freight activities.

In addition, the company’s new ‘Railfreight Development Course’ demonstrates to existing and potential users of the rail mode the basic principles of rail operations and explains some of the jargon in layman’s terms to provide informed choices amongst logisticians and other potential users of rail freight.

Please contact: de****************@***************ht.com

Descartes ShipRush Now Offers Full LTL Freight Support

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group says that its ShipRush™ cloud-based ecommerce shipping solution now fully supports both parcel and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight to provide companies with a single platform to meet their shipping requirements. Descartes ShipRush makes it easier for customers to evaluate parcel and LTL options to make better shipping decisions for their requirements.

According to the company, the benefits of adding LTL freight to Descartes ShipRush include:
• Parcel and LTL freight in one solution – offers an extensive list of national and regional LTL freight carriers and the ability to access both parcel and LTL services in one solution.
• Side-by-side carrier rate shopping for LTL freight – simplifies the process of sorting through the many carrier options and factors to determine cost-effective LTL shipment alternatives.
• Substantial savings on bulk shipments and large items – helps to determine when and how to use LTL, which can result in up to 50 percent in shipping savings versus parcel. Parcel shippers that occasionally need to ship a bulk order or an item that is too big or expensive for parcel now have an easy way to compare options.
• Automate best practices – standardizes and streamlines shipping decisions to help ensure the correct procedures are followed, cost-effective options are selected and the time to make shipping decisions is reduced.
• LTL freight capabilities access the same rich Descartes ShipRush functionality – connects ecommerce companies to over 80 marketplaces, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and accounting solutions. Download and manage orders, rate shop, print shipping labels and keep accounting current with one solution.

Descartes ShipRush is a cloud-based shipping solution and part of Descartes’ ecommerce suite. Descartes offers industry-leading capabilities for companies that need an ecommerce-enabled shipping solution, and for carriers and logistic service providers wanting to offer superior customer service through white-labelled shipping tools with managed service options.

UK Employers Warned on Authorisation for Lift Truck Operators

Posted on by David Priestman

RTITB, a UK regulatory body for workplace transport training, is warning employers of the potential risks and penalties of failing to understand and correctly issue authorisation to operate for lift truck operators.

“Worryingly, some of employers that we speak to don’t even know what authorisation to operate is, let alone why it is needed for lift truck operators,” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB. “However, it is their responsibility to issue this important authorisation, not the job of a lift truck training Instructor.”

“Under no circumstances should an employer allow anyone to operate a lift truck on their premises without an authorisation to operate, as this can pose a huge risk to safety and jeopardise legal compliance,” Laura continues.

An authorisation to operate is granted by an employer when it is satisfied that its employee has competently completed the three stages of lift truck operator training (Basic, Specific and Familiarisation).

Before an authorisation to operate is issued, employers should ensure they have a clear record of all the training that was completed, when and on what type of machine. If new tasks or machinery are introduced to the operator, the relevant training should be conducted and a new authorisation to operate issued. All authorisations should also be time-limited, logged and recorded.

“An authorisation should relate to the tasks the operator will complete, including the specific truck type and capacity and the load types,” explains Laura. “It’s also worth noting that an authorisation to operate is not transferable between different employers. For compliance, employers should review even experienced operators and train them accordingly before issuing a new authorisation.”

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that equipment provided for use at work is used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training. Therefore, to help ensure legal compliance in the event of an incident, an authorisation to operate must be issued by the employer to any employee who ever operates a lift truck, whether as part of a full-time role, or only occasionally. This also includes temporary and agency staff.

“Failure to ensure an operator has an authorisation to operate puts employers at risk of prosecution in the event of an incident being caused by an unauthorised operator,” says Laura. “More importantly, with no authorisation and incomplete training, the risk of an incident sadly increases significantly.”

“That said, employers must remember that an authorisation is not a guarantee of safe operation, the process leading to the authorisation to operate is key” she continues. “There are also other factors such as safe systems of work, and supervision required.”

Latest Hyster Reach Truck Features Tilting Mast

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster Europe has launched a new, compact Reach Truck series with a tilting mast, which the company says is perfectly suited to warehouses where space is at a premium, such as those commonly found in retail, food and beverage applications.

“The new Hyster Reach Truck models are designed for retail, food and drink warehouses operations in mind, lifting up to 1400kg and reaching heights of up to 7.5m,” says Timo Antony, Area Business Director Central Europe, Hyster. “These operations typically have tight spaces, so we have included a mast which can be tilted back.”

By tilting the mast, the Hyster R1.0E, 1.2E and 1.4E Reach Trucks provide greater manoeuvrability, saving all-important centimetres so the truck can handle stock in even narrower aisles. An integral side shift and compact chassis design also help improve productivity, as even in tight spaces, goods can be stored and retrieved efficiently.

An extension of the existing Hyster R1.4–2.5 Reach Truck range, the new compact reach truck series affords the same high level of toughness, visibility, driveability and ease of control, as well as a comfortable operator compartment.

A robust frame, top protection of the load wheels, sealed connectors and critical sensors all contribute to overall dependability, helping to maintain a low Total Cost of Ownership. As with all Hyster equipment, the new compact Reach Trucks are easy to service, helping to minimise downtime.

The new Reach Truck models include a range of ergonomic features as standard to increase driver comfort. However, a wide variety of customisation options, including the Hyster Tracker fleet management system, are also available to enable applications to match the truck to their specific industry needs.

UK Trade Bodies Blast UK Government Brexit Preparations

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The trade association that represents the UK’s freight forwarding and logistics sector says that the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has “hit the nail on the head” with its warning that neither the UK nor the EU is ready for a no-deal Brexit on October 31st.

Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) says: “As the trade body that speaks for the sector of the economy that is responsible for managing the supply chains that underpin the UK’s visible international trade, we’ve been vocal in our concerns that our members cannot prepare for a no-deal Brexit, given the ongoing uncertainty over many issues that affect how they conduct that trade.”

Earlier this month the news that very few companies have registered for a new government online system designed to protect value added tax revenues on foreign parcels in the event of a no-deal Brexit led BIFA to question whether government is actually listening to advice from industry experts.

Keen adds: “In the last few days, we have a seen a completely new government installed, which is intent on the UK leaving the EU with, or without a deal.

“With less than 100 days to the Brexit deadline, departments in that new government must urgently step up their preparations, engage with and listen to trade associations such as BIFA, immediately step up their preparations and deliver clear advice on how trade will be conducted after October 31st, deal or no deal.

“Talk is all well and good; but what we now need is clear information and instructions.”

TIP to Buy PEMA to Boost German and Swiss Presence

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

TIP Trailer Services, a portfolio company of I Squared Capital and a leading trailer leasing, rental, maintenance and repair provider across Europe and Canada, has signed an agreement to acquire PEMA GmbH from Société Générale. PEMA is a commercial vehicle leasing and rental company offering services in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, that will bolster TIP’s geographic footprint, strengthen its position in Germany and provide an entrance into the Swiss market.

“This is an exciting step in our path of growth and diversification as we continue to build a stronger platform for the benefit of our customers, partners, employees and stakeholders,” said Adil Rahmathulla, Chairman of the TIP Trailer Services Board and Managing Partner of I Squared Capital. “With the acquisition of PEMA, TIP will gain scale and increased geographic diversification with a stronger position in Germany. We continue to seek opportunities to grow the platform, including high-end specialized assets, while maintaining our established offerings and levels of service.”

“The combined companies will have nearly 89,000 trailers and trucks as well as over 100 workshops offering the largest repair network in Europe and Canada and provide a one-stop shop solution for a wide variety of commercial vehicle equipment,” noted Bob Fast, President and CEO of TIP Trailer Services. “Our customers will have a seamless service partner across Europe and Canada, simplifying their fleet management and enabling them to focus on their core business activities while enjoying TIP’s strong reliability and customer service.”

TIP and PEMA are both service-orientated companies with longstanding experience in transportation and logistics across Europe supporting customer needs throughout the entire lifecycle of trailers, swap bodies and trucks. PEMA has a modern and diverse fleet of trucks, rigid vehicles and trailers from leading brands including Krone, MAN, Schmitz Cargobull and Volvo. Since 2008, PEMA has been part of the GEFA Group, the equipment finance arm of French banking group Société Générale. Société Générale Equipment Finance holds a 100 percent stake in PEMA group through its German subsidiary, GEFA Bank.

Closing is expected in the coming months subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Clark Electric Four-Wheelers Take on IC Rivals

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark has launched a new range of electric four-wheel forklift trucks capable of taking on combustion forklifts, not just in terms of power, but also in terms of cost. The EPXi performs its tasks just as reliably as a comparable diesel or LPG forklift and the cost of purchase is also on par with that of an IC Forklift. The EPXi electric forklift is therefore the quiet and eco-friendly alternative for customers who have so far decided against an electric vehicle.

In many fields of application, which were once considered a purely combustion engine domain, today’s electric forklifts ensure at least the same high efficiency. The reason why many operators still decide against electric vehicles are the often higher procurement costs. With the EPX20i-32i, Clark has now designed an electric forklift that can also match an IC version in terms of price. The vehicle is equipped with just the right solid technology required for heavy handling, and for ergonomic and safe use. Expensive gadgets, which are superfluous for most applications, have been eliminated, thereby creating excellent value for money for the owner.

Reliable all-rounder

The EPX20i-32i counterbalance trucks are available with load capacities from 2.0 to 3.2 tons. As environmentally friendly all-rounders, they score points in indoor and outdoor use, i.e. everywhere where high availability is key, such as in logistics, mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, the chemicals and plastics industry, and in food retail. These sturdy electric forklifts have a high ground clearance due to their larger front wheels. This is particularly advantageous for use on uneven floors, hall transitions or ramps.

High handling performance and efficiency

Powerful and reliable operation is possible with a low-maintenance 15-kW traction motor. 48 Volt three-phase technology ensures very good acceleration and high top speeds. Thanks to the environmentally friendly and quiet electric motors, the forklifts are ideal for use in mixed areas. Three independent braking systems – electric brake, operating and parking brake – guarantee high operating safety. The electric brake is equipped with a recovery system. This system feeds energy back to the battery every time the brakes are applied, ensuring high efficiency by extending the shift life of the vehicle and conserving power. With the standard ramp function, the truck can be precisely and safely controlled on inclines and loading ramps. The EPXi also scores points in maintenance: Simple on-board diagnosis is possible via error codes. For maintenance work, the back cover can be easily removed, giving quick access to all maintenance and wearing parts.

Driver comfort and safety

The ergonomic operators compartment offers the driver an intuitive operating concept with the best view of the load and forks. The wide and lowered foot step as well as a hand rail allow the driver easy and safe entry. The foot space is spaciously designed, so that even drivers with large feet wearing safety boots have plenty of room. Thanks to the automotive pedal layout, the vehicle can be operated intuitively and safely. The tilting steering column and the comfort seat can be individually adjusted. Thanks to the raised seating position and the nested rail profiles of the upright, excellent all-round visibility is guaranteed. Using the ergonomic operating levers, the forks can be precisely controlled. An LCD display supplies all necessary information in real time. Two individually programmable operating modes (turtle and normal) allow adaptation to the respective application. Easily accessible storage compartments and the easily accessible parking brake round off the driver’s cab.

Robust design

Just like all Clark vehicles, the EPXi range is designed in line with the tried-and-tested “Built to last” concept. It stands for a solid and functional design with high quality components for reliable operation throughout the life of the forklift. This starts with a fully welded compact frame, continues with the stable steering axle and ends with the robust upright and solid fork carrier construction.

The trucks are available with super-elastic or pneumatic tyres and standard equipment includes two protected headlights, combined rear lights with brake light and reversing lights. Numerous options ensure adaptation to individual use such as non-marking tyres, audible reverse alarm, fork adjustment or side shift, and a driver’s seat with armrests and guards.

Industry View: Automation and the Future of Warehouse Racking

Posted on by David Priestman

Does warehouse racking need to change to accommodate automation? Invicta’s James Beale offers a personal view:

Away from Brexit, there’s one word that dominates the conversation around warehouse design and storage: automation. The rise of robotics has gone from a sci-fi pipe dream to something that’s actively being employed in warehouses around the world. With autonomous vehicles now working alongside human operatives, it seems likely that this is only the start of integrating robotics and other technology into the warehouse space.

While full automation may still be a decade or more away, it pays to plan ahead, and consider the potential impact of automation on your business, both in terms of positives and drawbacks. Integrating automated vehicles and robots into your space could save you time and money – but it may also require a radical rethink of how spaces are designed. What then does the future hold for traditional warehouse racking, and what should businesses do to prepare?

Android Dreams

Amazon may be the standard bearers when it comes to warehouse automation, but they’re also the most outwardly pessimistic. According to Scott Anderson, the director of Amazon’s Robotics Fulfillment division, full warehouse automation in the sense that we understand it may be a decade or more away. Citing the example of robots choosing a ripe banana instead of an unripe one, Anderson also points to difficulties in handling small items without damaging others, and doing so at the same speed as human operatives. Speed is very much Amazon’s priority, and it seems that accelerating their current output is more important than reducing labour costs.

Others, however, see things differently. Investors who recently visited both Amazon and Ocado’s most advanced warehouses overwhelmingly backed the latter, believing Ocado’s technology to be some distance ahead of Amazon’s, and a surer bet to dominate the warehouse sector. Positives cited included the robots’ ability to detect the ripeness of fruit – contrary to Anderson’s claims – as well as their increased speed and better utilisation of space. Ocado have already struck deals with major chains including Coles in Australia and Kroger in the US, and are rapidly emerging as Amazon’s biggest competitor in the space.

Of course, automation needn’t be fully automated, with different levels of integration likely for different usage cases. The small, mobile robots on grids used by Ocado are only suited to picking up groceries and household goods, with bigger robots needed for bigger applications. Larger automated vehicles would be necessary for bulky, heavy goods, which may ultimately replace the traditional forklift. Elsewhere, certain sorting and picking operations may always be more suited to humans, where dexterity and intelligent decision-making are key.

Building Networks

The mistake that people often make when they think about automation is that it’s simply a way to reduce labour costs. Drawing from our experience with robots in factories (and going all the way back to looms and printing presses), we think that introducing machines is simply a way to reduce the reliance on workers. By getting robots to take over jobs performed by humans, you eliminate injuries, fatigue and the need for breaks, thereby allowing warehouses and factories to run for longer. For a business like Amazon, which relies on its one-day shipping model, this round-the-clock coverage would be invaluable.

As important as labour costs are in driving automation, though, the biggest benefit of robots is actually logistical. By automating all of the operations within a warehouse, you remove the need for managers, supervisors and other lines of communication, and enable the warehouse to be integrated with other processes. Instead of the people in production liaising with those in storage, who then liaise with distribution, the whole supply chain can be controlled by software. This not only means that you need fewer people to oversee the process, but also eliminates the potential for lost time and miscommunication, as well as logging pertinent data automatically.

Naturally, both warehouse automation and its integration with the rest of the pipeline will demand some adaptation. As well as the floorplan of the warehouse, the racking itself may have to change to accommodate different pallet sizes, as well as the size of the autonomous vehicles. While autonomous storage and retrieval (AS/RS) racking already exists, it is limited to small and uniform items, and requires a complex system of rails and lifts to support the vehicles. Future systems may not require rails at all, with the robots using sensors to avoid collisions and scaling heights themselves.

Design Decisions

The biggest issue for automated warehouse design as it stands is the amount of fragmentation in the robotics space. With robotics firms often building one type of robot with a very specific function, you might require a different robot for each aspect of the storage process – delivery, sorting, storage and retrieval etc. This could mean four or five different kinds of autonomous vehicle in your space, each with different requirements. Getting these to work together – and work with any modifications or custom devices you might use – is as big a problem as teaching them to navigate your space.

As such, it may be that as software environments and warehouse management systems become more standardised, so do warehouse layouts. Racking designs may be drafted in software that plugs straight into these management systems, ensuring complete compatibility with the robots before a single shelf has been installed. Instead of hand-measuring a space and engineering a solution, cameras and sensors could be used to create a precise 3D model of a warehouse. This would then be fed into design software, which would calculate the most efficient solution with the materials at hand.

All of this relies on two factors: how scalable the technology is, and how affordable it is to a range of businesses. There’s no doubt that robotics could eventually improve almost any sufficiently large warehouse space, whether that’s one robot doing some heavy lifting or 50 robots zig-zagging through aisles. Even so, it’s likely that precision-engineered robots, wireless communication hubs and warehouse redesigns will always outstrip the short-term cost of wages.

The Amazon executive may be wrong in regards to the breadth of uses already offered by robotics. Thousands of firms across the world are already finding use in automation and semi-automation, whether that’s in efficiency or the PR and novelty value of a hulking metal workforce. For the majority of small and medium-sized businesses, however, the benefits will have to be overwhelming – and convincing businesses of that could take much more than a decade.

James Beale is the Operations Manager at Invicta Pallet Racking. For over 35 years Invicta has been at the forefront of the archive storage industry throughout the UK and Europe, designing and installing some of the largest warehouse racking systems currently found on the market.

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