New Gripper Launched by OnRobot for Smaller Payloads

Robotic end-of-arm tooling specialist OnRobot has launched a compact, single-pad version of its Gecko no-mark adhesive gripper. The new Gecko Single Pad (SP) gripper brings the previous model’s adaptability to more varied applications with smaller payloads. It is available in three sizes, SP1, SP3 and SP5, indicating the different grippers’ lifting capacities in kilos.

The new Gecko SP can handle high-shine surfaces without leaving any marks, eliminating the cleaning step in the manufacturing process, thereby saving precious time and significantly improving output. The new model retains its larger sibling’s ability to grip a diverse range of workpieces, including perforated ones such as printed circuit boards, aluminum mesh or head gaskets.

The award-winning Gecko gripper technology uses millions of micro-scaled fibrillar stalks that adhere to a surface using powerful van der Waals forces — the same way that geckos climb. The technology helps critically reduce costs and maintenance as it requires no compressed air or external power, and its implementation is quick and easy, thanks to OnRobot’s One-System Solution platform, providing greater production flexibility with little to no programming.

“Our unique Gecko technology automates processes that no other gripper can accomplish, and now it’s available in a compact, flexible format that offers our customers even more options,” said Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. “This plug-and-play gripper helps us fulfil our promise of offering a full range of easy, cost-effective, flexible robotic tooling that empowers customers to focus on the application rather than the robot.”

Post-Brexit UK Immigration Rules Slammed by Logistics Trade Body

The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has warned that the logistics industry is likely to face a shortage of vital workers following the Government’s announcement of its new points-based immigration system that will limit the number of low-skilled workers entering the UK.

Peter Ward, the Association’s CEO, commented: “‘Companies operating in the logistics and warehousing industry need access to low-skilled, low-cost labour and with low youth unemployment figures in the UK, the sector has traditionally looked to the EU to supplement its workforce.”
He continued: “While it is hoped that the majority of EU citizens currently working in UK warehouses and distribution centres will choose to stay in Britain by applying for EU settlement scheme status, it is clear that the inability to recruit shop-floor operations staff from other countries will add to the recruitment pressure that the logistics industry is already under.”

Peter Ward questioned the Government’s suggestion that businesses will be able to reduce their reliance on foreign workers by increasing levels of pay and investing in automation.

He said: “The logistics industry operates on the narrowest of margins and it is hard to see how any significant across-the-board pay increases for low-skilled staff could be introduced without passing on the additional costs, unless the days when online shoppers expect low priced goods with cost-free and immediate delivery become a thing of the past.

“And, while it is true that the use of automation is growing across the logistics industry, there are many roles within a typical warehouse operation that remain difficult to automate. Although recent developments have made automation more scalable and flexible, for many warehouse operators the outlay on the type of fixed assets found in automated systems – is impossible to justify. Furthermore, automation does not replace a workforce, but creates new jobs with different skills, which needs investment in training and cannot be achieved overnight.”

Post-Brexit UK Immigration Rules Slammed by Logistics Trade Body

The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has warned that the logistics industry is likely to face a shortage of vital workers following the Government’s announcement of its new points-based immigration system that will limit the number of low-skilled workers entering the UK.

Peter Ward, the Association’s CEO, commented: “‘Companies operating in the logistics and warehousing industry need access to low-skilled, low-cost labour and with low youth unemployment figures in the UK, the sector has traditionally looked to the EU to supplement its workforce.”
He continued: “While it is hoped that the majority of EU citizens currently working in UK warehouses and distribution centres will choose to stay in Britain by applying for EU settlement scheme status, it is clear that the inability to recruit shop-floor operations staff from other countries will add to the recruitment pressure that the logistics industry is already under.”

Peter Ward questioned the Government’s suggestion that businesses will be able to reduce their reliance on foreign workers by increasing levels of pay and investing in automation.

He said: “The logistics industry operates on the narrowest of margins and it is hard to see how any significant across-the-board pay increases for low-skilled staff could be introduced without passing on the additional costs, unless the days when online shoppers expect low priced goods with cost-free and immediate delivery become a thing of the past.

“And, while it is true that the use of automation is growing across the logistics industry, there are many roles within a typical warehouse operation that remain difficult to automate. Although recent developments have made automation more scalable and flexible, for many warehouse operators the outlay on the type of fixed assets found in automated systems – is impossible to justify. Furthermore, automation does not replace a workforce, but creates new jobs with different skills, which needs investment in training and cannot be achieved overnight.”

Denso Wave Europe Innovative Handheld Solutions at LogiMAT

Denso Wave Europe, part of the Toyota group, is one of the market’s leading providers for mobile data collection and offers various advantages for logistics and warehouse management. Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming increasingly important not only for the inventors of the QR Code, but also for the logistics sector. At this year’s LogiMAT, the experts for mobile data collection and data management will showcase their Device Management System (DMS) for DENSO handheld terminals, as well as their data management platform ORiN. They will be at booth F64 at the LogiMAT in Stuttgart.

Particular focus will be on the DMS, the Device Management System, from Denso Wave Europe, part of the Toyota group. The experts for mobile data collection and data management developed this modern device management system for the efficient use of DENSO handhelds. With the DMS, which can be tested at the LogiMAT, all the handhelds used within a company or group can be managed from just one computer. That is a great advantage in the logistics sector, as the administrator can see the status of every individual handheld at a glance.

Updates for one or more handhelds can easily be planned with the Device Management System from Denso Wave Europe. Hence, downtimes in logistics and warehouse management, can be kept to a minimum.

The DMS from DENSO can also be used to solve errors: The administrator can send a message to the faulty device, while another employee, for instance in logistics and warehousing, tests the solution on the handheld terminal simultaneously.

Thanks to the integrated theft protection, the administrator can even use the Device Management System to block a stolen handheld or set it back to its factory settings.

In addition, the handheld terminals BHT-1700 and BHT-1800 are compatible with the DMS. Full-service and support is an important virtue, since many of DENSO’s clients, for example from the logistics sector and warehouse management, emphasize that it is one of the reasons why they have been using DENSO’s devices for mobile data collection for more than 20 years.

The Data Management Platform ORiN will also be shown at the LogiMAT. It was developed to modernize supply chains, for example in logistics. As a result, new products, such as handhelds and scanners, but also processes can be integrated quickly and easily.

ORiN records the exact sequence of the production processes, including all delays and errors. Processes in logistics can thus be optimized and errors corrected.

What is special about ORiN, says Denso, is the fact that it enables the forwarding of data between all devices and applications, leading to a high degree of flexibility and offering advantages in logistics.

 

 

Denso Wave Europe Innovative Handheld Solutions at LogiMAT

Denso Wave Europe, part of the Toyota group, is one of the market’s leading providers for mobile data collection and offers various advantages for logistics and warehouse management. Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming increasingly important not only for the inventors of the QR Code, but also for the logistics sector. At this year’s LogiMAT, the experts for mobile data collection and data management will showcase their Device Management System (DMS) for DENSO handheld terminals, as well as their data management platform ORiN. They will be at booth F64 at the LogiMAT in Stuttgart.

Particular focus will be on the DMS, the Device Management System, from Denso Wave Europe, part of the Toyota group. The experts for mobile data collection and data management developed this modern device management system for the efficient use of DENSO handhelds. With the DMS, which can be tested at the LogiMAT, all the handhelds used within a company or group can be managed from just one computer. That is a great advantage in the logistics sector, as the administrator can see the status of every individual handheld at a glance.

Updates for one or more handhelds can easily be planned with the Device Management System from Denso Wave Europe. Hence, downtimes in logistics and warehouse management, can be kept to a minimum.

The DMS from DENSO can also be used to solve errors: The administrator can send a message to the faulty device, while another employee, for instance in logistics and warehousing, tests the solution on the handheld terminal simultaneously.

Thanks to the integrated theft protection, the administrator can even use the Device Management System to block a stolen handheld or set it back to its factory settings.

In addition, the handheld terminals BHT-1700 and BHT-1800 are compatible with the DMS. Full-service and support is an important virtue, since many of DENSO’s clients, for example from the logistics sector and warehouse management, emphasize that it is one of the reasons why they have been using DENSO’s devices for mobile data collection for more than 20 years.

The Data Management Platform ORiN will also be shown at the LogiMAT. It was developed to modernize supply chains, for example in logistics. As a result, new products, such as handhelds and scanners, but also processes can be integrated quickly and easily.

ORiN records the exact sequence of the production processes, including all delays and errors. Processes in logistics can thus be optimized and errors corrected.

What is special about ORiN, says Denso, is the fact that it enables the forwarding of data between all devices and applications, leading to a high degree of flexibility and offering advantages in logistics.

 

 

Remote Software Servicing Now Available with Stamh Mobile Racking

Stamh’s Mobile Racking System aims to increase warehouse capacity, making racking more compact and providing direct and fast access to any stored pallets or goods.

The service and software updates for the company’s Mobile Racking Systems are now available remotely, worldwide.

Compared to a Conventional Racking System, the Mobile Racking System increases up to 100% the storage capacity of your warehouse, according to Stamh. The system is placed on guided mobile bases (rails) and rack constructions move laterally, eliminating the aisles, currently not in use.

The company’s engineering team is able to access remotely the interface of Racking Systems, allowing business to count on:
• Distant service and diagnostics
• Elimination of the need of previous service team visit
• Add a new software functionality for their storage, remotely

Remote Software Servicing Now Available with Stamh Mobile Racking

Stamh’s Mobile Racking System aims to increase warehouse capacity, making racking more compact and providing direct and fast access to any stored pallets or goods.

The service and software updates for the company’s Mobile Racking Systems are now available remotely, worldwide.

Compared to a Conventional Racking System, the Mobile Racking System increases up to 100% the storage capacity of your warehouse, according to Stamh. The system is placed on guided mobile bases (rails) and rack constructions move laterally, eliminating the aisles, currently not in use.

The company’s engineering team is able to access remotely the interface of Racking Systems, allowing business to count on:
• Distant service and diagnostics
• Elimination of the need of previous service team visit
• Add a new software functionality for their storage, remotely

GDP Certificate for Turkish Pharma Specialist Fevzi Gandur

Turkish logistics firm Fevzi Gandur Logistics has been awarded with the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certificate for its healthcare operations.

Correct supply chain and distribution processes are vital in the healthcare industry and products need to be delivered to their final destinations by logistics providers under ideal conditions.

Aiming to provide the best service to its customers, Fevzi Gandur Logistics was awarded the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certificate for the transport and storage of medical products as a result of the audits it went through.

“The GDP certification shows that we have standards that will fully meet the high service requirements of international pharmaceutical companies,” said Fevzi Gandur Logistics Business Development Director Ralph Hemmerling (above).

As a member of the Life Logistics Network (which brings together the best companies in Pharma logistics around the world), Fevzi Gandur Logistics is able to generate solutions for the transportation and storage of medical products in various parts of the world, especially in Europe and the US.

GDP Certificate for Turkish Pharma Specialist Fevzi Gandur

Turkish logistics firm Fevzi Gandur Logistics has been awarded with the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certificate for its healthcare operations.

Correct supply chain and distribution processes are vital in the healthcare industry and products need to be delivered to their final destinations by logistics providers under ideal conditions.

Aiming to provide the best service to its customers, Fevzi Gandur Logistics was awarded the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certificate for the transport and storage of medical products as a result of the audits it went through.

“The GDP certification shows that we have standards that will fully meet the high service requirements of international pharmaceutical companies,” said Fevzi Gandur Logistics Business Development Director Ralph Hemmerling (above).

As a member of the Life Logistics Network (which brings together the best companies in Pharma logistics around the world), Fevzi Gandur Logistics is able to generate solutions for the transportation and storage of medical products in various parts of the world, especially in Europe and the US.

B&B to Showcase Attachments at Oman Construction Expo

UK manufacturer B&B Attachments is to exhibit at the BIG Show in Oman (30th March – 1st April 2020 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat).

B&B Attachments will exhibit together with its official dealer for the region, GOTRADE of the Gorica group. B&B specialise in the design and manufacture of bespoke specialist forklift truck attachments, which includes the BlockMaster range; comprising of a collection of specialist clamps for the building products industry.

“You only need to look at the exhibition calendar in the Middle East to see the size and scope of opportunities in the region. The Middle Eastern construction market provides B&B with an abundance of new prospects as the BlockMaster range becomes more well-known within the construction industry,” said Mike Barton, Managing Director at B&B Attachments.

The BIG Show (Builders International Gathering) is an annual international exhibition that caters to the building and construction industry in Oman, the Middle East and global markets.

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