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Month: February 2021

Logistics Business Virtual Exhibition extended

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Logistics Business Exhibition, which started today, will remain open this Friday for live-streamed video meetings. This is to ensure that all the visitors have sufficient time to connect with exhibitors, network and watch the Panel Discussions.

Please visit by clicking here.

There are 6 virtual halls, with 40 Exhibitors: Forklift & AGV Technology, Handling Automation Systems, Packaging & Pallets, Software & Computing, Transport Services & Equipment, Warehousing Equipment. Visitors can browse halls and search for specific requirements from a long list of sub-categories.

Live stream Panel Discussions each day will see an exchange of ideas across all technologies. An updated list is on the exhibition site.

Effidence Technologies and Manitou sign Strategic Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Manitou Group and Effidence Technologies have signed a strategic partnership for the co-development and marketing of a range of logistics robots.

The objective of the partnership to to combine the latest in robotic technologies for warehousing with the strength of a distribution network.

Effidence has been developing collaborative and autonomous mobile robotic solutions to improve internal logistics flows in industry and logistics since 2016. A pioneer in “Follow-me” collaborative technology, Effidence is the creator of the EffiBOT robot, an agile and versatile solution that is optimized for preparing orders or conveying bins or boxes. EffiBOT is already being distributed to the major 3PL operators, car makers, and other industrial companies in Europe and abroad.

Cédric Tessier, Founder and President of Effidence, says: “With EffiBOT, we have demonstrated that robotics can offer much more than simply a method for conveying goods. Our robots are real productivity tools for Industry 4.0 that safety coexist with operators. In order to expand our range of robots, we have decided that Effidence Technologies is to partner with Manitou Group, an expert in warehousing.”

In addition to Effidence robotic carts, which will be distributed by Manitou Group dealers, a range of stackers and industrial tractors will expand the offering of collaborative and autonomous warehousing equipment. The robotic autonomous stackers will be co-designed by both partners and assembled by LMH Solutions, a subsidiary of Manitou Group located in Beaupréau (Maine-et-Loire, France).

The stackers will have a capacity of between 1 and 2.5 tons and will be serviced by Manitou Group’s network of technicians. Sylvain Jaguelin, Chief Executive Officer of LMH Solutions, highlights the benefits of this partnership: “We are driven to continuously innovate to accelerate automation in logistics centers and industry. With the technology developed by Effidence, we will be able to offer our customers intelligent, powerful, and fully integrated solutions that are able to meet the challenges of logistics and Industry 4.0. These new solutions are a perfect embodiment of our day-to-day mission “to improve working conditions, safety, and performance – everywhere in the world – while protecting humans and their environment.”

From design to distribution of the innovative products, this strategic agreement will create synergy through the combination of an innovative and agile company with the power of an international industrial group.

Communicating whilst maintaining Covid Safety in the Warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

Andrew Thomas, Market Development Director (pictured) for assistive listening technology manufacturers, Contacta Systems, looks at how businesses can maintain clear communications and maintain COVID safety within warehouse operations.

While much of the UK has moved to work from home, warehouse operations are ongoing. Infection control measures have moved on from the beginning of the pandemic but communication remains an issue in terms of proximity of staff and clarity of speech because of face masks.

Guidelines issued by the government in November 2020 require employers to make “every reasonable effort to comply with social distancing guidelines.” The recommendations also ask businesses to “ensure steps are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other.”

But in noisy environments, that’s easier said than done.

However, technology can allow clear communication for groups of staff at a safe distance, as well as through protective screens and barriers.

Radio frequency systems

Traditionally used for guiding visitors in the tourism industry, RF or ‘radio frequency’ systems have become a valuable tool for the warehousing and distribution sector.

They allow two-way conversation for groups of people, from three up to 100.  The systems use transceivers which transmit and receive sound. They can be worn on a lanyard or on a belt, and headsets provide clear sound across a range of up to 300 metres.

RF signals aren’t affected obstacles like racking or pillars, or COVID-safe screens.

Being wireless, there are no safety considerations about leads getting snagged and robust models mean they can be used outside, so distanced conversation can take place wherever staff are working.

Equality in the workplace

1 in 5 adults in the UK has some level of hearing loss, and face masks present an additional barrier to them hearing clearly.

The government’s guidance for working safely in warehouses requires “reasonable adjustments” to be made “to avoid disabled workers being at a disadvantage.”

“Reasonable” can be hard to define and this is where choosing the right system is key – a modular system allows companies to buy what they need and add additional units if the workforce grows.

But hearing aid wearers are best served by a system that can be used with an inductive neck loop which delivers sound directly to their device.

Breaking the sound barrier

There may be locations where staff are separated by protective screens. RF systems will work through these but if the screens are in fixed locations, intercom systems might be a better option.

Intercom systems can be fitted on or under a counter, even on the partition itself.  Duplex technology allows both parties to speak simultaneously and hands-free models minimise the risk of infection transmission if staff in the area change frequently, or at desks serving customers or receiving deliveries.

The range of intercoms on the market is vast but quality systems using high performance speakers and microphones will make the difference between a smooth transaction and struggling to be heard.

A good investment

At the start of the pandemic, businesses may have been reluctant to invest in technology to meet circumstances that may have appeared temporary.  While there is light at the end of the tunnel, assistive listening systems like these will always have a use.

Staff will always benefit from not needing to raise their voices, or being able to hear clear instruction the first, rather than third, time.

Panasonic Robots to Make Home Deliveries in Field Test

Posted on by David Priestman

Panasonic Corporation has began a field test of a delivery service for residential areas by a compact, low-speed robot in Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The first phase of the test involving a self-driving robot on public roads has already started in November and will last until the end of the year. The second phase, in which the robot provides a home delivery service to residents in the area, will take place from February 2021. By offering a new form of delivery service using Panasonic robots that work closely with humans, the company aims to contribute to creating a vibrant community where people and mobility coexist.

While people’s lives have become more convenient with the growth of e-commerce and new home delivery services such as food delivery, there has been a serious shortage of home delivery staff to support such services. There is also an urgent need to address the “new normal” that includes non-face-to-face and non-contact interactions.

As a provider of mobility solutions that focus on people’s daily lives, Panasonic aims to invigorate people, communities, and the earth. Panasonic has also worked alongside residents, partner companies, and local governments over the past six years to operate Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town, seeking to improve the quality of life in the town since its opening in 2014.

With this trial, Panasonic is accelerating its efforts to launch the new delivery service while working closely with the town’s residents. The company hopes to take advantage of the technology and knowhow it has acquired through the development of autonomous-driving robots and ride-sharing services offered on the company premises.

This initiative will be conducted based on Japan’s Action Plan of the Growth Strategy (July 2020), which outlines the country’s policy of conducting demonstration drives of remote monitoring/operation-type delivery robots on public roads so low-speed and compact autonomous-driving robots can be implemented in society. Panasonic participates in the public-private council to promote deliveries by autonomous-driving robots sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and part of the company’s R&D and field test activities are being supported by NEDO(New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization)’s technology development project for promoting new delivery services using autonomous-driving robots

Lifter by PRAMAC supports COVID-19 Vaccine Testing labs

Posted on by Keith McKinley

 PRAMAC, the Pramac brand dedicated to the Material Handling Division, is providing equipment for the pharmaceutical industry, in particular to move materials in COVID-19 Vaccine testing labs in UK.

The solution provided brings together in a competitive, compact and easy to handle product features that are essential for this industry purposes: with its powered Drive, built-in professional weighing technology and stainless-steel exterior that prevents germs and bacteria, the Agile Plus Inox GS/P offers indeed a safe and efficient way of moving materials in these clinical environments.

Pramac offered its support, providing material handling products in order to facilitate logistic and organizational activities, also to a foundation in Siena engaged in a research project of medicines and vaccines against COVID-19.

Pramac is pleased to be able to help those pharmaceutical companies and organizations that are working hard to treat Covid-19.

Technologies Partner to Accelerate Intelligent Automation

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global leader in autonomous mobile robots and warehouse automation, and Boreal Technologies SA, a key provider of mobile solutions in Latin America, announce the beginning of a strategic partnership. The cooperation represents both parties’ commitment to helping early adopters realize a successful transition towards intelligent logistics and manufacturing and advance automation, digitalization, and optimization of supply chain operations across South America.

Randy Randolph, Senior Sales Manager of Geek+ US, said: “We are excited to partner with Boreal Technologies and leverage their expertise and wide customer base to advance our regional expansion in South America. Last year, we saw the successful implementation of our robotics-driven Goods-to-Person solution in Walmart Chile’s warehouse to help them manage the growth in e-commerce. In turn, we look forward to continuing to support retailers, 3PLs, and manufacturers across the continent with tailored robotics solutions that can help them gain short and long-term competitiveness.”

Geek+ AI-driven mobile robot solutions bring significant efficiency, accuracy, flexibility, and cost-saving advantages. By connecting networks of AI-driven mobile robots managed by an intelligent RMS (robot management system) to customers’ WMS, it will optimize the process for finding, sorting, or moving ordered goods, enabling faster and accurate order fulfillment. By letting mobile robots organize inventory according to real-time demand, it improves the ability to adapt. Automatic self-charging enables 24/7 automated operations to help businesses flexibly manage periods of high throughput requirements. With no need for fixed infrastructure, the implementation process does not take more than three months. Should there be a need to expand operations, it’s easy to add new robots without investing in additional warehouse space. The software interface is also highly user-friendly, enabling a fast transition and a low training cost for employees.

Roberto Fuhr, CEO of Boreal Technologies, says: “The broad range of Geek+ mobile robot solutions fits perfectly with our strategic focus and growth plans. We look forward to providing our clients with seamless automation capabilities and support them with end-to-end solutions to manage the challenges of current and future supply chain operations.” Today, e-commerce is gaining traction with an expanding millennial population, escalating the need for solutions that can improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and build supply chain resilience. The strategic partnership aims to facilitate the transition towards intelligent supply chain operations and accelerate industry 4.0 in South America.

Locus Robotics Announces Funding Investment

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has announced $150 million in Series E funding, led by Tiger Global Management and BOND. The round builds on support from existing investors including Scale Venture Partners and Prologis Ventures, the venture capital arm of Prologis, the global leader in logistics real estate.

“This new round of funding marks an important inflection point for Locus Robotics,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Warehouses facing ongoing labour shortages and exploding volumes, are looking for flexible, intelligent automation to improve productivity and grow their operations. Locus is uniquely positioned to drive digital transformation in this enormous global market.”

Locus will use the new investment to further expand its market opportunities around the globe and support ongoing research and development (R&D) to grow and enhance its award-winning, innovative warehouse technology solution.

“Locus’s innovative mix of proven technology, flexible design, and seamless scalability makes it an ideal choice to lead the digital transformation of the warehouse,” said Griffin Schroeder, Partner at Tiger Global. “Facing rapidly growing ecommerce volumes, rising labour costs, and increasingly demanding customers, warehouse operators are seeking an automation solution that is flexible, scalable, and just works.”

“The Locus solution unlocks substantial productivity gains, while significantly lowering expenses, improving employee morale, and providing customers with unmatched visibility into warehouse operations,” said Jay Simons, a general partner at BOND. “The platform is powerful enough to meet – and exceed – warehouse operators’ needs today, tomorrow, and in the months and years to come.”

In a market of more than 20 billion square feet of warehouse space worldwide, and rising ecommerce volume, Locus helps operators effectively meet the industry’s growing demand, while seamlessly managing today’s often unpredictable volume shifts. Locus currently serves more than 40 customers and 80 warehouses around the world with its industry-leading solution. LocusBots have picked more than 300 million units, including 70 million units during the recent holiday season.

“The logistics industry is facing huge challenges as it struggles to cope with rapid increases in demand, and at the same time severe labour shortages,” said Ash Sharma, Managing Director at Interact Analysis, a market research firm covering the intelligent automation sector. “Warehouses are massively under-penetrated today, but increasingly operators are seeing the huge benefits that warehouse robotics such as the Locus solution can bring. As a result, we expect that over a million warehouse robots will be installed over the next four years and the number of warehouses using them will grow ten-fold.”

Locus’s proven, innovative, multi-bot solution for warehouse fulfilment incorporates collaborative, autonomous mobile robots that significantly improve productivity and deliver powerful, actionable business intelligence. Locus’s strategic partnerships with industry-leading warehouse software companies leverage a powerful synergy that speeds systems integration and deployment.

“As businesses increasingly look for ways to deliver productivity and operational efficiencies into their supply chain, it has become critical that providers deliver on the promise of speed and reliability in their technology deployments,” said John Santagate, VP of Robotics at Körber Supply Chain. “Through our strategic partnership with Locus Robotics, we continue to collaborate and innovate in order to deliver rapid results by driving down the time it takes from decision to use of Locus Robots in the warehouse.”

Locus customers worldwide include CEVA Logistics, DHL, Material Bank, Boots UK, GEODIS, Port Logistics Group, Verst Logistics, Radial, and others, who are doubling or tripling their fulfilment productivity with near-100% accuracy, while saving on operating expenses, and enhancing employee morale and safety.

“Our users and partners depend on Material Bank, so we have to execute to perfection. Locus is flexible and powerful enough to deploy quickly in both our existing logistics facility as well as in our new, expanded location,” said Adam Sandow, Founder and CEO of Material Bank. “Their innovative technology has helped us support increased demand, easily scaling for growth and delivering a fast ROI.”

“The decision to add Locus to our ecommerce fulfilment operations has proven to be an ideal choice as we have seen efficiency gains and productivity gains,” said Branden McCauley, Engineering Project Manager at Radial. “The ease of use and associate support attributed to our ability to seamlessly scale up operations to meet the explosion of ecommerce volume over the past year, especially during peak times, without needing to change our workflows or adding labour costs.”

Locus’s powerful business intelligence helps customers manage their business operations in real time. Accessible from anywhere, managers can review a wide range of dashboards using their phones or laptops, while employees can monitor performance on displays right on the warehouse floor.

Locus’s patented, proprietary software and intuitive user interface seamlessly integrate into both existing and new warehouse environments improving the efficiency of both inbound (“putaway”) and outbound (“picking”) fulfilment. Locus robots can be configured to carry a wide variety of items. Patented technology automatically recognises workers, and the robot’s large screen displays information in the worker’s preferred language, facilitating greater productivity and reduced error rates. Locus’s innovative “Gamification” feature displays individual performance statistics to help motivate workers to greater achievement. The Locus solution includes real-time analytics, dashboards, and reporting to customers to maximise productivity and support continuous improvement in the warehouse.

In the UK, Locus Robotics announced last year a strategic partnership with Balloon One, a London-based provider of software and supply chain applications for distribution, manufacturing and e-commerce companies.

ELOshield Selected by Mondi Ascania for Improved On-Site Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

Mondi Ascania, has made the decision to further reduce any risks of accidents by fitting ELOKON’s ELOshield assistance system on its fleet of Toyota forklift trucks.

At Mondi’s manufacturing facility in Germany, four 50m long production lines operate around the clock, with the fabrics coming off the conveyor belts on large bales. Whilst the production process is to a large extent automated, other operations such as taking the bales to the packaging and storage areas, preparation for despatch and quality management involve the use of forklifts and manual labour.

Excellent safety track record

There has not yet been a single serious accident involving collisions between personnel and vehicles on site, thanks to Mondi’s stringent implementation of occupational health and safety measures. The forklifts circulate mainly in a relatively confined area of just 300m² between the packing stations, so there is little room to manoeuvre. Add to this very limited visibility and a constant stream of pedestrian traffic between the halls and this makes for a challenging environment for the truck drivers.

Maik Roemhold, SHE Coordinator at Mondi said: “We are proud of our excellent track record so far, but we were aware that unless we constantly review and enhance our safety measures it was possibly only a matter of time before an accident occurred when 25 trucks and 120 employees are working closely together. This is why we commissioned a demo of ELOshield on-site, which proved that the system’s ability to send visual, acoustic and haptic warning signals would add an extra layer of safety for our workforce.”

Radio technology protects the workforce

ELOshield automatically recognises when a person enters the danger zone of an operating forklift truck, by means of two modules which communicate with each other via radio signals. The forklift module is installed in a clearly visible position in the driver’s cab whilst the personal module, around the size of a smartphone, is worn by the pedestrian.

Constant transmission of radio signals measures the distance between the two modules in real time, and if this falls below a certain threshold the system triggers alarms. The driver receives visual and acoustic notification that a person is within the danger zone of the vehicle and the pedestrian is alerted by means of vibration and acoustic alarms, which also coincide with the truck being automatically brought to a standstill.

Happy employees, satisfied management

“Our employees really like this system”, said Roemhold. “They feel safe and protected when they move around the production lines. Initially some of them had to get used to the trucks slowing down automatically and thought that this could impact on productivity, but this was just perceived, and our analyses proved that this was not the case at all. Installation went very smoothly and the ELOKON technicians were quick to react with solutions to any feedback we had, such as slightly repositioning the antennas to improve the trucks’ steering.”

Compatible with all OEM products

ELOshield was installed on a number of the Toyota models, and going forward Mondi plans to fit all its new trucks with this system. In common with all of ELOKON’s safety and assistance systems, it is  compatible with any forklift brand as the radio signals can be adapted to be received by any truck, and it can also be retrofitted to existing fleets.

ELOshield won a gold award at the annual “Engineering Awards in Manufacturing” event at the ProMat trade show in Chicago.

Renault Trucks Introduces new Low Entry Cab

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Renault Trucks is introducing a new low entry cab for urban applications, including waste and distribution.

Building on 2020’s developments in electric drivelines, the D Wide Z.E. Low Entry Cab (LEC) brings further advancements offering improved ergonomics, visibility and safety whilst driving up productivity and operational efficiency for multiple operations in city areas with strict emissions standards.    

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “Renault Trucks’ electric models enable operators to service the needs of our cities with a range of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles. The introduction of a low entry cab model opens up those vehicle types where ease of access and sensitivity to vulnerable road users are particular priorities, including domestic refuse collection and urban delivery services.

“The D Wide Z.E. LEC’s easier access and excellent direct vision will allow customers to operate more cleanly, more safely and more productively, whilst meeting the highest environmental ambitions.”

Accommodating the driver and up to three operatives, the cab design enables greater movement within the vehicle, and easier and safer access and egress from a vehicle entry height 200mm lower than a standard Renault Trucks D cab.  An additional ‘kneel’ function can drop the front of the vehicle a further 70mm. This combination offers easier access reducing strain and fatigue for crews on urban cycles that require them to climb in and out of the cab up to 100 times a day.

Developed in close co-operation with bodybuilder Estepe, the Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. LEC is offered as a 6×2 rigid tag with steered rear axle. As well as refuse collection, Renault Trucks expects strong interest from light construction, building supplies and distribution operators keen to offer the best possible service to their urban customers.

The Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. LEC is available to order now, with production having commenced in February 2021.

Flexible Rental Model for Voice Tech

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics companies around the world are facing tougher requirements each and every day. The global pandemic in particular has underlined how intralogistics processes are having to become faster and faster while at the same time keeping costs to a minimum. Voice solutions like Lydia® have proven to be the most successful option in this agile and demanding environment. However, despite offering a swift return on investment, introducing voice-assisted systems means making investments upfront, and this is something that companies often look to scale back during uncertain times. In a bid to markedly reduce this investment risk, EPG launched a flexible rental model for its Lydia® Voice system at the start of the year. The Lydia® Subscription makes it easy for companies to venture into the world of voice-controlled warehouse operations.

Lydia® Subscription gives clients access to the Lydia® voice solution, which can be used for a variety of voice-controlled applications in intralogistics, production, maintenance and quality assurance. The all-in-one package covers software usage, including all the required voice-application licences and integration into the overarching warehouse management or ERP system.
Users also gain access to comprehensive software support via a hotline, along with regular licence release upgrades. The bundle also come with the Voxter® Elite + voice client, including batteries, charger and maintenance services. Voxter® Scan +, the mobile handheld scanner, can also be included in the rental package if advanced data collection is required. Companies looking to work with voice-compatible mobile devices from other manufacturers have the option of limiting the rental model to just the software as the voice solution is hardware-independent, ensuring users can enjoy maximum flexibility. Lydia®-branded hygiene items, such as headsets, gloves or voicewear, need to be purchased separately for hygiene reasons.

Lydia® Subscription service – Optimising processes under a rental agreement

“The logistics sector operates in a dynamic market environment. Conditions are constantly changing – and the coronavirus pandemic is but one example. That is why logistics companies need to demonstrate maximum flexibility and agility. The Lydia® Subscription service provides a seamless and cost-efficient way for companies to begin optimising their logistics chain and gain access to cutting-edge voice technology. The rental model makes it easy for companies to calculate the total costs they will face,” explains Tim Just, CEO of Voice Solutions at EPG. For many companies, (software) rental models represent an appealing alternative to purchasing the products outright since they can avoid substantial outlays and prevent resources from being tied up for long periods of time. “Flexible subscription models do not require any overall capital expenditures, and therefore do not tie up capital within a company’s fixed assets. Companies therefore not only enjoy tax benefits, but also see a swifter return on investment,” Just says.

During the term of the contract, the system can be flexibly expanded for additional voice users at any time. Once the contact ends, so too does the company’s right to use the software and hardware. The customer can then decide whether to return the system or extend the rental agreement.

“We’re delighted to have come up with a way for companies to leverage major improvements in quality and performance in their picking operations within an incredibly short space of time – even during these challenging times,” Just explains.

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