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Month: February 2021

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.

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 David Priestman

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.

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.

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.

New Rack protection Sensor to Prevent Damage

Posted on by David Priestman

A rack protection sensor that prevents collision damage to racking and a multifunction lever that combines efficient control of driving, reach travel and lifting functions into a single joystick control: These two new options are now available for reach trucks from Linde Material Handling. Fleet managers will benefit from cost savings and productivity gains, while forklift operators can devote their full attention to load handling.

Collision damage to racking systems can be a significant cost for warehouse managers because it entails considerable expenditure of time and money. Damaged end frames and beams primarily result from reach truck operators manoeuvering in front of the racking with their attention focused upward as the load is stored and retrieved. “What’s happening on the ground can be easily overlooked,” says Alexander Schmidt, Senior Product Manager Reach Trucks at Linde Material Handling, adding that market studies have shown that damage is caused primarily by the reach legs while the load, forks or chassis are less frequently involved.

“Even minor carelessness can lead to major disruption of warehouse operations,” Schmidt says.“If a rack end-frame suffers a six millimeter dent over a length of one meter, up to one-third of it’s load-carrying capacity can be lost. This results in a number of rack locations that can no longer be used reducing the capacity of the warehouse. Repairing the damage and replacing the racking components is time-consuming because all areas to either side of the damaged rack frame must be emptied and the goods temporarily stored elsewhere. This takes up working time and additional storage space, disrupts operations and thus reduces productivity in the warehouse,” the Senior Product Manager says, outlining the negative consequences.

Linde Material Handling is addressing this problem by means of its Rack Protection Sensor (RPS). Two special light sensors, which are installed on top of the reach legs in a protected housing, detect objects in front of them. When an obstacle is detected, the assistance system automatically brakes the truck, thus avoiding damage. The sensors only become active at a traction speed of less than five kilometers per hour – which is the usual speed when maneuvering in front of a rack. As operator accelerate beyond this set limit, for example to cover longer distances, the patented system is switched off. The technology used is perfectly suited to typical warehouse conditions because it can work in artificial light as well as natural daylight or sunlight, explains Schmidt.

The rack protection sensor has proven particularly beneficial to companies whohave a high staff turnover or who regularly employ agency operators. “New or agency staff often lack experience and can misjudge the dimensions of the reach truck,” states the Linde product manager. Here, as an “extra pair of eyes”, the rack protection sensor provides valuable support for the fast yet safe maneuvering of heavy equipment.

The RPS assistance system is available as optional equipment on the high-performance models of Linde reach trucks series R14 – R25 with a load capacity of 1.4 to 2.5 tons and will soon also be offered as a retrofit solution for these trucks.

 

The second new option from goods handling specialist Linde MH is a new type of multifunction lever. It makes operating the Linde reach truck even more comfortable and is designed to help maintain the concentration and comfort of operators as well as increase productivity. Based on an ergonomic study, this innovative human-machine interface was developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute (IAO) and Porsche Industriedesign. The result is a joystick that can be easily operated in all four directions, with the operator’s hand resting comfortably in a natural position. A wing extended laterally to the right provides additional support for larger hands. Traction, reach travel and lifting functions can all be controlled intuitively with minimal effort from the wrist and fingers. All hydraulic functions are combined in a single control element and there is no need to move the hand up and down. This results in increased productivity and enables intuitive operation. The entire lever is moved back or forward to raise or lower the lift mast. Movements to the left and right direct the reach travel of the mast. Repositioned from the armrest to the center of the large joystick, two butterfly levers control the fork carriage tilt and sideshift functions and now combine two additional operations as they also control the tilt and horizontal leveling of the fork carriage as well as the alignment and centering of the sideshift, respectively. The horn and the direction lever are located on the left side of the multifunction lever. A major advantage of the conveniently positioned components is that all control commands can be made intuitively, even when wearing gloves, so that the operator’s attention remains focused on load handling at all times.

New Rack protection Sensor to Prevent Damage

Posted on by David Priestman

A rack protection sensor that prevents collision damage to racking and a multifunction lever that combines efficient control of driving, reach travel and lifting functions into a single joystick control: These two new options are now available for reach trucks from Linde Material Handling. Fleet managers will benefit from cost savings and productivity gains, while forklift operators can devote their full attention to load handling.

Collision damage to racking systems can be a significant cost for warehouse managers because it entails considerable expenditure of time and money. Damaged end frames and beams primarily result from reach truck operators manoeuvering in front of the racking with their attention focused upward as the load is stored and retrieved. “What’s happening on the ground can be easily overlooked,” says Alexander Schmidt, Senior Product Manager Reach Trucks at Linde Material Handling, adding that market studies have shown that damage is caused primarily by the reach legs while the load, forks or chassis are less frequently involved.

“Even minor carelessness can lead to major disruption of warehouse operations,” Schmidt says.“If a rack end-frame suffers a six millimeter dent over a length of one meter, up to one-third of it’s load-carrying capacity can be lost. This results in a number of rack locations that can no longer be used reducing the capacity of the warehouse. Repairing the damage and replacing the racking components is time-consuming because all areas to either side of the damaged rack frame must be emptied and the goods temporarily stored elsewhere. This takes up working time and additional storage space, disrupts operations and thus reduces productivity in the warehouse,” the Senior Product Manager says, outlining the negative consequences.

Linde Material Handling is addressing this problem by means of its Rack Protection Sensor (RPS). Two special light sensors, which are installed on top of the reach legs in a protected housing, detect objects in front of them. When an obstacle is detected, the assistance system automatically brakes the truck, thus avoiding damage. The sensors only become active at a traction speed of less than five kilometers per hour – which is the usual speed when maneuvering in front of a rack. As operator accelerate beyond this set limit, for example to cover longer distances, the patented system is switched off. The technology used is perfectly suited to typical warehouse conditions because it can work in artificial light as well as natural daylight or sunlight, explains Schmidt.

The rack protection sensor has proven particularly beneficial to companies whohave a high staff turnover or who regularly employ agency operators. “New or agency staff often lack experience and can misjudge the dimensions of the reach truck,” states the Linde product manager. Here, as an “extra pair of eyes”, the rack protection sensor provides valuable support for the fast yet safe maneuvering of heavy equipment.

The RPS assistance system is available as optional equipment on the high-performance models of Linde reach trucks series R14 – R25 with a load capacity of 1.4 to 2.5 tons and will soon also be offered as a retrofit solution for these trucks.

 

The second new option from goods handling specialist Linde MH is a new type of multifunction lever. It makes operating the Linde reach truck even more comfortable and is designed to help maintain the concentration and comfort of operators as well as increase productivity. Based on an ergonomic study, this innovative human-machine interface was developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute (IAO) and Porsche Industriedesign. The result is a joystick that can be easily operated in all four directions, with the operator’s hand resting comfortably in a natural position. A wing extended laterally to the right provides additional support for larger hands. Traction, reach travel and lifting functions can all be controlled intuitively with minimal effort from the wrist and fingers. All hydraulic functions are combined in a single control element and there is no need to move the hand up and down. This results in increased productivity and enables intuitive operation. The entire lever is moved back or forward to raise or lower the lift mast. Movements to the left and right direct the reach travel of the mast. Repositioned from the armrest to the center of the large joystick, two butterfly levers control the fork carriage tilt and sideshift functions and now combine two additional operations as they also control the tilt and horizontal leveling of the fork carriage as well as the alignment and centering of the sideshift, respectively. The horn and the direction lever are located on the left side of the multifunction lever. A major advantage of the conveniently positioned components is that all control commands can be made intuitively, even when wearing gloves, so that the operator’s attention remains focused on load handling at all times.

Vanderlande commits to Climate Pledge

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande is delighted to be joining Amazon and Global Optimism in signing The Climate Pledge, showcasing its ambition on sustainability and commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by 2040 – ten years ahead of The Paris Agreement. With this in mind, Vanderlande will routinely report on its greenhouse gas emissions, implement decarbonisation strategies, and act to offset any remaining emissions.

Vanderlande is committed to a vision of becoming the worldwide leader in sustainable automated logistics solutions and has made great strides towards this commitment. In terms of the solutions it delivers to customers, the company has been a pioneer of circular economy principles and energy efficient technology since 2010.

More recently, it has been exploring new business models that help to reduce the carbon footprints of its customers. One such example is FLEET, a flexible solution for handling baggage at airports and based on autonomous vehicle technology. Through this solution, Vanderlande takes full responsibility for the operational and sustainable performance of the vehicles, as well as closing the materials loop.

In 2018, Vanderlande joined the Capital Equipment Coalition of the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE). By actively defining an action agenda with concrete steps for the capital equipment industry to implement circular practices, Vanderlande is expanding its impact beyond its own organisation.

Through the Global Forest Programme, Vanderlande is engaging with local forestry companies to plant trees to offset its carbon emissions. Furthermore, many of the company’s international offices comply to the highest sustainability assessment standards. For example, Vanderlande’s buildings at its HQ in The Netherlands will be home to 2,600 solar panels by mid-2021 (with the capacity to generate 871,760 kWh annually).

“Through our commitment to sustainability, we intend to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations, those of our customers and suppliers, and of society as a whole,” says Vanderlande’s CEO Remo Brunschwiler (pictured above). “As a signatory of The Climate Pledge, Vanderlande is excited to be joining a community that will share knowledge, ideas, and best practices to address the most critical climate challenges. We look forward to cooperating closely with Amazon, Global Optimism, and the other signatories on this important mission.”

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