13 April, 2021

Robotics firms collaborate over cobot

Posted on 13 April, 202125 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Waypoint Robotics has teamed with Productive Robotics to make mobile manipulation accessible for small to mid-sized companies.

Combine the easiest to use, most capable omnidirectional autonomous mobile robot with the simplest and most flexible 7-axis collaborative robot arm, and it has never been easier or more cost-effective to deploy a mobile manipulator for manufacturing and logistics applications. Workers can use this mobile platform to perform repetitive tasks such as machine tending, quality assurance sampling, material replenishment, packaging, and many others, so they can focus on the high-skilled jobs for which they are uniquely qualified.

“The fast and intuitive set-up process of the Productive Robotics OB7 perfectly aligns with our Vector AMR that is built for factory and warehouse workers to deploy in minutes rather than hours or days,” said Waypoint Robotics CEO & Co-Founder Jason Walker. “And the extraordinary dexterity of Productive’s 7-axis cobot arm coupled with Waypoint’s omnidirectional mobility opens up endless possibilities for workers to automate repetitive tasks and maximise robot utilisation throughout their facility, ”

What makes it so easy? Waypoint Robotics’ Vector AMR and Product Robotics’ OB7 have been elegantly integrated so set up and operation is fast, simple, and intuitive with both machines seamlessly working together as they perform tasks.

The mobile manipulator has a flexible design and interconnected safety systems that allows for either robot to be the primary controller of a particular operation. The Vector’s omnidirectional mobility enables fast, precise docking in any direction or orientation so the OB7 can perform accurate and precise grasping or picking tasks, taking full advantage of the cobots’ 7 degrees of freedom (7 DOF) and superior dexterity. Power management is also a breeze because the Waypoint EnZone provides on-demand energy and opportunity charging for longer run times.

“We have made cobots simple and more accessible for businesses, large and small, across all industries,” said Zac Bogart, President of Productive Robotics. “Working with Waypoint Robotics in developing this mobile manipulator platform will open the door for factories and warehouses to innovate, optimise productivity, and gain a competitive advantage with cobots.”

The ease-of-use, seamless integration, and cost effective design of Waypoint Robotics’ Vector AMR and Productive Robotics’ 7-axis cobot, make this powerful autonomous mobile manipulator a real automation option for workers in businesses of all sizes. A mobile manipulator this accessible is an industry first.

Robotics firms collaborate over cobot

Posted on 13 April, 2021 by David Priestman

Waypoint Robotics has teamed with Productive Robotics to make mobile manipulation accessible for small to mid-sized companies.

Pallet storage and pick solution improves efficiency

Posted on 13 April, 202129 July, 2025 by David Priestman

SEC Storage has designed and installed a highly efficient pick and pallet racking storage solution at Midlands-based Nero Pipeline Connections, ensuring improved pick operations through swift replenishment of stock held in the additional pallet locations.

Nero Pipeline Connections is a market-leading distributor of stainless pipeline products and has been specialising in the supply of high-quality pipe fittings and valves for over 30 years, with a broad portfolio of products suitable for commercial and industrial environments.

Its warehouse facility had some existing racking in place which it had steadily expanded as the company grew. However, this offered Nero mainly pick locations and only limited pallet storage capacity. The racking was also only 4m high and, with the building offering 9m of height capacity, it was only utilising 50% of the available storage space.

Nero needed to increase both its pick areas and pallet locations, which would act as replenishment stock for tote locations. The increase to 630 pallet locations designed and installed by SEC Storage comprising adjustable pallet racking with timber decking and anti-collapse mesh, now allows Nero to hold considerably more bulk stock, ready to replenish the 6000+ tote locations for picking, which are situated directly below the pallet racking, as and when required.

The operation benefits from the use of a reach truck for all pallet movements, and the manual pick process has been improved considerably as all stock is front-facing, providing quicker replenishment as well as 100% selectivity with pick options from either side.

The project further benefited from a finance scheme via Systems Finance, which was able to source a favourable, tax-friendly payment option via CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme), a Government scheme provided as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This offered attractive terms for Nero, with a strong ROI and one that turned a significant CAPEX project into a manageable, fixed monthly payment scheme.

Darryl Spencer-Hicks, Operations Director at Nero, commented: “Due to the significant ongoing growth of the business, we needed a quick solution to ensure the flow of stock remained unhindered. With this in mind, we contacted SEC to design and project manage the re-racking of the warehouse with the minimalist disruption to Nero. As with any large project, things change and it is how they are dealt with. SEC went to great lengths to rectify any delays and this meant our customers saw no impact on their orders.

“SEC worked alongside Toyota Material Handling to design the racking system to maximise the use of the warehouse space and worked with Systems Finance to deliver a cost-effective finance package with us.”

Pallet storage and pick solution improves efficiency

Posted on 13 April, 202129 July, 2025 by David Priestman

FLTA Awards for Excellence winners announced

Posted on 13 April, 2021 by Keith McKinley

The much-anticipated FLTA Awards for Excellence was streamed live on Saturday 10th April to reveal who would finally be crowned winners.

Having been twice postponed due to the pandemic, the event was taken online – a first for the FLTA in its history of holding the Awards.

Audiences tuned in for an evening of cocktails and celebrations, hosted by compere Rebecca Mordan. Throughout the evening, familiar faces from across the industry made an appearance to announce the winners in 10 categories.

The first winner of the night was B&B Attachments, who won Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Yale. This award speaks volumes about B&B Attachments as it is voted for by FLTA members themselves.

The remaining award winners were selected by a jury of industry experts, with Dealer of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, going to Truckmasters Handling.

With safety being a cornerstone of the FLTA, the Safe Site Award is always an inspirational one. This award, sponsored by Carrylift, went to Devenish Nutrition for its proactive approach and commitment to improving safety across multiple sites.

The most hotly contested awards of the night are always the sought-after Pick of the Year product accolades.

The Environment Award was sponsored by TVH, and went to JCB for its 30-19E — the world’s first electric telescopic forklift. This new product has zero emissions and minimal sound pollution, making it ideal for urban environments.

Earning its 10th award to date, Combilift received the Innovation Award, sponsored by IBCS. Its Electric Front and Rear Wheel Drive Combination impressed the panel with its clever design and how it handles long loads in the tightest spaces while minimising tyre wear.

When it comes to keeping operators comfortable, Linde proved top, with its N20C Steering Wheel winning the Ergonomics Award, sponsored by Triathlon Battery Solutions. The ergonomics of the steering wheel were truly designed with the operator in mind, removing a great deal of stress and strain throughout long shifts.

The Safety Award, sponsored by F-TEC, went to Hyster for its hinged elevating operator cabin for the Hyster® RS46 ReachStacker. The jury noted the excellent visibility afforded by the cabin, eliminating the need for cameras or spotters, who would potentially be at risk.

Sponsored by Doosan, the Apprentice of the Year Award honours the hard work and dedication put in by the industry’s newest recruits. Kieran Hale was named winner, and received a cheque and certificate.

The Services to the Industry Award, sponsored by Flexi, was won by Richard Hayes, in recognition of his work at Brindley Lift Truck Services as well as his invaluable contributions to the FLTA and CFTS over the years.

The final honour of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Toyota Material Handling. Given his extraordinary career at Hitec and unwavering commitment to customers and staff alike, Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Prospero Girardi, who now finds himself in exclusive company as only a handful of people have ever received this award.

FLTA Director Tim Waples said: “The FLTA Awards for Excellence highlights the remarkable accomplishments of the sector and this year was no exception. We would like to offer a big congratulations to our well-deserving winners.

“It is also important to recognise the efforts of the other nominees in each category. All of the entries we received represent a clear commitment to delivering unrivalled services and ingenious products designed to make a real difference to the industry.”

As well as coming together to celebrate the sector’s best and brightest, ticket holders were also entered into a Grand Prize Draw, sponsored by Hubtex. Premium prizes were awarded to winners throughout the night, adding a few extra surprises for a lucky few.

“It was a fantastic night and even though the music and dancing couldn’t happen in person, we hope the audience had fun continuing the after-party at home,” added Tim Waples.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors: Combilift, Carrylift, Yale, Toyota Material Handling, F-TEC, IBCS, TVH, Triathlon Battery Solutions, Flexi, Doosan and Hubtex; our supporters: Transmon Engineering, JCB and DLL; and our media partner Handling and Storage Solutions.

“I look forward to the time when we can once again gather together to celebrate the achievements and innovations within our industry.”

The 26th FLTA Awards for Excellence is available to watch on YouTube here.