Subscribe

Day: 14 April 2021

Asda pioneers use of ‘smart sorting robots’

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global leader in robotic automation solutions, has collaborated successfully with Asda Logistics Services (ALS) and AMH Material Handling to launch an intelligent sorting system in Asda’s distribution centre. The system will provide Asda with the capacity to support continued growth across its parcel collection and returns business.

Sixty robots have been placed into the supermarket’s South Elmsall, West Yorkshire distribution centre, allowing 2,000 parcels to be sorted each hour with 99.99% accuracy through its Asda toyou service.

The installation marks the first time the technology has been used in this way in the UK, supporting an increase in capacity for Asda toyou’s services as demand for parcel collection and returns services has grown at pace in the last 12 months. With the pandemic causing a change in customer behaviour and an uplift in the number of purchases made online, Asda toyou experienced significant growth through the provision of a reliable, convenient returns solution that allowed shoppers to combine activities in a single trip to an Asda store.

At the same time, Asda toyou has expanded the number of retailers it supports. Over 100 are now available via the service, which has seen it process 65% more returns than at the start of 2020.

The project was implemented by AMH Material Handling, a top provider of material handling solutions, and Geek+. By integrating S20C robots into the existing ALS sorting system, it has provided Asda toyou the ability to respond to rapid changes in order volume and continue to provide excellent services during periods of peak demand.

Lit Fung, VP and Managing Director of Geek+ APAC, UK and Americas, says: “We’re proud to see AMH leverage our sorting system to support a leading retailer like Asda with the flexibility and efficiency needed to expand its Asda toyou business. The process for intelligent sorting is pretty straightforward. By letting a network of AMRs transfer incoming parcels from workstations to cages of corresponding destinations, we can improve accuracy and efficiency while also making the process more ergonomic for warehouse employees. With no need for fixed platform development, it makes it easy for Asda to scale operations in line with business growth. All they have to do is adjust the number of robots and destination chutes.”

Adrian Carter, Sales Director at AMH Material Handling, says: “We had a lot of fun delivering the solution as Geek+ sorting robots are a highly flexible technology that can be integrated and customized to work with existing equipment on customer sites, such as conveyor belts or other robots. It provides us a powerful tool for optimizing sorting operations according to the specific needs of each customer. And, as an integrator, AI-enabled robotics solutions add a new dimension to our services as it allows us to continuously support our customers according to changes in business needs.”

Jon Parry, Vice President of Asda Logistics Services (ALS) at Asda, says: “We’re pleased to be one of the first retailers in the UK to pioneer the Geek+ S20C robots in our National Sortation Centre working in collaboration with partners at Geek+ and AMH.  The robots work alongside our colleagues, enabling us to drive greater efficiencies at times of peak demand, which have helped to boost the number of parcels we’re now able to sort through our Asda toyou service.”

Geek+ and AMH started to cooperate in 2019 when AMH recognized Geek+ robotics solutions provided industry-leading technology. Today, the two work closely together to provide clients all over the UK with great automation solutions.

 

 

Asda pioneers use of ‘smart sorting robots’

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global leader in robotic automation solutions, has collaborated successfully with Asda Logistics Services (ALS) and AMH Material Handling to launch an intelligent sorting system in Asda’s distribution centre. The system will provide Asda with the capacity to support continued growth across its parcel collection and returns business.

Sixty robots have been placed into the supermarket’s South Elmsall, West Yorkshire distribution centre, allowing 2,000 parcels to be sorted each hour with 99.99% accuracy through its Asda toyou service.

The installation marks the first time the technology has been used in this way in the UK, supporting an increase in capacity for Asda toyou’s services as demand for parcel collection and returns services has grown at pace in the last 12 months. With the pandemic causing a change in customer behaviour and an uplift in the number of purchases made online, Asda toyou experienced significant growth through the provision of a reliable, convenient returns solution that allowed shoppers to combine activities in a single trip to an Asda store.

At the same time, Asda toyou has expanded the number of retailers it supports. Over 100 are now available via the service, which has seen it process 65% more returns than at the start of 2020.

The project was implemented by AMH Material Handling, a top provider of material handling solutions, and Geek+. By integrating S20C robots into the existing ALS sorting system, it has provided Asda toyou the ability to respond to rapid changes in order volume and continue to provide excellent services during periods of peak demand.

Lit Fung, VP and Managing Director of Geek+ APAC, UK and Americas, says: “We’re proud to see AMH leverage our sorting system to support a leading retailer like Asda with the flexibility and efficiency needed to expand its Asda toyou business. The process for intelligent sorting is pretty straightforward. By letting a network of AMRs transfer incoming parcels from workstations to cages of corresponding destinations, we can improve accuracy and efficiency while also making the process more ergonomic for warehouse employees. With no need for fixed platform development, it makes it easy for Asda to scale operations in line with business growth. All they have to do is adjust the number of robots and destination chutes.”

Adrian Carter, Sales Director at AMH Material Handling, says: “We had a lot of fun delivering the solution as Geek+ sorting robots are a highly flexible technology that can be integrated and customized to work with existing equipment on customer sites, such as conveyor belts or other robots. It provides us a powerful tool for optimizing sorting operations according to the specific needs of each customer. And, as an integrator, AI-enabled robotics solutions add a new dimension to our services as it allows us to continuously support our customers according to changes in business needs.”

Jon Parry, Vice President of Asda Logistics Services (ALS) at Asda, says: “We’re pleased to be one of the first retailers in the UK to pioneer the Geek+ S20C robots in our National Sortation Centre working in collaboration with partners at Geek+ and AMH.  The robots work alongside our colleagues, enabling us to drive greater efficiencies at times of peak demand, which have helped to boost the number of parcels we’re now able to sort through our Asda toyou service.”

Geek+ and AMH started to cooperate in 2019 when AMH recognized Geek+ robotics solutions provided industry-leading technology. Today, the two work closely together to provide clients all over the UK with great automation solutions.

 

 

AGVs a game-changer in logistics optimisation

Posted on by David Priestman

Automation in logistics is no longer a distant dream. It is already a successful reality in a growing number of companies. How automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can effectively optimise warehouse logistics and what the path to an automated material flow can look like was presented digitally by STILL intralogistics experts on April 13th 2021 at Hannover Messe under the central topic of ‘Digital Transformation’.

The best-practice example of the Danish technology group Danfoss clearly shows how the automation of a production warehouse in Tinglev with STILL transport and software systems became a game-changer for the entire production logistics.

The advantages of automated logistics processes have been known for years. However, in the past few months their importance significantly increased. More urgently than ever, digitisation, flexibility, availability and smart, independent warehouse control are on the agenda of many companies. The good news is: “All the prerequisites are at hand – from technologies to investment models to experienced implementation partners,” explains Hubertus Wabnitz, STILL’s Head of Sales Automated Solutions.

Often, the last hurdle on the road to automated processes is the question “How do I tackle it?” Experts such as STILL, with a broad portfolio of AGVs, intelligent software applications, many years of expertise and a high level of professional consulting skills, are now in demand as partners to help companies on their way to efficient, optimised logistics processes.

STILL has been implementing customised automation solutions for customers for several years on the basis of comprehensive consulting. “Consulting is crucial in order to analyse the automation potential of the customer’s existing logistics together with the customer, to define a reasonable level of automation and to develop a technical basis for an automation concept,” explains Wabnitz.

Intelligent technology optimises logistics processes

Where AGVs ensure a smooth flow of materials, both among themselves and in an optimal interaction with manually operated vehicles, companies benefit in many ways. “Production capacities can be massively increased and reliably planned, regardless of the time of day or the lack of skilled workers. Costs can be optimised and ultimately reduced, due to their complete transparency of processes and reliability, among other things,” says Wabnitz.

In combination with a variety of acquisition and leasing options, automation projects thus become investments that quickly pay off for companies. The risk of transport damage and accidents decreases rapidly while employee safety and the quality of work are improved.

Automation as a success factor

One example of how automated transport systems can become a game changer and optimise entire production chains is the intralogistics project that STILL successfully implemented in Tinglev, Denmark. The aim of the Danfoss technology group was to increase capacity by merging different external warehouses with an automated storage system. Also, the warehouse should be set up flexibly for the requirements of the future. In addition to increasing capacity and scalability, time savings, space optimisation and process harmonisation were decisive goals.

After an extensive consultation and planning phase, STILL implemented a perfectly coordinated combination of six automated series industrial trucks (three MX-X order picking stacker trucks and three EXV high lift pallet trucks) at Danfoss, including all system components.

“In line with current production and material requirements, the warehouse was divided into a fully-automated area with narrow aisles and a semi-automated area with more space for manual order picking,” explains Wabnitz. “Peaks in orders can be responded to flexibly with an increase in vehicles.”

The Tinglev warehouse is a true benchmark project: Danfoss is currently building a modern distribution centre in Rødekro using the same technology by STILL. It is designed for the automated operation of twelve MX-X order picking stacker trucks and five EXV high lift pallet trucks.

Smart technologies for control, optimisation and safety

All AGVs are equipped with the so-called standardised iGo systems automation kit. A modular technology that is almost the same for all applications. The AGVs are manufactured in the same factories as the manual series vehicles. As most components are similar, it is possible to equip the series production vehicles with a so-called automation interface onto which the automation modules can be plugged.

In order for the trucks to be able to move independently throughout the warehouse area, various navigation technologies work together. With STILL iGo insights and the additionally integrated ELOshield safety system, driverless transport logistics at Danfoss is also equipped with two further innovative technologies. With iGo insights, STILL offers an AI-based tool that filters out correlations from the wealth of process information collected in the cloud so that specific recommendations for action can be derived.

This enables Danfoss to further optimise the availability and performance efficiency of the system. The intelligent tool uses the principle of machine learning to improve system performance. All data collected by the control system over a longer period of time is uploaded to the cloud for evaluation and can be accessed online at any time via the encrypted web portal.

The ELOshield system consists of several components that communicate with each other via radio and together form the all-in-one warning system. If an automated industrial truck encounters a pedestrian, the permanently installed module detects the approaching vehicle. A visual and acoustic signal is given. In case of danger, the truck is even slowed down. Each truck is automatically assigned a speed adjustment when entering and leaving the aisles. AGVs are not allowed to enter aisles where picking is taking place.

Shaping the future together

The customer is already very satisfied with the automated warehouse. “An initial analysis already showed cost savings of around 20%,” states Martin Jessen, Production Supervisor at the Danfoss warehouse in Tiglev.

In addition, considerable time savings have been achieved, with deliveries to production every three hours, five days a week. “With full service leasing, we also always keep an eye on the warehousing costs for the next six years,” he adds. Another project with STILL as automation partner is already being planned.

AGVs a game-changer in logistics optimisation

Posted on by David Priestman

Automation in logistics is no longer a distant dream. It is already a successful reality in a growing number of companies. How automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can effectively optimise warehouse logistics and what the path to an automated material flow can look like was presented digitally by STILL intralogistics experts on April 13th 2021 at Hannover Messe under the central topic of ‘Digital Transformation’.

The best-practice example of the Danish technology group Danfoss clearly shows how the automation of a production warehouse in Tinglev with STILL transport and software systems became a game-changer for the entire production logistics.

The advantages of automated logistics processes have been known for years. However, in the past few months their importance significantly increased. More urgently than ever, digitisation, flexibility, availability and smart, independent warehouse control are on the agenda of many companies. The good news is: “All the prerequisites are at hand – from technologies to investment models to experienced implementation partners,” explains Hubertus Wabnitz, STILL’s Head of Sales Automated Solutions.

Often, the last hurdle on the road to automated processes is the question “How do I tackle it?” Experts such as STILL, with a broad portfolio of AGVs, intelligent software applications, many years of expertise and a high level of professional consulting skills, are now in demand as partners to help companies on their way to efficient, optimised logistics processes.

STILL has been implementing customised automation solutions for customers for several years on the basis of comprehensive consulting. “Consulting is crucial in order to analyse the automation potential of the customer’s existing logistics together with the customer, to define a reasonable level of automation and to develop a technical basis for an automation concept,” explains Wabnitz.

Intelligent technology optimises logistics processes

Where AGVs ensure a smooth flow of materials, both among themselves and in an optimal interaction with manually operated vehicles, companies benefit in many ways. “Production capacities can be massively increased and reliably planned, regardless of the time of day or the lack of skilled workers. Costs can be optimised and ultimately reduced, due to their complete transparency of processes and reliability, among other things,” says Wabnitz.

In combination with a variety of acquisition and leasing options, automation projects thus become investments that quickly pay off for companies. The risk of transport damage and accidents decreases rapidly while employee safety and the quality of work are improved.

Automation as a success factor

One example of how automated transport systems can become a game changer and optimise entire production chains is the intralogistics project that STILL successfully implemented in Tinglev, Denmark. The aim of the Danfoss technology group was to increase capacity by merging different external warehouses with an automated storage system. Also, the warehouse should be set up flexibly for the requirements of the future. In addition to increasing capacity and scalability, time savings, space optimisation and process harmonisation were decisive goals.

After an extensive consultation and planning phase, STILL implemented a perfectly coordinated combination of six automated series industrial trucks (three MX-X order picking stacker trucks and three EXV high lift pallet trucks) at Danfoss, including all system components.

“In line with current production and material requirements, the warehouse was divided into a fully-automated area with narrow aisles and a semi-automated area with more space for manual order picking,” explains Wabnitz. “Peaks in orders can be responded to flexibly with an increase in vehicles.”

The Tinglev warehouse is a true benchmark project: Danfoss is currently building a modern distribution centre in Rødekro using the same technology by STILL. It is designed for the automated operation of twelve MX-X order picking stacker trucks and five EXV high lift pallet trucks.

Smart technologies for control, optimisation and safety

All AGVs are equipped with the so-called standardised iGo systems automation kit. A modular technology that is almost the same for all applications. The AGVs are manufactured in the same factories as the manual series vehicles. As most components are similar, it is possible to equip the series production vehicles with a so-called automation interface onto which the automation modules can be plugged.

In order for the trucks to be able to move independently throughout the warehouse area, various navigation technologies work together. With STILL iGo insights and the additionally integrated ELOshield safety system, driverless transport logistics at Danfoss is also equipped with two further innovative technologies. With iGo insights, STILL offers an AI-based tool that filters out correlations from the wealth of process information collected in the cloud so that specific recommendations for action can be derived.

This enables Danfoss to further optimise the availability and performance efficiency of the system. The intelligent tool uses the principle of machine learning to improve system performance. All data collected by the control system over a longer period of time is uploaded to the cloud for evaluation and can be accessed online at any time via the encrypted web portal.

The ELOshield system consists of several components that communicate with each other via radio and together form the all-in-one warning system. If an automated industrial truck encounters a pedestrian, the permanently installed module detects the approaching vehicle. A visual and acoustic signal is given. In case of danger, the truck is even slowed down. Each truck is automatically assigned a speed adjustment when entering and leaving the aisles. AGVs are not allowed to enter aisles where picking is taking place.

Shaping the future together

The customer is already very satisfied with the automated warehouse. “An initial analysis already showed cost savings of around 20%,” states Martin Jessen, Production Supervisor at the Danfoss warehouse in Tiglev.

In addition, considerable time savings have been achieved, with deliveries to production every three hours, five days a week. “With full service leasing, we also always keep an eye on the warehousing costs for the next six years,” he adds. Another project with STILL as automation partner is already being planned.

Tough Hyster trucks for metal coil handling

Posted on by David Priestman

Reliability, visibility, fleet management and parts supply are just some of the benefits that Hyster lift trucks and ReachStackers have brought to the Port of Oxelösund to support its tough metal coil handling requirements.

The Port of Oxelösund is around 100km south of Stockholm, Sweden. With a team of around 200 employees, operations at the Port are based on bulk goods for ocean-going vessels, alongside other packaged transportation solutions.

Metal coils arrive at the port by train from Borlänge and are unloaded with a crane, ready for forklifts to drive out and pick up the coils. When a ship comes in, the Port’s operators must then transport the metal coils to the port cranes which load coils onto the ships.

A combination of factors made the Port of Oxelösund choose a fleet of Hyster trucks for its demanding operations.

“Machines that are reliable. Strong machines,” says Christian Vallin, production engineer at the port. “That they [Hyster] had a solution on how to fix any problems. Supply of spare parts. A total solution that appealed to us.”

“Before selecting the new fleet, the Port of Oxelösund created a list of requirements for the vehicles. Its drivers also had a say from start to finish, with the opportunity to express how they wanted the vehicle to behave and what equipment the new lift trucks should have,” says Erik Pogrebnjak, sales representative for local Hyster distribution partner Nordisk Truck-Trans AB, which visited the site many times and provided feedback to help specify trucks to meet the port’s specific requirements.

After consulting with Hyster and the local dealer, the Port of Oxelösund eventually opted for two Hyster H32XM012 forklift trucks, two Hyster RS46-36CH ReachStackers and one 20 tonne capacity H20XM-9 Hyster lift truck. This equipment is reliable and strong, well suited to the tough portside conditions.

“Before ordering the trucks, the customer had the chance to see the trucks and ReachStackers in action at other Hyster customer sites and with Hyster dealers,” says Dmitry Dubrovsky, Big Truck Manager for Hyster. “They also had the opportunity to visit the Hyster factory in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, to test the trucks and ensure they made the right decision for their specific application needs.”

Optimising operator visibility

The Port of Oxelösund uses big machines and handles large metal loads, so that means an operator’s view backwards and forwards may be impaired.

Hyster helped by installing cameras at the back of the Hyster heavy-duty forklift trucks, as well as high cameras placed both on top of and under the fork stand. Operators have found that this has helped with the view of the quay when driving.

“What I like about the Hyster trucks is that they turn softly, they have brakes that brake securely, but not too much. I don’t feel stiff when I step out of the machine or have neck pain or anything like that. They are ergonomic and quiet,” said one of the Port’s operators.

Hyster Tracker provides control

An important part of the new fleet delivered is the Hyster Tracker wireless asset management system. Alongside a full range of fleet management benefits, this has given the Port of Oxelösund an opportunity to limit drivers, so only those who are authorised by the company can drive a truck during working hours.

Since the delivery of the trucks, Hyster and the dealer has worked with the customer to adjust and adapt the trucks even further based on the Port of Oxelösund’s specific business needs.#

“As a whole, we are very pleased with the deal and how it went from start to finish and our relationship with Hyster has further developed – the Hyster team takes time to call and ask how it is going,” says Christian Vallin, production engineer at Oxelösunds Hamn. “I would definitely recommend others to drive Hyster.”

Tough Hyster trucks for metal coil handling

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Reliability, visibility, fleet management and parts supply are just some of the benefits that Hyster lift trucks and ReachStackers have brought to the Port of Oxelösund to support its tough metal coil handling requirements.

The Port of Oxelösund is around 100km south of Stockholm, Sweden. With a team of around 200 employees, operations at the Port are based on bulk goods for ocean-going vessels, alongside other packaged transportation solutions.

Metal coils arrive at the port by train from Borlänge and are unloaded with a crane, ready for forklifts to drive out and pick up the coils. When a ship comes in, the Port’s operators must then transport the metal coils to the port cranes which load coils onto the ships.

A combination of factors made the Port of Oxelösund choose a fleet of Hyster trucks for its demanding operations.

“Machines that are reliable. Strong machines,” says Christian Vallin, production engineer at the port. “That they [Hyster] had a solution on how to fix any problems. Supply of spare parts. A total solution that appealed to us.”

“Before selecting the new fleet, the Port of Oxelösund created a list of requirements for the vehicles. Its drivers also had a say from start to finish, with the opportunity to express how they wanted the vehicle to behave and what equipment the new lift trucks should have,” says Erik Pogrebnjak, sales representative for local Hyster distribution partner Nordisk Truck-Trans AB, which visited the site many times and provided feedback to help specify trucks to meet the port’s specific requirements.

After consulting with Hyster and the local dealer, the Port of Oxelösund eventually opted for two Hyster H32XM012 forklift trucks, two Hyster RS46-36CH ReachStackers and one 20 tonne capacity H20XM-9 Hyster lift truck. This equipment is reliable and strong, well suited to the tough portside conditions.

“Before ordering the trucks, the customer had the chance to see the trucks and ReachStackers in action at other Hyster customer sites and with Hyster dealers,” says Dmitry Dubrovsky, Big Truck Manager for Hyster. “They also had the opportunity to visit the Hyster factory in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, to test the trucks and ensure they made the right decision for their specific application needs.”

Optimising operator visibility

The Port of Oxelösund uses big machines and handles large metal loads, so that means an operator’s view backwards and forwards may be impaired.

Hyster helped by installing cameras at the back of the Hyster heavy-duty forklift trucks, as well as high cameras placed both on top of and under the fork stand. Operators have found that this has helped with the view of the quay when driving.

“What I like about the Hyster trucks is that they turn softly, they have brakes that brake securely, but not too much. I don’t feel stiff when I step out of the machine or have neck pain or anything like that. They are ergonomic and quiet,” said one of the Port’s operators.

Hyster Tracker provides control

An important part of the new fleet delivered is the Hyster Tracker wireless asset management system. Alongside a full range of fleet management benefits, this has given the Port of Oxelösund an opportunity to limit drivers, so only those who are authorised by the company can drive a truck during working hours.

Since the delivery of the trucks, Hyster and the dealer has worked with the customer to adjust and adapt the trucks even further based on the Port of Oxelösund’s specific business needs.#

“As a whole, we are very pleased with the deal and how it went from start to finish and our relationship with Hyster has further developed – the Hyster team takes time to call and ask how it is going,” says Christian Vallin, production engineer at Oxelösunds Hamn. “I would definitely recommend others to drive Hyster.”

Pallet production up despite pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) has again recorded an increase in the production of EPAL pallets in 2020, after several years of growth. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the hike in wood prices, production of EPAL pallets grew by 1.14% to 97.3 million pallets in 2020 (2019: 96.2m.).

Reported figures for repairs of EPAL pallets slightly decreased. Overall, there was an increase in production and repairs of EPAL pallets of 0.5% to 123.5 million pallets (2019: 123m pallets).

“This positive development is particularly remarkable in view of the economic slump resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic,” remarks Robert Holliger, President of EPAL. “The adverse effects on national and international supply chains was an unprecedented challenge for producers and users of EPAL Euro pallets, which we successfully tackled together.”

The production and repair of EPAL pallets is classed as “essential” by many European countries, because pallet logistics and, in particular, the open EPAL Euro pallet exchange pool is vitally important for goods transport. To maintain the supply of foods and other consumer goods to consumers, and to ensure the retail and industry supply chains, EPAL licensees were always, and still are, able to make deliveries at all times during the lockdowns.

“For us, it’s a particular mark of confidence that many transports of Covid-19 vaccines are made on EPAL Euro pallets. EPAL Euro pallets meet the most stringent requirements for safety and reliability for load carriers, and especially in extremely cold temperatures, such as with the transport of vaccines,” concludes Holliger.

Pallet production up despite pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) has again recorded an increase in the production of EPAL pallets in 2020, after several years of growth. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the hike in wood prices, production of EPAL pallets grew by 1.14% to 97.3 million pallets in 2020 (2019: 96.2m.).

Reported figures for repairs of EPAL pallets slightly decreased. Overall, there was an increase in production and repairs of EPAL pallets of 0.5% to 123.5 million pallets (2019: 123m pallets).

“This positive development is particularly remarkable in view of the economic slump resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic,” remarks Robert Holliger, President of EPAL. “The adverse effects on national and international supply chains was an unprecedented challenge for producers and users of EPAL Euro pallets, which we successfully tackled together.”

The production and repair of EPAL pallets is classed as “essential” by many European countries, because pallet logistics and, in particular, the open EPAL Euro pallet exchange pool is vitally important for goods transport. To maintain the supply of foods and other consumer goods to consumers, and to ensure the retail and industry supply chains, EPAL licensees were always, and still are, able to make deliveries at all times during the lockdowns.

“For us, it’s a particular mark of confidence that many transports of Covid-19 vaccines are made on EPAL Euro pallets. EPAL Euro pallets meet the most stringent requirements for safety and reliability for load carriers, and especially in extremely cold temperatures, such as with the transport of vaccines,” concludes Holliger.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.