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Month: April 2021

Cleveron unveils driverless last mile delivery vehicle

Posted on by David Priestman

Cleveron, one of the world’s leading parcel delivery robotics companies, has unveiled its new unmanned semi-autonomous last mile delivery vehicle, the Cleveron 701.

Designed for retailers and logistics companies looking to boost last mile delivery solutions and efficiencies, Cleveron 701 enables businesses to meet the growing demand for same-day delivery driven by the recent acceleration of e-commerce and rapidly changing retail landscape.

As the first company in Europe granted a pilot license to operate unmanned semi-autonomous vehicles in public streets across the country, Cleveron has piloted Cleveron 701 for the last six months in Estonia. The Company is scheduled to begin mass production in 2023.

The Cleveron 701 can drive in low traffic areas, like suburbs to deliver within 15–30 min driving range of a retailer, fulfilment centre or a dark store. Supervised remotely, it can deliver goods from a warehouse or store to nearby customers within an hour, enabling fast and convenient receipt of packages in a competitive timeframe compared to a trip to the store for kerbside pickup. The driverless delivery solution also decreases labour cost since one teleoperator is able to supervise 10 vehicles at the same time.

Cleveron 701 is also designed as an adaptable, semi-autonomous platform to which the operator can add suitable modifications for serving different delivery needs. For example, Cleveron 701 can be modified to operate as grocery delivery robot with temperature-controlled sections, a parcel delivery vehicle or even a high-tech coffee robot or an ice cream truck.

“We are very proud to announce Cleveron’s latest innovation in autonomous delivery vehicle market. With our new driverless semi-autonomous vehicle, we are enabling retailers and logistics companies to solve complex and costly last mile delivery challenges while satisfying consumer demand for same day, and in some cases, same hour deliveries,” said Cleveron’s CEO Arno Kütt.

“Since Cleveron received the first license in Europe to test drive an unmanned vehicle on the streets of Estonia last year without restrictions, we have been amazed at how easily Cleveron 701 has become an organic part of the city life. What’s more, consumers can get groceries, parcels, restaurant deliveries or even ice cream from an environmentally friendly delivery robot.”

The Estonian-based technology company is known for its parcel lockers, robots and grocery kiosk, used by top retailers all over the world. According to Kütt, Cleveron 701 is a new type of venture for the company, but the end-goal is the same as for all its products – to offer efficiency and convenience.

“We are used to building robots, where you can go and pick up your parcel within seconds. It is still the future for click and collect, but for us, we wanted to expand even further. The online shopping growth has turned e-commerce into just commerce. It is a natural part of shopping. But the delivery times and costs still present a problem, especially with groceries. Consumers want speed and convenience, but it comes with a cost. With driverless delivery, you can cut the last mile labour cost. There will also be less failed deliveries, since the 701 can be deployed from the local dark store quickly,” explained Kütt.

Cleveron 701 is being developed in company’s hometown of Viljandi, Estonia. It is a lightweight, electric vehicle with an option to use different rechargeable batteries. Max speed is up to 50 km/h. Load capacity will be up to 200 kg.

Combilift scoops 10th ‘Archie’ Award

Posted on by David Priestman

Combilift, the Irish manufacturer of a wide range of handling solutions, has won its 10th prestigious industry Archie award from the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) for one of its latest products. The 2020 FLTA Awards for Excellence took place virtually on Saturday 10th April, having been postponed from last year due to Covid,

The recently-introduced Combi-CBE model – the world’s first counterbalance design, multidirectional forklift with electric drive on all of its three wheels – was one of the 12 finalists in the hotly contested Innovation Category. According to the host of this year’s Awards, “this is the category that everyone wants to win, as you get to feel incredibly clever.” So Combilift was immensely proud that the jury singled it out as the outright winner.

The Combi-CBE features internationally patented electric traction which enables independent control of each of the front and rear drive wheels and guarantees 100% traction control, which negates the need for differential lock when it is operating on wet or slippery surfaces. As the truck drives and steers, the speed and rotational direction of the wheels are controlled independently.

Operators benefit from precise acceleration and deceleration control, which significantly reduces long load momentum twisting when travelling sideways. Each electric drive incorporates parking and regenerative dynamic braking for power efficiency and AC drive means that there are no mechanical brushes to maintain or replace.

Combining the benefits of very compact dimensions and the ability to handle long loads as well as pallets, the multidirectional Combi-CBE is a universal truck for multiple applications and offers  cost effective and efficient operation. It also answers growing market demand for powerful and quieter electric forklifts which comply with ever more stringent emissions guidelines.

The FLTA commented as follows: “a clever and innovative design, Combilift’s entry impressed the panel with its unique, independent front and rear wheel drive, letting it handle long loads in the tightest spaces while minimising tyre wear.”

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said: “Innovation is a cornerstone of Combilift’s product development and, given the large number of excellent finalists this year, we would like to thank the FLTA jury of industry experts for recognising our achievements.”

similar news

Archie: Does It Have Your Name On It?

 

Combilift scoops 10th ‘Archie’ Award

Posted on by David Priestman

Combilift, the Irish manufacturer of a wide range of handling solutions, has won its 10th prestigious industry Archie award from the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) for one of its latest products. The 2020 FLTA Awards for Excellence took place virtually on Saturday 10th April, having been postponed from last year due to Covid,

The recently-introduced Combi-CBE model – the world’s first counterbalance design, multidirectional forklift with electric drive on all of its three wheels – was one of the 12 finalists in the hotly contested Innovation Category. According to the host of this year’s Awards, “this is the category that everyone wants to win, as you get to feel incredibly clever.” So Combilift was immensely proud that the jury singled it out as the outright winner.

The Combi-CBE features internationally patented electric traction which enables independent control of each of the front and rear drive wheels and guarantees 100% traction control, which negates the need for differential lock when it is operating on wet or slippery surfaces. As the truck drives and steers, the speed and rotational direction of the wheels are controlled independently.

Operators benefit from precise acceleration and deceleration control, which significantly reduces long load momentum twisting when travelling sideways. Each electric drive incorporates parking and regenerative dynamic braking for power efficiency and AC drive means that there are no mechanical brushes to maintain or replace.

Combining the benefits of very compact dimensions and the ability to handle long loads as well as pallets, the multidirectional Combi-CBE is a universal truck for multiple applications and offers  cost effective and efficient operation. It also answers growing market demand for powerful and quieter electric forklifts which comply with ever more stringent emissions guidelines.

The FLTA commented as follows: “a clever and innovative design, Combilift’s entry impressed the panel with its unique, independent front and rear wheel drive, letting it handle long loads in the tightest spaces while minimising tyre wear.”

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said: “Innovation is a cornerstone of Combilift’s product development and, given the large number of excellent finalists this year, we would like to thank the FLTA jury of industry experts for recognising our achievements.”

similar news

Archie: Does It Have Your Name On It?

 

Vision-based inspection system prevents stock losses

Posted on by David Priestman

A vision-based inspection system designed by AMH Material Handling and developed and installed by Bytronic has brought significant benefits to a major international garment retailer garment conveyor.

AMH Material Handling specialises in the design, installation and integration of automated conveyor and sortation systems for some of the UK’s largest retailers. Since its formation in 2015, the company has quickly become the ‘go-to’ provider for profitable ecommerce and warehouse automation solutions.

It has particular expertise in garment on hanger (GOH) conveyor lines, and it was in connection with this that its engineering team approached Bytronic. AMH wanted to develop a partnership that would help create a new and specialist solution for a major off-price fashion retailer.

The challenge was to create an automated ‘vision-based’ inspection system for the fashion retailer’s GOH conveyors. These conveyors transport up to 140 hanging garments per minute and to work effectively, the solution would have to capture data and process it within milliseconds.

The GOH conveyors developed by AMH Material Handling process millions of garments every year. Overhead GOH conveyors can be designed to transport either single units for sortation or ratio packs and batches for transportation and storage.

Transporting hanging garment ratio packs or batches using GOH conveyors requires separation into single units for accurate sortation. The high-speed separation process can often result in the accidental doubling up of hangers which can often be missed by older item detection technologies.

Over time, the doubling up of hangers can result in stock management issues as the stock information for dispatched items will be incorrect when compared against the stock received at the final destination. For major retailers, this can be a huge problem. To address it, full-time operators were placed on the lines to spot double hanger issues – a costly and labour-intensive fix.

When AMH began developing its bespoke automated solution in 2015, it contacted the manufacturer Cognex and its partner network to supply the machine vision expertise. As one of Cognex’s only UK Platinum Partners, Bytronic was recommended to develop and install the vision solution.

The result is AMH’s vision detection system which identifies double hangers as they pass along the automated single unit sortation line. This solution prevents stock losses without the need for manual checks.

The system combines AMH’s mechanical and electrical installation supported by programmable logic controllers (PLC), Cognex’s cameras and Bytronic’s lighting and vision software programming. The line is able to count each carrier, identify its unique number, track its location, check it is secure and not broken, and identify any double hangers, accepting or rejecting the carrier accordingly.

Bytronic installed and programmed the camera software to capture an image of each carrier when triggered by the line. The camera is detecting several key features including the condition of the carrier and its individual parts to ensure they are maintained and serviced when required to prolong the lifespan of the system.

The image is captured, data processed and an ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ message is sent back to the control system, all within milliseconds. If a doubled hanger or damaged carrier is detected, the ‘reject’ message activates a reject divert, sending the items to a separate defect lane for further inspection.

Managed by AMH, the project was delivered in partnership, with the data captured by Bytronic’s camera and the lighting system being processed by the PLC controls and software solution provided by AMH. The inspection system was calibrated and tested offline before installation, as all factory acceptance testing (FAT) could be done off-site.

Once operational, the savings were immediate. The upgrade has delivered a return on investment in under a year, through significantly reducing operator costs. This meant the ‘inspection’ operators, who were previously on shift 24/6, could now be deployed elsewhere. In addition, the new overhead system has supported a reduction in stock losses by improving both the stock accuracy and inventory being distributed to stores nationwide.

Whilst the project’s primary focus was to detect double hangers, it has delivered a further benefit in identifying possible maintenance issues. The solution now identifies and stores statistics on carrier damage – ready for maintenance engineers to fix and update the system. By removing doubled or damaged hangers from service, it also reduces the risk of tangled hangers and unnecessary downtime due to reoccurring damage.

Barry Pemberton, Solutions Director, AMH Material Handling, said: “We approached Bytronic to help deliver this AMH Material Handling-led solution with us for one of our largest customers. We worked closely together to identify what data the system needed to generate, and how we needed it presenting. From our conversations with Cognex we realised the success of this project would be in the installation of the lighting and vision software, and that’s why we chose Bytronic.”

Vision-based inspection system prevents stock losses

Posted on by David Priestman

A vision-based inspection system designed by AMH Material Handling and developed and installed by Bytronic has brought significant benefits to a major international garment retailer garment conveyor.

AMH Material Handling specialises in the design, installation and integration of automated conveyor and sortation systems for some of the UK’s largest retailers. Since its formation in 2015, the company has quickly become the ‘go-to’ provider for profitable ecommerce and warehouse automation solutions.

It has particular expertise in garment on hanger (GOH) conveyor lines, and it was in connection with this that its engineering team approached Bytronic. AMH wanted to develop a partnership that would help create a new and specialist solution for a major off-price fashion retailer.

The challenge was to create an automated ‘vision-based’ inspection system for the fashion retailer’s GOH conveyors. These conveyors transport up to 140 hanging garments per minute and to work effectively, the solution would have to capture data and process it within milliseconds.

The GOH conveyors developed by AMH Material Handling process millions of garments every year. Overhead GOH conveyors can be designed to transport either single units for sortation or ratio packs and batches for transportation and storage.

Transporting hanging garment ratio packs or batches using GOH conveyors requires separation into single units for accurate sortation. The high-speed separation process can often result in the accidental doubling up of hangers which can often be missed by older item detection technologies.

Over time, the doubling up of hangers can result in stock management issues as the stock information for dispatched items will be incorrect when compared against the stock received at the final destination. For major retailers, this can be a huge problem. To address it, full-time operators were placed on the lines to spot double hanger issues – a costly and labour-intensive fix.

When AMH began developing its bespoke automated solution in 2015, it contacted the manufacturer Cognex and its partner network to supply the machine vision expertise. As one of Cognex’s only UK Platinum Partners, Bytronic was recommended to develop and install the vision solution.

The result is AMH’s vision detection system which identifies double hangers as they pass along the automated single unit sortation line. This solution prevents stock losses without the need for manual checks.

The system combines AMH’s mechanical and electrical installation supported by programmable logic controllers (PLC), Cognex’s cameras and Bytronic’s lighting and vision software programming. The line is able to count each carrier, identify its unique number, track its location, check it is secure and not broken, and identify any double hangers, accepting or rejecting the carrier accordingly.

Bytronic installed and programmed the camera software to capture an image of each carrier when triggered by the line. The camera is detecting several key features including the condition of the carrier and its individual parts to ensure they are maintained and serviced when required to prolong the lifespan of the system.

The image is captured, data processed and an ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ message is sent back to the control system, all within milliseconds. If a doubled hanger or damaged carrier is detected, the ‘reject’ message activates a reject divert, sending the items to a separate defect lane for further inspection.

Managed by AMH, the project was delivered in partnership, with the data captured by Bytronic’s camera and the lighting system being processed by the PLC controls and software solution provided by AMH. The inspection system was calibrated and tested offline before installation, as all factory acceptance testing (FAT) could be done off-site.

Once operational, the savings were immediate. The upgrade has delivered a return on investment in under a year, through significantly reducing operator costs. This meant the ‘inspection’ operators, who were previously on shift 24/6, could now be deployed elsewhere. In addition, the new overhead system has supported a reduction in stock losses by improving both the stock accuracy and inventory being distributed to stores nationwide.

Whilst the project’s primary focus was to detect double hangers, it has delivered a further benefit in identifying possible maintenance issues. The solution now identifies and stores statistics on carrier damage – ready for maintenance engineers to fix and update the system. By removing doubled or damaged hangers from service, it also reduces the risk of tangled hangers and unnecessary downtime due to reoccurring damage.

Barry Pemberton, Solutions Director, AMH Material Handling, said: “We approached Bytronic to help deliver this AMH Material Handling-led solution with us for one of our largest customers. We worked closely together to identify what data the system needed to generate, and how we needed it presenting. From our conversations with Cognex we realised the success of this project would be in the installation of the lighting and vision software, and that’s why we chose Bytronic.”

Northants jobseekers benefit from free logistics training

Posted on by David Priestman

A group of job seekers from Northamptonshire will be the first people in the UK to benefit from the Prologis Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme (PWLTP) when they take part in a pilot training session for the initiative.

In a week where European Supply Chain Day (15th April) will highlight the importance of the logistics and transport sector, participants in the week-long pilot scheme will receive practical development training and employability skills such as interview technique. All learners will achieve an accredited qualification in International Trade and Logistics Operations and will have access to up to 60 online training courses to further enhance their skillset. 

Prologis is working in partnership with the Supply Chain Open Education Academy (SCOEA) – a Northamptonshire-based enterprise providing education and training for the supply chain sector. The PWLTP will use a combination of online and in-person teaching and learning experiences to enable students to gain the skills, knowledge and competencies required to find and build a career within the logistics sector.

Part of the global Prologis Community Workforce Initiative (CWI), established by Prologis Inc in 2019, the PWLTP is a free digital learning and development programme aimed at training those leaving education and re-skilling the unemployed by equipping them with the knowledge needed to pursue a career in logistics. Globally this programme has an ambitious target of re-training 25,000 individuals by 2025. In the first year alone, Prologis UK aims to put over 700 local people through the PWLTP in Northamptonshire, where the number of people employed in logistics is double the national average.

The PWLTP will also ensure logistics businesses operating on Prologis Parks will have access to an ongoing source of skilled employees for their operations, as part of Prologis’ PARKlife initiative. Once employed by a Prologis’ customer, individuals will benefit from continued support as well as the opportunity to progress through a ladder of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

As a result of the pandemic, UK unemployment currently sits at 5 percent, however, transport and logistics is one of the only sectors actively recruiting. Recent research conducted by Prologis UK suggested that 1 in 2 people believe that logistics workers are perceived more positively now, as people become more aware of the industry’s value. Currently the sector provides 2.6 million jobs – a figure that’s only expected to grow as the e-commerce boom continues.

Tom Price, Capital Deployment and Leasing Associate at Prologis UK, said: “Demand for employees has never been greater across the transport and logistics industry. With UK unemployment rising, the Prologis Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme will enable young people and the unemployed in Northamptonshire to forge a career in the sector, at no cost to themselves.

“This not only brings obvious benefits for the individuals and the local area, but it’s great news for customers on our Prologis Parks, who will have an even larger talent pool to access in future.”

Professor Simon Denny, Director of Customer Experience at the Supply Chain Open Education Academy, said: “The logistics sector is one which has grown exponentially in recent months and offers fantastic opportunities for progression; Prologis’ Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme provides a springboard into this diverse range of career options. Together, we’ve designed a course which focuses on practical training and developing employability skills; it’s all about building competence and confidence in people.

“We are staggered by Prologis’ scale and vision for the Programme; it’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of and we look forward to seeing the benefits.”

Solomon, PWLTP pilot scheme participant said: “It’s a great feeling to be one of the first people on the Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme – I already feel like I’m ahead of the game as we come out of lockdown.

“The team have been really supportive and talked me through the process; I am confident that the skills and support from the programme is going to help me going forward in my career.”

At time of publication, courses are being held fortnightly, and with social distancing measures in place according to UK Government guidelines.

Northants jobseekers benefit from free logistics training

Posted on by David Priestman

A group of job seekers from Northamptonshire will be the first people in the UK to benefit from the Prologis Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme (PWLTP) when they take part in a pilot training session for the initiative.

In a week where European Supply Chain Day (15th April) will highlight the importance of the logistics and transport sector, participants in the week-long pilot scheme will receive practical development training and employability skills such as interview technique. All learners will achieve an accredited qualification in International Trade and Logistics Operations and will have access to up to 60 online training courses to further enhance their skillset. 

Prologis is working in partnership with the Supply Chain Open Education Academy (SCOEA) – a Northamptonshire-based enterprise providing education and training for the supply chain sector. The PWLTP will use a combination of online and in-person teaching and learning experiences to enable students to gain the skills, knowledge and competencies required to find and build a career within the logistics sector.

Part of the global Prologis Community Workforce Initiative (CWI), established by Prologis Inc in 2019, the PWLTP is a free digital learning and development programme aimed at training those leaving education and re-skilling the unemployed by equipping them with the knowledge needed to pursue a career in logistics. Globally this programme has an ambitious target of re-training 25,000 individuals by 2025. In the first year alone, Prologis UK aims to put over 700 local people through the PWLTP in Northamptonshire, where the number of people employed in logistics is double the national average.

The PWLTP will also ensure logistics businesses operating on Prologis Parks will have access to an ongoing source of skilled employees for their operations, as part of Prologis’ PARKlife initiative. Once employed by a Prologis’ customer, individuals will benefit from continued support as well as the opportunity to progress through a ladder of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

As a result of the pandemic, UK unemployment currently sits at 5 percent, however, transport and logistics is one of the only sectors actively recruiting. Recent research conducted by Prologis UK suggested that 1 in 2 people believe that logistics workers are perceived more positively now, as people become more aware of the industry’s value. Currently the sector provides 2.6 million jobs – a figure that’s only expected to grow as the e-commerce boom continues.

Tom Price, Capital Deployment and Leasing Associate at Prologis UK, said: “Demand for employees has never been greater across the transport and logistics industry. With UK unemployment rising, the Prologis Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme will enable young people and the unemployed in Northamptonshire to forge a career in the sector, at no cost to themselves.

“This not only brings obvious benefits for the individuals and the local area, but it’s great news for customers on our Prologis Parks, who will have an even larger talent pool to access in future.”

Professor Simon Denny, Director of Customer Experience at the Supply Chain Open Education Academy, said: “The logistics sector is one which has grown exponentially in recent months and offers fantastic opportunities for progression; Prologis’ Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme provides a springboard into this diverse range of career options. Together, we’ve designed a course which focuses on practical training and developing employability skills; it’s all about building competence and confidence in people.

“We are staggered by Prologis’ scale and vision for the Programme; it’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of and we look forward to seeing the benefits.”

Solomon, PWLTP pilot scheme participant said: “It’s a great feeling to be one of the first people on the Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme – I already feel like I’m ahead of the game as we come out of lockdown.

“The team have been really supportive and talked me through the process; I am confident that the skills and support from the programme is going to help me going forward in my career.”

At time of publication, courses are being held fortnightly, and with social distancing measures in place according to UK Government guidelines.

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.

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