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Day: 3 June 2021

DHL extends Locus Robotics collaboration

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has agreed to expand its collaboration with Locus Robotics. Initial investments in assisted picking robots have proven effective in commercially scaled operations, and this multi-million dollar agreement will enhance DHL’s wider Accelerated Digitalisation Strategy.

By 2022, the supply chain specialist plans to take on up to 2,000 robots, then being by far the largest customer of Locus Robotics worldwide. The assisted picking robots are mostly used in e-commerce or consumer warehouses to help with picking and inventory replenishment, thereby increasing efficiency and accelerating delivery processes.

“It is particularly important for us to be able to consistently optimise our supply chains – assisted picking robots are very effective in this respect,” says Markus Voss, Global CIO & COO DHL Supply Chain. “So far, more than 500 assisted picking robots are already in industrial use in our warehouses in the USA, Europe and the UK. By the end of 2021, another 500 robots are to be added in a total of more than 20 locations.

“The collaborative picking technology has clearly proven its effectiveness and reliability in modern warehousing. More locations have already been identified with concrete implementation roadmaps for the remaining robots, which we will deploy in 2022. However, the overall potential for assisted picking robots in our DHL warehouses is much bigger, so we are confident that we will meet the targets we have set ourselves together with Locus Robotics.”

Further implementing these robots is one step in DHL Supply Chain’s Accelerated Digitalisation Strategy. Assisted picking robots help reduce time spent on manoeuvring pushcarts through warehouses, lower physical strain on employees, and increase picking efficiency. Assisted picking robots display images of goods to be picked, calculate optimal navigation routes and reduce required training time.

“Also, they can be swiftly integrated into the warehouse system landscape via DHL Supply Chain’s Robotics Hub and are well received by staff. In addition, during peak operational periods the robots provide an optimal solution for capacity expansion as we can swiftly bring in more robots with minimal onboarding effort to the existing fleet.

“Our expanded partnership with DHL reflects the increasing demand for warehouse digitalisation worldwide to meet today’s exploding fulfilment challenges,” said Rick Faulk, CEO, Locus Robotics. “Locus is proud to be a valued technology resource that is helping DHL realise their strategic vision of digital transformation.”

The pandemic has accelerated the booming trend of e-commerce, which makes the labour-intensive picking process in e-fulfilment play an even bigger and more critical role in meeting high end-customers’ demands. These trends speeded up the introduction of new technologies and automation in various industries, but especially in warehousing. It has also shown what the “supply chains of the future” may look like and that the world must quickly adapt to new challenges.

DHL Supply Chain is constantly assessing which of the implemented technologies will make their way into the warehouses permanently in order to further optimise processes. In addition to these tangible robotic solutions, DHL Supply Chain relies on software and cockpit solutions that can provide real-time information on the status of the global service logistics network of their customers. Accessing the pool of big data and implementing algorithms and artificial intelligence has proven to be a “game changer” in global supply chain planning and will be rolled out further.

DHL extends Locus Robotics collaboration

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has agreed to expand its collaboration with Locus Robotics. Initial investments in assisted picking robots have proven effective in commercially scaled operations, and this multi-million dollar agreement will enhance DHL’s wider Accelerated Digitalisation Strategy.

By 2022, the supply chain specialist plans to take on up to 2,000 robots, then being by far the largest customer of Locus Robotics worldwide. The assisted picking robots are mostly used in e-commerce or consumer warehouses to help with picking and inventory replenishment, thereby increasing efficiency and accelerating delivery processes.

“It is particularly important for us to be able to consistently optimise our supply chains – assisted picking robots are very effective in this respect,” says Markus Voss, Global CIO & COO DHL Supply Chain. “So far, more than 500 assisted picking robots are already in industrial use in our warehouses in the USA, Europe and the UK. By the end of 2021, another 500 robots are to be added in a total of more than 20 locations.

“The collaborative picking technology has clearly proven its effectiveness and reliability in modern warehousing. More locations have already been identified with concrete implementation roadmaps for the remaining robots, which we will deploy in 2022. However, the overall potential for assisted picking robots in our DHL warehouses is much bigger, so we are confident that we will meet the targets we have set ourselves together with Locus Robotics.”

Further implementing these robots is one step in DHL Supply Chain’s Accelerated Digitalisation Strategy. Assisted picking robots help reduce time spent on manoeuvring pushcarts through warehouses, lower physical strain on employees, and increase picking efficiency. Assisted picking robots display images of goods to be picked, calculate optimal navigation routes and reduce required training time.

“Also, they can be swiftly integrated into the warehouse system landscape via DHL Supply Chain’s Robotics Hub and are well received by staff. In addition, during peak operational periods the robots provide an optimal solution for capacity expansion as we can swiftly bring in more robots with minimal onboarding effort to the existing fleet.

“Our expanded partnership with DHL reflects the increasing demand for warehouse digitalisation worldwide to meet today’s exploding fulfilment challenges,” said Rick Faulk, CEO, Locus Robotics. “Locus is proud to be a valued technology resource that is helping DHL realise their strategic vision of digital transformation.”

The pandemic has accelerated the booming trend of e-commerce, which makes the labour-intensive picking process in e-fulfilment play an even bigger and more critical role in meeting high end-customers’ demands. These trends speeded up the introduction of new technologies and automation in various industries, but especially in warehousing. It has also shown what the “supply chains of the future” may look like and that the world must quickly adapt to new challenges.

DHL Supply Chain is constantly assessing which of the implemented technologies will make their way into the warehouses permanently in order to further optimise processes. In addition to these tangible robotic solutions, DHL Supply Chain relies on software and cockpit solutions that can provide real-time information on the status of the global service logistics network of their customers. Accessing the pool of big data and implementing algorithms and artificial intelligence has proven to be a “game changer” in global supply chain planning and will be rolled out further.

Hyster reveals Li-ion trucks with electric drivetrain

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has announced its 10-18 tonne lift capacity trucks are now available with an electric drivetrain, helping businesses achieve zero-emissions objectives by making the switch to electric forklifts.

The new Hyster J10-18XD lift trucks lift up to 18-tonnes and feature lithium-ion battery packs providing full power and acceleration, comparable to a diesel forklift but with no emissions.

“This is a breakthrough for businesses in heavy industry that are keen to achieve green objectives in factories, warehouses and yards,” says Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director Global Market Development, Big Trucks, for Hyster. “With support from Hyster, the transition to clean electric power is now simpler than ever and comes with no compromise on performance or efficiency.

“Operations undertaking tough tasks in demanding industries, such as those typically found in timber, metals, and construction applications, can rely on these new electric forklifts inside and outside, for ICE-like performance across one, two or three shifts, alongside the convenience of opportunity charging,” van den Brand continues.

The new Big Trucks are also intelligently designed to prevent overheating, uniquely combining liquid cooled motors and inverters with 350V lithium-ion batteries. The high voltage and low current system featured in the new trucks not only greatly reduces heat development, but also incorporates specially designed water-cooled motors and drive controllers to further prevent heat build-up. Battery monitoring systems also help to control under and overcharging.

Whether the trucks are used to unload steel bars from a train, feed concrete moulds into a manufacturing process, or transport wood-based panels through a manufacturing site, the new Hyster electric trucks may provide even better productivity than a diesel alternative. The quiet and comfortable cabin also improves the driver experience, alongside outstanding visibility, ergonomics, and productivity-enhancing features.

“Regardless of if the truck is used for periodic or continuous operation, you can drive these trucks like a diesel,” says van den Brand, explaining that as with an IC-powered Hyster Big Truck, the new electric models provide exceptional traction power, acceleration and drawbar pull.

However, matched with the right application and operating intensity, the Hyster J10-18XD lift trucks may also help operations to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership.

The integrated lithium-ion batteries produce higher performance than lead-acid counterparts and have a longer life cycle, helping to keep costs down. Plus, each truck can be equipped with modular battery packs to store the necessary power required to meet the operational needs. The system is optimally designed for high power opportunity charging, removing the need to swap batteries, so uptime is maximised, and shift changes and breaks become productive. The new truck option requires just 11 minutes of charge for up to one hour of work.

“With less time needed for charging, a wide range of applications can benefit from greater truck availability,” says van den Brand. “Operations with two or three shift operations can easily top up the charge, preventing the need for battery exchange and a separate charging room.  As the battery and electric motor are maintenance free this also helps reduce costs, further contributing to a low Total Cost of Ownership.”

To support businesses in their journey from a diesel to an electric fleet, Hyster works closely with operations to plan the transition, providing options that enable the correct electric lift truck to be configured for differing application needs. The experts at Hyster also advise on the necessary changes to electrical and infrastructure needs, plus a suitable charging strategy and process.  Further support is given through training and servicing throughout the lifetime of the lift truck.

“Green objectives are also important to many businesses, some of which are exploring the implementation of solar panels and other onsite methods of generating electricity. In many countries there are also tax incentives and grants that support companies looking to invest in zero-emissions equipment,” says van den Brand. “These types of applications will find these new trucks an ideal choice when compared to diesel, both environmentally and economically.”

Those switching to lithium-ion forklifts receive the support of their local Hyster dealers. Across the world, they work with each customer to determine the exact requirements for the specific application and configure the battery system to suit the operation.

Hyster reveals Li-ion trucks with electric drivetrain

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has announced its 10-18 tonne lift capacity trucks are now available with an electric drivetrain, helping businesses achieve zero-emissions objectives by making the switch to electric forklifts.

The new Hyster J10-18XD lift trucks lift up to 18-tonnes and feature lithium-ion battery packs providing full power and acceleration, comparable to a diesel forklift but with no emissions.

“This is a breakthrough for businesses in heavy industry that are keen to achieve green objectives in factories, warehouses and yards,” says Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director Global Market Development, Big Trucks, for Hyster. “With support from Hyster, the transition to clean electric power is now simpler than ever and comes with no compromise on performance or efficiency.

“Operations undertaking tough tasks in demanding industries, such as those typically found in timber, metals, and construction applications, can rely on these new electric forklifts inside and outside, for ICE-like performance across one, two or three shifts, alongside the convenience of opportunity charging,” van den Brand continues.

The new Big Trucks are also intelligently designed to prevent overheating, uniquely combining liquid cooled motors and inverters with 350V lithium-ion batteries. The high voltage and low current system featured in the new trucks not only greatly reduces heat development, but also incorporates specially designed water-cooled motors and drive controllers to further prevent heat build-up. Battery monitoring systems also help to control under and overcharging.

Whether the trucks are used to unload steel bars from a train, feed concrete moulds into a manufacturing process, or transport wood-based panels through a manufacturing site, the new Hyster electric trucks may provide even better productivity than a diesel alternative. The quiet and comfortable cabin also improves the driver experience, alongside outstanding visibility, ergonomics, and productivity-enhancing features.

“Regardless of if the truck is used for periodic or continuous operation, you can drive these trucks like a diesel,” says van den Brand, explaining that as with an IC-powered Hyster Big Truck, the new electric models provide exceptional traction power, acceleration and drawbar pull.

However, matched with the right application and operating intensity, the Hyster J10-18XD lift trucks may also help operations to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership.

The integrated lithium-ion batteries produce higher performance than lead-acid counterparts and have a longer life cycle, helping to keep costs down. Plus, each truck can be equipped with modular battery packs to store the necessary power required to meet the operational needs. The system is optimally designed for high power opportunity charging, removing the need to swap batteries, so uptime is maximised, and shift changes and breaks become productive. The new truck option requires just 11 minutes of charge for up to one hour of work.

“With less time needed for charging, a wide range of applications can benefit from greater truck availability,” says van den Brand. “Operations with two or three shift operations can easily top up the charge, preventing the need for battery exchange and a separate charging room.  As the battery and electric motor are maintenance free this also helps reduce costs, further contributing to a low Total Cost of Ownership.”

To support businesses in their journey from a diesel to an electric fleet, Hyster works closely with operations to plan the transition, providing options that enable the correct electric lift truck to be configured for differing application needs. The experts at Hyster also advise on the necessary changes to electrical and infrastructure needs, plus a suitable charging strategy and process.  Further support is given through training and servicing throughout the lifetime of the lift truck.

“Green objectives are also important to many businesses, some of which are exploring the implementation of solar panels and other onsite methods of generating electricity. In many countries there are also tax incentives and grants that support companies looking to invest in zero-emissions equipment,” says van den Brand. “These types of applications will find these new trucks an ideal choice when compared to diesel, both environmentally and economically.”

Those switching to lithium-ion forklifts receive the support of their local Hyster dealers. Across the world, they work with each customer to determine the exact requirements for the specific application and configure the battery system to suit the operation.

Safecube launches asset tracking solution

Posted on by David Priestman

French company Safecube, born from a joint venture between Michelin, Sigfox France and Argon & Co in 2019, is launching its new LocaTrack asset tracking solution with IoT technology.

Safecube continues its development in the supply chain ecosystem by providing visibility on transport flows and now assets by leveraging digital innovations such as IoT.

Its initial solution proposed real-time visibility on multimodal flows with an IoT approach. Michelin was the first to use Safecube’s IoT service.

Today, the company is diversifying by creating an asset tracking solution, LocaTrack. This solution will track and monitor assets, while the first Safecube solution provides visibility over supply chain flows.

Almost two years after the launch of its first flow tracking solution, Safecube expertise has expanded to include asset tracking.

The purpose is to offer a global view of the fleet using an intuitive interface for monitoring assets activity. Thanks to trackers positioned on assets and connected to the Sigfox 0G network, it is now possible to know in real-time the exact location of a trailer, a pallet or an industrial tool. Geolocation, asset tracking, fleet maintenance management, etc., The benefits involved are multiple.

This platform integrates directly into the customer’s information system. It allows to track the assets, to monitor their condition (full, empty, cold, hot, etc.) and to optimise their management in a simple way. Safecube’s objective behind this new solution is to make asset tracking and monitoring more accessible and affordable.

“This solution is the logical next step in our goods tracking solution. By democratising asset tracking, especially for non-motorised assets, we are enabling logistics and industrial players to better exploit their assets. “says Waël Cheaib, CEO of Safecube.

The Sigfox 0G network is one of the key differentiators for Safecube, offering low bandwidth to retrieve just the data needed for the visibility issues specific to the supply chain. It allows low energy consumption, a longer tracker life (up to several years), and a low cost.

“How can IoT be a game-changer in supply chain applications? Firstly, by providing visibility beyond company borders,” says Patrick Cason, General Manager of Sigfox France. “In the past, end-to-end visibility was limited by the cost of the solutions needed to capture relevant and valuable data. The return on investment was simply not achievable. Technology like Sigfox is a game-changer because it captures relevant data at minimum cost.

“Secondly, by making it possible to capture this significant data, in the right place and at the right time, in a simple way, without impacting the declared infrastructures or installing a new one. You can’t handle what you can’t measure! LocaTrack allows companies to detect the reality of their business to make informed & relevant decisions.”

Safecube has chosen to maximise the security of the entire data recovery process. The architecture of the Sigfox 0G network and its data transmission protocol from the trackers to the platform has reinforced security.

The company has chosen Microsoft Azure services including Azure IoT Hub for its platform. Azure is not only a flexible and highly available infrastructure, but it is also strongly secured: Each datacentre is physically protected by multi-layered protection, with end-to-end security, from Network, Servers and applications, to data encryption.  Therefore, this infrastructure secures the data transmitted to the end customer.

The LocaTrack solution is already being deployed with several large industrial companies. Today, LocaTrack is part of a larger project to diversify Safecube’s solutions. A new chapter for the company.

Safecube launches asset tracking solution

Posted on by Keith McKinley

French company Safecube, born from a joint venture between Michelin, Sigfox France and Argon & Co in 2019, is launching its new LocaTrack asset tracking solution with IoT technology.

Safecube continues its development in the supply chain ecosystem by providing visibility on transport flows and now assets by leveraging digital innovations such as IoT.

Its initial solution proposed real-time visibility on multimodal flows with an IoT approach. Michelin was the first to use Safecube’s IoT service.

Today, the company is diversifying by creating an asset tracking solution, LocaTrack. This solution will track and monitor assets, while the first Safecube solution provides visibility over supply chain flows.

Almost two years after the launch of its first flow tracking solution, Safecube expertise has expanded to include asset tracking.

The purpose is to offer a global view of the fleet using an intuitive interface for monitoring assets activity. Thanks to trackers positioned on assets and connected to the Sigfox 0G network, it is now possible to know in real-time the exact location of a trailer, a pallet or an industrial tool. Geolocation, asset tracking, fleet maintenance management, etc., The benefits involved are multiple.

This platform integrates directly into the customer’s information system. It allows to track the assets, to monitor their condition (full, empty, cold, hot, etc.) and to optimise their management in a simple way. Safecube’s objective behind this new solution is to make asset tracking and monitoring more accessible and affordable.

“This solution is the logical next step in our goods tracking solution. By democratising asset tracking, especially for non-motorised assets, we are enabling logistics and industrial players to better exploit their assets. “says Waël Cheaib, CEO of Safecube.

The Sigfox 0G network is one of the key differentiators for Safecube, offering low bandwidth to retrieve just the data needed for the visibility issues specific to the supply chain. It allows low energy consumption, a longer tracker life (up to several years), and a low cost.

“How can IoT be a game-changer in supply chain applications? Firstly, by providing visibility beyond company borders,” says Patrick Cason, General Manager of Sigfox France. “In the past, end-to-end visibility was limited by the cost of the solutions needed to capture relevant and valuable data. The return on investment was simply not achievable. Technology like Sigfox is a game-changer because it captures relevant data at minimum cost.

“Secondly, by making it possible to capture this significant data, in the right place and at the right time, in a simple way, without impacting the declared infrastructures or installing a new one. You can’t handle what you can’t measure! LocaTrack allows companies to detect the reality of their business to make informed & relevant decisions.”

Safecube has chosen to maximise the security of the entire data recovery process. The architecture of the Sigfox 0G network and its data transmission protocol from the trackers to the platform has reinforced security.

The company has chosen Microsoft Azure services including Azure IoT Hub for its platform. Azure is not only a flexible and highly available infrastructure, but it is also strongly secured: Each datacentre is physically protected by multi-layered protection, with end-to-end security, from Network, Servers and applications, to data encryption.  Therefore, this infrastructure secures the data transmitted to the end customer.

The LocaTrack solution is already being deployed with several large industrial companies. Today, LocaTrack is part of a larger project to diversify Safecube’s solutions. A new chapter for the company.

Construction of Skandia Gateway on track

Posted on by David Priestman

The film “Skandia Gateway” shows how it will soon be possible for the world’s largest ship to enter the Port of Gothenburg fully loaded and provide increased efficiency and less climate footprint.

The fairway needs to be deepened to 17.5m if the world’s largest ocean-going vessels are to be able to call at the Port of Gothenburg fully loaded. This will prove crucial if Swedish industry is to have greater access to the world in the future. The Skandia Gateway project is already underway and construction is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of next year.

“We are keeping to the timetable and looking forward to breaking ground. At the moment we are working with technical solutions, calculations, risk analyses, and other preconstruction work. The environmental permit process is taking place in parallel at the Land and Environment Court. We hope to secure an environmental permit in time for commencement of construction at the beginning of next year,” said Jan Andersson, Skandia Gateway Project Manager at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

The permit application was submitted to the Land and Environment Court just before Christmas 2020, and during the spring additional documentation will be provided as necessary.

“Everything is proceeding according to plan and no unexpected opinions or objections have emerged. We are looking forward with confidence to seeing how the process will unfold as we move on to the main hearing,” said Kristina Bernstén, Skandia Gateway Sub-Project Manager, Environment, at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

Skandia Gateway has three funding bodies: the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Maritime Administration, and the Gothenburg Port Authority. The port is responsible for the cost of reinforcing the quays and dredging the docks.

“We aim to build sustainably, which means that financial and environmental considerations are our first priority. We are choosing the construction materials carefully and we are conscious of the fact that the quays need to be fit for purpose for many generations to come. To ensure this, the focus in our technical solutions is firmly on life-cycle cost analyses with a 100-year horizon. A higher investment cost initially will be outweighed by lower maintenance costs over time,” said Jan Andersson.

A film has been made to show the need and the importance of having a deeper port area if Swedish industry is to develop in the future. The film explains the work behind increasing the depth of the docks and the fairway from the current 13.5m to 17.5m. Dredging 6km of fairway will result in the removal of 12 million cubic metres of clay. At Skandiahamnen, the existing terminal and 1.2km of quays will be reinforced to allow two ocean-going vessels to load and discharge at the same time.

The first phase in the construction of Skandia Gateway is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Click here to watch the film

Construction of Skandia Gateway on track

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The film “Skandia Gateway” shows how it will soon be possible for the world’s largest ship to enter the Port of Gothenburg fully loaded and provide increased efficiency and less climate footprint.

The fairway needs to be deepened to 17.5m if the world’s largest ocean-going vessels are to be able to call at the Port of Gothenburg fully loaded. This will prove crucial if Swedish industry is to have greater access to the world in the future. The Skandia Gateway project is already underway and construction is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of next year.

“We are keeping to the timetable and looking forward to breaking ground. At the moment we are working with technical solutions, calculations, risk analyses, and other preconstruction work. The environmental permit process is taking place in parallel at the Land and Environment Court. We hope to secure an environmental permit in time for commencement of construction at the beginning of next year,” said Jan Andersson, Skandia Gateway Project Manager at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

The permit application was submitted to the Land and Environment Court just before Christmas 2020, and during the spring additional documentation will be provided as necessary.

“Everything is proceeding according to plan and no unexpected opinions or objections have emerged. We are looking forward with confidence to seeing how the process will unfold as we move on to the main hearing,” said Kristina Bernstén, Skandia Gateway Sub-Project Manager, Environment, at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

Skandia Gateway has three funding bodies: the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Maritime Administration, and the Gothenburg Port Authority. The port is responsible for the cost of reinforcing the quays and dredging the docks.

“We aim to build sustainably, which means that financial and environmental considerations are our first priority. We are choosing the construction materials carefully and we are conscious of the fact that the quays need to be fit for purpose for many generations to come. To ensure this, the focus in our technical solutions is firmly on life-cycle cost analyses with a 100-year horizon. A higher investment cost initially will be outweighed by lower maintenance costs over time,” said Jan Andersson.

A film has been made to show the need and the importance of having a deeper port area if Swedish industry is to develop in the future. The film explains the work behind increasing the depth of the docks and the fairway from the current 13.5m to 17.5m. Dredging 6km of fairway will result in the removal of 12 million cubic metres of clay. At Skandiahamnen, the existing terminal and 1.2km of quays will be reinforced to allow two ocean-going vessels to load and discharge at the same time.

The first phase in the construction of Skandia Gateway is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Click here to watch the film

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