RARUK expands UR training team

The quality resources RARUK Automation (UK) Limited provides its customers has been central to its promotion from gold to platinum status Universal Robots (UR) distributor. Dedicated UR training is a key element. The company opened the UK’s first UR Authorised Training Centre at its headquarters in Bedfordshire just two years ago and despite COVID-19 disruption, the facility has gone from strength to strength.

To support demand, RARUK Automation has further expanded its training team. Automation technician Harry Brunker, who holds a first-class honours degree in mechanical engineering with professional development from Brunel University, has joined the line-up of certified UR trainers. Brunker and his fellow trainer Paul Keeling provide tuition in collaborative robot programming, empowering UK customers to get the very best return from their UR investment.

The UR Authorised Training Centre Network, of which RARUK Automation is part, allows a variety of modules to be delivered in a local, classroom environment or online. They cover core to advanced cobot programming, including cobot scripting, preventative maintenance, system troubleshooting and parts replacement. Beyond that, the company has the benefit of showroom and laboratory facilities to help customers explore and prove cobot applications.

RARUK expands UR training team

The quality resources RARUK Automation (UK) Limited provides its customers has been central to its promotion from gold to platinum status Universal Robots (UR) distributor. Dedicated UR training is a key element. The company opened the UK’s first UR Authorised Training Centre at its headquarters in Bedfordshire just two years ago and despite COVID-19 disruption, the facility has gone from strength to strength.

To support demand, RARUK Automation has further expanded its training team. Automation technician Harry Brunker, who holds a first-class honours degree in mechanical engineering with professional development from Brunel University, has joined the line-up of certified UR trainers. Brunker and his fellow trainer Paul Keeling provide tuition in collaborative robot programming, empowering UK customers to get the very best return from their UR investment.

The UR Authorised Training Centre Network, of which RARUK Automation is part, allows a variety of modules to be delivered in a local, classroom environment or online. They cover core to advanced cobot programming, including cobot scripting, preventative maintenance, system troubleshooting and parts replacement. Beyond that, the company has the benefit of showroom and laboratory facilities to help customers explore and prove cobot applications.

Peak parcel volume growth declined in 2021

E-commerce delivery experience platform Parcel Perform has unveiled new logistics insights based on parcel tracking volumes around 2021’s peak e-commerce season for the US and Europe. The findings indicate and reinforce an industry-wide consensus of the decline in the lustre and appeal of Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) e-commerce events among consumers.

Based on the data generated from Parcel Perform’s community and insights platform, Parcel Monitor, parcel volumes in the US grew by 43% compared to pre-BFCM levels, falling short of 2020’s volumes at 71%. In Europe, there was 70% parcel volume growth in 2021, a significant dip from 94% experienced in 2020.

The decline was even more noticeable in the UK, where parcel volumes decreased from 98% during BFCM 2020 to 45% during BFCM 2021. A similar trend was also seen in Germany, from 90% in 2020 to 79% in 2021.

This trend follows predictions in early November 2021 that EU and US consumers would shop earlier for the holidays and would not choose to wait for the BFCM sales. Similarly, the findings also align with Adobe’s analysis, which pointed to a 1.4% decline in US e-commerce spending during the festive shopping period.

Parcel transit times appeared to have improved year-on-year with only a slight delay during BFCM 2021, with US merchants having shown a greater improvement than their EU counterparts in handling parcel surges. There was a 23% delay in delivery times in 2020; that number decreased to 13% in 2021. In Europe, transit times improved year-on-year with only a slight impediment during the peak season with a delay in 10% delivery times for 2021 compared to 2020 at 9%.

“Insights into our data between pre-BFCM and BFCM parcel volumes reveal the ongoing shift in online consumer attitudes towards festive shopping,” said Dana von der Heide (pictured), Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Parcel Perform.

“Despite global supply chains grappling with pent-up demand for consumer goods, the improvement in transit times was indicative of consolidated efforts of many carriers being better prepared for potential peak season surges in parcel deliveries.

“Global e-commerce sales are projected to reach an estimated US$5tr in 2022, and consumers are getting better at anticipating and identifying opportunities for online savings and deals beyond yearly peak periods. At Parcel Perform, we expect e-commerce parcel volumes to grow significantly in 2022. We are committed to helping our merchant partners and carriers optimise their parcel delivery services to meet the growing demand for end-to-end fulfilment.”

Adding his opinion to the consensus, Nate Skiver, Founder of LPF Spend Management, said: “Parcel carrier delivery performance appeared to have collectively improved significantly in 2021 over 2020. I believe the combination of carriers’ network expansion and staffing efforts, package volume being more spread out over the Q4 period, and larger retail shippers diversifying their carrier base all contributed to the improved delivery performance.”

“The decline for Black Friday and Cyber Monday doesn’t come as a surprise,” remarked Wolfgang Lehmacher, Former Head of Supply Chain and Transport at the World Economic Forum. “2020 was an exceptional year for e-commerce, with digital adoption serving as a silver lining to the pandemic. In 2021, consumers yearned to return to the physical retail experience, which saw a shift in spending patterns during the festive peak period. We will see more innovations in 2022 that will continue to blur the lines between e-commerce and retail. I’m confident that the sector will maintain its strong growth in 2022, possibly surpassing 2020 and 2021 collectively.

Utilising Parcel Perform’s proprietary machine learning technology, Parcel Monitor’s research team analysed more than one billion anonymised data points from 130+ countries each year through its benchmarking and carrier performance measurement activities.

High-quality data from millions of parcels tracked from more than 700+ carriers have been analysed to create these findings. In addition, Parcel Monitor’s analysts compared the parcel volume growth and transit time between three weeks before Black Friday Cyber Monday and three weeks after Black Friday Cyber Monday.

 

Baoli offers Li-ion lift pallet truck

Industrial truck manufacturer Baoli, part of the KION Group, has launched a new electric hand pallet truck. The EP 15-03, which it says is as efficient as it is versatile, is suitable for transporting goods economically and without fatigue, as well as for storing and retrieving goods.

Lithium-ion batteries ensure that the new pallet truck is both easy to handle and maintenance-free and can be recharged at any time without gas emission at a standard 220V socket. Baoli says this makes the EP 15-03 an enduring, easy-to-maintain performer in the warehouse.

“Our new low-lift truck can be used for almost any internal goods transport in small and medium-sized warehouses, for example in wholesale and retail. In addition, like all BAOLI industrial trucks, it is particularly robust and therefore ideally suited for long-term use,” says Francesco Pampuri, Brand Management Director KION ITS EMEA, describing some of the key benefits of the new machine.

At the same time, with its load capacity of 1,500kg, a tare weight of just 120kg and its 24V/20Ah lithium-ion batteries, the EP 15-03 can really get things moving – even on tail lifts or freight elevators thanks to its low tare weight.

However, the vehicle is not only characterised by its robust design. According to Baoli, it also scores with its intuitive operation. All travel and lifting functions are electrically operated. The manually operated lowering handle ensures a smooth lowering process that avoids damage to the goods. The extra low-mounted tiller reduces the effort required for steering and predestines the new vehicle for pedestrian operation.

The compact dimensions, small turning radius and precision gear make the EP 15-03 an ideal solution even for areas with little space for movement. When the precision gear switch is activated, the operator can steer the truck even when the tiller is in a vertical position. This enables particularly precise manoeuvring. The lift motor and the particularly smooth hydraulic system ensure gentle and precise lifting and lowering operations.

The EP 15-03 is powered by a maintenance-free and gas-emission-free 24V/20Ah lithium-ion battery. This is charged quickly and easily at any standard socket via the external charger. An LED light indicates the charge status of the battery. Fast intermediate charging is possible at any time without affecting the battery. Should intermediate charging processes not be possible for some reason, optional replacement batteries ensure vehicle availability.

“With the new EP 15-03, Baoli has launched a pallet truck that is much more than just a replacement for a hand pallet truck. The electric drive relieves the operator enormously and ensures significantly faster and more efficient goods flows in the warehouse,” concludes Pampuri.

Baoli offers Li-ion lift pallet truck

Industrial truck manufacturer Baoli, part of the KION Group, has launched a new electric hand pallet truck. The EP 15-03, which it says is as efficient as it is versatile, is suitable for transporting goods economically and without fatigue, as well as for storing and retrieving goods.

Lithium-ion batteries ensure that the new pallet truck is both easy to handle and maintenance-free and can be recharged at any time without gas emission at a standard 220V socket. Baoli says this makes the EP 15-03 an enduring, easy-to-maintain performer in the warehouse.

“Our new low-lift truck can be used for almost any internal goods transport in small and medium-sized warehouses, for example in wholesale and retail. In addition, like all BAOLI industrial trucks, it is particularly robust and therefore ideally suited for long-term use,” says Francesco Pampuri, Brand Management Director KION ITS EMEA, describing some of the key benefits of the new machine.

At the same time, with its load capacity of 1,500kg, a tare weight of just 120kg and its 24V/20Ah lithium-ion batteries, the EP 15-03 can really get things moving – even on tail lifts or freight elevators thanks to its low tare weight.

However, the vehicle is not only characterised by its robust design. According to Baoli, it also scores with its intuitive operation. All travel and lifting functions are electrically operated. The manually operated lowering handle ensures a smooth lowering process that avoids damage to the goods. The extra low-mounted tiller reduces the effort required for steering and predestines the new vehicle for pedestrian operation.

The compact dimensions, small turning radius and precision gear make the EP 15-03 an ideal solution even for areas with little space for movement. When the precision gear switch is activated, the operator can steer the truck even when the tiller is in a vertical position. This enables particularly precise manoeuvring. The lift motor and the particularly smooth hydraulic system ensure gentle and precise lifting and lowering operations.

The EP 15-03 is powered by a maintenance-free and gas-emission-free 24V/20Ah lithium-ion battery. This is charged quickly and easily at any standard socket via the external charger. An LED light indicates the charge status of the battery. Fast intermediate charging is possible at any time without affecting the battery. Should intermediate charging processes not be possible for some reason, optional replacement batteries ensure vehicle availability.

“With the new EP 15-03, Baoli has launched a pallet truck that is much more than just a replacement for a hand pallet truck. The electric drive relieves the operator enormously and ensures significantly faster and more efficient goods flows in the warehouse,” concludes Pampuri.

Elanders UK makes senior appointment

North Tyneside-based Elanders UK has appointed Martin Ellison to the position of head of business development.

Having previously worked as head of sales and marketing at Cirrus Research, in his new role Martin will head up the UK business development team with a strong focus on growing the businesses supply chain footprint within the fashion & lifestyle and consumer goods sectors.

Elanders UK is part of Elanders Group, a global partner for integrated supply chain solutions with over 90 operations across four continents. It provides flexible and agile solutions for complex supply chains, providing customers with value-added services such as print and packaging resources which are integrated into its core business model.

Ellison said: “This is an exciting time to join Elanders UK and I am looking forward to working alongside the senior management and marketing teams to help grow the business within existing markets and through the sectors we have identified as offering real opportunities for growth.

“We have very ambitious growth plans for the UK, which would see us grow substantiality from our current position. To achieve our goal, we will be appointing additional, skilled people, during the next 24 months.

“As an integrated supply chain specialist, we add real value to customers. We have the ability to manage the supply chain process from initial customer contact through to fulfilment. We offer such a diverse range of services it allows us to be flexible in terms of the solutions we offer our customers and the way we operate the business.”

Kevin Rogers, managing director for Elanders in the UK, said: “It’s exciting times at Elanders, as we have very ambitious growth plans and we will take a real focus on our supply chain capabilities. It’s great to have Martin on board with his many years of experience in business development to guide our already strong performing sales and marketing teams.”

Elanders UK makes senior appointment

North Tyneside-based Elanders UK has appointed Martin Ellison to the position of head of business development.

Having previously worked as head of sales and marketing at Cirrus Research, in his new role Martin will head up the UK business development team with a strong focus on growing the businesses supply chain footprint within the fashion & lifestyle and consumer goods sectors.

Elanders UK is part of Elanders Group, a global partner for integrated supply chain solutions with over 90 operations across four continents. It provides flexible and agile solutions for complex supply chains, providing customers with value-added services such as print and packaging resources which are integrated into its core business model.

Ellison said: “This is an exciting time to join Elanders UK and I am looking forward to working alongside the senior management and marketing teams to help grow the business within existing markets and through the sectors we have identified as offering real opportunities for growth.

“We have very ambitious growth plans for the UK, which would see us grow substantiality from our current position. To achieve our goal, we will be appointing additional, skilled people, during the next 24 months.

“As an integrated supply chain specialist, we add real value to customers. We have the ability to manage the supply chain process from initial customer contact through to fulfilment. We offer such a diverse range of services it allows us to be flexible in terms of the solutions we offer our customers and the way we operate the business.”

Kevin Rogers, managing director for Elanders in the UK, said: “It’s exciting times at Elanders, as we have very ambitious growth plans and we will take a real focus on our supply chain capabilities. It’s great to have Martin on board with his many years of experience in business development to guide our already strong performing sales and marketing teams.”

Electric motorbikes optimised for mobile workforces

CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorbikes, has launched CAKE :work; a new series of powerful and durable electric utility vehicles designed and developed for professional applications such as delivery drivers (food and parcel), craftsmen, and service professionals.

With the launch of the :work series, CAKE will speed up the transition to sustainable cities and facilitate significant cuts in emissions by offering solutions and opportunities for businesses striving to develop environmentally sustainable and more efficient services and logistics. The new series of professional-grade electric two wheeled vehicles addresses several urgent challenges facing metropolitan areas worldwide.

Globally there are two billion fossil fuel-driven vehicles on the road that emit five gigatons of CO2 annually – driving climate change. To date, more than 150 cities worldwide have announced restrictions on combustion engine transportation. Innovation and investment in sustainable transportation must happen at haste, to navigate tighter emissions targets and restrictions on fossil-fuelled vehicles.

“The CAKE :work series offers the immediate potential of moving last-mile deliveries and mobile workforces away from traditional solutions for urban transportation, clearly exceeding the efficiency of both cars and bicycles, making this initiative our single most important contribution to date in speeding up the process towards a zero-emission society,” says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE.

“Any industry that handles large volumes of short-haul transportation of both people and goods understands the daily struggle with traffic jams, parking fines, and the need to find both economical and sustainable fossil fuel-free vehicles. At CAKE, we truly believe that the future for last-mile deliveries will be electric and run on two wheels.”

CAKE for professionals

Designed and developed in close collaboration with different professional user groups, the new :work series builds upon CAKE’s three existing platforms: Kalk (high performance off road), Ösa (modular utility bike), and Makka (urban commuter).

Optimising power, reach, efficiency, and capacity, the adjustments and reinforcements specific to the :work series include an increased range that allows the bike to run for the full working day, and power support which enables workers to power electronic tools or regulate the temperature of food delivery boxes, for example.

Additionally, :work has an increased towing capacity as well as a more compact design, such as narrower handlebars, allowing riders to more easily weave between cars. That will allow riders to modify and customise their machines in more than one hundred different configurations to suit their type of work.

The :work series is built to endure the demands of the working professional, offering a low total cost of ownership and, as a result, increased profit margins. Additionally, much like the other series, they are designed to have minimum impact on the environment. This makes it an ideal solution for last-mile deliveries (an industry which is expected to be worth over $200bn by 2027), the e-commerce delivery sector (growing by more than 78% in 100 of the world’s largest cities), and food deliveries, which are predicted to grow by 60%.

The bikes

Makka :work – the lightweight and agile urban shuttle comes in two new models (45km/h and 25km/h). Now with more peak power, up to 110km range and new accessories to carry more loads. The new Makka model comes with external power outlets, allowing users to supply off-grid power to electric gadgets as well as heavy-duty power tools like grinders, drills, and more.

Ösa :work – the powerful workbench and towing truck on two wheels. Comes in three models, with top speeds of 90, 45 and 25km/h, with more peak power, up to 160km range, and new trailers to haul loads of up to 1,500 litres. As with the original Ösa, these bikes can also supply off-grid power to heavy-duty tools and gadgets through the bike’s battery system.

Kalk :work – the efficient outbound explorer. Its 18” off-road tires and unique :work ride modes makes for a bike ideal for surveillance, service, patrolling or similar, to reach remote places through rough terrain. The new Kalk :work is street-legal and comes with a new rack to bring work tools or gear along.

All bikes come with new :work ride modes, adapted for professional user needs. They also come with custom ride modes, available to customise directly in the CAKE Connect App.

A wide range of new accessories have been added, as well as new pre-configurations. Among the highlights are the rear and front carrier, together carrying loads of up to 150kg. The new big Carla Cargo trailer pulls loads of up to 150kg and the compact Fårö trailer carries up to 50kg of weight.

 

Electric motorbikes optimised for mobile workforces

CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorbikes, has launched CAKE :work; a new series of powerful and durable electric utility vehicles designed and developed for professional applications such as delivery drivers (food and parcel), craftsmen, and service professionals.

With the launch of the :work series, CAKE will speed up the transition to sustainable cities and facilitate significant cuts in emissions by offering solutions and opportunities for businesses striving to develop environmentally sustainable and more efficient services and logistics. The new series of professional-grade electric two wheeled vehicles addresses several urgent challenges facing metropolitan areas worldwide.

Globally there are two billion fossil fuel-driven vehicles on the road that emit five gigatons of CO2 annually – driving climate change. To date, more than 150 cities worldwide have announced restrictions on combustion engine transportation. Innovation and investment in sustainable transportation must happen at haste, to navigate tighter emissions targets and restrictions on fossil-fuelled vehicles.

“The CAKE :work series offers the immediate potential of moving last-mile deliveries and mobile workforces away from traditional solutions for urban transportation, clearly exceeding the efficiency of both cars and bicycles, making this initiative our single most important contribution to date in speeding up the process towards a zero-emission society,” says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE.

“Any industry that handles large volumes of short-haul transportation of both people and goods understands the daily struggle with traffic jams, parking fines, and the need to find both economical and sustainable fossil fuel-free vehicles. At CAKE, we truly believe that the future for last-mile deliveries will be electric and run on two wheels.”

CAKE for professionals

Designed and developed in close collaboration with different professional user groups, the new :work series builds upon CAKE’s three existing platforms: Kalk (high performance off road), Ösa (modular utility bike), and Makka (urban commuter).

Optimising power, reach, efficiency, and capacity, the adjustments and reinforcements specific to the :work series include an increased range that allows the bike to run for the full working day, and power support which enables workers to power electronic tools or regulate the temperature of food delivery boxes, for example.

Additionally, :work has an increased towing capacity as well as a more compact design, such as narrower handlebars, allowing riders to more easily weave between cars. That will allow riders to modify and customise their machines in more than one hundred different configurations to suit their type of work.

The :work series is built to endure the demands of the working professional, offering a low total cost of ownership and, as a result, increased profit margins. Additionally, much like the other series, they are designed to have minimum impact on the environment. This makes it an ideal solution for last-mile deliveries (an industry which is expected to be worth over $200bn by 2027), the e-commerce delivery sector (growing by more than 78% in 100 of the world’s largest cities), and food deliveries, which are predicted to grow by 60%.

The bikes

Makka :work – the lightweight and agile urban shuttle comes in two new models (45km/h and 25km/h). Now with more peak power, up to 110km range and new accessories to carry more loads. The new Makka model comes with external power outlets, allowing users to supply off-grid power to electric gadgets as well as heavy-duty power tools like grinders, drills, and more.

Ösa :work – the powerful workbench and towing truck on two wheels. Comes in three models, with top speeds of 90, 45 and 25km/h, with more peak power, up to 160km range, and new trailers to haul loads of up to 1,500 litres. As with the original Ösa, these bikes can also supply off-grid power to heavy-duty tools and gadgets through the bike’s battery system.

Kalk :work – the efficient outbound explorer. Its 18” off-road tires and unique :work ride modes makes for a bike ideal for surveillance, service, patrolling or similar, to reach remote places through rough terrain. The new Kalk :work is street-legal and comes with a new rack to bring work tools or gear along.

All bikes come with new :work ride modes, adapted for professional user needs. They also come with custom ride modes, available to customise directly in the CAKE Connect App.

A wide range of new accessories have been added, as well as new pre-configurations. Among the highlights are the rear and front carrier, together carrying loads of up to 150kg. The new big Carla Cargo trailer pulls loads of up to 150kg and the compact Fårö trailer carries up to 50kg of weight.

 

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