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Month: March 2022

TSC Printronix Auto ID launches versatile desktop printers

Posted on by David Priestman

TSC Printronix Auto ID says it is continuing to set standards in thermal label printing solutions with its latest product development, the TX210 Series. This high-performance, compact desktop printer has been designed to handle, with absolute precision, a variety of applications, from 4”x6” shipping labels right down to very small specimen labels.

Based on the successful and proven TX platform, TSC Printronix Auto ID says these advanced devices are ideally suited to a number of industries such as manufacturing, transport & logistics and healthcare. They can be relied upon to fulfil the most demanding of requirements, and support more applications than most printers in their class including unique standalone print capability, high 600dpi resolution for product marking and graphics, and detailed labels for use in electronics marking.

There are three models in the Series, the TX210, the TX310 and the TX610, delivering maximum print speeds of 8in/s, 6in/s and 4in/second respectively. All three models have robust clamshell exteriors of double shelled plastic, designed to withstand the harshest of working environments.

The TX210 Series is simple to use, it comes with an easy-to-read LED display but an optional, adjustable 3.5” colour LCD display can be angled to allow users to quickly see printer status. Media is easy to load and a clever ribbon-stop mechanism prevents annoying rewind issues when the top cover is open. The feature that many businesses may value most is the printer’s 300m-long ribbon which affords them the opportunity to save time and money.

Another handy feature of the TX210 is its TSC TPH Care Mechanism that detects and monitors print head status in real-time thus ensuring consistent print quality. TSC’s dynamic remote printer management tool with SOTI Connect and the powerful TSC Console further enable enterprises to manage multiple tasks, reduce maintenance costs and avoid costly downtime of their business-critical devices.

As regards connectivity, the TX210 Series comes equipped with USB 2.0, RS-232, USB Host and internal Ethernet as standard, but MFi Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless module and Centronics parallel interfaces are available as options.

The TX210 has a print resolution of 203dpi and a maximum print width of 108mm (4.25”). The TX310 has 300dpi resolution and a print width up to 106mm (4.17”). The TX610 boasts a sharp 600dpi resolution and the same max print width as the TX310, 106mm (4.17”).

TSC Printronix Auto ID launches versatile desktop printers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

TSC Printronix Auto ID says it is continuing to set standards in thermal label printing solutions with its latest product development, the TX210 Series. This high-performance, compact desktop printer has been designed to handle, with absolute precision, a variety of applications, from 4”x6” shipping labels right down to very small specimen labels.

Based on the successful and proven TX platform, TSC Printronix Auto ID says these advanced devices are ideally suited to a number of industries such as manufacturing, transport & logistics and healthcare. They can be relied upon to fulfil the most demanding of requirements, and support more applications than most printers in their class including unique standalone print capability, high 600dpi resolution for product marking and graphics, and detailed labels for use in electronics marking.

There are three models in the Series, the TX210, the TX310 and the TX610, delivering maximum print speeds of 8in/s, 6in/s and 4in/second respectively. All three models have robust clamshell exteriors of double shelled plastic, designed to withstand the harshest of working environments.

The TX210 Series is simple to use, it comes with an easy-to-read LED display but an optional, adjustable 3.5” colour LCD display can be angled to allow users to quickly see printer status. Media is easy to load and a clever ribbon-stop mechanism prevents annoying rewind issues when the top cover is open. The feature that many businesses may value most is the printer’s 300m-long ribbon which affords them the opportunity to save time and money.

Another handy feature of the TX210 is its TSC TPH Care Mechanism that detects and monitors print head status in real-time thus ensuring consistent print quality. TSC’s dynamic remote printer management tool with SOTI Connect and the powerful TSC Console further enable enterprises to manage multiple tasks, reduce maintenance costs and avoid costly downtime of their business-critical devices.

As regards connectivity, the TX210 Series comes equipped with USB 2.0, RS-232, USB Host and internal Ethernet as standard, but MFi Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless module and Centronics parallel interfaces are available as options.

The TX210 has a print resolution of 203dpi and a maximum print width of 108mm (4.25”). The TX310 has 300dpi resolution and a print width up to 106mm (4.17”). The TX610 boasts a sharp 600dpi resolution and the same max print width as the TX310, 106mm (4.17”).

Toyota acquires viastore

Posted on by David Priestman

The shareholders of viastore Group, a leading international provider of intralogistics systems, intralogistics software and supporting services, have today (31st March 2022) signed an agreement to sell all shares in the company to Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).

With its three business units, viastore completes TICO’s range of products and services and will enable an integrated intralogistics offering and customer-specific solutions in the future – from forklifts to fully automatic sorting systems. Together with TICO, viastore will continue to actively pursue its growth strategy.

The new partnership provides viastore with access to the customer portfolio of a leading global engineering group and long-term growth prospects for all three business areas. The parties have agreed not to disclose further details of the transaction, which is still subject to antitrust approval and is expected to close in the third quarter.

Over the past 50 years, the viastore Group has developed into a leading international intralogistics expert. With its three business units – Intralogistics Systems, Intralogistics Software and Supporting Services – viastore is a system integrator for the manufacturing industry and other industries and offers integrated, automated intralogistics solutions.

In recent years, the company has embarked on a successful growth course and, as one of the few companies in the industry worldwide, has consistently relied on software services as an elementary part of its business model. Today, the material flow specialist is present in 17 countries with around 600 employees. For the 2021 financial year, the Group reported sales of around €140m.

Dynamic growth prospects in automation

TICO is a listed Japanese engineering company and a global leader in its field. It operates in three business areas: Automotive (manufacture of vehicles and components), Textile Machinery and Material Handling (Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) – forklifts, warehouse technology and lifting platforms and Toyota Advanced Logistics Group (TALG) – automated integration logistics).

TICO has set itself the goal of further strengthening its global competitiveness and offering its customers a comprehensive range of products and services in the field of intralogistics. In 2017, TICO acquired Vanderlande (Netherlands), one of the world’s leading general contractors for airports, warehouse and parcel logistics process automation solutions, as well as Bastian Solutions (USA), a leading North-American system integrator.

Under the roof of TALG viastore becomes part of an alliance of established, strong intralogistics brands. All three brands, Bastian, Vanderlande and viastore, are among the top 20 intralogistics brands worldwide. They have already successfully established themselves independently on the international market and are now pooling their know-how and innovative strength.

Analysts expect significant growth in the global market for material handling solutions in the coming years. By 2026, they forecast a compound annual growth rate of around 8% and an increase in industry revenue to US$354bn, up from US$195bn in 2018. Against the background of a growing demand for integrated solutions in the field of material handling, viastore is tapping into long-term growth potential through the partnership with TICO and its cooperation with Toyota Material Handling Europe.

Besides a broader approach to the market – especially in the area of small- to mid-sized automation projects – both companies will benefit from their individual strengths e.g. in the fields of Warehouse Management Systems, Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems, forklift trucks and Automated Guided Vehicles and create added value through a combined offering.

Partnership characterised by continuity

The partnership with TICO is characterised by continuity. viastore will continue to actively pursue its strategic development and will operate as an independent unit under the roof of Toyota Advanced Logistics Group (TALG) in the future. Brand, business areas, locations and management will be maintained. The management team consisting of CEO Philipp Hahn-Woernle, CFO Anja Zschernig and the COOs Dr. Harald Goebel and Thomas Hibinger will continue to lead the company.

Philipp Hahn-Woernle, CEO of viastore, said: “In the context of a growing demand for integrated solutions in the field of material handling, TICO has recognised the potential of viastore and presented a vision that is strategically compelling for both sides. In TICO, we have found a partner who appreciates the value of our brand and capabilities and will support the company in its long-term global growth trajectory.

“As an independent unit under the roof of Toyota Advanced Logistics, we will continue our successful course and open up new potential and long-term stability for our customers and employees by belonging to a successful group of companies.”

Norio Wakabayashi, Senior Executive Officer of TICO, added: “The viastore GROUP is a successful company with an outstanding market position. Its complementary business areas make viastore a perfect match for TICO to be able to offer customers an integrated intralogistics solution in the future.

“I am very pleased to welcome the outstanding team of viastore, which strengthens our know-how in the market for intralogistics and expands our family of companies through the addition of another highly recognized intralogistics brand.”

Toyota acquires viastore

Posted on by David Priestman

The shareholders of viastore Group, a leading international provider of intralogistics systems, intralogistics software and supporting services, have today (31st March 2022) signed an agreement to sell all shares in the company to Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).

With its three business units, viastore completes TICO’s range of products and services and will enable an integrated intralogistics offering and customer-specific solutions in the future – from forklifts to fully automatic sorting systems. Together with TICO, viastore will continue to actively pursue its growth strategy.

The new partnership provides viastore with access to the customer portfolio of a leading global engineering group and long-term growth prospects for all three business areas. The parties have agreed not to disclose further details of the transaction, which is still subject to antitrust approval and is expected to close in the third quarter.

Over the past 50 years, the viastore Group has developed into a leading international intralogistics expert. With its three business units – Intralogistics Systems, Intralogistics Software and Supporting Services – viastore is a system integrator for the manufacturing industry and other industries and offers integrated, automated intralogistics solutions.

In recent years, the company has embarked on a successful growth course and, as one of the few companies in the industry worldwide, has consistently relied on software services as an elementary part of its business model. Today, the material flow specialist is present in 17 countries with around 600 employees. For the 2021 financial year, the Group reported sales of around €140m.

Dynamic growth prospects in automation

TICO is a listed Japanese engineering company and a global leader in its field. It operates in three business areas: Automotive (manufacture of vehicles and components), Textile Machinery and Material Handling (Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) – forklifts, warehouse technology and lifting platforms and Toyota Advanced Logistics Group (TALG) – automated integration logistics).

TICO has set itself the goal of further strengthening its global competitiveness and offering its customers a comprehensive range of products and services in the field of intralogistics. In 2017, TICO acquired Vanderlande (Netherlands), one of the world’s leading general contractors for airports, warehouse and parcel logistics process automation solutions, as well as Bastian Solutions (USA), a leading North-American system integrator.

Under the roof of TALG viastore becomes part of an alliance of established, strong intralogistics brands. All three brands, Bastian, Vanderlande and viastore, are among the top 20 intralogistics brands worldwide. They have already successfully established themselves independently on the international market and are now pooling their know-how and innovative strength.

Analysts expect significant growth in the global market for material handling solutions in the coming years. By 2026, they forecast a compound annual growth rate of around 8% and an increase in industry revenue to US$354bn, up from US$195bn in 2018. Against the background of a growing demand for integrated solutions in the field of material handling, viastore is tapping into long-term growth potential through the partnership with TICO and its cooperation with Toyota Material Handling Europe.

Besides a broader approach to the market – especially in the area of small- to mid-sized automation projects – both companies will benefit from their individual strengths e.g. in the fields of Warehouse Management Systems, Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems, forklift trucks and Automated Guided Vehicles and create added value through a combined offering.

Partnership characterised by continuity

The partnership with TICO is characterised by continuity. viastore will continue to actively pursue its strategic development and will operate as an independent unit under the roof of Toyota Advanced Logistics Group (TALG) in the future. Brand, business areas, locations and management will be maintained. The management team consisting of CEO Philipp Hahn-Woernle, CFO Anja Zschernig and the COOs Dr. Harald Goebel and Thomas Hibinger will continue to lead the company.

Philipp Hahn-Woernle, CEO of viastore, said: “In the context of a growing demand for integrated solutions in the field of material handling, TICO has recognised the potential of viastore and presented a vision that is strategically compelling for both sides. In TICO, we have found a partner who appreciates the value of our brand and capabilities and will support the company in its long-term global growth trajectory.

“As an independent unit under the roof of Toyota Advanced Logistics, we will continue our successful course and open up new potential and long-term stability for our customers and employees by belonging to a successful group of companies.”

Norio Wakabayashi, Senior Executive Officer of TICO, added: “The viastore GROUP is a successful company with an outstanding market position. Its complementary business areas make viastore a perfect match for TICO to be able to offer customers an integrated intralogistics solution in the future.

“I am very pleased to welcome the outstanding team of viastore, which strengthens our know-how in the market for intralogistics and expands our family of companies through the addition of another highly recognized intralogistics brand.”

Smart technology in warehousing and logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The smart technology boom has affected all industries, from tech giants to small business owners. Software has changed the game in terms of accessibility to smart technology. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but does have to be impactful. In logistics and warehousing, businesses have excelled in implementing smart technology. Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), automation, blockchain tracking, and IoT (Internet of Things) have changed the way these businesses run. But Danny Hudson, Director of Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) at Intelligent Delivery Management Platform FarEye, asks how have these  things actually changed how we work?

AI, Automation and Loop Optimisation

Although in theory it seems obvious to take the most efficient route, planning route optimisation and getting it right has proved  time-consuming and  often fraught with errors. While AI and automation are two different things, in logistics they go  hand in hand. An example of this could be a machine in a warehouse which transports packages. Automation also applies heavily to loop optimisation, which focuses on route optimisation.

Automation has allowed us, here at FarEye, to reduce use of our resources by changing our routes from what we called a snake format to a cluster format . Essentially this means that we’ve moved our deliveries to tighter, clustered areas, rather than working in a long line. This benefits our clients by reducing time, fuel, environmental impact and risks.

In terms of how we work, automation allowed us to find solutions for things like driver shortages, or limitations within the fleet. This ensures maximum efficiency and profitability per delivery. It increases visibility, and is fully scalable depending on a client’s needs . Integrating just small amounts of automation through loop optimisation has majorly impacted how we work in the industry.

Blockchain Tracking and Parcels

Although automatic package scanning is now commonplace, some warehouses still do this by hand. While not all things can be scanned by machine, or automatically, a large number of things can be, even big and bulky parcels.

The introduction of blockchain tracking has been revolutionary in terms of limiting administration and errors. All items are given a code, which is registered as they move through every stage of the delivery process. This code is stored as a blockchain, which means it’s fully trackable all the way back to production. This allows for full visibility throughout the delivery process, and all stakeholders can access this information. It also means that clients receive real-time updates on parcels, mitigating the likelihood or errors and misinformation.

Internally, it allows for more efficiency as it reduces administrative time and it means that parcels can be recalled and traced back to their origin when needed. Essentially, blockchain item-tracking has allowed  us to work smarter, not harder.

IoT and Administration

IoT (Internet of things) refers to a network of physical objects which have technology such as  software and sensors  allowing them to connect to other devices or systems over the internet. This normally will refer to the exchange of data between objects and these systems. This is largely important for inventory tracking and can be  critical  when it comes to organising processes in  warehouses and to providing access to data.

IoT technologies limit errors and overall costs. They’re  also generally quite straightforward to implement, as most businesses will already have the systems they rely on in place (such as WiFi or Bluetooth). Blockchain item tracking can also fall into this category, however IoT encompasses many other things such as inventory tracking or precise location monitoring.

Having a full system in place, with items  that connect and interact with one another, allows businesses to automate manual tasks and access any data they need online.

A combination of just a few pieces of smart technology can greatly improve productivity, resource usage and error. AI, automation, blockchain item tracking and the  IoT have proved game-changing for a large number of our clients. It’s changed how we work, allowing us to spend more time on higher-priority tasks. We’re constantly looking for new ways to implement these technologies, and with clients responding so positively to them, we don’t see anything but smooth and efficient warehousing ahead.

 

 

Smart technology in warehousing and logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

The smart technology boom has affected all industries, from tech giants to small business owners. Software has changed the game in terms of accessibility to smart technology. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but does have to be impactful. In logistics and warehousing, businesses have excelled in implementing smart technology. Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), automation, blockchain tracking, and IoT (Internet of Things) have changed the way these businesses run. But Danny Hudson, Director of Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) at Intelligent Delivery Management Platform FarEye, asks how have these  things actually changed how we work?

AI, Automation and Loop Optimisation

Although in theory it seems obvious to take the most efficient route, planning route optimisation and getting it right has proved  time-consuming and  often fraught with errors. While AI and automation are two different things, in logistics they go  hand in hand. An example of this could be a machine in a warehouse which transports packages. Automation also applies heavily to loop optimisation, which focuses on route optimisation.

Automation has allowed us, here at FarEye, to reduce use of our resources by changing our routes from what we called a snake format to a cluster format . Essentially this means that we’ve moved our deliveries to tighter, clustered areas, rather than working in a long line. This benefits our clients by reducing time, fuel, environmental impact and risks.

In terms of how we work, automation allowed us to find solutions for things like driver shortages, or limitations within the fleet. This ensures maximum efficiency and profitability per delivery. It increases visibility, and is fully scalable depending on a client’s needs . Integrating just small amounts of automation through loop optimisation has majorly impacted how we work in the industry.

Blockchain Tracking and Parcels

Although automatic package scanning is now commonplace, some warehouses still do this by hand. While not all things can be scanned by machine, or automatically, a large number of things can be, even big and bulky parcels.

The introduction of blockchain tracking has been revolutionary in terms of limiting administration and errors. All items are given a code, which is registered as they move through every stage of the delivery process. This code is stored as a blockchain, which means it’s fully trackable all the way back to production. This allows for full visibility throughout the delivery process, and all stakeholders can access this information. It also means that clients receive real-time updates on parcels, mitigating the likelihood or errors and misinformation.

Internally, it allows for more efficiency as it reduces administrative time and it means that parcels can be recalled and traced back to their origin when needed. Essentially, blockchain item-tracking has allowed  us to work smarter, not harder.

IoT and Administration

IoT (Internet of things) refers to a network of physical objects which have technology such as  software and sensors  allowing them to connect to other devices or systems over the internet. This normally will refer to the exchange of data between objects and these systems. This is largely important for inventory tracking and can be  critical  when it comes to organising processes in  warehouses and to providing access to data.

IoT technologies limit errors and overall costs. They’re  also generally quite straightforward to implement, as most businesses will already have the systems they rely on in place (such as WiFi or Bluetooth). Blockchain item tracking can also fall into this category, however IoT encompasses many other things such as inventory tracking or precise location monitoring.

Having a full system in place, with items  that connect and interact with one another, allows businesses to automate manual tasks and access any data they need online.

A combination of just a few pieces of smart technology can greatly improve productivity, resource usage and error. AI, automation, blockchain item tracking and the  IoT have proved game-changing for a large number of our clients. It’s changed how we work, allowing us to spend more time on higher-priority tasks. We’re constantly looking for new ways to implement these technologies, and with clients responding so positively to them, we don’t see anything but smooth and efficient warehousing ahead.

 

 

Garbe develops logistics property in Bitterfeld-Wolfen

Posted on by David Priestman

Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH has started construction of an 82,000 sq m logistics centre in Bitterfeld-Wolfen (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany), 30km north of Leipzig. The property is being built by a joint venture comprising Garbe Industrial Real Estate, BREMER Projektentwicklung GmbH and the Quakernack Group. The building is scheduled to be completed next year. The investment volume amounts to around €72m.

The new building is being constructed on a 222,000 sq m site in the Central Germany Technology Park. The joint venture acquired the site, which is ready for development, from the city of Bitterfeld last year. The property will consist of two units. The larger one is already leased to a medium-sized German e-commerce company. The online retailer will use around 48,000 sq m for storing, picking and shipping its items. This part of the building is scheduled for completion in February 2023. As required, it can be expanded by 40,000 sq ft. A corresponding expansion option has been agreed.

Construction of the smaller unit is taking place without any fixed rental commitments. It is designed as a multi-user property, will have a total area of 34,000 sq m and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of next year. The smaller unit will be equipped with 32 dock levellers and three ground-level gates. A total of 485 car and 49 truck parking spaces will be created on the outdoor area. Of these, 140 car and 23 truck parking spaces will be allocated to the smaller part of the building.

“The entire property will meet the highest energy requirements,” emphasises Jan Dietrich Hempel, Managing Director of Garbe Industrial Real Estate. The building will be constructed in accordance with the KfW’s (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau/Credit Institute for Reconstruction) Efficiency House 40 standard. The property will therefore consume 60% less energy than that stipulated by the Building Energy Act. A photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof surface to generate renewable energy. The joint venture has commissioned BREMER Leipzig GmbH as general contractor to build the property.

Garbe develops

Hempel expects the building section, which is being constructed on a speculative basis, to be fully leased during the construction phase: “Bitterfeld-Wolfen is an up-and-coming location in the Leipzig-Halle logistics region that offers excellent growth prospects. The excellent cooperation with the city administration undoubtedly also contributes to this.”

In addition, the Garbe managing director underlines the transport connections. The technology park is located only a few hundred metres from the junction to the A9 motorway. It is one of the most important north-south axes connecting Bitterfeld-Wolfen with Leipzig, Nuremberg and Munich to the south and the greater Berlin area to the north. Leipzig-Halle Airport is about 30km away. So far, the technology park has mainly been home to companies from the materials development, automotive and solar cell industries.

read more

Germany’s Garbe Acquires 16 Cold Chain Logistics Centres

 

Tompkins-GRS partnership yields RaaS model

Posted on by David Priestman

Tompkins Robotics, a global leader in the robotic automation of distribution and fulfilment operations, has partnered with Global Robotics Services (GRS), a GLP backed platform that provides financial backing for collaborative robots as a service (RaaS) solutions.

The Tompkins Robotics – GRS RaaS solution provides customers with the ability to pay for what they consume including equipment, installation, commissioning, and support costs, all of which are included in the service level agreement (SLA). This innovative model gives customers the flexibility of a subscription-based pricing and service option instead of traditional capital equipment purchase and support model. This conserves capital, converts investment to an operating cost, and allows a customer to “pay as they go” for the use of the system.

RaaS also provides customers with the ability to scale up and down rapidly and easily in response to changing market conditions or seasonal demand such as the Holiday season, Back to School, January returns, and other seasonal events.

Tompkins Robotics, with its tSort robotic solution, has developed a reputation for execution of projects, rapid deployment, scalable layout design, understanding of US building codes, and knowledge of logistics operations. GRS brings the financial strength and resources of a global logistics real estate investor, developer, and operator. Together, Tompkins Robotics and GRS will bring new opportunities for US companies easy entry into automation and robotics.

Mike Futch, CEO of Tompkins Robotics, said: “The asset services support from our partnership with GRS will position Tompkins Robotics to implement a RaaS deployment for customers that prefer this model versus our existing capital procurement business model. In addition, our solutions have always had a reputation for being flexible, now we have the opportunity to allow financial flexibility as well.”

Hongming Chen, CEO of GRS, added: “Our vision is to accelerate the adoption of automation while lowering the barrier to entry for businesses when it comes to robotics technology. The subscription-based model of RaaS creates lower upfront capital requirements, reduced fixed costs and flexible lease terms which helps bridge the automation gap for many small to mid-size enterprises.

“A full package of services including consulting, implementation, maintenance, systems and robotics upgrading can all be provided as part of this service. With both parties expertise and resources, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Tompkins in greater depth and breadth to provide a more holistic solution to our customers.”

 

Tompkins-GRS partnership yields RaaS model

Posted on by David Priestman

Tompkins Robotics, a global leader in the robotic automation of distribution and fulfilment operations, has partnered with Global Robotics Services (GRS), a GLP backed platform that provides financial backing for collaborative robots as a service (RaaS) solutions.

The Tompkins Robotics – GRS RaaS solution provides customers with the ability to pay for what they consume including equipment, installation, commissioning, and support costs, all of which are included in the service level agreement (SLA). This innovative model gives customers the flexibility of a subscription-based pricing and service option instead of traditional capital equipment purchase and support model. This conserves capital, converts investment to an operating cost, and allows a customer to “pay as they go” for the use of the system.

RaaS also provides customers with the ability to scale up and down rapidly and easily in response to changing market conditions or seasonal demand such as the Holiday season, Back to School, January returns, and other seasonal events.

Tompkins Robotics, with its tSort robotic solution, has developed a reputation for execution of projects, rapid deployment, scalable layout design, understanding of US building codes, and knowledge of logistics operations. GRS brings the financial strength and resources of a global logistics real estate investor, developer, and operator. Together, Tompkins Robotics and GRS will bring new opportunities for US companies easy entry into automation and robotics.

Mike Futch, CEO of Tompkins Robotics, said: “The asset services support from our partnership with GRS will position Tompkins Robotics to implement a RaaS deployment for customers that prefer this model versus our existing capital procurement business model. In addition, our solutions have always had a reputation for being flexible, now we have the opportunity to allow financial flexibility as well.”

Hongming Chen, CEO of GRS, added: “Our vision is to accelerate the adoption of automation while lowering the barrier to entry for businesses when it comes to robotics technology. The subscription-based model of RaaS creates lower upfront capital requirements, reduced fixed costs and flexible lease terms which helps bridge the automation gap for many small to mid-size enterprises.

“A full package of services including consulting, implementation, maintenance, systems and robotics upgrading can all be provided as part of this service. With both parties expertise and resources, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Tompkins in greater depth and breadth to provide a more holistic solution to our customers.”

 

Locus Robotics expands range with new AMRs

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for fulfilment warehouses, announced at MODEX that it has expanded its line of warehouse AMRs with the introduction of Locus Vector and Locus Max.

These new form factors join the Locus Origin robot to form a comprehensive family of AMRs for a broad range of warehouse use cases. The new line addresses use cases from ecommerce, case-picking, and pallet-picking to scenarios requiring larger, heavier payloads to support the full range of product movement needs in today’s fulfilment and distribution warehouses.

“With these new LocusBots, we’re able to help our clients alleviate significant labour challenges and achieve optimal productivity by using the right bot for the job,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Locus is the proven leader in developing highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimisation, while delivering a fast time to value.”

“Locus’s innovative multi-bot solution has helped DHL to consistently double our workers’ productivity all around the world,” added Adrian Kumar, Global Head of Operations Science & Analytics at DHL Supply Chain. “This new robot line-up – with the different form factors all working together as a coordinated fleet – means we always assign the right robot, even as our needs change dynamically throughout the workday.”

The LocusBots are fully integrated within LocusOne, the intelligent, multi-bot warehouse orchestration platform that delivers predictable, efficient, and scalable productivity and cost optimisation for all product movement within the four walls of the warehouse. The platform seamlessly centralizes and coordinates a dynamic, multi-bot fleet while also providing detailed, forward-looking, and actionable business intelligence and reporting for effective management and planning.

The new offerings further extend Locus’s position as the industry AMR leader for the automation and digitisation of warehouses, distribution and fulfilment centres to meet increasing order volumes, labour shortages, and rising consumer expectations.

The new line of LocusBots consists of:

Locus Origin – Engineered for maximum warehouse efficiency, Locus Origin delivers proven fulfilment productivity coupled with agile manoeuvrability, incorporating the latest navigation and vision system technologies. It works easily and collaboratively with associates in dynamic warehouse environments.

Locus Vector – The industrial-strength AMR with the flexibility for a wide range of roles from fulfilment to transport to putaway. Locus Vector features omnidirectional mobility, compact design, and robust payload capacity for use in any environment. Locus Vector will ship to customers starting this summer.

Locus Max – Heavyweight payload capacity and unparalleled flexibility to easily transport a wide variety of heavy materials, cartons, or pallets across your facility. Locus Max is ideal for industrial and material handling applications. Currently deployed at several sites, Locus Max will have limited availability in 2022 and expanded availability in 2023.

All LocusBots will be available through the company’s all-inclusive, Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) pricing model and can be added to existing and new workflows, enabling operations to dynamically scale and adapt to changing market demands.

 

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