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Month: April 2022

Cognex launches bottom-side barcode reader with 99.9% accuracy

Posted on by David Priestman

Cognex Corporation recently introduced the DataMan 470 Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System. With an area-scan-based approach, the system quickly and accurately reads codes on packages with face-down labels, making it ideal for solving high-speed, complex material handling applications in retail distribution and e-commerce fulfilment centres.

“As online shoppers increasingly expect same or next-day delivery, retailers are under pressure to increase throughput as orders move through supply chains and logistics channels,” said Carl Gerst, Cognex Executive Vice President. “By extending barcode reading coverage to the underside of the box, the DataMan 470 Bottom-Side Reading System ensures the right products get routed to the right customers as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Cognex Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System deciphers 1D and 2D codes faster than traditional line scan technology, which builds the entire image before decoding, causing packages to travel longer distances. By capturing images and executing patented algorithms simultaneously, Cognex readers deliver faster results while reducing the distance between the reader and the divert. Additionally, expanding scan coverage to the bottom side of packages yields higher read rates that reduce manual manipulation and rework costs. The system offers the capability to reads codes on the underside of packages with 99.9% accuracy.

Positioned under the conveyor and weighing just 16kg (35 lbs), the Cognex Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System uses DataMan 470 barcode readers to decipher codes as packages pass over a gap in the belt. The compact system can be installed individually or as part of a multi-sided tunnel in just 30 minutes.

CLICK HERE for more information.

 

 

Cognex launches bottom-side barcode reader with 99.9% accuracy

Posted on by David Priestman

Cognex Corporation recently introduced the DataMan 470 Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System. With an area-scan-based approach, the system quickly and accurately reads codes on packages with face-down labels, making it ideal for solving high-speed, complex material handling applications in retail distribution and e-commerce fulfilment centres.

“As online shoppers increasingly expect same or next-day delivery, retailers are under pressure to increase throughput as orders move through supply chains and logistics channels,” said Carl Gerst, Cognex Executive Vice President. “By extending barcode reading coverage to the underside of the box, the DataMan 470 Bottom-Side Reading System ensures the right products get routed to the right customers as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Cognex Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System deciphers 1D and 2D codes faster than traditional line scan technology, which builds the entire image before decoding, causing packages to travel longer distances. By capturing images and executing patented algorithms simultaneously, Cognex readers deliver faster results while reducing the distance between the reader and the divert. Additionally, expanding scan coverage to the bottom side of packages yields higher read rates that reduce manual manipulation and rework costs. The system offers the capability to reads codes on the underside of packages with 99.9% accuracy.

Positioned under the conveyor and weighing just 16kg (35 lbs), the Cognex Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System uses DataMan 470 barcode readers to decipher codes as packages pass over a gap in the belt. The compact system can be installed individually or as part of a multi-sided tunnel in just 30 minutes.

CLICK HERE for more information.

 

 

HUBTEX and INTIS launch inductive charging system

Posted on by David Priestman

Choice of charging technology is key to the efficient use of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in intralogistics. The aim is to supply the vehicle with energy as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, while maximising the internal material flow. To achieve this, HUBTEX is forming a partnership with INTIS.

HUBTEX was responsible for introducing the PhoeniX AGV – the world’s first fully automated electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods. Now, thanks to an inductive charging system from INTIS, the vehicle’s 48V lithium-ion battery can be supplied with a charging current of 400A contactlessly and wirelessly. The same concept can then be transferred to all HUBTEX vehicles with electric drives.

As the requirements in intralogistics become ever more complex, energy management is increasingly used to save time and money. It has become clear that the only way to make your AGV solution as economical as possible is to choose an optimal charging system. In HUBTEX’s experience, stationary cable charging is not the best long-term solution due to the amount of time and space required. Manual charging is certainly the most economical solution, but it relies heavily on the employees.

Swapping the battery for a replacement, on the other hand, takes far less time but requires an appropriate charging infrastructure and skilled personnel. Another option is an automated battery changing station, which can, in many cases, reduce the number of vehicles required, but must be taken into account in the layout and design.

HUBTEX therefore believes that inductive battery charging for AGVs is the best way forward. In its chosen solution, charging pads on the vehicle automatically interact with charging plates on the floor or on the walls as soon as the vehicle is positioned accordingly.

Inductive charging

“By partnering with INTIS, a specialist in inductive charging technology, we are investing in a completely autonomous concept that we believe works best with a combination of lithium-ion batteries and an inductive battery charging system,” explains Michael Röbig, an expert in energy management at HUBTEX.

“In the past, maximum charge power was primarily achieved with cable-based charging equipment. Now we have inductive rapid charging systems, which can charge the vehicles quickly and ensure high availability thanks to the high charging currents.”

The compact charging station can be placed in the respective warehouse or production environment, where the users can take advantage of production-related downtimes for charging purposes, for example. The user has constant access to data such as capacity, status and charging time. Furthermore, inductive charging is maintenance-free, less susceptible to vandalism and, thanks to the smaller lithium-ion batteries, conserves resources. It also requires less time and effort than powering the vehicles using charging stations.

HUBTEX and INTIS launch inductive charging system

Posted on by David Priestman

Choice of charging technology is key to the efficient use of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in intralogistics. The aim is to supply the vehicle with energy as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, while maximising the internal material flow. To achieve this, HUBTEX is forming a partnership with INTIS.

HUBTEX was responsible for introducing the PhoeniX AGV – the world’s first fully automated electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods. Now, thanks to an inductive charging system from INTIS, the vehicle’s 48V lithium-ion battery can be supplied with a charging current of 400A contactlessly and wirelessly. The same concept can then be transferred to all HUBTEX vehicles with electric drives.

As the requirements in intralogistics become ever more complex, energy management is increasingly used to save time and money. It has become clear that the only way to make your AGV solution as economical as possible is to choose an optimal charging system. In HUBTEX’s experience, stationary cable charging is not the best long-term solution due to the amount of time and space required. Manual charging is certainly the most economical solution, but it relies heavily on the employees.

Swapping the battery for a replacement, on the other hand, takes far less time but requires an appropriate charging infrastructure and skilled personnel. Another option is an automated battery changing station, which can, in many cases, reduce the number of vehicles required, but must be taken into account in the layout and design.

HUBTEX therefore believes that inductive battery charging for AGVs is the best way forward. In its chosen solution, charging pads on the vehicle automatically interact with charging plates on the floor or on the walls as soon as the vehicle is positioned accordingly.

Inductive charging

“By partnering with INTIS, a specialist in inductive charging technology, we are investing in a completely autonomous concept that we believe works best with a combination of lithium-ion batteries and an inductive battery charging system,” explains Michael Röbig, an expert in energy management at HUBTEX.

“In the past, maximum charge power was primarily achieved with cable-based charging equipment. Now we have inductive rapid charging systems, which can charge the vehicles quickly and ensure high availability thanks to the high charging currents.”

The compact charging station can be placed in the respective warehouse or production environment, where the users can take advantage of production-related downtimes for charging purposes, for example. The user has constant access to data such as capacity, status and charging time. Furthermore, inductive charging is maintenance-free, less susceptible to vandalism and, thanks to the smaller lithium-ion batteries, conserves resources. It also requires less time and effort than powering the vehicles using charging stations.

Tive raises $54m of funding

Posted on by David Priestman

Tive, a technology leader in the new era of supply chain and logistics visibility, has closed $54m of Series B funding led by AXA Venture Partners, with participation from Sorenson Capital, Qualcomm Ventures, Fifth Wall, SJF Ventures and Floating Point Ventures as well as the existing investors RRE Ventures, Two Sigma Ventures, NextView Ventures, Hyperplane Ventures, Broom Ventures, and Supply Chain Ventures.

In 2021, Tive grew its revenue over 300%, acquired more than 200 new customers, and expanded its global footprint. This latest investment will fuel Tive’s rapidly growing international presence, with expansion of global sales and marketing initiatives. In addition, it will accelerate the development and introduction of next-generation solutions, services and bring actionable supply chain intelligence and 24/7 monitoring to the market.

Tive says it continues to outpace and out-innovate the competition with the most advanced multi-sensor trackers, a truly intuitive SaaS application, and live 24/7 shipment monitoring service. As one of the leading providers of supply chain tracking technology, Tive has delivered real-time shipment visibility in more than 200 countries, and helped save thousands of shipments from being delayed, damaged, spoiled, or rejected.

Addressing immediate logistics needs

“Tive helps supply chain and logistics professionals bring their customer to the forefront and improve the experience of their deliveries,” said Krenar Komoni (pictured), Founder & CEO of Tive. ​“We empower every shipper and logistics service provider with the best visibility and monitoring tools in the market. We are committed to developing products that create a seamless experience and don’t get in the way of our customer’s daily operations.

“With ongoing dedication from our investors, we continue to innovate and serve our customers while strengthening our position as a global provider of shipment insights that power the next generation of sustainable and efficient supply chains.”

In 2019, Tive founded the Open Visibility Network (OVN) to ensure its vision of a world where everything and everyone is connected becomes a reality. The OVN makes shipment-level data and insights available to mutual customers and its open to all leading technology enabled stakeholders to join. Current OVN members and partners include project44, FourKites, TransVoyant, FarEye, Marine Traffic, Everstream Analytics, and many more.

“Tive has been scaling at an impressive rate, executing decisively on its vision where everything and everyone is connected. Supply chain visibility has become critical in solving large-scale problems in the world today, and Tive has emerged as the global market leader,” said Alex Scherbakovsky, General Partner at AXA Ventures Partners. ​

“The breadth of data Tive offers and ease of access for shippers, logistics providers and carriers are best in class. We believe that Tive’s next-gen solution and highly valuable network will continue to drive massive growth.”

Tive raises $54m of funding

Posted on by David Priestman

Tive, a technology leader in the new era of supply chain and logistics visibility, has closed $54m of Series B funding led by AXA Venture Partners, with participation from Sorenson Capital, Qualcomm Ventures, Fifth Wall, SJF Ventures and Floating Point Ventures as well as the existing investors RRE Ventures, Two Sigma Ventures, NextView Ventures, Hyperplane Ventures, Broom Ventures, and Supply Chain Ventures.

In 2021, Tive grew its revenue over 300%, acquired more than 200 new customers, and expanded its global footprint. This latest investment will fuel Tive’s rapidly growing international presence, with expansion of global sales and marketing initiatives. In addition, it will accelerate the development and introduction of next-generation solutions, services and bring actionable supply chain intelligence and 24/7 monitoring to the market.

Tive says it continues to outpace and out-innovate the competition with the most advanced multi-sensor trackers, a truly intuitive SaaS application, and live 24/7 shipment monitoring service. As one of the leading providers of supply chain tracking technology, Tive has delivered real-time shipment visibility in more than 200 countries, and helped save thousands of shipments from being delayed, damaged, spoiled, or rejected.

Addressing immediate logistics needs

“Tive helps supply chain and logistics professionals bring their customer to the forefront and improve the experience of their deliveries,” said Krenar Komoni (pictured), Founder & CEO of Tive. ​“We empower every shipper and logistics service provider with the best visibility and monitoring tools in the market. We are committed to developing products that create a seamless experience and don’t get in the way of our customer’s daily operations.

“With ongoing dedication from our investors, we continue to innovate and serve our customers while strengthening our position as a global provider of shipment insights that power the next generation of sustainable and efficient supply chains.”

In 2019, Tive founded the Open Visibility Network (OVN) to ensure its vision of a world where everything and everyone is connected becomes a reality. The OVN makes shipment-level data and insights available to mutual customers and its open to all leading technology enabled stakeholders to join. Current OVN members and partners include project44, FourKites, TransVoyant, FarEye, Marine Traffic, Everstream Analytics, and many more.

“Tive has been scaling at an impressive rate, executing decisively on its vision where everything and everyone is connected. Supply chain visibility has become critical in solving large-scale problems in the world today, and Tive has emerged as the global market leader,” said Alex Scherbakovsky, General Partner at AXA Ventures Partners. ​

“The breadth of data Tive offers and ease of access for shippers, logistics providers and carriers are best in class. We believe that Tive’s next-gen solution and highly valuable network will continue to drive massive growth.”

Geek+’s RoboShuttle 8 wins SITL Innovation Award

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global leader in robotics technology, has seen its commitment to innovation recognised yet again in the form of the prestigious Innovation Award from SITL (Semaine de l’Innovation du Transport & de la Logistique), France’s premier logistics technology exhibition.

Geek+ won the award in the Intralogistics, Robotics and Automation category for its next-generation goods-to-person solution, RoboShuttle 8, which makes possible high-density storage at heights of up to 8m.

At the awards ceremony, RoboShuttle 8 was singled out for praise due to the literal new heights of storage density that the AMR makes attainable. Geek+ continues to invest in innovation to stay ahead of the logistics challenges of tomorrow and develop cutting-edge solutions for customers today.

Jean-Daniel Cohen, Business Development Director France at Geek+ in Europe, said: “As innovation is one of the pillars of Geek+’s philosophy and our success, we are very proud and happy to have been recognised by the SITL jury. Geek+ would like to thank the jury and the organisers of SITL, and congratulate the other winners and nominees.”

In recent months, Geek+ has presented several new innovations including PopPick, a picking solution that can pick up to 650 totes per hour; a new cross-docking solution aimed at supermarkets; and Sky-Storage & Ground-Pick, a combined high-density storage and picking solution that allows pallet storage without sacrificing picking speed.

Geek+ will be at LogiMAT, Europe’s largest logistics trade fair (Hall 7 Stand D51, Stuttgart Messe, 31st  May – 2nd June), and will show the PopPick solution, as well as the RoboShuttle 8.

 

Geek+’s RoboShuttle 8 wins SITL Innovation Award

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global leader in robotics technology, has seen its commitment to innovation recognised yet again in the form of the prestigious Innovation Award from SITL (Semaine de l’Innovation du Transport & de la Logistique), France’s premier logistics technology exhibition.

Geek+ won the award in the Intralogistics, Robotics and Automation category for its next-generation goods-to-person solution, RoboShuttle 8, which makes possible high-density storage at heights of up to 8m.

At the awards ceremony, RoboShuttle 8 was singled out for praise due to the literal new heights of storage density that the AMR makes attainable. Geek+ continues to invest in innovation to stay ahead of the logistics challenges of tomorrow and develop cutting-edge solutions for customers today.

Jean-Daniel Cohen, Business Development Director France at Geek+ in Europe, said: “As innovation is one of the pillars of Geek+’s philosophy and our success, we are very proud and happy to have been recognised by the SITL jury. Geek+ would like to thank the jury and the organisers of SITL, and congratulate the other winners and nominees.”

In recent months, Geek+ has presented several new innovations including PopPick, a picking solution that can pick up to 650 totes per hour; a new cross-docking solution aimed at supermarkets; and Sky-Storage & Ground-Pick, a combined high-density storage and picking solution that allows pallet storage without sacrificing picking speed.

Geek+ will be at LogiMAT, Europe’s largest logistics trade fair (Hall 7 Stand D51, Stuttgart Messe, 31st  May – 2nd June), and will show the PopPick solution, as well as the RoboShuttle 8.

 

Noyes collaborates with Viessmann on refrigeration system

Posted on by David Priestman

Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions GmbH, a leading supplier of commercial refrigeration solutions, and Noyes Technologies, the first supplier of an automated and highly flexible nano-storage system, are cooperating to develop an innovative, modular and fully automated refrigeration system for the revolutionary NoyesStorage.

This will be a valuable addition to the Noyes and Viessmann offering, intended to radically simplify and streamline storage of products with complex requirements such as temperature and hygienic safety. The offering is aimed to be available by 2023 and sets the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two companies.

Noyes Technologies builds compact, modular storage solutions for smaller – typically urban – spaces with its NoyesStorage. Especially within the Q-Commerce business, it is essential to store a large variety of products with complex requirements in a confined space. Suppliers are faced with a particularly difficult challenge given strict specifications for the storage of groceries.

Refrigeration has repeatedly been named as one of the biggest challenges; compliance with the cold chain must be ensured, perishable products such as fresh meat and dairy products must be constantly checked for their best-before date, and different environments must be maintained for individual product groups. In high-rent urban storage areas, storage systems should additionally be as space efficient as possible.

The innovative refrigeration system, which incorporates Viessmann’s extensive expertise in refrigeration with the automatised warehouse solution from Noyes, provides an answer to these challenges. The modular design enables the storage system to be assembled according to the customer’s individual requirements and with a precise fit.

Furthermore, the accurate product storage temperatures can be specified individually ensuring food safety compliance by cooling individual units. Simultaneously, a maximum space efficiency for the storage system is guaranteed. The automated nano-warehouse will be developed to have minimum ecological impact, based on the natural refrigerants, and ensuring energy optimisation.

Marco Prueglmeier, co-founder and CEO of Noyes, says: “Until now, there has been no solution on the market to store different products with varying temperature requirements in a confined space and in an energy-efficient, flexible way. By partnering with Viessmann, we are now developing a revolutionary system with measurable added value for customers. We are proud to have a market leader like Viessmann at our side to jointly shape the storage system industry of the future.”

Frank Winters, CEO of Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions, comments: “We are proud to partner with such an innovative company as Noyes, with its extended expertise in robotics. Their strengths combined with Viessmann’s digital, sustainable, and integrated solution offering will create a future-oriented offering specifically for urban logistics. Both traditional retailers as well as the Quick commerce companies are welcome to contribute to a revolutionary new eco system for bringing food to people.”

Noyes collaborates with Viessmann on refrigeration system

Posted on by David Priestman

Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions GmbH, a leading supplier of commercial refrigeration solutions, and Noyes Technologies, the first supplier of an automated and highly flexible nano-storage system, are cooperating to develop an innovative, modular and fully automated refrigeration system for the revolutionary NoyesStorage.

This will be a valuable addition to the Noyes and Viessmann offering, intended to radically simplify and streamline storage of products with complex requirements such as temperature and hygienic safety. The offering is aimed to be available by 2023 and sets the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two companies.

Noyes Technologies builds compact, modular storage solutions for smaller – typically urban – spaces with its NoyesStorage. Especially within the Q-Commerce business, it is essential to store a large variety of products with complex requirements in a confined space. Suppliers are faced with a particularly difficult challenge given strict specifications for the storage of groceries.

Refrigeration has repeatedly been named as one of the biggest challenges; compliance with the cold chain must be ensured, perishable products such as fresh meat and dairy products must be constantly checked for their best-before date, and different environments must be maintained for individual product groups. In high-rent urban storage areas, storage systems should additionally be as space efficient as possible.

The innovative refrigeration system, which incorporates Viessmann’s extensive expertise in refrigeration with the automatised warehouse solution from Noyes, provides an answer to these challenges. The modular design enables the storage system to be assembled according to the customer’s individual requirements and with a precise fit.

Furthermore, the accurate product storage temperatures can be specified individually ensuring food safety compliance by cooling individual units. Simultaneously, a maximum space efficiency for the storage system is guaranteed. The automated nano-warehouse will be developed to have minimum ecological impact, based on the natural refrigerants, and ensuring energy optimisation.

Marco Prueglmeier, co-founder and CEO of Noyes, says: “Until now, there has been no solution on the market to store different products with varying temperature requirements in a confined space and in an energy-efficient, flexible way. By partnering with Viessmann, we are now developing a revolutionary system with measurable added value for customers. We are proud to have a market leader like Viessmann at our side to jointly shape the storage system industry of the future.”

Frank Winters, CEO of Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions, comments: “We are proud to partner with such an innovative company as Noyes, with its extended expertise in robotics. Their strengths combined with Viessmann’s digital, sustainable, and integrated solution offering will create a future-oriented offering specifically for urban logistics. Both traditional retailers as well as the Quick commerce companies are welcome to contribute to a revolutionary new eco system for bringing food to people.”

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