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Month: June 2022

HHLA Sky named one of Germany’s top 100 innovators

Posted on by Keith McKinley

German company HHLA Sky has been named one of the 100 most innovative medium-sized companies in Germany by the renowned Top100 competition. The Top100 seal was presented to the managing directors of HHLA Sky, Lothar Müller and Matthias Gronstedt, by Germany’s prominent science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar at a gala event held recently in Frankfurt am Main.

The award evaluates how consistently a company focuses on an innovation goal and integrates it into its structures and planning, according to more than 100 indicators. The scientific analysis is conducted on the basis of five categories: innovation-promoting top management, innovation climate, innovative processes and organisation, external orientation/open innovation and innovation success.

HHLA Sky is the technology leader in the field of mobile robot management. The company has developed a globally unique IoT platform that maps the entire process chain when using industrial drones. This software is used in HHLA Sky’s Integrated Control Centre (pictured), which can simultaneously control and monitor more than 100 drones worldwide, even when they are out of the pilot’s line of sight (BVLOS). In addition to simultaneous automated drone flights, the Integrated Control Centre also enables journeys by AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots) to be carried out in a safe and controlled manner. The company’s software is globally scalable and can be fully integrated into customers’ existing IT systems.

From its headquarters in Hamburg, HHLA Sky also cooperates with various players in science, business and politics, for example in the pioneering research project “UDVeo”, which will organise the first European U-space, a special airspace for urban drone traffic, starting in 2023.

“We are grateful for the recognition of our efforts. Innovation is part of HHLA Sky’s DNA. With our Integrated Control Centre, we are opening up the third dimension for the safe and efficient deployment of drones for industrial and commercial purposes. With our mobile robot management software, we want to continuously open up the field of application for robot mobility in the air and on the ground,” says Matthias Gronstedt, Managing Director of HHLA Sky.

“Thinking ahead, pooling expertise and shaping ground-breaking technologies: Innovators are those who create space for this, who keep moving forward and always question things. Nothing is more conducive to innovation than systematically rethinking technology with our partners and our team and developing systems that are unique and ensure optimum customer benefits,” adds Lothar Müller, Managing Director of HHLA Sky.

Highest grade A+ for HHLA Sky

This consistent focus on innovation and new thinking is also reflected in the assessment by the Top 100 jury: altogether, HHLA Sky’s innovation management is awarded the highest grade of “A+”.

This ranking is even higher than the average “A” of all Top 100 innovators, which is described as follows: “’A’ is awarded to companies that have an unusually high level of innovation management and set standards, even when compared internationally. The probability of future innovation success is very high”. HHLA Sky was able to achieve the top score in four out of five criteria in the innovation assessment. The fifth criterion was not graded individually.

The compamedia GmbH Top100 award, which has been in existence since 1993, is an indicator that a company is excellently positioned for future changes and developments and can adapt well to them. Project partners are the Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research and the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW). Media partners are manager magazine and impulse. The renowned jury consists of experts from business practice and research, as well as from the media and politics.

The scientific management of the TOP 100 innovation competition is the responsibility of Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke, founder and director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, and a leading international innovation researcher.

Jurors are among others are the President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ing. Reimund Neugebauer and also Prof. Dr. Fredmund Malik, founder, owner and chairman of Malik St. Gallen, the leading company for holistic management, leadership and governance solutions, Dorothee Bär, deputy chairwoman of the CSU, Prof. Dr. h. c. Roland Berger, founder and honorary chairman of the supervisory board of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Frank Thelen, the founder and managing director of the venture capital company Freigeist Capital and Achim Berg, president of the digital industry association BITKOM.

Numerous world market leaders and “hidden champions” are among this year’s Top 100 winners. The scientific analysis is based on the comparative values of more than 10,000 companies.

 

HHLA Sky named one of Germany’s top 100 innovators

Posted on by David Priestman

German company HHLA Sky has been named one of the 100 most innovative medium-sized companies in Germany by the renowned Top100 competition. The Top100 seal was presented to the managing directors of HHLA Sky, Lothar Müller and Matthias Gronstedt, by Germany’s prominent science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar at a gala event held recently in Frankfurt am Main.

The award evaluates how consistently a company focuses on an innovation goal and integrates it into its structures and planning, according to more than 100 indicators. The scientific analysis is conducted on the basis of five categories: innovation-promoting top management, innovation climate, innovative processes and organisation, external orientation/open innovation and innovation success.

HHLA Sky is the technology leader in the field of mobile robot management. The company has developed a globally unique IoT platform that maps the entire process chain when using industrial drones. This software is used in HHLA Sky’s Integrated Control Centre (pictured), which can simultaneously control and monitor more than 100 drones worldwide, even when they are out of the pilot’s line of sight (BVLOS). In addition to simultaneous automated drone flights, the Integrated Control Centre also enables journeys by AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots) to be carried out in a safe and controlled manner. The company’s software is globally scalable and can be fully integrated into customers’ existing IT systems.

From its headquarters in Hamburg, HHLA Sky also cooperates with various players in science, business and politics, for example in the pioneering research project “UDVeo”, which will organise the first European U-space, a special airspace for urban drone traffic, starting in 2023.

“We are grateful for the recognition of our efforts. Innovation is part of HHLA Sky’s DNA. With our Integrated Control Centre, we are opening up the third dimension for the safe and efficient deployment of drones for industrial and commercial purposes. With our mobile robot management software, we want to continuously open up the field of application for robot mobility in the air and on the ground,” says Matthias Gronstedt, Managing Director of HHLA Sky.

“Thinking ahead, pooling expertise and shaping ground-breaking technologies: Innovators are those who create space for this, who keep moving forward and always question things. Nothing is more conducive to innovation than systematically rethinking technology with our partners and our team and developing systems that are unique and ensure optimum customer benefits,” adds Lothar Müller, Managing Director of HHLA Sky.

Highest grade A+ for HHLA Sky

This consistent focus on innovation and new thinking is also reflected in the assessment by the Top 100 jury: altogether, HHLA Sky’s innovation management is awarded the highest grade of “A+”.

This ranking is even higher than the average “A” of all Top 100 innovators, which is described as follows: “’A’ is awarded to companies that have an unusually high level of innovation management and set standards, even when compared internationally. The probability of future innovation success is very high”. HHLA Sky was able to achieve the top score in four out of five criteria in the innovation assessment. The fifth criterion was not graded individually.

The compamedia GmbH Top100 award, which has been in existence since 1993, is an indicator that a company is excellently positioned for future changes and developments and can adapt well to them. Project partners are the Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research and the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW). Media partners are manager magazine and impulse. The renowned jury consists of experts from business practice and research, as well as from the media and politics.

The scientific management of the TOP 100 innovation competition is the responsibility of Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke, founder and director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, and a leading international innovation researcher.

Jurors are among others are the President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ing. Reimund Neugebauer and also Prof. Dr. Fredmund Malik, founder, owner and chairman of Malik St. Gallen, the leading company for holistic management, leadership and governance solutions, Dorothee Bär, deputy chairwoman of the CSU, Prof. Dr. h. c. Roland Berger, founder and honorary chairman of the supervisory board of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Frank Thelen, the founder and managing director of the venture capital company Freigeist Capital and Achim Berg, president of the digital industry association BITKOM.

Numerous world market leaders and “hidden champions” are among this year’s Top 100 winners. The scientific analysis is based on the comparative values of more than 10,000 companies.

 

Getting best value from fleet investment

Posted on by David Priestman

With costs rising across the board, getting the most from your investment in fork lift trucks is more important than ever. As Stewart Gosling of RDD, the UK importer of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, explains, there are so many factors that can lead to savings over the lifetime of equipment.

“While the price of the truck itself and the fuel costs are the headline items when weighing up your options, there’s much more to it than that when looking at the wider picture. Safety, maintenance, downtime, and support are all factors that’ll affect your bottom line.

“Every Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks product that leaves the factory is built with the same vision behind it. It’s not just about being the best in terms of performance, it also has to be the safest, most reliable, and most fuel-efficient it can be. They’re designed for a long life of high performance and minimal downtime.”

Exceptional fuel economy has been a hallmark of the GRENDiA range of diesel and LPG counterbalance trucks since their inception. It’s a key part of the ‘green diamond’ concept. Low fuel use and low emissions paired with robust construction make for an economical and long-lasting truck that can serve as the backbone of your fleet.

When looking at long-term costs, over a typical 5-year span electric trucks can offer savings in the thousands compared to IC engine equivalents. The EDiA electric counterbalance range – including the award-winning 5.5-tonne EDiA XL – not only matches IC engine trucks in terms of performance but adds a host of cutting-edge advanced features.

Class-leading visibility is a staple of any Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks model. The better the operator can see the surrounding environment and the load, the less likely they’ll have an accident.

Combine this with smart, adaptive technology for speed, stability, and traction such as the Sensitive Drive System or patented DriveSteady system and there’s a greatly lowered risk of a scrape or collision, dropping something, damaging racking, or other incidents that lead to downtime which can eat into your profit margins.

Stewart adds: “Beyond the capabilities of the actual trucks, where you acquire them is also of huge importance. With Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks–authorised local dealers the benefits are twofold. Not only do you have a local point of contact who will understand your business and your specific requirements, but they also have the support of the UK Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks network.

“It means local, personal service backed with manufacturer resources. For example, this means any parts they don’t currently have in stock can be with you quickly from the central parts hub.

“Our dealers will also be able to provide a free site survey to ensure you not only have the correct equipment, but that you’re using it in the best possible space.

“Make sure you look at the whole picture when making your next investment in equipment as the initial outlay never tells the whole story.”

 

Getting best value from fleet investment

Posted on by David Priestman

With costs rising across the board, getting the most from your investment in fork lift trucks is more important than ever. As Stewart Gosling of RDD, the UK importer of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, explains, there are so many factors that can lead to savings over the lifetime of equipment.

“While the price of the truck itself and the fuel costs are the headline items when weighing up your options, there’s much more to it than that when looking at the wider picture. Safety, maintenance, downtime, and support are all factors that’ll affect your bottom line.

“Every Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks product that leaves the factory is built with the same vision behind it. It’s not just about being the best in terms of performance, it also has to be the safest, most reliable, and most fuel-efficient it can be. They’re designed for a long life of high performance and minimal downtime.”

Exceptional fuel economy has been a hallmark of the GRENDiA range of diesel and LPG counterbalance trucks since their inception. It’s a key part of the ‘green diamond’ concept. Low fuel use and low emissions paired with robust construction make for an economical and long-lasting truck that can serve as the backbone of your fleet.

When looking at long-term costs, over a typical 5-year span electric trucks can offer savings in the thousands compared to IC engine equivalents. The EDiA electric counterbalance range – including the award-winning 5.5-tonne EDiA XL – not only matches IC engine trucks in terms of performance but adds a host of cutting-edge advanced features.

Class-leading visibility is a staple of any Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks model. The better the operator can see the surrounding environment and the load, the less likely they’ll have an accident.

Combine this with smart, adaptive technology for speed, stability, and traction such as the Sensitive Drive System or patented DriveSteady system and there’s a greatly lowered risk of a scrape or collision, dropping something, damaging racking, or other incidents that lead to downtime which can eat into your profit margins.

Stewart adds: “Beyond the capabilities of the actual trucks, where you acquire them is also of huge importance. With Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks–authorised local dealers the benefits are twofold. Not only do you have a local point of contact who will understand your business and your specific requirements, but they also have the support of the UK Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks network.

“It means local, personal service backed with manufacturer resources. For example, this means any parts they don’t currently have in stock can be with you quickly from the central parts hub.

“Our dealers will also be able to provide a free site survey to ensure you not only have the correct equipment, but that you’re using it in the best possible space.

“Make sure you look at the whole picture when making your next investment in equipment as the initial outlay never tells the whole story.”

 

IFOY FINALIST FOCUS: Dynamic Wireless Charging for Intralogistics Vehicles by Magment

Posted on by David Priestman

As we enter the final few days before the IFOY Award winners are named on 30th June at BMW World in Munich, we look at the penultimate finalist – Magment’s Dynamic Wireless Charging for Intralogistics Vehicles.

IFOY category: Start-up of the Year

Description

Patented magnetizable concrete in combination with proprietary winding and casting technologies enables production of robust wireless charging pads which integration of wireless charging infrastructure in industrial floors makes possible. Industrial floor electrification for dynamic wireless charging reduces or fully eliminates charging breaks of forklifts, AVGs and AMRs. Intralogistics EV fleets and battery sizes can be reduced generating overall savings in vehicle CAPEX costs while increasing productivity with up-times close to 100% (24/7), and decreasing OPEX by fully automating a dynamic EV charging process. MagPad is the name for wireless charging pad and multiple MagPads are creating dynamic wireless charging track called MagTrack.

Only DHL Supply Chain now deploys autonomous forklifts and pallet movers in more than 1,500 warehouses worldwide. With 24/7 operation, a fleet of just dozen these autonomous forklifts can handle more than a million pallets per year in just one facility. Magment is working tightly with autonomous forklift and pallet mover producers, industrial floor manufacturers and facility owners to implement dynamic wireless charging infrastructure and charge these vehicles while they are operating adding huge value on existing benefits of autonomous fleets operation.

Summary

Magment is working on cutting-edge wireless inductive charging infrastructure, reinventing the way EVs are charged with bold innovations in design, pioneering technologies, and strong global partnerships. Magment believes in emission free, electrified transportation and vehicles that can charge where they go and do not have to go to charge. Seamless, convenient and sustainable.

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

IFOY TEST REPORT

The Oberhaching-based start-up Magment is reinventing the charging of electric buses, electric forklifts and the like with the help of innovative technology. The company motto is: “Charge where you go and not go where you can charge!” The technical highlight: magnetic concrete is used to charge the electric vehicles.

The first two partners with whom Magment wants to implement dynamic charging of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are Jungheinrich and DHL at its Hamburg site. The innovation is based on the following rational consideration: the more inductive charging is achieved when driving over concrete, the fewer batteries and vehicles are needed. Currently, each vehicle has to be charged for at least two to three hours over the course of 24 hours. Electrification of industrial floors with dynamic wireless charging reduces or completely eliminates these charging pauses. Electric fleets in the intralogistics sector and also battery capacities can be reduced, which would significantly reduce capital expenditure on longer-term capital assets (CAPEX) such as these vehicles.

But what exactly is concrete charging all about? The patented magnetisable concrete, combined with proprietary winding and casting technologies, enables the production of robust inductive charging plates that allow wireless infrastructure to be integrated into industrial floors. Each of these one-metre-long charging plates (pads) incorporates 42 metres of copper cable. When inspecting the test set-up, Magment explains that the system can basically charge all vehicle battery voltages – with a maximum of 170 amps. According to the measurement display, the efficiency is more than 90 per cent. In the test set-up, two pads are laid under chipboards, over which a current collector drives to simulate the AGV.

The highlight of the set-up and the pads in general: at no point of the two MagPads, which form the dynamic wireless charging track MagTrack including the electronics as well as a coil and the corresponding electronics on the receiver side, does the charging curve of the oscilloscope show a drop in charging power. To realise this convincing concept, Magment is working closely with manufacturers of autonomous forklift trucks and pallet trucks, manufacturers of industrial floors and owners of warehouses. With the aim of implementing a dynamic and wireless charging infrastructure to charge vehicles during operation. The goal of the goal, so to speak: to bring productivity in the warehouse to almost 100 percent through operating times of the warehouse technology equipment.

And what contribution does the concrete make? The patented magnetisable concrete eliminates losses due to stray fields during wireless power transmission. At the same time, it enables a uniform transmission curve even in areas between two pads – which makes this technology unique. According to Magment, all competitors offer a stationary wireless charging system, but use ferrite-based inductive charging pads that are not robust and cannot be integrated into industrial floors. Magment says it is currently the only company in the world to offer dynamic wireless charging infrastructure for intralogistics vehicles. One advantage on the customer side is, of course, that there is no longer any need to reserve space for a charging area for the industrial trucks, another is the fact that continuous charging reduces peak power demand.

IFOY Test Verdict

Magment is about to revolutionise the market with its invisible technology that can be fully integrated into industrial floors for continuous, high-performance energy transfer to electrically driven industrial trucks. The system is suitable for dynamic and static charging. Due to the 24/7 availability of the devices, fewer AGVs are needed, so the TCO in the warehouse is reduced accordingly.

IFOY INNOVATION CHECK

Market relevance: The presented system by Magment shows a savings potential in terms of fleet reduction of different electric vehicles and battery size, both of which can be achieved by the dynamic charging system. For a common implementation, other aspects are also seen due to the significant changes in the overall system, which gives the market relevance an average rating. The charging track must be positioned in such a way that the vehicles pass over it frequently enough, otherwise the necessary floor coverage increases. Depending on the application, fluctuating demand for articles/goods can lead to a change in the heavily frequented areas, which can then result in necessary additional trips. Therefore, implementation may not be advantageous for all applications.

Customer benefit: The dynamic charging system has clear advantages for a harmonised overall system. Charging times in which the vehicles are not available are avoided, which means that the number of vehicles can be reduced. In addition, batteries can be designed smaller, which reduces overall costs and contributes to sustainability. Designated areas for stationary charging systems are eliminated and productivity can be increased as charging takes place during the work task.

Novelty: The system presented is impressively innovative and makes excellent use of physical principles. The magnetisable concrete with ferromagnetic components ensures an almost constant charging current along the charging plate. This is undoubtedly a new technology and, together with the robust integration in industrial floors, a useful innovation.

Functionality / type of implementation: The concept of the new technology was presented very well by a demonstration set-up and showed the behaviour of the charging current when passing over the charging plates in an excellent way. With the associated components, some of which were still prototypes, the planned overall construction became clear, which promises a high level of robustness due to the integration in the industrial floor.

Verdict: Innovation is a top priority at Magment. In the right field of application, this is a promising technology that fits in perfectly at the IFOY AWARD.

market relevance Ø
customer benefit +
novelty ++
functionality / type of implementation +
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / – – not available]

For an overview of all the finalists, visit www.ifoy.org

CLICK HERE to find out more about Magment’s Dynamic Wireless Charging for Intralogistics Vehicles.

IFOY FINALIST FOCUS: Dynamic Wireless Charging for Intralogistics Vehicles by Magment

Posted on by David Priestman

As we enter the final few days before the IFOY Award winners are named on 30th June at BMW World in Munich, we look at the penultimate finalist – Magment’s Dynamic Wireless Charging for Intralogistics Vehicles.

IFOY category: Start-up of the Year

Description

Patented magnetizable concrete in combination with proprietary winding and casting technologies enables production of robust wireless charging pads which integration of wireless charging infrastructure in industrial floors makes possible. Industrial floor electrification for dynamic wireless charging reduces or fully eliminates charging breaks of forklifts, AVGs and AMRs. Intralogistics EV fleets and battery sizes can be reduced generating overall savings in vehicle CAPEX costs while increasing productivity with up-times close to 100% (24/7), and decreasing OPEX by fully automating a dynamic EV charging process. MagPad is the name for wireless charging pad and multiple MagPads are creating dynamic wireless charging track called MagTrack.

Only DHL Supply Chain now deploys autonomous forklifts and pallet movers in more than 1,500 warehouses worldwide. With 24/7 operation, a fleet of just dozen these autonomous forklifts can handle more than a million pallets per year in just one facility. Magment is working tightly with autonomous forklift and pallet mover producers, industrial floor manufacturers and facility owners to implement dynamic wireless charging infrastructure and charge these vehicles while they are operating adding huge value on existing benefits of autonomous fleets operation.

Summary

Magment is working on cutting-edge wireless inductive charging infrastructure, reinventing the way EVs are charged with bold innovations in design, pioneering technologies, and strong global partnerships. Magment believes in emission free, electrified transportation and vehicles that can charge where they go and do not have to go to charge. Seamless, convenient and sustainable.

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

IFOY TEST REPORT

The Oberhaching-based start-up Magment is reinventing the charging of electric buses, electric forklifts and the like with the help of innovative technology. The company motto is: “Charge where you go and not go where you can charge!” The technical highlight: magnetic concrete is used to charge the electric vehicles.

The first two partners with whom Magment wants to implement dynamic charging of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are Jungheinrich and DHL at its Hamburg site. The innovation is based on the following rational consideration: the more inductive charging is achieved when driving over concrete, the fewer batteries and vehicles are needed. Currently, each vehicle has to be charged for at least two to three hours over the course of 24 hours. Electrification of industrial floors with dynamic wireless charging reduces or completely eliminates these charging pauses. Electric fleets in the intralogistics sector and also battery capacities can be reduced, which would significantly reduce capital expenditure on longer-term capital assets (CAPEX) such as these vehicles.

But what exactly is concrete charging all about? The patented magnetisable concrete, combined with proprietary winding and casting technologies, enables the production of robust inductive charging plates that allow wireless infrastructure to be integrated into industrial floors. Each of these one-metre-long charging plates (pads) incorporates 42 metres of copper cable. When inspecting the test set-up, Magment explains that the system can basically charge all vehicle battery voltages – with a maximum of 170 amps. According to the measurement display, the efficiency is more than 90 per cent. In the test set-up, two pads are laid under chipboards, over which a current collector drives to simulate the AGV.

The highlight of the set-up and the pads in general: at no point of the two MagPads, which form the dynamic wireless charging track MagTrack including the electronics as well as a coil and the corresponding electronics on the receiver side, does the charging curve of the oscilloscope show a drop in charging power. To realise this convincing concept, Magment is working closely with manufacturers of autonomous forklift trucks and pallet trucks, manufacturers of industrial floors and owners of warehouses. With the aim of implementing a dynamic and wireless charging infrastructure to charge vehicles during operation. The goal of the goal, so to speak: to bring productivity in the warehouse to almost 100 percent through operating times of the warehouse technology equipment.

And what contribution does the concrete make? The patented magnetisable concrete eliminates losses due to stray fields during wireless power transmission. At the same time, it enables a uniform transmission curve even in areas between two pads – which makes this technology unique. According to Magment, all competitors offer a stationary wireless charging system, but use ferrite-based inductive charging pads that are not robust and cannot be integrated into industrial floors. Magment says it is currently the only company in the world to offer dynamic wireless charging infrastructure for intralogistics vehicles. One advantage on the customer side is, of course, that there is no longer any need to reserve space for a charging area for the industrial trucks, another is the fact that continuous charging reduces peak power demand.

IFOY Test Verdict

Magment is about to revolutionise the market with its invisible technology that can be fully integrated into industrial floors for continuous, high-performance energy transfer to electrically driven industrial trucks. The system is suitable for dynamic and static charging. Due to the 24/7 availability of the devices, fewer AGVs are needed, so the TCO in the warehouse is reduced accordingly.

IFOY INNOVATION CHECK

Market relevance: The presented system by Magment shows a savings potential in terms of fleet reduction of different electric vehicles and battery size, both of which can be achieved by the dynamic charging system. For a common implementation, other aspects are also seen due to the significant changes in the overall system, which gives the market relevance an average rating. The charging track must be positioned in such a way that the vehicles pass over it frequently enough, otherwise the necessary floor coverage increases. Depending on the application, fluctuating demand for articles/goods can lead to a change in the heavily frequented areas, which can then result in necessary additional trips. Therefore, implementation may not be advantageous for all applications.

Customer benefit: The dynamic charging system has clear advantages for a harmonised overall system. Charging times in which the vehicles are not available are avoided, which means that the number of vehicles can be reduced. In addition, batteries can be designed smaller, which reduces overall costs and contributes to sustainability. Designated areas for stationary charging systems are eliminated and productivity can be increased as charging takes place during the work task.

Novelty: The system presented is impressively innovative and makes excellent use of physical principles. The magnetisable concrete with ferromagnetic components ensures an almost constant charging current along the charging plate. This is undoubtedly a new technology and, together with the robust integration in industrial floors, a useful innovation.

Functionality / type of implementation: The concept of the new technology was presented very well by a demonstration set-up and showed the behaviour of the charging current when passing over the charging plates in an excellent way. With the associated components, some of which were still prototypes, the planned overall construction became clear, which promises a high level of robustness due to the integration in the industrial floor.

Verdict: Innovation is a top priority at Magment. In the right field of application, this is a promising technology that fits in perfectly at the IFOY AWARD.

market relevance Ø
customer benefit +
novelty ++
functionality / type of implementation +
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / – – not available]

For an overview of all the finalists, visit www.ifoy.org

CLICK HERE to find out more about Magment’s Dynamic Wireless Charging for Intralogistics Vehicles.

Qimarox automates unloading of containers

Posted on by David Priestman

Qimarox, a leading manufacturer of components for material handling systems, has launched a new palletiser machine dedicated for the logistics market. As a manufacturer of, among other things, palletisers, product lifts, pallet lifts, packaging machines and shielding systems, Qimarox says it distinguishes itself by its contemporary vision and approach, in which innovation, quality and added value are of paramount importance.

Thanks to the pandemic, the ever-rising e-commerce business has seen a massive growth. It is one of the most rapidly growing markets in the world economy. The transportation trends in 2021 shows this as well, the biggest trend is the necessity to deliver more products in less time. The most of these products are shipped in containers, which brings challenges for companies.

Unloading a container is a process that requires maximum expertise to make the entire process a success. Usually, ships are packed to full capacity to ensure that there is maximum utilisation of the available space. Unpacking such containers not only poses a risk to the workforce involved but also damages to the contents. Once the container arrives and is received, container handlers carefully unload it using cranes, forklifts, or through manual handling.

These tasks requires manual labour and can become quite expensive. Also finding the right people to do the manual unloading is getting harder. Qimarox claims to have found a better solution.

Automation can be a solution

Qimarox noticed this trend and wants to provide a solution. One of the solutions can be to automate the unloading process. The Qimarox Highrunner HR9 palletiser is designed exactly for this purpose. It is designed for logistic operations where many different products needs to be handled in short batches. Of course it is able to do longer batches of the same product as well. The automation of this process has a lot of benefits for companies.

The unique and patented layer-formation system of the Highrunner HR9 palletiser can generate a large variety of layer patterns that can be selected automatically or generated with the state-of-the-art pattern generator. The specially designed pattern generator can generate a large variety of layer patterns that can be selected automatically from the interface. The generator even recommends the best to use pattern, this way anyone can operate the machine. If the installation is equipped with a full 3D product scanner it is even possible to have the system working fully autonomously.

The highrunner HR9 palletizer enables companies to automate their unloading processes. Which brings a number of benefits:

  • No more costly and time-consuming manual handling
  • No more risks of repetitive strain injuries of the workforce
  • No more risks of being hit by falling objects
  • No more risks of falls from heights
  • No more risks of slips, trips and/or falls

The Qimarox Highrunner HR9 is already successfully integrated and in use at OMS International, a Dutch logistics company that unloads approximately one hundred containers with non-food items every day for one of Europe’s largest supermarket chains. With the palletiser including pattern generator, OMS is able to process 10,000 boxes per day, saving multiple FTEs results.

CLICK HERE to view an animation of the palletiser.

 

 

Qimarox automates unloading of containers

Posted on by David Priestman

Qimarox, a leading manufacturer of components for material handling systems, has launched a new palletiser machine dedicated for the logistics market. As a manufacturer of, among other things, palletisers, product lifts, pallet lifts, packaging machines and shielding systems, Qimarox says it distinguishes itself by its contemporary vision and approach, in which innovation, quality and added value are of paramount importance.

Thanks to the pandemic, the ever-rising e-commerce business has seen a massive growth. It is one of the most rapidly growing markets in the world economy. The transportation trends in 2021 shows this as well, the biggest trend is the necessity to deliver more products in less time. The most of these products are shipped in containers, which brings challenges for companies.

Unloading a container is a process that requires maximum expertise to make the entire process a success. Usually, ships are packed to full capacity to ensure that there is maximum utilisation of the available space. Unpacking such containers not only poses a risk to the workforce involved but also damages to the contents. Once the container arrives and is received, container handlers carefully unload it using cranes, forklifts, or through manual handling.

These tasks requires manual labour and can become quite expensive. Also finding the right people to do the manual unloading is getting harder. Qimarox claims to have found a better solution.

Automation can be a solution

Qimarox noticed this trend and wants to provide a solution. One of the solutions can be to automate the unloading process. The Qimarox Highrunner HR9 palletiser is designed exactly for this purpose. It is designed for logistic operations where many different products needs to be handled in short batches. Of course it is able to do longer batches of the same product as well. The automation of this process has a lot of benefits for companies.

The unique and patented layer-formation system of the Highrunner HR9 palletiser can generate a large variety of layer patterns that can be selected automatically or generated with the state-of-the-art pattern generator. The specially designed pattern generator can generate a large variety of layer patterns that can be selected automatically from the interface. The generator even recommends the best to use pattern, this way anyone can operate the machine. If the installation is equipped with a full 3D product scanner it is even possible to have the system working fully autonomously.

The highrunner HR9 palletizer enables companies to automate their unloading processes. Which brings a number of benefits:

  • No more costly and time-consuming manual handling
  • No more risks of repetitive strain injuries of the workforce
  • No more risks of being hit by falling objects
  • No more risks of falls from heights
  • No more risks of slips, trips and/or falls

The Qimarox Highrunner HR9 is already successfully integrated and in use at OMS International, a Dutch logistics company that unloads approximately one hundred containers with non-food items every day for one of Europe’s largest supermarket chains. With the palletiser including pattern generator, OMS is able to process 10,000 boxes per day, saving multiple FTEs results.

CLICK HERE to view an animation of the palletiser.

 

 

Konica Minolta helps customers ‘see the potential’

Posted on by David Priestman

Konica Minolta has launched a new global campaign to help businesses understand the changing needs of customers to create more added value and help them rethink opportunities in a fast-changing world. “See the Potential” is the technology leader’s slogan for realising digital transformation within the evolving commercial print, industrial and packaging markets.

Working closely with customers on their digital transformation, Konica Minolta believes that in a digital era there are good business reasons for communicating through multiple cross-media channels, and not just via paper-based media. The campaign will focus on the new business opportunities, which Konica Minolta recognises are everywhere. It just takes a spark to bring more possibilities to life by embracing new techniques and creating unique customer experiences.

Drawing on local expertise backed by a global organisation with over 40 years of experience in digital printing, Konica Minolta’s portfolio of hardware, software and services has been designed to ignite possibilities for customers – whatever and wherever they may be.

As Covid-19 has been accelerating the trends from commodity to quality and from one size fits all to customisation and personalisation, high value digital printing continues to accelerate. Take packaging with specialty printing and enhancements as one example, which have more than 46% higher quality perception.

Jon Hiscock, Head of Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, said: “At Konica Minolta we are passionate about Professional Print and the industry we serve. The global campaign, its tools and resources will help us demonstrate how our customers can realise their potential and create ever more imaginative and creative experiences for their customer base and add value to the products they manufacture. We are really looking forward to engaging with our commercial print, label & packaging and in-plant customers and using our local expertise, products, and services to help them drive their digital transformation.”

He added: “At Konica Minolta we are constantly rethinking print – and are proud to be recognised as one of the global 100 most sustainable companies. We are in a new era for the industry – where stories and experiences are brought to life by communicating through multiple cross-media channels, and not just paper-based media. Our aim is to build the future together with our customers to help them create new business opportunities. ‘See the Potential’ is our slogan for realising digital transformation. As a trusted partner, we can help print businesses service new market segments, build stand-out creative pieces with customers sharing a similar passion, and optimise workflow.”

Konica Minolta’s campaign video – for which the video set was made entirely of print output – can be watched HERE.

Konica Minolta helps customers ‘see the potential’

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Konica Minolta has launched a new global campaign to help businesses understand the changing needs of customers to create more added value and help them rethink opportunities in a fast-changing world. “See the Potential” is the technology leader’s slogan for realising digital transformation within the evolving commercial print, industrial and packaging markets.

Working closely with customers on their digital transformation, Konica Minolta believes that in a digital era there are good business reasons for communicating through multiple cross-media channels, and not just via paper-based media. The campaign will focus on the new business opportunities, which Konica Minolta recognises are everywhere. It just takes a spark to bring more possibilities to life by embracing new techniques and creating unique customer experiences.

Drawing on local expertise backed by a global organisation with over 40 years of experience in digital printing, Konica Minolta’s portfolio of hardware, software and services has been designed to ignite possibilities for customers – whatever and wherever they may be.

As Covid-19 has been accelerating the trends from commodity to quality and from one size fits all to customisation and personalisation, high value digital printing continues to accelerate. Take packaging with specialty printing and enhancements as one example, which have more than 46% higher quality perception.

Jon Hiscock, Head of Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, said: “At Konica Minolta we are passionate about Professional Print and the industry we serve. The global campaign, its tools and resources will help us demonstrate how our customers can realise their potential and create ever more imaginative and creative experiences for their customer base and add value to the products they manufacture. We are really looking forward to engaging with our commercial print, label & packaging and in-plant customers and using our local expertise, products, and services to help them drive their digital transformation.”

He added: “At Konica Minolta we are constantly rethinking print – and are proud to be recognised as one of the global 100 most sustainable companies. We are in a new era for the industry – where stories and experiences are brought to life by communicating through multiple cross-media channels, and not just paper-based media. Our aim is to build the future together with our customers to help them create new business opportunities. ‘See the Potential’ is our slogan for realising digital transformation. As a trusted partner, we can help print businesses service new market segments, build stand-out creative pieces with customers sharing a similar passion, and optimise workflow.”

Konica Minolta’s campaign video – for which the video set was made entirely of print output – can be watched HERE.

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