Smart Robotics launches new Smart Palletizer versions

Smart Robotics, a global leader in warehouse automation and robotics, has launched new versions of its Smart Palletizer cobot. The new versions ensure that there are more versatile pick-and-place solutions available to help establish automated warehouses and optimise the quality of work for warehouse employees.

The launch of the new Smart Palletizer product line comes at a time when it’s key for logistical processes to rapidly automate, in response to the growing labour shortage – especially with warehouses are already being stretched thin on manual capacity.

“Since the Smart Palletizer can take over physically demanding, repetitive tasks, we’re pleased to introduce our new product line to the market to be able to serve a larger audience in our mission to lessen the pressure on warehouse employees’ risk to their overall health,” says Johan Jardevall, CEO at Smart Robotics.

The Smart Palletizer product line is now available in three different versions, namely The Essential Version, The Advanced Version and The Premium Version.

Essential Version: A robust system that is capable of handling a large variety of products. This system is compact and able to handle multiple different stacking patterns and can readjust itself as needed.

Advanced Version: This version is able to stack a larger variety of boxes in terms of size and allows for more complex stacking patterns. The system can also stack boxes to a greater height and can integrate directly into the warehouse management system if needed.

Premium Version: There are almost no limits to what this system is able to do. Stacking packaged confectionery items and pharmaceutical products, all the way to handling open boxes. This version of the Smart Palletizer offers the best in next-gen, end-of-line automation.

By having various versions to choose from, customers are able to select the distinct Smart Palletizer that best matches their needs. Smart Robotics’ current customers, ranging from snacks and confectionary producers to suppliers of pharmaceutical products are already putting the new versions to use. New customers from the warehousing sector, with greater product variety, will benefit from the new versions’ being able to better adapt to their needs.

Each version of the Smart Palletizer is described as safe to interact with, and highly user friendly. The end-of-line cobot caters towards the future of smart warehouse optimization by merging automation with existing warehousing infrastructure, whilst creating better working conditions for existing employees.

All three versions of the Smart Palletizer come with the option of an all-inclusive service and maintenance contract, from a dedicated service team, to ensure smooth operation for the lifetime of the system. Each version of the Smart Palletizer is easy to integrate in the warehouse, not disrupting the flow of operations, but rather optimising essential tasks in the workflow.

INFORM optimises KLM workforce management

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has opted for AI-powered WorkforcePlus software to optimise workforce scheduling for its employees. The software is provided by INFORM, an internationally active optimisation specialist based in Aachen, Germany.

The project aims to standardise planning in the three business units Ground services, Engineering & Maintenance and Cargo at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, as well as to optimise shift schedules and extensively automate the complex planning process. Following the footsteps of LATAM, Etihad and Lufthansa Technik, KLM is the next airline to put its trust in INFORM’s expertise in the field of efficient staff scheduling at airports.

The cloud-based AI solution from INFORM will replace a legacy solution developed in-house by KLM and will be integrated into the airline’s IT landscape as one of its central elements of the operational processes. WorkforcePlus will map the rules and regulations of the Dutch Working Hours Act as well as the equally multi-layered and dynamic company agreements for many KLM employees. With a high degree of automation, the system will incorporate these rules and regulations into seasonal and continuous shift planning.

Core system for operational planning

KLM and INFORM have been working together for over 25 years in planning and real-time resource dispatching for logistics processes. Previously, staff rostering was carried out utilising an in-house developed planning module, which was used to update shift plans twice a year. With the deployment of the new software, staff scheduling will now be optimised using AI. Planning will not only be automated to a large extent but will also cover seasonally varying needs with greater precision and flexibility than before, as well as individual requirements across business units.

“Demand-driven and predictive workforce management is essential for KLM’s ongoing operations. The transparency created by this flexible and future proof new system will simplify the necessary procedures. In line with this, the introduction of WorkforcePlus is centrally embedded in KLM’s AI and digitalisation strategy,” said Aart Slagt, EVP Information Services & CIO at KLM.

The flexibly adaptable software considers all relevant planning parameters, such as applicable laws, collective agreements, company agreements, working time models, different requirements for the shift system in the various areas of operation, or employee qualifications. From a vast number of possible plans, the AI-based system creates an optimised plan that automatically takes all of these framework conditions into account. Various tools already established at KLM will be replaced or linked to WorkforcePlus during the course of the project.

“We are pleased that we have now also been able to convince a significant customer in the Netherlands with our adaptable system,” said Dr. Jörg Herbers, CEO and Head of Workforce Management at INFORM. “With our AI technology, we are able to individually consider complex and diverse requirements of large companies and regionally applicable regulations. For KLM, we are adapting our optimisation procedures to reflect the specific conditions at Schiphol.”

In addition to numerous companies in the aviation industry, companies in production and logistics as well as ports also use INFORM’s solution.

INFORM optimises KLM workforce management

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has opted for AI-powered WorkforcePlus software to optimise workforce scheduling for its employees. The software is provided by INFORM, an internationally active optimisation specialist based in Aachen, Germany.

The project aims to standardise planning in the three business units Ground services, Engineering & Maintenance and Cargo at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, as well as to optimise shift schedules and extensively automate the complex planning process. Following the footsteps of LATAM, Etihad and Lufthansa Technik, KLM is the next airline to put its trust in INFORM’s expertise in the field of efficient staff scheduling at airports.

The cloud-based AI solution from INFORM will replace a legacy solution developed in-house by KLM and will be integrated into the airline’s IT landscape as one of its central elements of the operational processes. WorkforcePlus will map the rules and regulations of the Dutch Working Hours Act as well as the equally multi-layered and dynamic company agreements for many KLM employees. With a high degree of automation, the system will incorporate these rules and regulations into seasonal and continuous shift planning.

Core system for operational planning

KLM and INFORM have been working together for over 25 years in planning and real-time resource dispatching for logistics processes. Previously, staff rostering was carried out utilising an in-house developed planning module, which was used to update shift plans twice a year. With the deployment of the new software, staff scheduling will now be optimised using AI. Planning will not only be automated to a large extent but will also cover seasonally varying needs with greater precision and flexibility than before, as well as individual requirements across business units.

“Demand-driven and predictive workforce management is essential for KLM’s ongoing operations. The transparency created by this flexible and future proof new system will simplify the necessary procedures. In line with this, the introduction of WorkforcePlus is centrally embedded in KLM’s AI and digitalisation strategy,” said Aart Slagt, EVP Information Services & CIO at KLM.

The flexibly adaptable software considers all relevant planning parameters, such as applicable laws, collective agreements, company agreements, working time models, different requirements for the shift system in the various areas of operation, or employee qualifications. From a vast number of possible plans, the AI-based system creates an optimised plan that automatically takes all of these framework conditions into account. Various tools already established at KLM will be replaced or linked to WorkforcePlus during the course of the project.

“We are pleased that we have now also been able to convince a significant customer in the Netherlands with our adaptable system,” said Dr. Jörg Herbers, CEO and Head of Workforce Management at INFORM. “With our AI technology, we are able to individually consider complex and diverse requirements of large companies and regionally applicable regulations. For KLM, we are adapting our optimisation procedures to reflect the specific conditions at Schiphol.”

In addition to numerous companies in the aviation industry, companies in production and logistics as well as ports also use INFORM’s solution.

VisionTrack signs up for TSR

VisionTrack, a leading AI video telematics and connected fleet data specialist, has entered into a membership agreement with global NGO, Together for Safer Roads (TSR). As part of the collaboration, the company will provide its leading vehicle camera technology to TSR’s Truck of the Future pilot program, which aims to eliminate collisions between HGVs and other road users through enhanced driver visibility.

“Our vision is to create a world where all road-users are kept safe from harm, whether HGV drivers, motorists, cyclists or pedestrians,” says Richard Kent, VP of Global Sales at VisionTrack. “We share a commitment with Together for Safer Roads to eliminate traffic fatalities, and by bringing our leading AI video telematic solutions to the Truck of the Future program, we believe we can further this collective goal.”

TSR acts as a bridge providing a path for local governments and public organisations to work with innovative technology providers from the private sector to make all modes of transport safer. The VisionTrack partnership is already underway with the implementation of advanced video-enabled solutions – underpinned by device-agnostic, multi-award-winning IoT platform, Autonomise.ai – across fleets who have joined TSR’s Truck of the Future.

The Truck of the Future program identifies and tests innovative and cost-effective solutions to eliminate collisions between large vehicle operators and other road users, especially the most vulnerable, with driver visibility a high priority. Utilising connected cameras and video telematics from VisionTrack, drivers can gain a 360° view around the vehicle, which will help save lives.

“In the US alone, there was more than 40,000 deaths in 2020 from traffic crashes on roadways, with truck incidents representing 12% of the total fatalities, while only making up 4% of the vehicles operating on the road,” says Noah Budnick, Executive Director, Together for Safer Roads. “The incorporation of new technologies, data and innovative approaches to road safety is imperative to eliminating fatalities and making roads safe for all. Partnering with VisionTrack enhances our ability to make Vision Zero a global reality.”

More information about TSR and Truck of the Future will be provided during TSR’s 2022 Annual Meeting taking place September 21-22 in New York City as well as virtually.

VisionTrack signs up for TSR

VisionTrack, a leading AI video telematics and connected fleet data specialist, has entered into a membership agreement with global NGO, Together for Safer Roads (TSR). As part of the collaboration, the company will provide its leading vehicle camera technology to TSR’s Truck of the Future pilot program, which aims to eliminate collisions between HGVs and other road users through enhanced driver visibility.

“Our vision is to create a world where all road-users are kept safe from harm, whether HGV drivers, motorists, cyclists or pedestrians,” says Richard Kent, VP of Global Sales at VisionTrack. “We share a commitment with Together for Safer Roads to eliminate traffic fatalities, and by bringing our leading AI video telematic solutions to the Truck of the Future program, we believe we can further this collective goal.”

TSR acts as a bridge providing a path for local governments and public organisations to work with innovative technology providers from the private sector to make all modes of transport safer. The VisionTrack partnership is already underway with the implementation of advanced video-enabled solutions – underpinned by device-agnostic, multi-award-winning IoT platform, Autonomise.ai – across fleets who have joined TSR’s Truck of the Future.

The Truck of the Future program identifies and tests innovative and cost-effective solutions to eliminate collisions between large vehicle operators and other road users, especially the most vulnerable, with driver visibility a high priority. Utilising connected cameras and video telematics from VisionTrack, drivers can gain a 360° view around the vehicle, which will help save lives.

“In the US alone, there was more than 40,000 deaths in 2020 from traffic crashes on roadways, with truck incidents representing 12% of the total fatalities, while only making up 4% of the vehicles operating on the road,” says Noah Budnick, Executive Director, Together for Safer Roads. “The incorporation of new technologies, data and innovative approaches to road safety is imperative to eliminating fatalities and making roads safe for all. Partnering with VisionTrack enhances our ability to make Vision Zero a global reality.”

More information about TSR and Truck of the Future will be provided during TSR’s 2022 Annual Meeting taking place September 21-22 in New York City as well as virtually.

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