Subscribe

Day: 31 May 2023

IFOY Test Report: ARCOS by DS Automotion

Posted on by David Priestman

The latest submission in the IFOY Award finalists to come under the microscope ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd is the ARCOS AGV/AMR from DS Automotion.

Category: Intralogistics Software

IFOY Test Report

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) are known for the tireless execution of their transport orders. They travel rigidly predefined routes and deliver the respective transport loads to their destinations. Each lane, curve or intersection is carefully planned to realise the highest possible efficiency of the system. Mutual obstruction of the vehicles or even blocking is thereby ruled out.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), on the other hand, are responsible for reaching their destinations themselves. They are often only provided with the target and a map of the operational environment. With the help of sensors, they then continuously record their environment and can react independently to changes. Planning their paths independently allows them to avoid obstacles, but carries the risk that decisions made may negatively affect the efficiency of the overall system. The individual vehicles can interfere with or even block each other.

It is understandable that for plant operators it is tempting to use the positive features of both worlds. Therefore, DS Automotion has combined the strengths of both worlds (AMR and AGV), setting a milestone in the industry. According to the operator’s requirements, vehicles can act autonomously and avoid obstacles without blocking, but also follow pre-planned lanes.

The innovations are not only characterised by the coining of the terms “plannable autonomy” and “cooperative navigation”, as new core functions of the vehicle software. Conformity with the VDA-5050 interface, which is used across fleets, is also worth highlighting.

“Schedulable autonomy” is a way to navigate vehicles both “virtually lane-guided” and autonomously. The basic building blocks for this are the autonomy zones in which vehicles move freely. “Cooperative navigation” describes the ability of autonomously navigating vehicles to work together to find solutions to problematic situations. For example, the vehicles independently clarify the right of way between vehicles at intersections or bottlenecks.

IFOY test verdict: With the new software, DS Automotion vehicles can be quickly and easily integrated into production or logistics processes. In combination with the fleet manager NAVIOS, the planning and integration effort is reduced via the web-based interface. The zone-based planning and transport flow editor included in it enable the operator to adapt and expand the system. Transportation systems that use AMR with full autonomy typically have limited ability to intervene in the process. Here, the “schedulable autonomy” functions offer the possibility to define the behaviour of the vehicles more precisely. As in the case of virtual lane-guided AGVs, complex systems are thus realised with the highest possible efficiency. Due to the standardised interface, the operator can integrate the system into an already existing plant with VDA-5050 interface and also expand it at any time.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: ARCOS vehicle software combines the high flexibility of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) with the high efficiency of automated guided vehicles (AGV) in one transport system. As more warehouses, production facilities and hospitals are equipped with transport vehicles and the flexibility requirements in terms of throughput, environment complexity and task structure become more demanding, solutions like ARCOS are an important step in getting the best possible performance out of automated transport systems. Due to the breadth of application fields and the open interfaces of ARCOS, the market potential is estimated to be quite high. A first customer installation in a hospital environment is expected to go into operation shortly.

Customer benefit: With its so-called “Plannable Autonomy”, ARCOS promises maximum transport process efficiency by optimally merging the advantages of track-guided and autonomous transport vehicles in one vehicle software. However, the degree of autonomy can so far only be defined in spatially delimited zones, but not based on other, situational criteria. In addition, “Collaborative Navigation” in autonomous operation ensures that the optimal driving behaviour between the vehicles is coordinated independently at intersections or bottlenecks and that blockages are ruled out. ARCOS is compatible with all fleet managers, can also be used across manufacturers via VDA 5050, and can also be used in fleets with more than 100 vehicles.

Novelty / Innovation: Plannable Autonomy, i.e., the seamless integration of track guidance, partial autonomy, and free navigation in one vehicle software is new in this quality of integration in one solution. Although collaborative navigation is not an entirely new function, it is not coordinated centrally as in other solutions, but solved decentral only by the robots involved. Innovative dynamic lock zones are also used in this context.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The functionalities of plannable autonomy as well as collaborative navigation were shown to be of high quality and robust in several tests, some of which were very demanding. The collaborative navigation can also resolve difficult and dynamic situations and coordinate any number of vehicles with each other. One limitation of decentralised motion planning, however, is the operational range within a radius of approximately 10m. The applicability of ARCOS on all common chassis kinematics is exemplary.

Verdict: For the first time, ARCOS enables AGV and AMR fleets to drive variably, but zone-based between fixed lane guidance, lane guidance with flexible evasion, and free navigation (plannable autonomy) with a single flexible vehicle software. In combination with cooperative navigation, which enables the robots to avoid each other in a coordinated manner, a very efficient, powerful, and high-quality solution is offered that can also integrate vehicles from other manufacturers via VDA 5050.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: ARCOS by DS Automotion

Posted on by David Priestman

The latest submission in the IFOY Award finalists to come under the microscope ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd is the ARCOS AGV/AMR from DS Automotion.

Category: Intralogistics Software

IFOY Test Report

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) are known for the tireless execution of their transport orders. They travel rigidly predefined routes and deliver the respective transport loads to their destinations. Each lane, curve or intersection is carefully planned to realise the highest possible efficiency of the system. Mutual obstruction of the vehicles or even blocking is thereby ruled out.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), on the other hand, are responsible for reaching their destinations themselves. They are often only provided with the target and a map of the operational environment. With the help of sensors, they then continuously record their environment and can react independently to changes. Planning their paths independently allows them to avoid obstacles, but carries the risk that decisions made may negatively affect the efficiency of the overall system. The individual vehicles can interfere with or even block each other.

It is understandable that for plant operators it is tempting to use the positive features of both worlds. Therefore, DS Automotion has combined the strengths of both worlds (AMR and AGV), setting a milestone in the industry. According to the operator’s requirements, vehicles can act autonomously and avoid obstacles without blocking, but also follow pre-planned lanes.

The innovations are not only characterised by the coining of the terms “plannable autonomy” and “cooperative navigation”, as new core functions of the vehicle software. Conformity with the VDA-5050 interface, which is used across fleets, is also worth highlighting.

“Schedulable autonomy” is a way to navigate vehicles both “virtually lane-guided” and autonomously. The basic building blocks for this are the autonomy zones in which vehicles move freely. “Cooperative navigation” describes the ability of autonomously navigating vehicles to work together to find solutions to problematic situations. For example, the vehicles independently clarify the right of way between vehicles at intersections or bottlenecks.

IFOY test verdict: With the new software, DS Automotion vehicles can be quickly and easily integrated into production or logistics processes. In combination with the fleet manager NAVIOS, the planning and integration effort is reduced via the web-based interface. The zone-based planning and transport flow editor included in it enable the operator to adapt and expand the system. Transportation systems that use AMR with full autonomy typically have limited ability to intervene in the process. Here, the “schedulable autonomy” functions offer the possibility to define the behaviour of the vehicles more precisely. As in the case of virtual lane-guided AGVs, complex systems are thus realised with the highest possible efficiency. Due to the standardised interface, the operator can integrate the system into an already existing plant with VDA-5050 interface and also expand it at any time.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: ARCOS vehicle software combines the high flexibility of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) with the high efficiency of automated guided vehicles (AGV) in one transport system. As more warehouses, production facilities and hospitals are equipped with transport vehicles and the flexibility requirements in terms of throughput, environment complexity and task structure become more demanding, solutions like ARCOS are an important step in getting the best possible performance out of automated transport systems. Due to the breadth of application fields and the open interfaces of ARCOS, the market potential is estimated to be quite high. A first customer installation in a hospital environment is expected to go into operation shortly.

Customer benefit: With its so-called “Plannable Autonomy”, ARCOS promises maximum transport process efficiency by optimally merging the advantages of track-guided and autonomous transport vehicles in one vehicle software. However, the degree of autonomy can so far only be defined in spatially delimited zones, but not based on other, situational criteria. In addition, “Collaborative Navigation” in autonomous operation ensures that the optimal driving behaviour between the vehicles is coordinated independently at intersections or bottlenecks and that blockages are ruled out. ARCOS is compatible with all fleet managers, can also be used across manufacturers via VDA 5050, and can also be used in fleets with more than 100 vehicles.

Novelty / Innovation: Plannable Autonomy, i.e., the seamless integration of track guidance, partial autonomy, and free navigation in one vehicle software is new in this quality of integration in one solution. Although collaborative navigation is not an entirely new function, it is not coordinated centrally as in other solutions, but solved decentral only by the robots involved. Innovative dynamic lock zones are also used in this context.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The functionalities of plannable autonomy as well as collaborative navigation were shown to be of high quality and robust in several tests, some of which were very demanding. The collaborative navigation can also resolve difficult and dynamic situations and coordinate any number of vehicles with each other. One limitation of decentralised motion planning, however, is the operational range within a radius of approximately 10m. The applicability of ARCOS on all common chassis kinematics is exemplary.

Verdict: For the first time, ARCOS enables AGV and AMR fleets to drive variably, but zone-based between fixed lane guidance, lane guidance with flexible evasion, and free navigation (plannable autonomy) with a single flexible vehicle software. In combination with cooperative navigation, which enables the robots to avoid each other in a coordinated manner, a very efficient, powerful, and high-quality solution is offered that can also integrate vehicles from other manufacturers via VDA 5050.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Joloda Hydraroll Launches in Japan

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll Ltd., material handling expert and leading provider of loading and unloading solutions, announced today the opening of its new office in Kyoto, Japan. The move is designed to strengthen customer service and support for existing blue-chip customers in Japan, while underlining the intention for growth in the Japanese market.

The Joloda Hydraroll brand has established a strong presence in Japan via its distributor network in the past 45 years. The most prominent loading and unloading solution is the skate and track system, which is synonymous in Japan with the name ‘Joloda’.

Joe Banerjee, a member of the Joloda family for more than 30 years, has been appointed General Manager of Joloda Japan K.K. He will play a key role in meeting the company’s growth goals in Japan and raising awareness for automated loading systems in automotive, FMCG, and packaging industries.

The logistics industry in Japan is facing a significant challenge as new legislation comes into effect, dubbed the ‘2024 bug’. The law limits truck drivers to a total of 960 hours of overtime during one calendar year, which represents a major reduction.

In addition to the pressure placed on logistics companies from a spiked demand for home deliveries, industry researchers and consultants predict the regulations could exacerbate the driver shortage further, with truck drivers resigning as a result of depressed wages. To prepare, companies are being encouraged to proactively adopt new labour-saving and time-saving technologies.
With the opening of its new office in Japan, Joloda Hydraroll is well-positioned to provide a high level of customer service and support, helping to ensure the logistics industry in Japan continues to meet the growing demand for transportation of goods.

Wouter Satijn, Sales Director at Joloda Hydraroll, comments: “We are committed to helping logistics companies worldwide improve their operational processes, and we recognise the importance of strengthening our global presence to achieve this. For companies in Japan affected by the new legislation, our automated systems can help speed up the loading and unloading process, reduce driver waiting times, and improve the efficiency of each journey. Opening our commercial office in Japan enables us to strengthen our commitment to both new and existing customers during this challenging time.”

Joloda Hydraroll continues to expand its global footprint, ensuring that it can provide the best service to its clients worldwide. Including its distributor network, Joloda Hydraroll is now present in more than 30 countries worldwide. The launch of Joloda Japan K.K. follows the opening of Joloda Hydraroll SAS in France in 2022.

At Joloda Hydraroll, we’re more than ‘off-the-shelf.’ We automate and innovate, making manual solutions more effective. As global leaders in loading solutions, no problem is too great – we want to bring ease, efficiency, and safety to the movement of goods. To take the strain out of warehousing and logistics, we offer the ideal solutions to overcome any existing loading challenges, regardless of shape and size. We’re here to lighten loads, no matter what. And we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Joloda Hydraroll Launches in Japan

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll Ltd., material handling expert and leading provider of loading and unloading solutions, announced today the opening of its new office in Kyoto, Japan. The move is designed to strengthen customer service and support for existing blue-chip customers in Japan, while underlining the intention for growth in the Japanese market.

The Joloda Hydraroll brand has established a strong presence in Japan via its distributor network in the past 45 years. The most prominent loading and unloading solution is the skate and track system, which is synonymous in Japan with the name ‘Joloda’.

Joe Banerjee, a member of the Joloda family for more than 30 years, has been appointed General Manager of Joloda Japan K.K. He will play a key role in meeting the company’s growth goals in Japan and raising awareness for automated loading systems in automotive, FMCG, and packaging industries.

The logistics industry in Japan is facing a significant challenge as new legislation comes into effect, dubbed the ‘2024 bug’. The law limits truck drivers to a total of 960 hours of overtime during one calendar year, which represents a major reduction.

In addition to the pressure placed on logistics companies from a spiked demand for home deliveries, industry researchers and consultants predict the regulations could exacerbate the driver shortage further, with truck drivers resigning as a result of depressed wages. To prepare, companies are being encouraged to proactively adopt new labour-saving and time-saving technologies.
With the opening of its new office in Japan, Joloda Hydraroll is well-positioned to provide a high level of customer service and support, helping to ensure the logistics industry in Japan continues to meet the growing demand for transportation of goods.

Wouter Satijn, Sales Director at Joloda Hydraroll, comments: “We are committed to helping logistics companies worldwide improve their operational processes, and we recognise the importance of strengthening our global presence to achieve this. For companies in Japan affected by the new legislation, our automated systems can help speed up the loading and unloading process, reduce driver waiting times, and improve the efficiency of each journey. Opening our commercial office in Japan enables us to strengthen our commitment to both new and existing customers during this challenging time.”

Joloda Hydraroll continues to expand its global footprint, ensuring that it can provide the best service to its clients worldwide. Including its distributor network, Joloda Hydraroll is now present in more than 30 countries worldwide. The launch of Joloda Japan K.K. follows the opening of Joloda Hydraroll SAS in France in 2022.

At Joloda Hydraroll, we’re more than ‘off-the-shelf.’ We automate and innovate, making manual solutions more effective. As global leaders in loading solutions, no problem is too great – we want to bring ease, efficiency, and safety to the movement of goods. To take the strain out of warehousing and logistics, we offer the ideal solutions to overcome any existing loading challenges, regardless of shape and size. We’re here to lighten loads, no matter what. And we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Add-ons for Electric Yale® Lift Trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has launched two specially engineered operator assistance options to support warehouse and intralogistics operations. Available via its Special Products Engineering Department (SPED), the Reverse Speed System and Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights, can be fitted to selected Yale® electric lift truck models and may help to optimise operational safety and efficiency.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is focused on producing technology-enabled lift trucks for warehouse and intralogistics operations that support productivity, efficiency, and reduced costs,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President Marketing and Solutions EMEA, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Intralogistics operations can stay competitive, by adopting the latest technologies. The new forklift add-on solutions provide a way for warehouses to specify reliable equipment that is designed to meet their application and operators’ requirements.”

The patent-pending Reverse Speed System is available for Yale electric lift trucks, which are well suited to indoor warehouse operations. As an operator assistance option, it is suitable for use in warehouses across many industries, such as food distribution, beverage manufacturing, or auto parts distribution. However, it may be particularly useful where high numbers of temporary or agency staff are employed, such as in retail and e-commerce warehouses, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.

The system includes a sensor next to the rear drive handle, which detects when a hand is positioned on the handle. When the sensor is activated, it allows the truck to reach full reverse speed. If the sensor is not activated the reverse speed is limited to 2 km/h. Holding the handle encourages the operator to look in the direction of travel whilst reversing which is standard practice and important for keeping clear of pedestrians and objects in the path of travel. When the sensor is activated, the forward speed is limited to 8 km/h to minimise operator bypass of the system.

“Warehouses may find that the Reverse Speed System can help to enhance efficiency and productivity, keeping lift trucks and the operation moving, whilst supporting safety,” says Robert. “Certain operations may also benefit from the new Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights option.”

These compact LED lights can be front and/or rear mounted on most Yale electric forklifts, and are direction activated. They work in a similar way to ‘spot’ pedestrian lights, except that they display a dynamic, repeating, ‘progressively flashing’ blue arrow pattern on the floor. This pattern provides visible indication to nearby pedestrians or truck operators that a lift truck is approaching, as well as indicating what direction it is approaching from.

“Fast paced intralogistics operations may have a high number of pedestrians who could potentially benefit from this solution,” says Robert. “Equally, it may be useful in warehouses where there are blind corners, cross aisles, or unloading operations with sub-optimal visibility conditions.”

This option may also support operational efficiency as it helps minimise the risk of disruption due to potential incidents. It may also help minimise the risk of damage to stock and infrastructure, and the associated costs. For intralogistics operations and warehouses that operate lift trucks outdoors, either in loading or storage areas, Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights can also be supplied with selected Yale internal combustion forklifts. However, operations must take into account the fact that LED lights can be completely invisible in brightly lit conditions, such as in daylight.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is continually responding to ever-changing market conditions and demands,” adds Robert. “This is one example where we have provided solutions for the differing needs of our warehouse customers.”

Yale and its network of Dealer Partners are focused on customer success and supporting productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the fast-changing intralogistics industry. Both new add-ons are available to order from independent Yale dealers internationally.

Add-ons for Electric Yale® Lift Trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has launched two specially engineered operator assistance options to support warehouse and intralogistics operations. Available via its Special Products Engineering Department (SPED), the Reverse Speed System and Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights, can be fitted to selected Yale® electric lift truck models and may help to optimise operational safety and efficiency.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is focused on producing technology-enabled lift trucks for warehouse and intralogistics operations that support productivity, efficiency, and reduced costs,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President Marketing and Solutions EMEA, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Intralogistics operations can stay competitive, by adopting the latest technologies. The new forklift add-on solutions provide a way for warehouses to specify reliable equipment that is designed to meet their application and operators’ requirements.”

The patent-pending Reverse Speed System is available for Yale electric lift trucks, which are well suited to indoor warehouse operations. As an operator assistance option, it is suitable for use in warehouses across many industries, such as food distribution, beverage manufacturing, or auto parts distribution. However, it may be particularly useful where high numbers of temporary or agency staff are employed, such as in retail and e-commerce warehouses, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.

The system includes a sensor next to the rear drive handle, which detects when a hand is positioned on the handle. When the sensor is activated, it allows the truck to reach full reverse speed. If the sensor is not activated the reverse speed is limited to 2 km/h. Holding the handle encourages the operator to look in the direction of travel whilst reversing which is standard practice and important for keeping clear of pedestrians and objects in the path of travel. When the sensor is activated, the forward speed is limited to 8 km/h to minimise operator bypass of the system.

“Warehouses may find that the Reverse Speed System can help to enhance efficiency and productivity, keeping lift trucks and the operation moving, whilst supporting safety,” says Robert. “Certain operations may also benefit from the new Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights option.”

These compact LED lights can be front and/or rear mounted on most Yale electric forklifts, and are direction activated. They work in a similar way to ‘spot’ pedestrian lights, except that they display a dynamic, repeating, ‘progressively flashing’ blue arrow pattern on the floor. This pattern provides visible indication to nearby pedestrians or truck operators that a lift truck is approaching, as well as indicating what direction it is approaching from.

“Fast paced intralogistics operations may have a high number of pedestrians who could potentially benefit from this solution,” says Robert. “Equally, it may be useful in warehouses where there are blind corners, cross aisles, or unloading operations with sub-optimal visibility conditions.”

This option may also support operational efficiency as it helps minimise the risk of disruption due to potential incidents. It may also help minimise the risk of damage to stock and infrastructure, and the associated costs. For intralogistics operations and warehouses that operate lift trucks outdoors, either in loading or storage areas, Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights can also be supplied with selected Yale internal combustion forklifts. However, operations must take into account the fact that LED lights can be completely invisible in brightly lit conditions, such as in daylight.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is continually responding to ever-changing market conditions and demands,” adds Robert. “This is one example where we have provided solutions for the differing needs of our warehouse customers.”

Yale and its network of Dealer Partners are focused on customer success and supporting productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the fast-changing intralogistics industry. Both new add-ons are available to order from independent Yale dealers internationally.

RIO Trucks Benchmark Fleet Visibility

Posted on by David Priestman

Efficient internal benchmark processes are essential for every transport service provider. RIO is setting new standards for telematics with its interface solutions this spring. Without any hardware updates or retrofits, trucks and trailers as well as vans can be united online on the RIO platform via so-called telematics connectors and thus be made visible. Carriers with Scania trucks and a My Scania account can be the first to benefit from this interface renewal at RIO. The onboarding has been designed to be user-friendly in order to quickly provide customers with the benefits of efficient fleet management.

The large amount of different telematics systems often poses an unnecessary effort to every fleet operator. A glance at one system offers a considerable added value to be able to keep an eye on one’s own fleet. The new interfaces developed by RIO, also known as connectors or APIs, replace existing processes for connecting external systems and thus enable an optimized consolidation of telematics data on one platform. For Scania trucks or also for the applications of the telematics provider Webfleet, these simplified measures of interfacing are already available. Many other brand-specific APIs are in the final development phase at RIO and will include position data as well as other important status information.

“This uncomplicated integration of telematics data from a wide range of truck manufacturers – be it MAN TB, Mercedes-Benz Truck, Volvo Trucks or Scania – in one cloud-based user interface is an important step for the further development of logistical processes. The initial possibility of bringing Scania trucks onto our platform without much effort is exemplary for this transparency boost and makes me proud,” says Jan Kaumanns, CEO of RIO. “With this, we are creating a unified, clear ecosystem for transport companies to manage their fleets more efficiently and we will improve the flow of information along the entire supply chain for all stakeholders.”

However, integration does not end with tractor units: The trailers, which are of great importance for every transport service provider, are also networked in this ecosystem. The current location, the tractor unit connected to the trailer and other information can thus be made available for fact-based decision-making in dispatching.

RIO establishes the direct connection to the telematics systems of the trailer manufacturers, for example Kögel or Schmitz Cargobull, via suitable interfaces, which will also start with the position data in the roll-out. Analogous to the truck sector, telematics providers such as idem telematics are also connected here. Jan Kaumanns states: “The more the data silos that still exist are opened up in the future and trucks, trailers and vans can be viewed transparently by everyone on one platform, the greater the increase in added value in the entire supply chain. In order to provide added value for fleet operators and their route management, we are also working on solutions for the driver side. It remains exciting.”

TB Digital Services is a member of the TRATON GROUP and bundles digital services on an open, cloud-based platform under its RIO brand. The product portfolio includes solutions for the logistics and transport industry from the areas of telematics, transport management and driver communication. The TRATON GROUP is a subsidiary of Volkswagen and is one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers with its Scania, MAN, Navistar and Volkswagen Truck & Bus brands.

RIO Trucks Benchmark Fleet Visibility

Posted on by David Priestman

Efficient internal benchmark processes are essential for every transport service provider. RIO is setting new standards for telematics with its interface solutions this spring. Without any hardware updates or retrofits, trucks and trailers as well as vans can be united online on the RIO platform via so-called telematics connectors and thus be made visible. Carriers with Scania trucks and a My Scania account can be the first to benefit from this interface renewal at RIO. The onboarding has been designed to be user-friendly in order to quickly provide customers with the benefits of efficient fleet management.

The large amount of different telematics systems often poses an unnecessary effort to every fleet operator. A glance at one system offers a considerable added value to be able to keep an eye on one’s own fleet. The new interfaces developed by RIO, also known as connectors or APIs, replace existing processes for connecting external systems and thus enable an optimized consolidation of telematics data on one platform. For Scania trucks or also for the applications of the telematics provider Webfleet, these simplified measures of interfacing are already available. Many other brand-specific APIs are in the final development phase at RIO and will include position data as well as other important status information.

“This uncomplicated integration of telematics data from a wide range of truck manufacturers – be it MAN TB, Mercedes-Benz Truck, Volvo Trucks or Scania – in one cloud-based user interface is an important step for the further development of logistical processes. The initial possibility of bringing Scania trucks onto our platform without much effort is exemplary for this transparency boost and makes me proud,” says Jan Kaumanns, CEO of RIO. “With this, we are creating a unified, clear ecosystem for transport companies to manage their fleets more efficiently and we will improve the flow of information along the entire supply chain for all stakeholders.”

However, integration does not end with tractor units: The trailers, which are of great importance for every transport service provider, are also networked in this ecosystem. The current location, the tractor unit connected to the trailer and other information can thus be made available for fact-based decision-making in dispatching.

RIO establishes the direct connection to the telematics systems of the trailer manufacturers, for example Kögel or Schmitz Cargobull, via suitable interfaces, which will also start with the position data in the roll-out. Analogous to the truck sector, telematics providers such as idem telematics are also connected here. Jan Kaumanns states: “The more the data silos that still exist are opened up in the future and trucks, trailers and vans can be viewed transparently by everyone on one platform, the greater the increase in added value in the entire supply chain. In order to provide added value for fleet operators and their route management, we are also working on solutions for the driver side. It remains exciting.”

TB Digital Services is a member of the TRATON GROUP and bundles digital services on an open, cloud-based platform under its RIO brand. The product portfolio includes solutions for the logistics and transport industry from the areas of telematics, transport management and driver communication. The TRATON GROUP is a subsidiary of Volkswagen and is one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers with its Scania, MAN, Navistar and Volkswagen Truck & Bus brands.

Support for Energy-efficient Drive Systems

Posted on by David Priestman

With its ECO service, NORD helps companies to find the most energy-efficient drive solution for their application. Not only energy consumption and CO₂ emissions but also the costs for administration, maintenance and wear can be reduced by using suitable drive systems. The NORD ECO box can measure the energy consumption of individual drives in detail and allows for extensive data analysis.

“The first step is the comprehensive collection of measurement values,” Jörg Niermann, Head of Marketing at NORD, explains. “The NORD ECO box contains an energy measuring device that measures the drive’s current and voltage. It determines the effective or reactive power, i.e. the energy actually used or not used, and from this calculates the relative power factor.”

After installation of the NORD ECO box between the drive and power supply, data covering permanent loads, load peaks and irregular conditions is recorded over a period of two months. Measuring over the entire period creates a high density of data that can identify patterns and random outliers, allowing a load cycle of the entire system to be created.

Evaluation of the data

Once the survey is completed, NORD evaluates the data. The customer receives the evaluation in the form of a PDF document which presents the main key data. In the evaluation of the results, the large amount of data recorded makes it possible to determine precisely whether the dimensions of a system meet the requirements of the respective application or whether the system is oversized, for example, which is particularly important when optimising for energy efficiency.

Reduction of variants

In large systems with numerous drives – such as in intralogistics – the NORD ECO service can help not only to optimise the power used by the individual drive systems, but also to reduce the number of different systems. This helps to further streamline production, logistics, storage and service processes. The high-efficiency motors from NORD provide a constant torque over a large speed range and are particularly suitable for a reduction of variants.

Together with the data evaluation, the customer receives a recommendation for an efficient NORD drive solution. The energy balance of the NORD solution is documented as part of a further measurement and the customer can see their increase in efficiency in writing.

“The NORD ECO service has already helped various customers to improve the energy efficiency of their production and thus to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Niermann.

Support for Energy-efficient Drive Systems

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With its ECO service, NORD helps companies to find the most energy-efficient drive solution for their application. Not only energy consumption and CO₂ emissions but also the costs for administration, maintenance and wear can be reduced by using suitable drive systems. The NORD ECO box can measure the energy consumption of individual drives in detail and allows for extensive data analysis.

“The first step is the comprehensive collection of measurement values,” Jörg Niermann, Head of Marketing at NORD, explains. “The NORD ECO box contains an energy measuring device that measures the drive’s current and voltage. It determines the effective or reactive power, i.e. the energy actually used or not used, and from this calculates the relative power factor.”

After installation of the NORD ECO box between the drive and power supply, data covering permanent loads, load peaks and irregular conditions is recorded over a period of two months. Measuring over the entire period creates a high density of data that can identify patterns and random outliers, allowing a load cycle of the entire system to be created.

Evaluation of the data

Once the survey is completed, NORD evaluates the data. The customer receives the evaluation in the form of a PDF document which presents the main key data. In the evaluation of the results, the large amount of data recorded makes it possible to determine precisely whether the dimensions of a system meet the requirements of the respective application or whether the system is oversized, for example, which is particularly important when optimising for energy efficiency.

Reduction of variants

In large systems with numerous drives – such as in intralogistics – the NORD ECO service can help not only to optimise the power used by the individual drive systems, but also to reduce the number of different systems. This helps to further streamline production, logistics, storage and service processes. The high-efficiency motors from NORD provide a constant torque over a large speed range and are particularly suitable for a reduction of variants.

Together with the data evaluation, the customer receives a recommendation for an efficient NORD drive solution. The energy balance of the NORD solution is documented as part of a further measurement and the customer can see their increase in efficiency in writing.

“The NORD ECO service has already helped various customers to improve the energy efficiency of their production and thus to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Niermann.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.