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Day: 5 June 2023

Telematics Connectivity for Vehicle-Powered Units

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, has announced its new BlueBox Lite telematics device designed to enhance the connectivity of the vehicle-powered refrigeration units.

With the BlueBox Lite device the customers now get a more cost-efficient way to obtain not only the temperature and position data, but also critical information from the vehicle-powered refrigeration units’ control system like setpoints, alarms or hours of operation. BlueBox Lite features 4G connectivity allowing customers to easily access the data through the Thermo King TracKing™ web portal, TK Reefer or integrate it with a third-party platform or back-end system.

“Connectivity is something not to be missed for companies looking to improve the efficiency of their cold chain operations,” said Mike McEnnis, Portfolio Leader Product Management. “By introducing the BlueBox Lite telematics device for our V-Series, VX-Series and B-Series range we want to make it easier for our customers to take advantage of the data and make their operations smarter. The BlueBox Lite is a plug-and-play, 4G solution that gives them a cost-efficient and easy way to receive real time intelligence on the operation of their refrigerated vehicle.”

Other key features of the Thermo King BlueBox Lite device include:

– Near real-time data access thanks to the five-minute logging interval availability for improved response times
– Plug-and-play solution reducing the installation time, with no requirement for a separate DataLogger to get the temperature data. Unlike other telematics solutions with temperature probes, the BlueBox Lite is easily installed and connected directly to the refrigeration units’ controller
– EN12830 compatible solution if combined with the optional TouchLog datalogger
– 2-way command for SetPoint change to allow remote control of the load temperature

Thermo King – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – is a worldwide leader in sustainable transport temperature control solutions. Thermo King has been providing transport temperature control solutions for a variety of applications, including trailers, truck bodies, buses, air, shipboard containers and railway cars since 1938.

Telematics Connectivity for Vehicle-Powered Units

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, has announced its new BlueBox Lite telematics device designed to enhance the connectivity of the vehicle-powered refrigeration units.

With the BlueBox Lite device the customers now get a more cost-efficient way to obtain not only the temperature and position data, but also critical information from the vehicle-powered refrigeration units’ control system like setpoints, alarms or hours of operation. BlueBox Lite features 4G connectivity allowing customers to easily access the data through the Thermo King TracKing™ web portal, TK Reefer or integrate it with a third-party platform or back-end system.

“Connectivity is something not to be missed for companies looking to improve the efficiency of their cold chain operations,” said Mike McEnnis, Portfolio Leader Product Management. “By introducing the BlueBox Lite telematics device for our V-Series, VX-Series and B-Series range we want to make it easier for our customers to take advantage of the data and make their operations smarter. The BlueBox Lite is a plug-and-play, 4G solution that gives them a cost-efficient and easy way to receive real time intelligence on the operation of their refrigerated vehicle.”

Other key features of the Thermo King BlueBox Lite device include:

– Near real-time data access thanks to the five-minute logging interval availability for improved response times
– Plug-and-play solution reducing the installation time, with no requirement for a separate DataLogger to get the temperature data. Unlike other telematics solutions with temperature probes, the BlueBox Lite is easily installed and connected directly to the refrigeration units’ controller
– EN12830 compatible solution if combined with the optional TouchLog datalogger
– 2-way command for SetPoint change to allow remote control of the load temperature

Thermo King – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – is a worldwide leader in sustainable transport temperature control solutions. Thermo King has been providing transport temperature control solutions for a variety of applications, including trailers, truck bodies, buses, air, shipboard containers and railway cars since 1938.

100 More Autonomous Trucks for Felixstowe

Posted on by David Priestman

Port of Felixstowe, part of the Hutchison Ports’ network, and Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd (Westwell) have signed an agreement for an additional 100 battery-powered autonomous Q-Trucks. The order follows a tender exercise and a thorough testing and evaluation process.

Hutchison Ports first introduced Westwell’s Q-Trucks at Terminal D in Thailand’s Laem Chabang Port in 2020. Fifteen Q-Trucks run in mixed mode operation with no separation from other traffic and have handled over 334,000 TEU (Twenty-feet Equivalent Unit) moves since their introduction.

Commenting on the agreement, Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Felixstowe and Executive Director of Hutchison Ports, said:

“We are really excited to be working in partnership with Westwell to bring their ground-breaking and AI-driven technology to the Port of Felixstowe. Following the positive introduction of autonomous trucks at our terminal in Thailand and after thorough and successful testing in Felixstowe, we are rolling the system out in the U.K. The new trucks will increase the efficiency and operational consistency of our container handling as well as making a significant contribution to decarbonising operations at the port.”

Kenny Tan, Chairman of Westwell said:

“Hutchison Ports is a significant global partner for Westwell. As a world leading company in intelligent mass-logistics, Westwell, with its holistic solution in new energy autonomous driving, can help increase efficiency while reducing costs and delivering sustainable development options. The contract also marks a very important development of Westwell’s Ainergy Strategy to utilise AI applications to reduce energy consumption and facilitate decarbonisation. In this respect we will continue to explore opportunities to commercialise new developments with Hutchison Ports to equip global logistics for sustainable development.”

Delivery of the first autonomous trucks will commence in September 2023.

The new equipment is an essential element of the port’s decarbonisation strategy. Hutchison Ports has announced that its UK ports will achieve Scope 1 and Scope 2 net-zero by 2035 as part of the group’s global target established in line with the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) net-zero standard. In addition to the autonomous trucks, the port is investing in battery-powered conventional tractor units, replacing and re-engineering its yard cranes and purchasing electricity only from certified renewable sources.

The Port of Felixstowe is part of Freeport East, one of twelve Freeports being established in the UK. A key element of the Freeport East strategy is to boost innovation and investment. Following the signing ceremony for the autonomous trucks, Clemence Cheng and Kenny Tan held further discussions about bringing Westwell’s technology and expertise to the UK through the establishment of a new facility for Westwell within Freeport East.

100 More Autonomous Trucks for Felixstowe

Posted on by David Priestman

Port of Felixstowe, part of the Hutchison Ports’ network, and Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd (Westwell) have signed an agreement for an additional 100 battery-powered autonomous Q-Trucks. The order follows a tender exercise and a thorough testing and evaluation process.

Hutchison Ports first introduced Westwell’s Q-Trucks at Terminal D in Thailand’s Laem Chabang Port in 2020. Fifteen Q-Trucks run in mixed mode operation with no separation from other traffic and have handled over 334,000 TEU (Twenty-feet Equivalent Unit) moves since their introduction.

Commenting on the agreement, Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Felixstowe and Executive Director of Hutchison Ports, said:

“We are really excited to be working in partnership with Westwell to bring their ground-breaking and AI-driven technology to the Port of Felixstowe. Following the positive introduction of autonomous trucks at our terminal in Thailand and after thorough and successful testing in Felixstowe, we are rolling the system out in the U.K. The new trucks will increase the efficiency and operational consistency of our container handling as well as making a significant contribution to decarbonising operations at the port.”

Kenny Tan, Chairman of Westwell said:

“Hutchison Ports is a significant global partner for Westwell. As a world leading company in intelligent mass-logistics, Westwell, with its holistic solution in new energy autonomous driving, can help increase efficiency while reducing costs and delivering sustainable development options. The contract also marks a very important development of Westwell’s Ainergy Strategy to utilise AI applications to reduce energy consumption and facilitate decarbonisation. In this respect we will continue to explore opportunities to commercialise new developments with Hutchison Ports to equip global logistics for sustainable development.”

Delivery of the first autonomous trucks will commence in September 2023.

The new equipment is an essential element of the port’s decarbonisation strategy. Hutchison Ports has announced that its UK ports will achieve Scope 1 and Scope 2 net-zero by 2035 as part of the group’s global target established in line with the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) net-zero standard. In addition to the autonomous trucks, the port is investing in battery-powered conventional tractor units, replacing and re-engineering its yard cranes and purchasing electricity only from certified renewable sources.

The Port of Felixstowe is part of Freeport East, one of twelve Freeports being established in the UK. A key element of the Freeport East strategy is to boost innovation and investment. Following the signing ceremony for the autonomous trucks, Clemence Cheng and Kenny Tan held further discussions about bringing Westwell’s technology and expertise to the UK through the establishment of a new facility for Westwell within Freeport East.

Ports Help in Reducing Shipping Emissions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has long been committed to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, aiming for a minimum 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 through stricter regulations and improved energy efficiency. However, recent discussions at the Green4Sea Forum in Athens have highlighted IMO’s challenges in developing credible plans and policies. Suppose the IMO fails to provide effective solutions. In that case, there is a risk that regional and national authorities will take unilateral actions to regulate emissions, potentially fragmenting the global shipping industry’s operations.

In the quest to reduce the shipping industry’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it has become increasingly evident that slow-steaming, a commonly employed strategy, may not be the ultimate solution everyone thought. Recent studies by Simpson Spence & Young and Clarksons have cast doubt on the effectiveness of slow-steaming, a widely employed strategy. These studies suggest that the benefits of slow steaming may have been overestimated due to unrealistic assumptions about fuel consumption and ship speed. Real-world evidence indicates that the relationship between ship speed and fuel consumption is more nuanced than previously believed, challenging the assumptions underlying the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation. This calls for a re-evaluation of strategies.

Instead, a greater focus on the role of ports in achieving emission reduction goals is beginning to be recognized and their role in helping shipping lines achieve emission reduction targets. Acknowledging ports as key partners in the fight against emissions highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.

This recognition highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector, with ports serving as vital partners in the fight against emissions. So as the industry navigates these complexities, there is an urgent call for holistic approaches encompassing the entire logistics chain, with ports playing a pivotal role in achieving emission reduction targets.

The maritime sector is also increasingly turning to data-driven decision-making and digital solutions to address these challenges and accelerate the industry’s adaptation to a changing world. One notable example that brings these two ways of thinking together is the Port of Rotterdam, which has embarked on a sustainability journey to minimize its environmental impact. However, obtaining accurate real-time data on transport emissions proved to be a significant hurdle for the port, hampering the implementation of targeted improvement strategies.

To overcome this challenge, the Port of Rotterdam employed PortXchange Synchronizer developed by PortXchange, a spinoff of the Port of Rotterdam, a digital solution designed to align all stakeholders in a port call, reduce emissions and facilitate just-in-time arrivals. In addition to the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the Port of Rotterdam launched PortXchange EmissionInsider, a solution to monitor and analyze transport-related emissions. This solution enabled the port to gain unprecedented visibility into its transport emissions, standardize reporting and identify areas with the greatest potential for decarbonization. By leveraging AI algorithms and data triangulation, the platform provided comprehensive emissions profiles for each ship within the port’s jurisdiction, enabling data-driven decision-making to support emission reduction strategies.

Through the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the port achieved a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions from shipping operations and a 15% decrease in NOx emissions. Collaboration with shipping companies was pivotal in promoting greener practices and driving sustainability initiatives forward.

The maritime industry is at a critical juncture where embracing digitalization, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration between ports and shipping lines are vital. By leveraging innovative technologies and taking a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction, the industry can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Ports Help in Reducing Shipping Emissions

Posted on by David Priestman

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has long been committed to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, aiming for a minimum 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 through stricter regulations and improved energy efficiency. However, recent discussions at the Green4Sea Forum in Athens have highlighted IMO’s challenges in developing credible plans and policies. Suppose the IMO fails to provide effective solutions. In that case, there is a risk that regional and national authorities will take unilateral actions to regulate emissions, potentially fragmenting the global shipping industry’s operations.

In the quest to reduce the shipping industry’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it has become increasingly evident that slow-steaming, a commonly employed strategy, may not be the ultimate solution everyone thought. Recent studies by Simpson Spence & Young and Clarksons have cast doubt on the effectiveness of slow-steaming, a widely employed strategy. These studies suggest that the benefits of slow steaming may have been overestimated due to unrealistic assumptions about fuel consumption and ship speed. Real-world evidence indicates that the relationship between ship speed and fuel consumption is more nuanced than previously believed, challenging the assumptions underlying the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation. This calls for a re-evaluation of strategies.

Instead, a greater focus on the role of ports in achieving emission reduction goals is beginning to be recognized and their role in helping shipping lines achieve emission reduction targets. Acknowledging ports as key partners in the fight against emissions highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.

This recognition highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector, with ports serving as vital partners in the fight against emissions. So as the industry navigates these complexities, there is an urgent call for holistic approaches encompassing the entire logistics chain, with ports playing a pivotal role in achieving emission reduction targets.

The maritime sector is also increasingly turning to data-driven decision-making and digital solutions to address these challenges and accelerate the industry’s adaptation to a changing world. One notable example that brings these two ways of thinking together is the Port of Rotterdam, which has embarked on a sustainability journey to minimize its environmental impact. However, obtaining accurate real-time data on transport emissions proved to be a significant hurdle for the port, hampering the implementation of targeted improvement strategies.

To overcome this challenge, the Port of Rotterdam employed PortXchange Synchronizer developed by PortXchange, a spinoff of the Port of Rotterdam, a digital solution designed to align all stakeholders in a port call, reduce emissions and facilitate just-in-time arrivals. In addition to the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the Port of Rotterdam launched PortXchange EmissionInsider, a solution to monitor and analyze transport-related emissions. This solution enabled the port to gain unprecedented visibility into its transport emissions, standardize reporting and identify areas with the greatest potential for decarbonization. By leveraging AI algorithms and data triangulation, the platform provided comprehensive emissions profiles for each ship within the port’s jurisdiction, enabling data-driven decision-making to support emission reduction strategies.

Through the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the port achieved a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions from shipping operations and a 15% decrease in NOx emissions. Collaboration with shipping companies was pivotal in promoting greener practices and driving sustainability initiatives forward.

The maritime industry is at a critical juncture where embracing digitalization, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration between ports and shipping lines are vital. By leveraging innovative technologies and taking a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction, the industry can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Ringtread Tyre Hits ‘A’ in Energy Saving

Posted on by David Priestman

Marangoni is proud to announce that it has manufactured a Ringtread tyre that achieved an ‘A’ class energy saving level in the same test used for new tyres (ECE.R 117). The significant result, achieved using a special Blackline ring, was certified by the Prüflabor Nord laboratory carrying out the same test used for new tyres.

This amazing result was achieved by applying a Blackline tread ring with an optimised design for low rolling resistance on a high quality casing, which featured the best rolling resistance class already in its first life. Retreading took place at MARANGONI’s plant in Rovereto, Italy, where the group’s headquarters and R&D centre are also located.

The ring used for this test was manufactured by MARANGONI using a special compound created ad hoc for the occasion. This pivotal element, combined with the specific performance features of the Blackline RTL FE tread pattern and the peculiarities offered by the RINGTREAD System (first and foremost no splices and no structural deformation), made it possible to create a retreaded tyre capable of achieving “A” class rolling resistance according to the same standards used for new tyres.

The result of the test, carried out by the independent test laboratory Prüflabor Nord, has met with a very positive response from industry experts, as few new tyres can boast such a satisfactory result.

Vittorio Marangoni, Chairman of the MARANGONI Group, stated: “This important achievement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions that curb environmental impact, even in the use phase, without undermining performance. It is further evidence that by implementing high quality standards, the retreaded tyre can perform at the level of the best new tyres.”

The announcement was made in advance to visitors at Transport Logistic, on the occasion of MARANGONI’s first participation in the leading European logistics event, which took place from 9 to 12 May in Munich. The novelty attracted great interest from the public, given the increasing focus of fleets on reducing energy costs.

Vittorio Marangoni concluded with these words: “We will continue to invest in research and development of advanced technologies in the tyre retreading industry. We want to offer end users products that combine high performance with an increasingly smaller environmental footprint. This achievement further spurs us on in our commitment to promoting environmentally friendly, high-performance and state-of-the-art solutions.”

 

Ringtread Tyre Hits ‘A’ in Energy Saving

Posted on by David Priestman

Marangoni is proud to announce that it has manufactured a Ringtread tyre that achieved an ‘A’ class energy saving level in the same test used for new tyres (ECE.R 117). The significant result, achieved using a special Blackline ring, was certified by the Prüflabor Nord laboratory carrying out the same test used for new tyres.

This amazing result was achieved by applying a Blackline tread ring with an optimised design for low rolling resistance on a high quality casing, which featured the best rolling resistance class already in its first life. Retreading took place at MARANGONI’s plant in Rovereto, Italy, where the group’s headquarters and R&D centre are also located.

The ring used for this test was manufactured by MARANGONI using a special compound created ad hoc for the occasion. This pivotal element, combined with the specific performance features of the Blackline RTL FE tread pattern and the peculiarities offered by the RINGTREAD System (first and foremost no splices and no structural deformation), made it possible to create a retreaded tyre capable of achieving “A” class rolling resistance according to the same standards used for new tyres.

The result of the test, carried out by the independent test laboratory Prüflabor Nord, has met with a very positive response from industry experts, as few new tyres can boast such a satisfactory result.

Vittorio Marangoni, Chairman of the MARANGONI Group, stated: “This important achievement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions that curb environmental impact, even in the use phase, without undermining performance. It is further evidence that by implementing high quality standards, the retreaded tyre can perform at the level of the best new tyres.”

The announcement was made in advance to visitors at Transport Logistic, on the occasion of MARANGONI’s first participation in the leading European logistics event, which took place from 9 to 12 May in Munich. The novelty attracted great interest from the public, given the increasing focus of fleets on reducing energy costs.

Vittorio Marangoni concluded with these words: “We will continue to invest in research and development of advanced technologies in the tyre retreading industry. We want to offer end users products that combine high performance with an increasingly smaller environmental footprint. This achievement further spurs us on in our commitment to promoting environmentally friendly, high-performance and state-of-the-art solutions.”

 

IFOY Test Report: Hikrobot F4-1000C

Posted on by David Priestman

In the next of our comprehensive looks at all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd, we come to the first of several entries from China, the F4-1000C AGV from Hikrobot.

Category: Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV / AMR)

IFOY Test Report

Hikrobot introduces the F4-1000C, or F4 for short, a super-compact AGV designed specifically for use in narrow aisles or confined spaces. It can be used in a variety of conditions, from logistics to production environments. With a chassis of just 400mm (1,600mm including forks) and a width of 800mm, the IFOY nominee appears extremely slim. Despite its compact size, the AGV with forks can effortlessly transport and lift loads of 1,000kg up to a height of 1.3m. At the maximum lifting height of 3m, the residual load capacity is 600kg.

With travel speeds of 1.8m/s (without load) and 1.2m/s (with load), the robot is faster than many competitors. Lifting speed is 0.5m/s (unloaded) and 0.3m/s (loaded). Lifting accuracy is ±2mm.

The CE-certified F4-1000C is equipped with numerous safety features that ensure safe cooperation between man and machine. It operates precisely and reliably with a positioning accuracy of ±5mm. At the IFOY presentation, the F4 detected pallets that were not fully in position thanks to the camera in the fork carriage. If a pallet deviates by up to 10°, the AGV detects this and independently corrects its position.

Hikrobot’s in-house fleet management system can also be easily adapted to the requirements and systems of customers in different industries. No third party is required for this, eliminating additional work and costs.

The F4-1000C is controlled by Hikrobot’s robot control system (RCS). This system optimises routes and avoids congestion and traffic delays. According to Hikrobot, this increases efficiency by two to three times.

The F4 navigates with SLAM technology. The 48V/70Ah lithium-ion battery is sufficient for eight hours of use on a full charge, according to Hikrobot.

Regardless of the workflow or deployment situation, the F4-1000C ensures a smooth flow of goods. The F4 is one of the few robots that can operate in both logistics environments and industrial deployment situations. The F4’s “mother tongue” is Italian, but it can provide feedback in all European languages.

The manufacturer considers the attractive price to be a major plus point. Since the Chinese manufacturer  ̶  with the exception of the SICK sensor  ̶  develops and produces all components in-house, Hikrobot retains maximum control over the supply chain. In addition, this allows the manufacturer to respond to a wide variety of customer requests and requirements. In other words, maximum flexibility at a competitive price. By its own account, Hikrobot delivers the F4 at a price that is at least 30% lower than any competitor. To maintain control of the supply chain after delivery, Hikrobot has a European headquarters and spare parts centre in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

IFOY test verdict: Thanks to its compact size, the independent F4-1000C maximises the use of storage space. Its manoeuvrability gives users a great advantage in both logistics and industry.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Vehicles like the F4 1000C with a fork for standard pallet skids have a large market. The 1200x800mm pallet format and other load carriers with these basic dimensions, such as mesh boxes or large load carriers, are used in very many companies in Europe.

Customer benefit: The extremely compact design of the vehicle with a short body for drive and control results in a vehicle length of only 1640mm. This enables the F4-1000C to place the DIN pallet format 1200x1000mm crosswise in a rack after a 90° turn, even in a storage aisle that is only 2052mm wide. The manoeuvrability of the compact vehicle enables a good utility value for the user.

Novelty / Innovation: Even in this compact design, the vehicle is not exceptionally new. Market competitors already have vehicles with omnidirectional drive in their portfolio, which currently represent the benchmark in the compact industrial truck segment.

Functionality / Type of implementation: In addition to its compactness, the F4-1000C offers many good functions and features that are beneficial to the user. These include the autonomy functions, such as the well-functioning avoidance of obstacles. The demonstration of detecting load carriers outside the specified pick-up position, for example twisted or shifted, did not work in the successive tests.

Verdict: Vehicles like the F4 1000C have a very large market, as the 1200x800mm pallet format is used in very many companies. The manoeuvrability of the vehicle enables good benefits for the users. Even in this compact design, the vehicle is not exceptionally new, but offers good functions and features for the user.

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

IFOY Test Report: Hikrobot F4-1000C

Posted on by David Priestman

In the next of our comprehensive looks at all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd, we come to the first of several entries from China, the F4-1000C AGV from Hikrobot.

Category: Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV / AMR)

IFOY Test Report

Hikrobot introduces the F4-1000C, or F4 for short, a super-compact AGV designed specifically for use in narrow aisles or confined spaces. It can be used in a variety of conditions, from logistics to production environments. With a chassis of just 400mm (1,600mm including forks) and a width of 800mm, the IFOY nominee appears extremely slim. Despite its compact size, the AGV with forks can effortlessly transport and lift loads of 1,000kg up to a height of 1.3m. At the maximum lifting height of 3m, the residual load capacity is 600kg.

With travel speeds of 1.8m/s (without load) and 1.2m/s (with load), the robot is faster than many competitors. Lifting speed is 0.5m/s (unloaded) and 0.3m/s (loaded). Lifting accuracy is ±2mm.

The CE-certified F4-1000C is equipped with numerous safety features that ensure safe cooperation between man and machine. It operates precisely and reliably with a positioning accuracy of ±5mm. At the IFOY presentation, the F4 detected pallets that were not fully in position thanks to the camera in the fork carriage. If a pallet deviates by up to 10°, the AGV detects this and independently corrects its position.

Hikrobot’s in-house fleet management system can also be easily adapted to the requirements and systems of customers in different industries. No third party is required for this, eliminating additional work and costs.

The F4-1000C is controlled by Hikrobot’s robot control system (RCS). This system optimises routes and avoids congestion and traffic delays. According to Hikrobot, this increases efficiency by two to three times.

The F4 navigates with SLAM technology. The 48V/70Ah lithium-ion battery is sufficient for eight hours of use on a full charge, according to Hikrobot.

Regardless of the workflow or deployment situation, the F4-1000C ensures a smooth flow of goods. The F4 is one of the few robots that can operate in both logistics environments and industrial deployment situations. The F4’s “mother tongue” is Italian, but it can provide feedback in all European languages.

The manufacturer considers the attractive price to be a major plus point. Since the Chinese manufacturer  ̶  with the exception of the SICK sensor  ̶  develops and produces all components in-house, Hikrobot retains maximum control over the supply chain. In addition, this allows the manufacturer to respond to a wide variety of customer requests and requirements. In other words, maximum flexibility at a competitive price. By its own account, Hikrobot delivers the F4 at a price that is at least 30% lower than any competitor. To maintain control of the supply chain after delivery, Hikrobot has a European headquarters and spare parts centre in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

IFOY test verdict: Thanks to its compact size, the independent F4-1000C maximises the use of storage space. Its manoeuvrability gives users a great advantage in both logistics and industry.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Vehicles like the F4 1000C with a fork for standard pallet skids have a large market. The 1200x800mm pallet format and other load carriers with these basic dimensions, such as mesh boxes or large load carriers, are used in very many companies in Europe.

Customer benefit: The extremely compact design of the vehicle with a short body for drive and control results in a vehicle length of only 1640mm. This enables the F4-1000C to place the DIN pallet format 1200x1000mm crosswise in a rack after a 90° turn, even in a storage aisle that is only 2052mm wide. The manoeuvrability of the compact vehicle enables a good utility value for the user.

Novelty / Innovation: Even in this compact design, the vehicle is not exceptionally new. Market competitors already have vehicles with omnidirectional drive in their portfolio, which currently represent the benchmark in the compact industrial truck segment.

Functionality / Type of implementation: In addition to its compactness, the F4-1000C offers many good functions and features that are beneficial to the user. These include the autonomy functions, such as the well-functioning avoidance of obstacles. The demonstration of detecting load carriers outside the specified pick-up position, for example twisted or shifted, did not work in the successive tests.

Verdict: Vehicles like the F4 1000C have a very large market, as the 1200x800mm pallet format is used in very many companies. The manoeuvrability of the vehicle enables good benefits for the users. Even in this compact design, the vehicle is not exceptionally new, but offers good functions and features for the user.

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

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