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Day: 1 August 2023

Locus Robotics Building New Global HQ

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a global leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehouse automation, has broken ground on its new global HQ in Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA. The expansion stands as a reflection of the company’s remarkable growth and its unwavering commitment to future innovation in the rapidly advancing field of warehouse automation.

“We’re thrilled to break ground on our new headquarters in Wilmington,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “This is a significant milestone that reflects our robust growth trajectory and our dedication to revolutionising the warehouse automation sector with cutting-edge, AI (Artificial Intelligence)-driven robotics solutions.”

The nearly 200,000 sq ft/18,580m² facility in the Boston area will serve as the hub for Locus Robotics’ expanding global operations and will house Locus’s dynamic team of engineering, manufacturing, and operations professionals dedicated to driving innovation in robotics warehouse automation. The extra space also provides room for future expansion and growth.

With its AI and data science-driven LocusONE Warehouse Automation Platform at the core of the Locus solution, the company continues to empower labour-strapped 3PL, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing businesses to optimise productivity in their operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

The LocusONE Warehouse Automation Platform enables the smooth orchestration of enterprise-scale multiple robotic form factors within a single coordinated platform. LocusONE optimises robotic task allocation, route planning, and resource use, while delivering real-time insights into warehouse operations.

Faulk also emphasised the company’s goal of contributing further to the local economy. “Our new facility will stimulate job creation and innovation within the region, aligning with our vision of fostering world-class technological advancement and economic growth,” he added.

With this new milestone, Locus Robotics reiterates its commitment to delivering game-changing solutions that enable businesses to optimise their warehouse operations, enhance productivity, and meet the evolving demands of the market. The ground-breaking of the new headquarters lays a solid foundation for the company’s continuous growth and future innovations, affirming Locus Robotics’ position as a global leader in warehouse automation.

With more than 230 sites under contract around the world – some having as many as 500 LocusBots per site – the Locus solution efficiently and seamlessly orchestrates the operation and management of multiple robot form factors, and provides forward-looking, real-time business intelligence, critical for optimising productivity, proactively managing labour, and managing costs.

Locus Robotics‘ revolutionary, multi-bot solution incorporates powerful and intelligent autonomous mobile robots that operate collaboratively with human workers to dramatically improve piece‐handling, case-handling, and pallet-moving productivity 2X–3X, while optimising labour and making efficient use of warehouse space. Locus helps retailers, 3PLs, and specialty warehouses efficiently meet and exceed the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of fulfilment environments. Easily integrating into large-scale new and existing warehouse infrastructures without disrupting workflows, Locus transforms productivity without transforming the warehouse.

Locus’s EMEA presence is centrally located in Amsterdam, with an APAC presence located in Singapore.

 

Death in Confined Spaces: Hidden Danger

Posted on by David Priestman

International freight transport insurer TT Club is seeking to draw attention to the hidden danger and life-threatening hazards caused by enclosed and confined spaces prevalent throughout the global supply chain. Toxic gases produced by some cargoes as well as leakages, residual fumigants and other causes of a reduced oxygen environment are the chief problems, with 60% of fatalities suffered by would be rescuers.

Confined or enclosed spaces are common in the supply chain industry. Such spaces exist across all freight modalities; from tank containers to cargo hold stairwells and holds, to road tankers and sealed cargo units. A lack of understanding of the danger present may have fatal consequences.

Without sufficient oxygen the human body starts to shut down very quickly. Any rescue operations are therefore time critical. The primary cause of reduced oxygen levels is the increased presence of other gases, such as carbon dioxide. This may arise from rusting of the ship’s structure or metal cargoes, oxidation of cargoes such as coal or the decomposition of biodegradable cargoes, for example fish meal, logs, bark, or wood pellets. All these lead to carbon dioxide – and potentially other gases – being released, simultaneously depleting the oxygen. Other associated hazards include flammable or toxic vapours from leaking cargoes or leaking pipes or hoses.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at TT explains that a lack of awareness of these, often hidden dangers is surprisingly high. “The key risk is that workers may not readily recognise spaces that could present danger,” he states. “The cargo hold of a ship is a leading example, but containers and other cargo transport units pose similar risks; there may be a lack of knowledge of the cargo packed or whether fumigants have been used. Similarly, tanks units, whether a road barrel or tank container, certainly qualify as enclosed spaces.”

The speed with which the effects of oxygen depletion can become debilitating require thorough and regular communication to ensure that operatives understand the risks. When entering a lethal space there are no obvious red flags. In terms of symptoms there are no warning signs such as coughing or feeling breathless or nauseous. An individual can pass out without having the opportunity to raise an alarm or escape.

The quick onset and catastrophic nature of these symptoms often leads to others rushing to the aid of the casualty, unaware of the reason for their collapse. Statistically, over 60% of fatalities connected to confined and enclosed spaces are suffered by would be rescuers.

“The silent and invisible nature of this killer emphasises the importance of raising awareness of the risk,” stresses Storrs-Fox. “Developing and undertaking drills to practice rescues are crucial steps in mitigating the risks, as are a number of other strategies including risk assessments of working in potentially hazardous spaces, discouraging short cuts in work practices and testing, monitoring and venting air in confined areas.”

While not exhaustive, TT has developed a checklist of risk mitigation strategies that can be applied across all modes, whether on land or at sea.

Death in Confined Spaces: Hidden Danger

Posted on by David Priestman

International freight transport insurer TT Club is seeking to draw attention to the hidden danger and life-threatening hazards caused by enclosed and confined spaces prevalent throughout the global supply chain. Toxic gases produced by some cargoes as well as leakages, residual fumigants and other causes of a reduced oxygen environment are the chief problems, with 60% of fatalities suffered by would be rescuers.

Confined or enclosed spaces are common in the supply chain industry. Such spaces exist across all freight modalities; from tank containers to cargo hold stairwells and holds, to road tankers and sealed cargo units. A lack of understanding of the danger present may have fatal consequences.

Without sufficient oxygen the human body starts to shut down very quickly. Any rescue operations are therefore time critical. The primary cause of reduced oxygen levels is the increased presence of other gases, such as carbon dioxide. This may arise from rusting of the ship’s structure or metal cargoes, oxidation of cargoes such as coal or the decomposition of biodegradable cargoes, for example fish meal, logs, bark, or wood pellets. All these lead to carbon dioxide – and potentially other gases – being released, simultaneously depleting the oxygen. Other associated hazards include flammable or toxic vapours from leaking cargoes or leaking pipes or hoses.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at TT explains that a lack of awareness of these, often hidden dangers is surprisingly high. “The key risk is that workers may not readily recognise spaces that could present danger,” he states. “The cargo hold of a ship is a leading example, but containers and other cargo transport units pose similar risks; there may be a lack of knowledge of the cargo packed or whether fumigants have been used. Similarly, tanks units, whether a road barrel or tank container, certainly qualify as enclosed spaces.”

The speed with which the effects of oxygen depletion can become debilitating require thorough and regular communication to ensure that operatives understand the risks. When entering a lethal space there are no obvious red flags. In terms of symptoms there are no warning signs such as coughing or feeling breathless or nauseous. An individual can pass out without having the opportunity to raise an alarm or escape.

The quick onset and catastrophic nature of these symptoms often leads to others rushing to the aid of the casualty, unaware of the reason for their collapse. Statistically, over 60% of fatalities connected to confined and enclosed spaces are suffered by would be rescuers.

“The silent and invisible nature of this killer emphasises the importance of raising awareness of the risk,” stresses Storrs-Fox. “Developing and undertaking drills to practice rescues are crucial steps in mitigating the risks, as are a number of other strategies including risk assessments of working in potentially hazardous spaces, discouraging short cuts in work practices and testing, monitoring and venting air in confined areas.”

While not exhaustive, TT has developed a checklist of risk mitigation strategies that can be applied across all modes, whether on land or at sea.

New Freight Train from Rijeka Port

Posted on by David Priestman

A new regular common user freight train service was recently launched by Metrans that links the Croatian port of Rijeka, via the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT), to Budapest in Hungary.

Launched in June, the new rail cargo service connects AGCT with Metrans’ Csepel Terminal in Budapest.

“We commend Metrans for launching this new service that connects Rijeka to Csepel Terminal and Metrans’ entire intermodal network in Europe. Unlike the multiple regular weekly block trains between Rijeka and different rail hubs in Budapest that are dedicated to individual clients, this common user service enables freight forwarders and shippers to book landside services directly with Metrans. It is very encouraging to see the second common rail service launched within two months,” said Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT chief executive officer.

He added: “The Hungarian market is the second largest for AGCT and one of the most important in Europe. Already a significant manufacturing and consumer market, Hungary sees potential for further growth as the economy continues its strong development. Metrans’ new service also creates potential for Slovakia, Austria, Czechia and Romania, and confirms the growing significance of AGCT as a gateway for Southern, Central and Southeastern Europe.”

The common rail service runs twice per week at a fixed timetable, offering a direct connection between Rijeka and Budapest without stopovers, as well as attractive transit times.

A subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), AGCT looks to further increase its rail throughput, which represents 47 percent of its total volume. An increase in rail traffic would contribute to a more sustainable supply chain, as moving freight by rail instead of truck reduces carbon emissions by up to 24 kilograms per freight ton.

In March 2011, ICTSI forged a 30-year strategic partnership with Luka Rijeka D.D. for the operation, management, and development of Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) at the Port of Rijeka, Croatia’s main seaport.

New Freight Train from Rijeka Port

Posted on by David Priestman

A new regular common user freight train service was recently launched by Metrans that links the Croatian port of Rijeka, via the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT), to Budapest in Hungary.

Launched in June, the new rail cargo service connects AGCT with Metrans’ Csepel Terminal in Budapest.

“We commend Metrans for launching this new service that connects Rijeka to Csepel Terminal and Metrans’ entire intermodal network in Europe. Unlike the multiple regular weekly block trains between Rijeka and different rail hubs in Budapest that are dedicated to individual clients, this common user service enables freight forwarders and shippers to book landside services directly with Metrans. It is very encouraging to see the second common rail service launched within two months,” said Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT chief executive officer.

He added: “The Hungarian market is the second largest for AGCT and one of the most important in Europe. Already a significant manufacturing and consumer market, Hungary sees potential for further growth as the economy continues its strong development. Metrans’ new service also creates potential for Slovakia, Austria, Czechia and Romania, and confirms the growing significance of AGCT as a gateway for Southern, Central and Southeastern Europe.”

The common rail service runs twice per week at a fixed timetable, offering a direct connection between Rijeka and Budapest without stopovers, as well as attractive transit times.

A subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), AGCT looks to further increase its rail throughput, which represents 47 percent of its total volume. An increase in rail traffic would contribute to a more sustainable supply chain, as moving freight by rail instead of truck reduces carbon emissions by up to 24 kilograms per freight ton.

In March 2011, ICTSI forged a 30-year strategic partnership with Luka Rijeka D.D. for the operation, management, and development of Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) at the Port of Rijeka, Croatia’s main seaport.

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