August 2023

Robotic Fulfilment Provider Doubles Picks in 11 Months

Posted on 23 August, 2023 by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a global leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehouse automation, has announced that its AMR solutions have now picked more than two billion units, reinforcing the company’s position as a premier robotic fulfilment provider for the warehouse and logistics industry. This new milestone comes just 11 months after reaching the industry-first landmark of 1 billion picks in 2022.

“Achieving the two billion picks milestone is an incredible accomplishment for our company and for our customers,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “This event is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our incredible team and the dramatic productivity improvements we deliver to drive our customers’ growth and success.”

Reaching this milestone took just 358 days, with the last 100 million picks taking just 27 days – an average of 3.7 million picks per day. By comparison, it took more than six years to make the first billion picks, and 1,542 days to pick the first 100 million units. LocusBots have now traveled more than 37 million miles in customers’ warehouses, the equivalent of more than 1,370 times around the Earth or 77 round trips to the Moon.

“Achieving the remarkable milestone of two billion picks demonstrates how Locus’s intelligent automation solution can transform warehouse operations,” said Keith Price, CIO of Concordance Healthcare. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Locus team to leverage the power of advanced robotics and automation to drive even greater warehouse fulfillment optimisation in the years ahead.”

“Locus’s consistent innovation, user-centric approach, and genuine dedication to customer relationships puts them at the forefront of warehouse automation,” said Alan McDonald, vice president of continuous improvement at Geodis. “This milestone is a testament to its technological leadership and synergistic collaboration. We look forward to building on our work together and driving even greater efficiency improvements in the future.”

The AI and data science-driven LocusOne platform serves as an enterprise-level fleet manager, overseeing complex warehouse fulfilment workflows that support diverse use cases, clustering tasks to create optimal robot missions and reduce unproductive worker walking time. Locus’s unique multi-bot approach decouples workers from orders and tasks to dramatically improve worker productivity.

Proven at enterprise scale, labour-challenged 3PL, retail, health care, and manufacturing operators can seamlessly add robots to increase capacity or meet growth in any operation in just minutes to optimise productivity in their operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

The LocusOne warehouse automation execution platform enables the smooth orchestration of multiple robotic form factors at enterprise-scale within a single coordinated platform. It provides real-time optimisation of tasks to be completed within the four walls and across multiple levels in warehousing and manufacturing environments. LocusOne optimises robotic task allocation, route planning, and resource use, while delivering real-time business insights into warehouse operations.

Locus Robotics is an enterprise-level, warehouse automation solution, incorporating powerful and intelligent, AI-driven autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that operate collaboratively with human workers to dramatically improve product movement and productivity 2–3X. Supporting more than 120+ of the world’s top brands and deployed at 270+ sites around the world, Locus Robotics enables retailers, 3PLs and specialty warehouses to efficiently meet and exceed the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of today’s fulfilment environments.

Robotic Fulfilment Provider Doubles Picks in 11 Months

Posted on 23 August, 202325 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Award for Transforming Road Safety

Posted on 23 August, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

VisionTrack, the global provider of AI video telematics and connected fleet data, has scooped a Gold Stevie® Award in the Transportation category at the International Business Awards®. The company has been recognised for transforming road safety following the launch earlier this year of AI post-analysis software, NARA.

NARA represents a huge step forward for AI video telematics as it uses ground-breaking computer vision models with sensor fusion to assess footage. The AI-powered post-analysis tool is changing how collisions, near misses and driving events are reviewed and monitored by automatically analysing vehicle camera footage, without the need for human involvement. It is part of VisionTrack’s commitment to developing sophisticated AI solutions that target fleet risk, road safety and insurance improvements.

Using NARA, fleets can make best use of video telematics insight to better protect road users and help prevent collisions. Advanced object recognition takes advantage of deep learning algorithms to identify vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and road signs/traffic lights, taking seconds to distinguish between collisions, near misses, and false positives. The software also includes Occupant Safety Rating that uses a range of parameters to calculate the probability of injury and immediately identify if a driver needs assistance.

Discussing the VisionTrack entry, one judge commented: “NARA is an innovative approach to leveraging AI and machine learning in the transportation sector. The software addresses critical challenges in fleet safety and operational efficiency, demonstrating transformative potential in road safety, driver protection, risk mitigation, and claim management. The solution provides tangible value to its users and has significant potential for wide-scale adoption in the transportation industry, making it an impactful contribution to road safety and fleet management.”

Simon Marsh, CEO of VisionTrack said: “Our cloud-based NARA software is a true game changer in the world of video telematics as it is helping fleets to save time, costs and most importantly lives, by providing proactive risk intervention and accurate incident validation. This latest international award recognises our success in developing AI innovation and underlines our position at the forefront of the video telematics sector.”

The International Business Awards are a business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations. The 2023 IBAs received entries from organisations in 61 nations and territories. Winners will be celebrated during a gala banquet at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in Rome, Italy on Friday, 13th October.

Award for Transforming Road Safety

Posted on 23 August, 20237 August, 2025 by David Priestman

Road Network from Singapore to China

Posted on 23 August, 2023 by David Priestman

Equipped with industry-leading Internet of Things (IoT) security features and infrastructure, the Geodis Road Network is integrated with major air and sea ports and offers multimodal options to meet customer needs for agile and flexible supply chains.

Geodis, a global leader in the transport and logistics sector, is driving its growth in Asia with strategic investments in its capabilities and infrastructure in the region. The company has expanded its Road Network from Southeast Asia (SEA) to China – solidifying its position as a leader in providing secure day-definite, cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions connecting Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

The Road Network features advanced IoT technology and equipment for transporting goods securely for the High Tech, Semiconductor, Automotive, Engineering, Retail, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors. Investments have also been made to increase service frequency and to enhance its capabilities with dedicated customs brokerage and trade compliance teams at major border crossings to facilitate the seamless movement of goods. The Road Network integrates with major air and sea ports to offer customers a variety of multimodal options to meet the challenges of today’s fast-moving environment and their need for agile and flexible supply chains.

The Road Network to Shenzhen will officially launch on 23 August 2023 and will subsequently be extended to Hong Kong, and in the near future to Indonesia, connected by an inter-modal road-sea service.

In recent years, trade between ASEAN and China has grown rapidly, underscoring the significance of logistics in facilitating trade. Road freight has become one of the fastest-growing modes of transport in the ASEAN freight market with Thailand and Vietnam looking to invest further in infrastructure to support cross-border trade. The Road Network will enable GEODIS to access the expanding logistics sector in Asia Pacific, projected to reach US$4.5 trillion by 2029 with an anticipated growth of 5.24% from 2023 to 2029.

“ASEAN and China are two of the fastest growing economies in the world. As the region remains poised for growth, GEODIS sees the extension of our Road Network to China as an opportunity to enhance our multimodal solutions and connectivity across major air hubs and seaports to give customers greater flexibility and reliability. We have made significant investments to our security, infrastructure and capabilities to ensure a safe and efficient flow of goods for our customers. Ultimately, we want to provide them with a competitive advantage to grow their business,” said Onno Boots, Regional President and CEO of GEODIS Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Recognizing the need for high security, GEODIS has made significant investments into advanced IoT security equipment and processes to safeguard high-value shipments throughout the Road Network. With GPS-tracked, sensor-equipped containers, prime movers and trailers, the Road Network is monitored 24/7/365 by a professional command centre, providing real-time, end-to-end visibility of shipments actual locations. Customers can access automated updates of shipment milestones including border crossings via GEODIS’ freight management solution.

The Road Network will be equipped with industry-first truck safety and driver assistance features such as brake assist, stability control assist, hill hold assist and driver fatigue monitoring, to ensure utmost safety of people, vehicle and cargo.

GEODIS also targets heightened economic, operational and environmental performance through high-utilization double-deck container loading, and reduction in carbon emissions through their fleet of new prime mover trucks. Last year, GEODIS added to their fleet seven new Mercedes-Benz Actros prime movers, equipped with the latest in security and safety technologies.

The completion of the GEODIS Road Network from Singapore to China is part of the company’s continued investment to boost its capabilities and infrastructure to match their customers’ growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Road Network from Singapore to China

Posted on 23 August, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

New Brewery Logistics Contract

Posted on 22 August, 20237 August, 2025 by David Priestman

Howard Tenens Logistics are pleased to have been awarded a new contract with Beavertown Brewery. The two companies have enjoyed a positive relationship since the beginning, with both sides recognising the mutual value delivered.

Founded in 2011, Beavertown Brewery is an award-winning brewery based in London, UK. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Beavertown produces a range of unique and exciting beers, like Neck Oil that have won critical acclaim and a loyal following.

The partnership between Howard Tenens Logistics and Beavertown Brewery began when they recognised a need to extend their operational footprint. The Beavertown Brewery team visited Howard Tenens Logistics site in Swindon and immediately felt that the ethos of the company matched their own, making it the right fit. Being a family-owned business offers a strong sense of commitment and dedication with a deep investment in success. Howard Tenens Logistics place high value on building and maintaining relationships with customers and this has proven successful with Beavertown Brewery. The recent acquisition of Beavertown Brewery by Heineken further highlighted the need for a logistics partner who could provide unique and scalable solutions to support their growth. Howard Tenens Logistics, with over 4.5 million square foot of warehouse space and a proven track record in the food and beverage industry, was well-positioned to deliver on this requirement.

Being a family-owned business with over 70 years of experience in the logistics industry, Howard Tenens Logistics has a focus on innovation, sustainability and offers a range of logistics solutions, including warehousing, transport, and value-added services.

Environmental sustainability was one of the key considerations for Beavertown when selecting Howard Tenens Logistics. The level of commitment to sustainability demonstrated by Howard Tenens Logistics was unparalleled, with initiatives such as CNG and HVO vehicles that helped reduce carbon footprint. These efforts were complemented by their targets of achieving Net Zero by 2045 and reducing annualCO2e emissions by 20% by 2030. These goals aligned with Beavertown’s own values, making Howard Tenens Logistics an ideal partner for them.

John Davis from Beavertown Brewery commented: “During the tender process, we were struck by the culture and values of Howard Tenens Logistics. We felt it was a perfect match for our company, as they were forward-thinking, innovative, and environmentally aware, and a family-oriented business. We have had a very positive experience with our working relationship.”

Cost effective solutions for businesses are a top priority at Howard Tenens Logistics. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the services offered at their site in Swindon, which is where Beavertown Brewery operates from. The Swindon site provides support for UK-wide distribution, with inbound support from Enfield and onwards to key delivery points. Howard Tenens implemented a wet bond on site during Beavertown’s onboarding, and since then, they have renewed their BRCGS certification, achieved a level 5 food hygiene rating and is currently going through Soil Association auditing.

Jamie Hartles, Chief Executive Officer of Howard Tenens Logistics added: “We are proud to have been selected by Beavertown Brewery for our commitment to innovation, sustainability initiatives and our overall ethos. Our successful working relationship is a testament to the mutual value that is delivered here at Howard Tenens Logistics. We place a high value on building relationships with our customers and we are happy to continue our relationship with Beavertown. We certainly look forward to delivering exceptional logistics solutions to drive both our businesses forward.“

The working relationship between Howard Tenens Logistics and Beavertown Brewery represents a commitment to a shared vision of growth. Both companies look forward to continuing their collaboration and exploring new opportunities to improve their operations and deliver the highest level of service to their end customers.

New Brewery Logistics Contract

Posted on 22 August, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Software to Manage Delivery of All Goods

Posted on 22 August, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Workwear Uniform Group Ltd (WWUGL) recently awarded Dematic an extensive goods-to-person automation project that features the largest AutoStore system in the UK that Dematic has provided to date, for the delivery of all goods.

Sam Sohal, WWUGL CEO, says, “We selected Dematic because they listened to what we were looking to achieve and, as a specialist in their field, gave us a solution that has the potential to surpass in performance our initial expectations and future proof our business with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) to fully manage our logistics.”

In 2021 Direct Corporate Clothing acquired InCorporateWear to form WWUGL, the largest independent workwear, uniform and personal protective equipment business in the UK. Previously, the two businesses occupied three logistics sites totalling 180,000 square feet of space. As WWUGL, the company began searching for a new location where they could relocate and convert into a super hub and consolidate space.

However, after exploring numerous options, the Birmingham-based company decided on a solution that would allow them to utilise an existing 76,000-square-foot facility. WWUGL was in touch with several leading automation companies before deciding to select Dematic to install a solution that featured an AutoStore system. Dematic Software will manage all the storage, transport, and picking processes within the entire facility.

A phased commissioning has been planned for the AutoStore system, and the first phase is scheduled to be completed by February 2024. It covers a 4,500-square-metre space (nearly 48,000 square feet) and consists of a 40 x 95 metre grid that can store 129,654 bins using 60 R5 robots, nine picking stations, and three inbound ports. The project’s second phase, which includes software functionality and connecting conveyor, is set to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.

According to Sohal, the project benefits to his company go well beyond creating and consolidating WWUGL’s three locations. “Not only does the solution help us as market leaders by providing our customers with the best possible delivery of goods, but it also allows us to get the maximum use of space and still have room to double our business with a new system that is more efficient and accurate in our overall stock management.

“In addition, it will reduce our CO2 footprint and energy consumption to help meet our goal of being carbon neutral by 2025. We are seeing a trend in the UK where customers are steadily wanting more than just the right solution; it is now critical for them to find the right company to partner with for the long-term,” explains Neal Rowe, sales project manager at Dematic.

“Initially, our discussions were around the AutoStore system, but as WWUGL began to see that Dematic could provide technology beyond the initial project scope, they asked us to design an even larger solution where our software is expected to run most of the processes within the four walls of their facility.”

Rowe says Dematic committed a dedicated team to meet customer expectations for the entire AutoStore portfolio, which provides smaller and mid-sized companies with access to the first steps to logistics automation. “After going live, Dematic customers can rely on continuous support for the entire lifecycle of the solution.”

Adds Simon Barnwell, vice president and market leader for UK and Ireland at Dematic, “Dematic recently reached a global milestone with its 100th commissioning of an AutoStore system. I believe it has brought substantial benefits to our customers by boosting productivity, realising faster ROI’s and providing agile project delivery without interruption. Dematic brings a depth of expertise in this technology, which, I think, is matchless in our industry.”

Unbeatably Manoeuvrable, Safe to Operate

Posted on 22 August, 202325 July, 2025 by Keith McKinley

Clark has launched a new, manoeuvrable high-lift truck with lithium-ion technology. The SWX16, with a load capacity of 1.6t, is suitable for transporting goods over short distances in industry, trade and distribution. Thanks to its extraordinary manoeuvrability, the compact high-lift truck is unbeatable when it comes to moving goods quickly and safely in confined spaces with a hand-operated device – whether in the warehouse pre-zone or at the high rack.

The pedestrian stacker has a maximum lift height of 5500 mm and so can easily reach even higher shelves. With a turning radius of only 1507 mm, the truck is also designed to be extremely compact so that safe load handling is possible even in space-critical work areas. The SXW16 also has a lot to offer in terms of handling performance: For example, the lifting and lowering speeds of 0.20 m/s and 0.26 m/s (with and without load) and 0.4 m/s and 0.3 m/s (with and without load) are significantly higher than those of its predecessor.

User-friendly and safe thanks to Clark SpeedControl

The standard Clark SpeedControl (CSC) increases safety during operation. CSC automatically adjusts the driving speed to the position of the tiller. This means that the smaller the distance between the operator and the vehicle, the more the speed of the hand-guided warehouse assistant is reduced. When the driver releases the tiller, the vehicle brakes automatically. With the tiller in the normal driving position, the vehicle reaches the maximum driving speed of 5.5 km/h. All parameters of the CSC can be individually adjusted according to the customer’s wishes. In addition, the proportional hydraulic control, which is also standard, ensures safe and precise storage and retrieval of sensitive loads.

For intuitive and fatigue-free operation of the vehicle, all controls are positioned within easy reach in the ergonomic tiller and can be operated by both right-handed and left-handed operators. Because the tiller is long and low, the operator can operate the vehicle with sufficient safety distance. In addition, he has an optimal view of the forks and can store and retrieve loads quickly and safely even in narrow racking aisles.

Li-Ion power ensures maximum efficiency

The SWX16 is equipped with a maintenance-free, encapsulated 1.6 kW three-phase traction motor. This ensures powerful acceleration and high travel speeds. The powerful 4.5 kW lift motor guarantees maximum efficiency when lifting and lowering loads. The SWX16 is available with a 24 V, 205 Ah lithium-ion battery (Li-Ion). It therefore also proves itself in multi-shift use, because the Li-Ion battery can be recharged at any time and within a very short time – for example during breaks – without damaging the battery or shortening its service life. The battery can be recharged at any 230-volt socket. Clark offers a 24 V, 100 Ah charger for Li-Ion batteries in the scope of delivery. With Li-Ion technology, the vehicle has a high level of availability thanks to the battery’s rapid charging capability, as time-consuming battery replacement is no longer necessary. Moreover, Li-Ion technology not only increases productivity, but also saves costs for maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement batteries. This makes a Li-Ion vehicle worthwhile for anyone who wants to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard. For application profiles where a Li-Ion battery is not required, the SWX16 is also available with a lead-acid battery with a battery capacity of 24 V, 225 Ah.

Low operating costs through easy maintenance

The use of proven AC controllers makes the SWX16 high-lift truck an extremely maintenance-friendly warehouse helper. Should a malfunction nevertheless occur, the error code indication in the display provides the service technician with information about the possible cause. Thanks to a one-piece bonnet, the truck offers easy access for service and maintenance work. In addition, the service technician can easily program the travel and lift parameters via the vehicle display.

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