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Month: February 2024

Latest Automation Innovations at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

Fives will present its complete ecosystem of smart and automated solutions at the LogiMAT tradeshow in Stuttgart, Germany (Hall 1 at Booth 1A61 & Hall 3 at Booth 3A30) from March 19 to 21st. This event will also be the opportunity to showcase its innovations designed to optimize the performance in material handling and automation.

Fives, through its Smart Automation Solutions Division, is an industry leading provider and integrator of cutting-edge, smart, scalable, and sustainable material handling solutions to increase warehouse automation. From retail and distribution to e-commerce, food, and 3PLs, as well as parcel and postal, Fives serves various business sectors, through an extensive range of technologies and software for conveying, sorting and picking the widest range of goods, worldwide.

Fives is dedicated to support its clients, providing them with comprehensive solution that increase speed, flexibility, capacity and scalability, to optimize the efficiency of their intralogistics
processes and deliver the right item, to the right place, at the right time. As a “customer-oriented company, Fives supports industrial companies throughout the entire life cycle of their facilities. From design to operations, Fives provides them with tailor-made and high-performance turnkey solutions, as well as aftermarket services ranging from spare parts, field service, maintenance programs, to retrofit solutions, anywhere in the world.

One innovation ahead

The rise of Industry 4.0 is deeply transforming the industry in various sectors. Automation innovation is key for addressing real-life challenges, such as digitally assisted remote services facilitating
AI-driven information collect and predictive maintenance. For over 60 years, Fives has been innovating, developing technologies that have become market standards. Anticipating customer needs, Fives invests in future technologies, expanding its solutions portfolio to collaboratively transform supply chain facilities with clients.

Take order picking to the next level

Speed, visibility, and reliability are essential for the success of logistics operations. To address the challenges associated with managing large order volumes while ensuring precise inventory management and efficient tracking of flows, Fives offers a warehouse automation solution based on the “Pallet-to-Robot” process, a new technological brick for automated pallet preparation.

A flexible, versatile, and scalable solution, AgileP2R ensures complete automation of order picking and adapts to the variability of logistics operations. It is designed for multi-product layer-pallets preparation and multi-product case-pallet preparation, and offers a choice of equipment, thus enabling customized adaptation possibilities.

For layer picking, Agile P2R features on one or more robots equipped with a layer gripper that can adapt to various pallet sizes. This gripper handles product-layers, up to 38 cm in height, using various technologies: suction, depression, clamping, security curtain.

For case picking, one or more robotic cells equipped with case grippers, which are adapted to all types of loads and take the fragility of the products into account, make up heterogeneous pallets. For both preparation modes, the use of AMRs complements robotics for maximum flexibility. 360° management software controls the entire process, and powerful algorithms automatically calculate and control the positioning of layers and cases to optimize pallets. Finally, a buffer area allows product pallets to be placed as close as possible.

Read more here:

Automation Solutions for Swedish Sorting Centre

 

Methanol-Powered Vessels

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Unifeeder Group has successfully completed a long-term charter agreement for two additional methanol-capable container feeder vessels. This follows the agreement for two initial vessels announced in October 2023, underscoring the group’s commitment to greener shipping solutions.

The latest agreement is in partnership with German-based ship owning group Elbdeich Reederei and Norwegian shipowner MPC Container Ships (MPCC), who are responsible for one vessel each. The 1250 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2026, will be deployed on Unifeeder’s European network. The addition of these new vessels reinforces the group’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions across its network. Simultaneously, Unifeeder is enhancing fuel efficiency throughout the fleet while increasing the utilisation of biofuels in its conventional vessels.

In alignment with its parent company, DP World, Unifeeder collaborates with industry partners to address the challenge of renewable methanol supply. This requires off-take commitments to establish production at the scale needed to replace conventional fossil fuels within the industry.

Methanol-Power

Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Unifeeder Group, said: “Building upon our commitment to methanol-powered vessels last year, this marks another significant stride towards the green transformation of our fleet and operations. We anticipate the vessels to enter into operation in the next two years, advancing our steadfast commitment to sustainable solutions. We offer our customers alternatives that align with their sustainability journeys while making meaningful progress towards our own ambitious decarbonisation goals.”

The investment in the two new additional ships further supports Unifeeder Group’s ambitious decarbonisation plan. Surpassing the industry average, Unifeeder has committed to a 25 per cent reduction of emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050 with no new fossil greenhouse gas emissions. It aims to achieve this by emphasising fuel-efficient practices, regular maintenance and refitting processes of the existing fleet and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, sharing best practices across markets to drive effective carbon reduction strategies.

Unifeeder Group is part of DP World Marine Services, which announced in December 2023 it had reduced its carbon footprint by more than 16% in 2023 from its 2019 baseline of 2,118 ktCO2e by creating efficiencies across its operations. DP World also joined the First Movers Coalition, setting a target for 5% of its marine power to come from zero-emissions fuels by 2030, marking its commitment to decarbonisation – a sentiment echoed by the Unifeeder Group.

Similar news here:

Unifeeder Invests in Methanol-Powered Vessels

Methanol-Powered Vessels

Posted on by David Priestman

Unifeeder Group has successfully completed a long-term charter agreement for two additional methanol-capable container feeder vessels. This follows the agreement for two initial vessels announced in October 2023, underscoring the group’s commitment to greener shipping solutions.

The latest agreement is in partnership with German-based ship owning group Elbdeich Reederei and Norwegian shipowner MPC Container Ships (MPCC), who are responsible for one vessel each. The 1250 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2026, will be deployed on Unifeeder’s European network. The addition of these new vessels reinforces the group’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions across its network. Simultaneously, Unifeeder is enhancing fuel efficiency throughout the fleet while increasing the utilisation of biofuels in its conventional vessels.

In alignment with its parent company, DP World, Unifeeder collaborates with industry partners to address the challenge of renewable methanol supply. This requires off-take commitments to establish production at the scale needed to replace conventional fossil fuels within the industry.

Methanol-Power

Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Unifeeder Group, said: “Building upon our commitment to methanol-powered vessels last year, this marks another significant stride towards the green transformation of our fleet and operations. We anticipate the vessels to enter into operation in the next two years, advancing our steadfast commitment to sustainable solutions. We offer our customers alternatives that align with their sustainability journeys while making meaningful progress towards our own ambitious decarbonisation goals.”

The investment in the two new additional ships further supports Unifeeder Group’s ambitious decarbonisation plan. Surpassing the industry average, Unifeeder has committed to a 25 per cent reduction of emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050 with no new fossil greenhouse gas emissions. It aims to achieve this by emphasising fuel-efficient practices, regular maintenance and refitting processes of the existing fleet and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, sharing best practices across markets to drive effective carbon reduction strategies.

Unifeeder Group is part of DP World Marine Services, which announced in December 2023 it had reduced its carbon footprint by more than 16% in 2023 from its 2019 baseline of 2,118 ktCO2e by creating efficiencies across its operations. DP World also joined the First Movers Coalition, setting a target for 5% of its marine power to come from zero-emissions fuels by 2030, marking its commitment to decarbonisation – a sentiment echoed by the Unifeeder Group.

Similar news here:

Unifeeder Invests in Methanol-Powered Vessels

Extensive Material Handling Lineup at LogiMAT

Posted on by Keith McKinley

LogiMAT 2024 will see the first showcasing of an extensive lineup of material handling products from Bobcat. The global rebranding and integration of Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV) under the Bobcat brand with its range of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, will provide even more solutions to help Bobcat customers to accomplish more. From 1st January 2024, all of the company’s material handling equipment has been produced in the signature Bobcat colours – white and orange.

The Bobcat brand is world famous for an extensive range of compact machines, which are used in construction, the agricultural sector, landscaping, demolition and many other industries. Bobcat loaders and telehandlers, which can be equipped with attachments such as pallet forks, buckets, grabs, bale clamps or dump hoppers, are often used for material handling and logistics tasks. So the addition of a complete range of IC and electric forklift trucks and warehouse equipment is a natural extension to the Bobcat range.

“Through our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, we have significantly broadened our product portfolio to not only meet the needs of our loyal customers but also to inspire and empower new customers to conquer their toughest challenges,” said Scott Park, CEO and Vice Chairman of Doosan Bobcat. “With an expanded range of solutions, we’re empowering even more customers to accomplish more.”

Bobcat Material Handling Products at LogiMAT

At LogiMAT 2024, the Bobcat product display will include diesel and electric forklifts, reach trucks and warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks and stackers. The display will also include Bobcat’s TL25.60 super compact telehandler, which allows work in tight spots without compromising performance, thanks to the machine’s compact dimensions and excellent manoeuvrability.

Lineup at LogiMAT
Lineup at LogiMAT

The Bobcat material handling products on the stand at LogiMAT include:

Diesel forklifts: • D160S-9, • D50SC-9

Electric forklifts: • B25NS, • B20X-7 Plus, • B80NS

Reach truck: • BR16J-9

Warehouse equipment: • BPL18S-7 pedestrian pallet truck, • BPR20S-7 ride-on pallet truck, • BDR13S-7 double stacker, • LSM12N-7 pallet stacker

These models are representative of products from the comprehensive Bobcat range for the logistics and material handling market, which include various lines: a series of diesel forklift trucks with lifting capacities from 2 to 16 ton; a series of LPG forklift trucks with lifting capacities from 2 to 7 ton and a series of electric forklift trucks with lifting capacities from 1.2 to 10 ton. The latter segment also includes a line of electric forklifts with three wheels for light work from 1.2 to 2 ton. As mentioned above, the warehouse solutions include pallet trucks, stackers and reach trucks.

Read similar news here:

Doosan Forklifts Transition to Bobcat Brand

Supply Chain Optimisation Key to Retail

Posted on by David Priestman

Businesses across all sectors are looking to AI, whether it’s to improve productivity and efficiencies within their operations or to offer a more personalised experience to customers, writes Faki Saadi (pictured), Director of Sales, UK, Ireland and France at SOTI. A message echoed at the National Retail Federation conference, which saw retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart and Victoria’s Secret reveal new AI-enhanced offerings.

However, a recent SOTI study revealed that underwhelming in-store device experiences and frustrations with deliveries and returns processes are tempering consumer excitement for AI, with just one in five British shoppers looking forward to its arrival in the retail market. Before more brands integrate advanced technologies, either in-store or online, it is critical that they nail down the basics to provide a frictionless experience and gain consumer trust.

Need for Speed

A key consideration for many shoppers before they make any purchase is the expected delivery time. In fact, 42% of UK consumers now expect to pick up an item ordered online from a physical store on the same day of purchase and 43% will look elsewhere if delivery or pick up of an item exceeds two days.

The ability to offer this level of service to shoppers lies in having an optimised supply chain. Through the integration of AI and implementing a fleet of connected devices, businesses can access essential intelligence data to better manage inventory, re-route stock depending on requests for products and ensure logistical operations are strategically planned.

This eliminates any manual processes that are slowing down procedures and creates a network of connected warehouses and distribution channels, that can react and adapt depending on a company’s current needs. As such, brands will now be in a stronger position to guarantee both fulfilment and consumer satisfaction.

Removing Blind Spots

Consumers demand direct exposure to retailer’s supply chains, requiring a synchronised reflection of what is available, through what channels and in what time period. True transparency is key to helping consumers feel in control during their journey through the sales funnel while offering them the flexibility to shop where it is most convenient for them. The appetite is clear, with nearly three quarters (73%) of shoppers expressing a desire to always know where their order is within the delivery process. For brands to offer this level of insight, they need to invest in supply chain optimisation so that they can access accurate real-time data and intelligence.

Through this, organisations will benefit from having immediate detection and reaction to operational challenges by integrating both device and operational data, including status of on-time deliveries, inventory status and driver behaviour. This will allow retailers to provide precise information directly to consumers, on when a product has been dispatched, when it has been received by a local courier and how far that parcel is from the recipient at any time on the date of expected delivery.

We have seen this in action through our work with DPD. This logistics giant has achieved greater visibility and control of its entire mobile operations, making it far easier to meet expectations and increase customer satisfaction.

Fluid Returns

For many shoppers, the ability to return an item in a convenient way can be enough for them to choose one retailer over another. Nearly three in five (59%) UK consumers say they would be more likely to choose a retailer if multiple return points were offered. Therefore, it is essential that brands offer a variety of couriers, returns lockers or the option to drop products off at any branch nationwide or at partner stores. But, how can retailers make that happen and still maintain visibility over all the moving parts?

From the point of a customer registering a return, to arranging delivery back to the warehouse and getting inventory processed into the system to be sold again, businesses should be making use of connected devices to retain as much data as possible. By developing an optimised supply chain, this data can then be made accessible and shared between various warehouses so that stock can be re-distributed to areas in need and operations managers can have a clear view of any movements in the facility. By integrating a fully automated process, retailers can then improve efficiency and ensure that the return journey is smooth and uninterrupted.

The Takeaway

Customer loyalty is becoming increasingly fickle, and all organisations should be using every tool at their disposal to build and retain it. A SOTI customer, American Airlines, which leverages remote control help desk tools to maintain customer satisfaction, proves that having the right technology at your fingertips can exponentially improve the overall experience of your customer base.
So, as retailers look ahead to advanced technologies like AI, it is critical that they revise their existing tech strategies now, both in-store and across the supply chain, so that when they do make the transition to AI, consumers are receptive, excited and optimistic.

Read similar news here:

Shoppers Ditch Sustainability for Bargains

 

Supply Chain Optimisation Key to Retail

Posted on by David Priestman

Businesses across all sectors are looking to AI, whether it’s to improve productivity and efficiencies within their operations or to offer a more personalised experience to customers, writes Faki Saadi (pictured), Director of Sales, UK, Ireland and France at SOTI. A message echoed at the National Retail Federation conference, which saw retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart and Victoria’s Secret reveal new AI-enhanced offerings.

However, a recent SOTI study revealed that underwhelming in-store device experiences and frustrations with deliveries and returns processes are tempering consumer excitement for AI, with just one in five British shoppers looking forward to its arrival in the retail market. Before more brands integrate advanced technologies, either in-store or online, it is critical that they nail down the basics to provide a frictionless experience and gain consumer trust.

Need for Speed

A key consideration for many shoppers before they make any purchase is the expected delivery time. In fact, 42% of UK consumers now expect to pick up an item ordered online from a physical store on the same day of purchase and 43% will look elsewhere if delivery or pick up of an item exceeds two days.

The ability to offer this level of service to shoppers lies in having an optimised supply chain. Through the integration of AI and implementing a fleet of connected devices, businesses can access essential intelligence data to better manage inventory, re-route stock depending on requests for products and ensure logistical operations are strategically planned.

This eliminates any manual processes that are slowing down procedures and creates a network of connected warehouses and distribution channels, that can react and adapt depending on a company’s current needs. As such, brands will now be in a stronger position to guarantee both fulfilment and consumer satisfaction.

Removing Blind Spots

Consumers demand direct exposure to retailer’s supply chains, requiring a synchronised reflection of what is available, through what channels and in what time period. True transparency is key to helping consumers feel in control during their journey through the sales funnel while offering them the flexibility to shop where it is most convenient for them. The appetite is clear, with nearly three quarters (73%) of shoppers expressing a desire to always know where their order is within the delivery process. For brands to offer this level of insight, they need to invest in supply chain optimisation so that they can access accurate real-time data and intelligence.

Through this, organisations will benefit from having immediate detection and reaction to operational challenges by integrating both device and operational data, including status of on-time deliveries, inventory status and driver behaviour. This will allow retailers to provide precise information directly to consumers, on when a product has been dispatched, when it has been received by a local courier and how far that parcel is from the recipient at any time on the date of expected delivery.

We have seen this in action through our work with DPD. This logistics giant has achieved greater visibility and control of its entire mobile operations, making it far easier to meet expectations and increase customer satisfaction.

Fluid Returns

For many shoppers, the ability to return an item in a convenient way can be enough for them to choose one retailer over another. Nearly three in five (59%) UK consumers say they would be more likely to choose a retailer if multiple return points were offered. Therefore, it is essential that brands offer a variety of couriers, returns lockers or the option to drop products off at any branch nationwide or at partner stores. But, how can retailers make that happen and still maintain visibility over all the moving parts?

From the point of a customer registering a return, to arranging delivery back to the warehouse and getting inventory processed into the system to be sold again, businesses should be making use of connected devices to retain as much data as possible. By developing an optimised supply chain, this data can then be made accessible and shared between various warehouses so that stock can be re-distributed to areas in need and operations managers can have a clear view of any movements in the facility. By integrating a fully automated process, retailers can then improve efficiency and ensure that the return journey is smooth and uninterrupted.

The Takeaway

Customer loyalty is becoming increasingly fickle, and all organisations should be using every tool at their disposal to build and retain it. A SOTI customer, American Airlines, which leverages remote control help desk tools to maintain customer satisfaction, proves that having the right technology at your fingertips can exponentially improve the overall experience of your customer base.
So, as retailers look ahead to advanced technologies like AI, it is critical that they revise their existing tech strategies now, both in-store and across the supply chain, so that when they do make the transition to AI, consumers are receptive, excited and optimistic.

Read similar news here:

https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/wms-scm-software/shoppers-ditch-sustainability-for-bargains/

 

Automated Hand-Scanning Upgrade

Posted on by David Priestman

The automation of hand scanning processes increases productivity at inbound and outbound areas of logistics hubs dramatically. Now, a milestone upgrade to SICK’s Lector65x image-based code reader family has made it quicker and easier to set up and use the technology in high-volume operations.

Hand-held barcode readers are still widely used to ensure the traceability of goods and packages, for example in retail, warehousing and parcel sorting operations. However, this process not only takes time, but picking and putting down the hand scanner while handling the object risks repetitive stress and strain to the operator.

With a SICK Lector654 matrix camera installed above their workstation, operators can instead present the package to the scanner at the most ergonomic height, confident of highly-reliable read rates. With SICK’s innovative dynamic focus function, the camera can adapt flexibly to the working distance and the position of the code. Meanwhile, the operator can use both hands where necessary to handle more bulky or heavier objects.

Increase Productivity and Throughput

“In many logistics operations, the pressure is on to increase throughput, maximise productivity and eliminate any processes that could lead to delay or stoppages,” comments Darren Pratt, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Identification.

“SICK’s Lector654 offers a simple solution that is easy to set up without major changes to existing working areas. Operators can then work without the delays, interruptions and unplanned downtimes which are unavoidable when using hand scanners.

“Some overhead camera set-ups have a fixed focal point, but with the Lector654’s dynamic focus, adapting the workstation for people of different heights can be automated.”

The SICK Lector654 adapts flexibly to the position of the code, thanks to its extensive field of view and depth of field. Used for hand presentation, it can read a wide range of common 1D and 2D code types, while onboard decoding algorithms ensure maximum read performance and high-throughput even for difficult-to-read codes.

Hand-Scanning

The SICK Lector654 reliably identifies and decodes all common 1D, 2D and stacked code formats. With a high-resolution CMOS sensor, the Lector654 has the resolution to read all object sizes from large to small. Thanks to both dynamic focus and brightness adjustment, the Lector654 produces the highest quality images, which can also be recorded for other track and trace purposes, if required.

The SICK Lector654 also shares the high-performance features of SICK’s Lector65x family of image-based code readers. With a frame repetition rate of 40 Hz and real-time decoding, Lector65x track and trace systems reliably identify 1D, 2D and directly marked codes at high speeds. Training and installation time are minimised thanks to the camera’s function buttons, auto setup, an aiming laser, an acoustic feedback signal, and a green feedback LED.

With SICK’s 4Dpro common communications platform, the SICK Lector65x family of image-based code readers communicate easily with other SICK devices, for example for volume or weight measurement, and share their data and parameters, linking seamlessly with factory control and data systems. Compatible with TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, serial and CAN interfaces, the Lector 65x cameras also have a MicroSD card slot to enable parameter cloning and image storage.

Read similar news here:

Right for Size: SICK Upgrades Volume Measurement System

Mobile Robotics: Flexible Success

Posted on by David Priestman

About a year after signing a strategic partnership agreement with the German mobile robotics specialist SAFELOG, the interim results for TGW Logistics are positive. Customers are increasingly mindful of integration competence, security technology and process stability, which is why more and more businesses are putting their trust in solutions provided by these two companies.

Top quality at an attractive price: for workwear specialist Engelbert Strauss, this fundamental principle applies not only to their production of professional clothing, but also to their intralogistics. The German company was one of the first customers to invest in a new solution from TGW Logistics for its dispatch centre system in Biebergemünd: over two dozen mobile robots from the Quba series will independently transport totes to the workstations in the returns area.

Key technology for future-proof intralogistics

From Engelbert Strauss to the Swiss coffee machine manufacturer Thermoplan: numerous companies are putting their trust in the competence of TGW Logistics in the area of mobile robotics. Because the systems integrator defined the solutions as “a key technology for high-performance, flexible and future-proof intralogistics” according to CTO Christoph Wolkerstorfer, the company entered into a strategic partnership with SAFELOG in November 2022. The Quba family mobile robotics portfolio is made up of both AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). The difference between the two categories has become increasingly blurry, for which reason TGW Logistics consolidates the portfolio under the term “mobile robotics.”
The flexible and versatile robots can transport totes, cartons and pallets, and handle a variety of tasks, including supplying production, packing or returns workstations as well as automatic palletising and de-palletising stations.

Flexible and scalable automation

Over a short span of time, TGW Logistics sold roughly 200 mobile robots from the Quba family as part of various projects; Stefan Riegler, Head of Business Development Mobile Robotics at TGW Logistics says there are multiple reasons behind this. For one thing, Riegler feels that more and more businesses are recognising the potential of mobile robots to provide a flexible and scalable automation answer to such challenges as labour shortages or scarcely predictable consumer behaviour, not to mention that they suit the tendency toward lower initial investments.

For another thing, TGW Logistics’ more than five decades of intralogistics experience makes the company a reliable partner when it comes to integration competence and security. “A crucial point in projects is often the evaluation of the processes to be automated. We see it as our main task to push technology back into the background, rethink existing processes and performance, and bring system availability and process stability to the foreground,” says Riegler. SAFELOG Managing Director Mathias Behounek agrees: “Customers need experienced, competent experts for large and complex integration projects. That’s the case at TGW Logistics and SAFELOG.”

Autonomous mobile robots

Reliability also plays a central role, according to Riegler. The TGW Future Private Foundation owns TGW Logistics, standing behind it and providing stability: the intralogistics specialist may not be sold, and two thirds of its profits remain in the company to be reinvested. Meanwhile, owner and managing director Michael Wolter stands behind SAFELOG and places great value in organic growth. Venture capitalists are not involved in the company. “Many customers shy away from doing business with a start-up that may be hoping to be bought up as soon as possible by the highest bidder,” says Riegler.

Another important factor, alongside a competitive market price, is trust. Before experts from TGW Logistics start talking about the technology, they analyse the process together with the customer. The question of “AGV or AMR?” is resolved by conducting a process analysis. This is not a question of faith, insists Riegler. He operates on the assumption that, in addition to the success factors already mentioned, IT competence will be what separates the wheat from the chaff in the future. This is not limited to expert knowledge of the mobile robots themselves, but also includes data analysis and simulations of complete systems.

Connection to existing systems is also possible

To the eyes of Alexander Leitner, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Technology at TGW Logistics, mobile robotics is not a cure-all and will not be in the future either, but it is nevertheless an important component of high-performance door-to-door solutions: “A great advantage of smart robotics systems is not only their flexibility and easy scalability, but also that they can be integrated into existing fulfilment centres after the fact.” From TGW Logistics’ and SAFELOG’s point of view and in terms of technology, the world of mobile robotics revolves around certain trend topics:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The use of AI will make mobile robots even more efficient and autonomous in the future. The versatile robots make decisions independently, and those decisions go beyond merely avoiding obstacles. Thanks to machine vision, they will recognise objects faster and assess situations better, all without time-consuming programming work. AI can also be used as a basis for smart charging, since it regards the fleet as a whole rather than considering each component separately. This means that the overall system is only called upon to perform the specific activities required at any given time.

• Interoperability: This is a central topic in the mobile robotics market. The ability of mobile robots from different manufacturers to communicate with one another, e.g. via the VDA 5050 interface, is an important factor for the success of a system.

• Cyber security: This range of topics plays an important role, particularly considering recent attacks on the IT infrastructures of large logistics companies. Mobile robots are finding ever more frequent use in critical infrastructures, and it is therefore important to make sure that they are as well protected against cyber attacks as possible.

Read similar news:

TGW presents new range of robotics

 

Mobile Robotics: Flexible Success

Posted on by David Priestman

About a year after signing a strategic partnership agreement with the German mobile robotics specialist SAFELOG, the interim results for TGW Logistics are positive. Customers are increasingly mindful of integration competence, security technology and process stability, which is why more and more businesses are putting their trust in solutions provided by these two companies.

Top quality at an attractive price: for workwear specialist Engelbert Strauss, this fundamental principle applies not only to their production of professional clothing, but also to their intralogistics. The German company was one of the first customers to invest in a new solution from TGW Logistics for its dispatch centre system in Biebergemünd: over two dozen mobile robots from the Quba series will independently transport totes to the workstations in the returns area.

Key technology for future-proof intralogistics

From Engelbert Strauss to the Swiss coffee machine manufacturer Thermoplan: numerous companies are putting their trust in the competence of TGW Logistics in the area of mobile robotics. Because the systems integrator defined the solutions as “a key technology for high-performance, flexible and future-proof intralogistics” according to CTO Christoph Wolkerstorfer, the company entered into a strategic partnership with SAFELOG in November 2022. The Quba family mobile robotics portfolio is made up of both AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). The difference between the two categories has become increasingly blurry, for which reason TGW Logistics consolidates the portfolio under the term “mobile robotics.”
The flexible and versatile robots can transport totes, cartons and pallets, and handle a variety of tasks, including supplying production, packing or returns workstations as well as automatic palletising and de-palletising stations.

Flexible and scalable automation

Over a short span of time, TGW Logistics sold roughly 200 mobile robots from the Quba family as part of various projects; Stefan Riegler, Head of Business Development Mobile Robotics at TGW Logistics says there are multiple reasons behind this. For one thing, Riegler feels that more and more businesses are recognising the potential of mobile robots to provide a flexible and scalable automation answer to such challenges as labour shortages or scarcely predictable consumer behaviour, not to mention that they suit the tendency toward lower initial investments.

For another thing, TGW Logistics’ more than five decades of intralogistics experience makes the company a reliable partner when it comes to integration competence and security. “A crucial point in projects is often the evaluation of the processes to be automated. We see it as our main task to push technology back into the background, rethink existing processes and performance, and bring system availability and process stability to the foreground,” says Riegler. SAFELOG Managing Director Mathias Behounek agrees: “Customers need experienced, competent experts for large and complex integration projects. That’s the case at TGW Logistics and SAFELOG.”

Autonomous mobile robots

Reliability also plays a central role, according to Riegler. The TGW Future Private Foundation owns TGW Logistics, standing behind it and providing stability: the intralogistics specialist may not be sold, and two thirds of its profits remain in the company to be reinvested. Meanwhile, owner and managing director Michael Wolter stands behind SAFELOG and places great value in organic growth. Venture capitalists are not involved in the company. “Many customers shy away from doing business with a start-up that may be hoping to be bought up as soon as possible by the highest bidder,” says Riegler.

Another important factor, alongside a competitive market price, is trust. Before experts from TGW Logistics start talking about the technology, they analyse the process together with the customer. The question of “AGV or AMR?” is resolved by conducting a process analysis. This is not a question of faith, insists Riegler. He operates on the assumption that, in addition to the success factors already mentioned, IT competence will be what separates the wheat from the chaff in the future. This is not limited to expert knowledge of the mobile robots themselves, but also includes data analysis and simulations of complete systems.

Connection to existing systems is also possible

To the eyes of Alexander Leitner, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Technology at TGW Logistics, mobile robotics is not a cure-all and will not be in the future either, but it is nevertheless an important component of high-performance door-to-door solutions: “A great advantage of smart robotics systems is not only their flexibility and easy scalability, but also that they can be integrated into existing fulfilment centres after the fact.” From TGW Logistics’ and SAFELOG’s point of view and in terms of technology, the world of mobile robotics revolves around certain trend topics:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The use of AI will make mobile robots even more efficient and autonomous in the future. The versatile robots make decisions independently, and those decisions go beyond merely avoiding obstacles. Thanks to machine vision, they will recognise objects faster and assess situations better, all without time-consuming programming work. AI can also be used as a basis for smart charging, since it regards the fleet as a whole rather than considering each component separately. This means that the overall system is only called upon to perform the specific activities required at any given time.

• Interoperability: This is a central topic in the mobile robotics market. The ability of mobile robots from different manufacturers to communicate with one another, e.g. via the VDA 5050 interface, is an important factor for the success of a system.

• Cyber security: This range of topics plays an important role, particularly considering recent attacks on the IT infrastructures of large logistics companies. Mobile robots are finding ever more frequent use in critical infrastructures, and it is therefore important to make sure that they are as well protected against cyber attacks as possible.

Read similar news:

TGW presents new range of robotics

 

eBook on Warehouse Safety & Innovation

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business magazine, in association with Sentry Protection Products, have produced a new digital issue / eBook about racking impact protection, warehouse safety & innovation. In this 6-page special, Editor Peter MacLeod interviews Sentry’s CEO and Founder Jim Ryan and a key USA customer about the company’s products and applications, including the Collision Sentry Multi-Zone warning system, that has undergone a successful trial.

Read the eBook here now

“I’m looking forward to getting more of those in the facility because so far it’s been very successful in a very high-traffic area,” the American customer concluded.

Warehouse safety solutions provider Sentry Protection Products is going from strength to strength. Peter MacLeod, the editor of Logistics Business magazine, spoke to its founder, Jim Ryan, to hear about its growth plans. Sentry Protection Products is a company that always catches the eye at trade shows around the world. In an age when a lot of attention is focused on digital solutions, its deliberately conspicuous range of yellow warehouse column protection products certainly stand out. They serve as a reminder that, despite what the headlines might lead you to believe, not all personnel in warehouse jobs have been replaced by robots, and that the forklift truck is still very much a workhorse without which no logistics facility can operate.

As the industry strives to do everything faster, better and cheaper, we must never take our eyes off workplace safety. Sentry sees the business of safety growing, and long may that be the case.

Warehouse Safety & Innovation

Sentry Protection Products is a leading provider of innovative, impact resistant products for industrial applications. Manufactured in the United States and Europe and sold worldwide, the award winning, patented product line includes Column Sentry®, Rack Sentry®, Concrete Wrap™, Park Sentry®, Corner Sentry™ and Collision Sentry®. Sentry is headquartered in Lakewood, Ohio, USA.

See the previous eBook here:

eBook on Warehouse Impact Protection

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