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Month: January 2025

Addressing Excessive Wear of Power Transmission Components

Posted on by David Priestman

In the logistics industry, overcoming excessive wear, downtime, and power transmission inefficiencies is essential to maintaining productivity and controlling operational costs. A recent case study from Megadyne, a supplier of high-performance power transmission belts, highlights how these challenges were successfully tackled using the Megadyne MEGASYNC™ Silver3 power transmission belt.

Solving persistent issues in a major facility

A large logistics facility faced persistent issues with its conveyor belt system. Frequent breakdowns due to component wear, inefficient power transmission, and a rigid design that limited operational flexibility were common hurdles. The existing belt couldn’t meet the high operational demands, leading to costly replacements, frequent maintenance, and suboptimal use of space.

How the MEGASYNC™ Silver3 addressed key issues

The Megadyne MEGASYNC™ Silver3 belt offered a comprehensive solution to these issues. Its advanced technology not only enhanced power transmission efficiency but also significantly extended the lifespan of the conveyor system. Thanks to its impressive durability in high-demand environments and its resistance to environmental stressors, the belt played a crucial role in reducing downtime. Additionally, its compact design enabled a more streamlined system layout, reducing maintenance requirements and optimising space usage.

Expert insights

Luca Zironda, global ISM of material handling and automation at Megadyne, shared his thoughts: “The introduction of the MEGASYNC™ Silver3 belt delivered substantial results. The facility experienced increased efficiency, fewer maintenance interventions, reduced operational costs, and a notable improvement in productivity and reliability.

“The key benefits of the Megadyne MEGASYNC™ Silver3 belt include no elongation over time, high breaking strength, low-noise transmission, and excellent resistance to wear and heat. Delve into the details of this transformation by accessing our full case study, where the performance-enhancing benefits of the Megadyne MEGASYNC™ Silver3 belt are explored in greater detail,” he added.

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AustralianSuper Invests in European Industrial & Logistics Portfolio

Posted on by Keith McKinley

AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest superannuation fund, and Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a global real estate investor, developer and manager, today announce a new strategic partnership that aims to build a significant industrial and logistics venture across Europe, which will be managed by M7 Real Estate. AustralianSuper has acquired a 50% stake in Oxford’s c. €840 million European industrial and logistics portfolio (the “Portfolio”) and in M7 Real Estate, the market leading European investment and asset management business that was acquired by Oxford in 2021.

The joint venture is the first between AustralianSuper and Oxford and brings together two like-minded global institutional investors managing a combined €270billion of long-term capital on behalf of over four million pension fund members. The partnership will provide further capital to fund the growth of the Portfolio, known as the European Supply Chain Income Partnership (“ESCIP”), with a target of up to €4.5 billion GAV of high-quality ‘last mile’ and mid-box warehouses over the next three to five years.

The Portfolio currently comprises c.730,000 sqm high-quality urban logistics and distribution warehouses across 76 assets. The properties are well located in 19 of the most strategic urban ‘last mile’ and distribution hubs in the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. With a diversified base of more than 200 tenants, the Portfolio is well-positioned to capitalise on increased occupier demand and rental growth throughout western Europe.

M7 Real Estate, as investment and asset manager, will be tasked to source and execute on new opportunities for the strategy targeting income-led exposure across the pan-European supply chain, with a continued focus on both smaller, multi-tenanted, core+ or value-add assets located near large cities and population centres, alongside a core+ mid-box strategy seeking investments into larger distribution and warehouse assets in key logistics corridors, throughout the six target markets of the venture.

The assets have strong environmental credentials and are focussed in submarkets that are characterised by acute supply demand tension, with 53% weighting to urban assets by estimated rental value (“ERV”). In the UK these include London and the South-East (19% of total ERV) and the Midlands (14%), as well as Paris (15%), Copenhagen (11%) and Barcelona (8.2%) in mainland Europe.

The Portfolio is c. 90% occupied and delivers a highly diverse and defensive income stream secured against 214 tenants, across a range of business types and geographies. No single tenant represents more than 5% of the total in-place rent.

Paul Clark, Head of European Real Assets at AustralianSuper, commented: “We believe urban logistics and distribution represents one the most compelling sector opportunities in European real estate today, and have been tracking the sector for several years to find the right portfolio that meets our ambitions, with strong fundamentals and significant growth potential. We are delighted to partner with the Oxford and M7 teams, investors with proven track records operating and growing high-quality logistics portfolios, to scale the ESCIP platform together using our collective expertise, generating long-term performance for members.”


Joanne McNamara (pictured above), Executive Vice President, Head of Europe at Oxford Properties, commented: “This strategic partnership with AustralianSuper brings a significant and, importantly, a like-minded capital partner alongside us into both the M7 portfolio and the M7 Real Estate platform. This creates full alignment between all three parties from day one, while providing fresh capital from both partners to grow the platform as we enter into a new real estate cycle. We believe there are exciting prospects in this high conviction strategy, a major pillar of Oxford’s capital deployment ambitions in the region for 2025, with a compelling pipeline of investment opportunities which we expect to announce in short order.”

David Ebbrell, CEO of M7 Real Estate, commented: “Since its foundation M7 Real Estate has been a go-to partner for some of the world’s largest and most respected real estate investors wishing to access the European multi let and urban logistics sector. Having been acquired by Oxford Properties in 2021 and enjoyed a very successful partnership over the past four years, we are very excited at the prospect of now working alongside AustralianSuper as well. Not only is AustralianSuper’s investment into our business another huge endorsement of M7 Real Estate’s team, its expertise and long track record of creating value, the support of Australia’s largest superannuation fund also brings with it a commitment to invest significantly through our platform alongside Oxford Properties into the European industrial and logistics sector over the next few years, helping us achieve our own ambitions for growth.”

AustralianSuper’s global real assets portfolio totals c. €35 billion, including more than €6 billion invested in Europe. The Fund’s property portfolio includes the King’s Cross Estate and the Canada Water regeneration projects in London. Within industrials, the Fund has invested in Moorebank Logistics Park, Australia’s largest intermodal logistics facility, the Craigieburn Logistics Estate housing a new Amazon Robotics Fulfilment Centre in Australia, and the Wiri Logistics Estate in New Zealand.

M7 Real Estate is an award-winning pan-European investor and asset manager, with a European network spanning 10 offices and an on-the-ground presence of 170 team members across nine countries. Led by CEO David Ebbrell, M7 Real Estate has 4.1 million sqm and c. €5.5 billion of assets under management and specialises in the mid-box, multi-let and urban logistics sectors. It has a strong track record of creating value by aggregating assets into institutional sized portfolios and via intensive asset management, leveraging its experienced team and market leading data and information management systems.

The transaction is expected to complete at the end of Q1 of 2025 and is conditional, amongst other things, on customary regulatory approvals.

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Globalpesca adds Automation to New Cold Storage Warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse automation and software specialist Dematic has recently signed a contract with Globalpesca – a leading Italian provider of frozen foods and food services to the hotel, restaurant, and catering industries – to ensure operational efficiencies at a new low-temperature, cold storage warehouse for frozen goods.

“Important factors in our decision process included knowing that Dematic has many years of experience developing automation solutions for the hospitality and catering industry and it has deep experience in the storage of food items at low temperatures,” explains Andrea Ruffoni, the supply chain director at Globalpesca, adding, “And when it comes to stacker cranes for pallets, we were confident that Dematic was the right company to partner with.”

Headquartered northwest of Milan in Gravellona Toce, Italy’s Piedmont region, Globalpesca S.p.A. is a family-owned business whose roots date back nearly 125 years.

Due to rapid growth in the hospitality and catering industry in Italy, food service companies must be able to manage higher order volumes and be prepared to continuously improve service levels. Globalpesca recognised that automation would support its operations by bringing improvements in two key areas: better planning and managing of its inbound product process and better handling in storage and restocking of its picking areas.

Solution increases storage capacity using the height of the new facility

The Dematic solution is going to be installed in a new warehouse facility adjacent to Globalpesca’s distribution centre in Gravellona Toce. The solution calls for a self-supporting structure designed to meet the load and temperature requirements of the warehouse, the second temperature-controlled warehouse adjacent to the distribution centre.

The 24-metre high new warehouse covers approximately 1,400 square metres. The Dematic solution includes two RapidStore® UL1200 stacker cranes with an option of an additional one for future expansion plans, a pallet transport system using BK25 conveyors, and two Ergopal picking workstations with an option for a third workstation. Installation and commissioning are scheduled to be completed by early 2026.

The Italian frozen foods specialist aims to automate its operations and improve the efficiency of its processes with more precise inventory tracking and improving ergonomics for its operators by no longer needing them to access the facility’s −25°C areas and having them work at better designed workstations for preparing pallets.

During the project’s conception phase, an Italian team from Dematic together with a customer project team led by Ruffoni, worked closely to review various possible scenarios for Globalpesca to determine the best fit with future scalability as one of the priorities.

According to Mauro Corona, the sales director for Dematic Italy, the project is a great example of a strong collaboration. “The extensive automation expertise of Dematic and Globalpesca’s deep experience in their industries came together in a strong cooperative partnering for an efficient solution that will provide a strategic lever for Globalpesca in a demanding business environment.”

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Autonomous Pallet-Moving Robot Introduced at Shows

Posted on by David Priestman

Ocado Intelligent Automation (OIA), part of Ocado Group, will introduce a pallet-moving autonomous mobile robot (AMR) at ProMat 2025 to automate inventory movement and increase the efficiency of several warehouse workflows.

The new OIA pallet-moving AMR navigates the warehouse without any infrastructure changes or heavy manual labour required. Upscaling nearly a decade of automation experience from the company’s Chuck AMR offering, OIA’s patented system-directed software intelligently orchestrates each autonomous pallet-moving robot, or a whole fleet of them, and identifies the optimal route for it to take while preventing bottlenecks.

Autonomous Pallet-Moving Robot

With a payload capacity of 3,300 pounds and built-in sensor systems to recognize pallets, the pallet-moving AMR can pick and place open or closed pallets directly from the floor, enabling warehouses and distribution centers to fully automate tasks such as cross-dock, putaway and inventory moves as well as collaborative tasks including each and case picking, replenishment and returns putaway.

ProMat Booth number: S2712
LogiMAT Booth number: Hall 8 booth #8C77

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Logistics Business Latest Issue – Read here

Posted on by David Priestman

The May 2025 issue of Logistics Business magazine: Insightful and unique content covering the international supply chain, logistics and warehousing sector.

We have exclusive features on Reshoring, Shipping Routes, 5PL Contract Logistics, Returns Management, Customs & Specialist Freight Forwarding, Loading Bay Safety, ERP Software, Supply Chain Transparency, Data & Risk Mitigation, Calculating Costs, Rugged Devices, Parcel Locker Networks, Choosing an Intralogistics Partner, Forklift Reinvention, Flexible Warehouse Systems Integration, Branding, Data & Energy Transmission, Sortation Technology, Scalable ASRS, Drives & Controls, Materials Handling Manufacturing, Robotics KPIs, Warehouse Optimisation & Mapping, AMR Collaboration & Scheduling, Fashion Fulfilment, Industrial Doors, Packaging Automation at the end-of-line, Plastic Pallet Merger.

In-depth interviews, site visits and case studies with DSV, Linde, GAC, Infios, Getac, Beumer, TGW, Clark, Bobcat, Ocado, Bowe, Mecalux, Libiao, Coesia and Hormann.

Our digital issues can be read in any language, or listened to. Simply click on the ‘Freeflow reader’ graphic near the top right corner of each editorial page.

Logistics Business latest issue

Our digital issues can be read in any language, or listened to. Simply click on the ‘Freeflow reader’ graphic near the top right corner of each editorial page.

To browse all recent Logistics Business issues click here 

About Logistics Business

Logistics Business magazine is a quarterly print and digital journal, launched in 1997. Published in February, May, September and November, edited by Peter MacLeod, it features exclusive interviews, case studies, site visits and opinions. The digital issue is translatable into any language.

Every Friday we select the top industry stories and comment on the key issues. Sent to all subscribers internationally, it includes our digital issue & advertising banners. Subscribe for free here now.

Logistics Business Conversations is a regular, informal podcast hosted by Peter MacLeod. Talking to industry experts, the podcast is entertaining, yet intimate. Recorded, produced and distributed via Acast it is available on Spotify and every other platform, as well as YouTube, our website and sent to all our subscribers.

Logistics Business organises regular bespoke webinars, moderated by Peter MacLeod. Either live or pre-recorded, on Zoom or your chosen platform, they are made available to all our subscriber audiences, with or without lead-gen registration required. Round table panels with end-user customers and presentational webinars are popular.

Logistics Business’ large, international readership is an excellent pool from which to undertake market research. We conduct exclusive reader surveys, embedded from SurveyMonkey, for customers, asking the questions you need answering. Reports provide data, graphs and write-in responses, with respondent numbers exceeding 150 per survey.

We publish 8-page digital, translatable mini magazines for customers. Featuring cover, interviews, case studies, news, contacts and more we write and design them to your specifications. Published on Flickread and sent to our readership it can be printed and distributed by yourselves too.

 

DHL Acquires Inmar Supply Chain Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has announced the acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, a division of Inmar Intelligence and a leading returns solutions provider for the retail e-commerce industry. The strategic acquisition will make DHL Supply Chain the largest provider of reverse logistics solutions in North America.

The acquisition will result in 14 return centers and around 800 associates joining the DHL Supply Chain business expanding the company’s North American footprint which currently stands at over 520 warehouses supported by 52,000 associates. Additionally, DHL Supply Chain will now strengthen its returns capabilities to include product remarketing, recall management, and supply chain performance analytics. Inmar Intelligence will retain its pharmaceutical reverse distribution business.

In the light of a rapidly growing e-commerce market and changing consumer behavior, returns are an increasingly important touchpoint for retail customers, both in store and online. These solutions will expand the value-added services available to DHL customers and create a more strategic delivery of holistic solutions for their most complex supply chain needs.

“DHL Supply Chain’s market-leading logistics expertise and the addition of Inmar’s suite of returns services and its talented workforce will enable us to provide best-in-class logistics services to our industry customers. Together, we will create a returns business in North America that is unmatched in its depth, breadth, capabilities, and talent to fuel long-term growth,” said Oscar de Bok, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain.

“As companies strive to simplify their supply chain strategies and enhance their operational agility, DHL Supply Chain continues to innovate to provide comprehensive and integrated solutions. This acquisition strengthens our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer our customers a single-source solution for their entire supply chain, including the critical and complex area of returns management. This enhances the value we deliver to our customers by streamlining their operations, reducing complexity, and improving their overall supply chain efficiency,” said Patrick Kelleher (pictured), CEO of DHL Supply Chain, North America.

He further added that, “The strategic growth opportunities that the returns market brings will enhance the success of DHL Supply Chain. It also puts us on the right path to support DHL Group’s plan to achieve 50% revenue growth by 2030 compared to 2023 as outlined in our recently announced Strategy 2030.”

“Inmar Intelligence and DHL share a deep commitment to customer-focused innovation. Because of that, we are confident that DHL will build even greater things on top of the Inmar Supply Chain Solutions foundation that we developed over time. As well, we are thrilled that Inmar associates will have an even broader set of supply chain experiences available from which they can continue to learn and develop over time at DHL. For Inmar Intelligence, this deal sets the stage for us to apply an even deeper level of focus and investment into our core businesses that are expanding rapidly,” said Spencer Baird (also pictured), CEO of Inmar Intelligence.

Consumers expect retailers to provide a seamless returns process while retailers are faced with new challenges such as returns abuse and rising operational costs. Thus, the acquisition marks a logical step to foster DHL’s customer centric approach that involves collaboration, expertise, and integration to solve the greatest supply chain challenges.

Enhancing commitment to sustainability

The acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions will also contribute to DHL’s strategic goal of decarbonizing its business by 2050. In the company’s recently announced Strategy 2030, sustainability is a strategic priority, recognizing its growing role as a key differentiator in the logistics sector. Assisting global customers to become carbon neutral is crucial, and DHL Group aims to achieve this by remaining the frontrunner in low-carbon logistics operations.

At the core of returns management is the need to drive sustainability, and Inmar’s technology-driven reverse logistics solutions are recognized across the industry for reducing cost and eliminating the waste generated from returned consumer goods. Emphasis is placed on recommerce, which has diverted 99% of consumer returns from reaching a landfill; an approach that aligns with DHL’s commitment to make customers’ supply chains more sustainable.

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Logistics Sector can meet Distribution Demands of January Sales

Posted on by David Priestman

As UK retailers receive a surge in orders brought by the January sales, logistics providers have stepped up to meet the challenge. Essex-based haulage and warehousing specialists, Thames Group, are confident the sector will efficiently meet demands.

According to the UK Office for National Statistics, January 2024 retail sales volumes had a 3.4% rise following a record fall of 3.3% in December 2023. With more consumers seeking price drops in sales seasons, retail businesses are looking to take advantage of this opportunity face higher demands with their post-Christmas logistics. During this busy month for the logistics sector, Thames Group has emphasised the importance of meeting time-sensitive distribution requirements to help maximise profits.

“We understand how crucial efficient distribution is during the January sales season. Retailers are under immense pressure to sell stock quickly, and an attentive logistics provider can ensure goods are delivered in full and on time, for bargain-hunting customers” says Daniel Treadwell, Managing Director of Thames Group.

With the January sales being such an important time of year for retail, especially in light of rising sales figures, reliably fulfilling time-sensitive orders is key for meeting rising distribution demands.
To handle the increased workload, Thames Group and their sector are implementing strategic measures including the optimisation of fleet loads, organising return loads and operating on a 24-hour basis.

“Our varied fleet and flexible approach allow us to tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client. From time-sensitive deliveries to handling large volumes, our team is committed to providing reliable and cost-effective solutions – such as ensuring our retail sector have ample stock for a bumper January 2025 sale” adds Treadwell.

Established in 1977, Thames Group are an Essex-based company that specialises in haulage and warehousing. The family-owned business prides itself on bespoke and efficient distribution services when delivering goods across the nation.

Their varied fleet of vehicles, from light vans to 44 tonne articulated heavy goods lorries, operate on a flexible basis – providing options for last-mile, one-way and 24-hour distributions. “As retail peak season is well under way, our priority is to enable seamless operations for our clients and exceed the expectations of their customers. We’re excited to be helping businesses make the most from their January sales and seeing some of the amazing deals that are on offer across UK stores!” concludes Treadwell.

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Future of International Freight Forwarding is Transformation

Posted on by David Priestman

As global trade rebounds and technology continues to reshape industries, the international freight forwarding and logistics sector is poised for a dynamic year in 2025, says the director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA). “With new trade agreements, advancements in automation, and a heightened focus on sustainability, BIFA members of all shapes and sizes are forecasting growth opportunities alongside significant challenges,” says Steve Parker.

Global trade on the rise

Notwithstanding potential future trade wars, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global trade volumes to increase by 3.2% in 2025, driven by easing geopolitical tensions, expanding e-commerce, and growing consumer demand in emerging markets. These developments provide fertile ground for freight forwarders and logistics providers to enhance their services and seize new opportunities in cross-border shipping.

Technological innovation driving efficiency

The logistics industry is increasingly leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimise supply chain operations. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things-enabled devices are transforming shipment tracking, customs clearance, and warehouse management. Automation is expected to significantly reduce costs while improving transparency and customer satisfaction.

“2025 is the year where digitalisation and data-driven decision-making will become a necessity rather than an advantage,” Parker adds. ”The integration of real-time analytics and autonomous systems is revolutionising how BIFA members are managing global supply chains.”

Sustainability takes centre stage

With global regulators and consumers demanding environmentally conscious practices, sustainability will be a top priority in 2025. Many companies are committing to carbon-neutral shipping solutions, investing in green technologies such as electric vehicles and alternative fuels. Ports and shipping hubs worldwide are also adopting cleaner energy practices to reduce emissions and align with international environmental goals. Parker says: ”Shippers are now looking beyond cost and speed — they want greener logistics solutions. This shift is creating both challenges and opportunities for logistics providers.”

E-Commerce boom fuels demand

The global e-commerce market, expected to surpass USD7.4 trillion by 2025, is further driving the need for efficient logistics and last-mile delivery solutions. Freight forwarders are rapidly adapting to the demands of faster shipping and expanded network coverage, particularly in underserved regions.

Challenges Ahead

While prospects are promising, the industry must also address critical challenges. Ever-changing demand and supply dynamics across all modes of transport. Geopolitical uncertainties. Fluctuating fuel costs, and regulatory complexities continue to pose risks. Additionally, labour shortages in key markets highlight the need for investments in workforce development and automation.

As we enter the second week of 2025, the international freight forwarding and logistics sector stands at a pivotal moment. By embracing innovation, prioritising sustainability, and navigating global trade dynamics, the industry is well-positioned for sustainable growth and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. “The trade association that represents UK freight forwarding and logistics companies that manage international supply chains will be ready to support our members in those multiple endeavours,” Parker concludes.

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UPS Acquires Healthcare Cold-Chain Logistics Providers

Posted on by David Priestman

UPS has today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Frigo-Trans and its sister company BPL, which provide industry-leading, complex healthcare cold chain logistics solutions across Europe.

The acquisitions further enhance the end-to-end capabilities available to UPS Healthcare customers, who increasingly need temperature-controlled and time-critical logistics solutions globally. Frigo-Trans’ network includes temperature-controlled warehousing ranging from cryopreservation (-196°C) to ambient (+15° to +25°C) as well as Pan-European cold chain transportation. This combined with the logistics solutions brought by BPL’s time-critical freight forwarding capabilities further enhances UPS Healthcare solutions for customers in Europe.

 

UPS Healthcare delivers healthcare logistics expertise to its customers around the world. UPS Healthcare has 17 million square feet of cGMP and GDP-compliant healthcare distribution space globally. Services include inventory management, cold chain packaging and shipping, storage and fulfillment of medical devices and lab and clinical trial logistics. UPS Healthcare’s global infrastructure, UPS® Premier visibility service, track and trace technology and global quality system are suited to meet today’s complex logistics demands for the pharmaceutical, medical device and laboratory diagnostic industries.

Frigo-Trans provides an end-to-end warehouse and transportation solution for pharmaceutical and biotech customers. Frigo-Trans does this by utilizing best-in-class distribution facilities and a pharmacy-focused, Pan-European, cold-chain transportation network. Other value-added services include, but are not limited to, packaging, handling and inventory management. Headquartered in Fußgönheim, Germany, Frigo-Trans’s network expands across all countries in Europe.

BPL offers individual transport management for GDP-compliant shipping of time-critical and temperature-sensitive products. BPL manages a high-quality network of air and ocean freight carriers along with customs clearance to meet the complex, cross border needs of customers. BPL prioritizes serving biopharma customers with special temperature, quality and speed requirements. BPL is headquartered in Duesseldorf, Germany.

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Funding for AI-Powered Logistics in UK Ports and Warehouses

Posted on by Keith McKinley

RoboK, a University of Cambridge AI spinout, has announced it has secured £1 million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding for a project to deliver an industry-first artificial intelligence (AI) safety and efficiency solution for UK ports and warehouses of all sizes.

PALLETS (which stands for Proactive AI-powered Solutions for Logistics Efficiency, Transparency and Safety), led by Robok, is the result of a recent drive by UKRI to accelerate the adoption of trustworthy and responsible AI and machine learning technologies. Robok’s platform integrates AI with existing CCTV systems, transforming video monitoring into a proactive tool for real-time hazard detection and operational improvements, setting new standards in safety and efficiency across UK logistics hubs. PALLETS, one of 21 projects to successfully secure funding from phase two of UKRI’s ‘Accelerating trustworthy AI’ opportunity, aims to lower AI adoption barriers for the transport and logistics industries while improving transparency and security.

The project also brings together unique expertise from key partners: Astron Fire & Security, Freeport East, Port of Dover, The Finishing Line, The University of Essex, and The Bristol Port Company. This diverse collaboration offers the combined strengths of AI innovation, security infrastructure, port operations, academic research, and logistics expertise. Together, the consortium seeks to tackle significant industry challenges including hazard detection and operational bottlenecks in a secure and trusted manner. The project concludes at the end of March 2025 and is poised to set new benchmarks in AI-driven safety and efficiency for the UK’s logistics and transport sectors.

Hao Zheng (pictured), Founder & CEO of RoboK, commented, “PALLETS aligns perfectly with RoboK’s vision to create safer and more efficient industrial workplaces. We are honoured to collaborate with key industry partners on a project of such strategic importance to the UK economy.”

Steve Beel, CEO of Freeport East commented “Freeport East is delighted to be involved in PALLETS. This demonstrates our role acting as a convenor, making linkages to progress innovative applications and technologies in the ports and logistics sector.”

Mark Burton, Head of IT at the Port of Dover said: “We’re really pleased with the progress being made in our work with RoboK on the PALLETS initiative. The early results are very positive, and we’ve gained some helpful insights into how computer vision might support our operational goals moving forward and also sparked new ideas about how we can apply this technology across different areas of our business.”

Holly Leonard, Innovation Partnerships Manager at the University of Essex said: “The University is proud to be collaborating with partners to deliver PALLETS, which will fast-track AI solutions into the logistics sector. Essex researchers in AI and cyber security will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of novel solutions which will deliver automation and efficiencies in a complex environment. These solutions will lead to significant efficiencies for logistics firms, which will have a positive economic and environmental impact.”

David Brown, Chief Executive at The Bristol Port Company, noted: “Bristol Port is delighted to continue their work with Robok and utilise their expertise with AI to identify potential accidents before they happen. The PALLETS project is enabling The Port to gain an enhanced understanding of how AI can make our business even safer and more efficient. The early results have been most encouraging and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

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