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Day: 14 March 2025

Robotics Help Philips Factory Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Recently, in order to accelerate the automation and digitization of warehouse racking transfer, and to reduce the manual handling workload, Philips Netherlands factory has introduced the CE-certified forklift SFL-CDD14-CE , which not only reduces the intensity of manual work but also eliminates the safety hazards in the operation area, and significantly improves the overall transfer efficiency of the warehouse.

Philips site needs and challenges

In Philips factory operations, the transfer of racks between the warehouse and the production area faces a number of challenges and needs:

– Automate and digitize the transfer: Traditional methods of transferring racks in the warehouse rely on manual handling, which is inefficient and error – prone. Philips wanted to introduce an automated solution to enhance logistics efficiency and management.
– Reduce manual handling workload: The shelves are high and heavy, making manual handling very intense. This can easily lead to employee fatigue and workplace accidents. Therefore, there was a need for equipment to replace manual handling.
– Ensure the safety of shelf transfer process: There are potential safety hazards during shelf transfer, such as tipping and collision. Effective safety measures are needed to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
– Flexible adaptation to production needs: Production plans may change at any time. The shelf transfer program needs to be able to quickly respond to production changes to achieve flexible scheduling and efficient operations.

Highlights of the Solution

– CE-Certified, Ideal for Overseas Markets

SEER ROBOTICS offers various types of CE-certified autonomous forklifts. The products are internally equipped with SEER ROBOTICS’ Safety Controller for Autonomous Forklift SRC-3000FS. The SFL-CDD14-CE product selected by Philips has CE and UL certifications and has passed the ISO3691-4 certification, enabling worry-free export to the European market.

– Rotational Charging, More Flexible and Efficient

According to the area division at the Philips site, the charging area for autonomous forklifts is relatively narrow. To solve this problem, SEER ROBOTICS has set up a ‘rotational charging’ mode. The forklifts operating on site are charged in sequence, achieving an even distribution of power and avoiding power depletion situations. Based on this, it not only improves the charging efficiency and extends the service life of forklifts but also reduces energy waste.

– Multiple Measures, Ensured Safety

The SFL-CDD14-CE has extremely high safety attributes. The fuselage is equipped with 3D obstacle-avoidance cameras, distance sensors, etc., achieving 360-degree three-dimensional safety protection. According to the on-site environment, SEER ROBOTICS has set the optimal forklift operation routes, working hours, and pallet placement positions, and has finely adjusted the forklift identification parameters and safety parameters to achieve both safety and efficiency. In addition, a specific safety area is set up. In case of an unexpected situation, it supports a one-click arrangement for forklifts to go to the designated area.

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Mezzanine Floors Up and Away

Posted on by David Priestman

Geoff Green of MiTek discusses all things mezzanine with editor Peter MacLeod, covering space optimisation, flexibility, installation and safety.

In the ever-evolving logistics industry, optimising warehouse space is crucial for operational efficiency. One effective solution gaining prominence is the implementation of mezzanine systems. In a recent episode of “Logistics Business Conversations,” host Peter MacLeod discussed this topic with Geoff Green, Sales Director at MiTek, shedding light on the benefits and considerations of
mezzanines in logistics.

Before we get into the meat of the conversation, MacLeod first asked Green for a generic definition of a mezzanine, as the term can sometimes be misunderstood. He described mezzanines as intermediate floors installed between the main floors of a building, effectively doubling or tripling usable space without the need for external expansion. In warehouses, they serve various purposes, including storage, office space, and production areas, allowing businesses to maximise vertical space and improve workflow efficiency.

There are several key reasons why logistics businesses choose to specify mezzanine systems, prime among them being the need to optimise available space. Mezzanines enable companies to utilise ‘spare’ vertical space, alleviating the need for building extensions or even relocation to larger premises. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas where real estate costs are highest.
Mezzanines are considered a cost-effective method to achieve this compared to the cost of constructing new facilities, providing additional space without significant capital investment.

Flexibility is another reason they are popular: mezzanine structures can be customised and reconfigured to meet changing operational needs, offering adaptability as businesses grow or diversify,
for example if a 3PL gains a contract that involves product that is significantly different in weight, size, volume or shape to its existing SKUs.

Furthermore, by designating specific functions to mezzanine levels, companies can streamline processes, reduce congestion on the main floor, and enhance overall productivity.

Addressing Installation Concerns

A common concern cited by customers when discussing a mezzanine installation is the potential disruption to the facility’s regular operations. However, Green was keen to dismiss this fear, emphasising that with proper planning and coordination, installations can be executed with minimal impact on daily operations. For example, scheduling work during off-peak hours and maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders are key strategies to ensure a smooth installation process.

With safety considerations paramount in any warehouse environment, mezzanines must comply with building regulations and safety standards to protect both personnel and equipment. This includes installing appropriate guardrails, ensuring load-bearing capacities are not exceeded, and providing safe access points such as stairs or lifts. Regular inspections and maintenance are also essential to uphold safety standards.

Green says that the long-term benefits of mezzanines can be guaranteed by designing layouts that can accommodate future changes, something at which he says MiTek is particularly skilled. By creating a futureproofed design, businesses are better able to accommodate expansion in volume, technological advancements, and evolving industry practices. Green advises involving experienced designers and engineers in the planning stages to create such flexible and scalable mezzanine solutions.

Case Study: Successful Mezzanine Implementation

A notable example of a successful mezzanine installation quoted by Green is a leading eCommerce company in the UK that faced challenges with limited warehouse space due to rapid growth. By installing a mezzanine system, it effectively doubled its storage capacity within the existing facility. This not only saved costs associated with building a new warehouse but also improved order fulfilment times by enhancing the organisation of inventory and streamlining picking processes.

In summary, mezzanine systems offer a practical and cost-effective solution for businesses seeking to optimise warehouse space and improve operational efficiency. By addressing installation
challenges, adhering to health and safety standards, and designing flexible layouts, companies can leverage mezzanines to support growth and adapt to the dynamic logistics landscape.

For a more in-depth discussion on mezzanines in logistics, visit the Logistics Business website and click on the ‘podcasts’ tab to listen to the full episode of “Unlocking the Levels: Exploring
Mezzanines in Logistics” featuring Geoff Green of MiTek.

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Alternative Fuel Developments

Posted on by David Priestman

For distribution operations on sea or land, by far the biggest daily cost is fuel. Added to this is the pressure to go green for very many reasons, writes Richard Shepherd-Barron.

The use of alternative fuels to fossil-derived products across a wide range of logistics applications continues to increase as companies move forward into more environmentally friendly operations with zero or low emissions – electricity, hydrogen, compressed natural gas (biomethane) or methanol.

Now that many retailers have rigorous sustainability policies, this means that they will be seeking out and then favouring ‘green’ partner companies over their less sustainable competitors. An example this is the introduction by Maersk of the fifth ship in a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery from last Autumn through 2025. The ‘Alexandra Maersk’ (pictured) – 47,700 tonnes and 16,592 TEU – was named in a ceremony at Felixstowe last October. These new methanol-enabled ships are at the core of Maersk’s ambitious decarbonation plans as low emission methanol can reduce the greenhouse gas (GHGH) emissions by 65 to 90 per cent.

A major user of Maersk’s services is the well-known British and international retailer Primark, which employs more than 80,000 people across 17 countries. Their CEO, Paul Marchant, said during the naming ceremony: “We’re committed to reducing the impact we have on the environment across our entire operation, including our supply chain. Through our partnership with Maersk we’ve started to introduce green fuel alternatives when shipping our products by using Maersk’s ECO Delivery Ocean product and replacing fossil fuels with green fuel alternatives, we’re reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our ocean shipping.”

On a rather different scale, Carisbrooke Shipping, based in the Isle of Wight and Rotterdam, operate 26 vessels between 5,000 and 17,000 tonnes in European waters. Natalia Walker of Carisbrooke explained: “We’re part of a consortium, led by Carnot Ltd, which has been awarded £2.3 million to deploy its 70% efficient 50kW marine hydrogen engine to provide auxiliary power on a general cargo vessel. The project will explore how hydrogen can be used to generate electrical power on board cargo vessels. The demonstrator vessel – the ‘Kathy C’ (4,151 tonnes) – is a UK-flagged general cargo vessel designed to carry multiple types of dry cargo from grain to aggregates and is scheduled to undergo real-world testing this year.”

The Carnot 50-kW engine is a precursor to 200 to 400kW auxiliary engines, and eventually to 1 top 10MW main engines. The hydrogen fuel is supplied by Compass Syngas Solutions, based in Deeside, Wales, who secured almost £4 million in government funding to make its biomass and waste-to-hydrogen plants even greener by using carbon capture from its hydrogen production from waste wood and other selected non-recyclable materials.

Electric Vans

On land, many developments are taking place, very much dependent on operating requirements: Vauxhall has started customer trials with its Vivaro hydrogen van, involving some of the UK’S largest fleets. James Taylor, Vauxhall’s MD, said: “As the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer for the past three years, we’re already leading the way in electrifying Britain’s businesses.” To emphasise this, Royal Mail have just taken delivery of their 6,000th electric vehicle.

Marks and Spencer have introduced 85 lower emission vehicles to its fleet. Five of these are battery electric Renault 42-tonne units which will deliver to 30 M&S across London and the South East. In addition, 80 new trucks, fuelled by compressed natural gas (biomethane), will join the fleet, 50 of these being operated by Gist in its food supply chain system. Julian Bailey, Head of Group Transport at M&S, commented: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambition. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport.”

In Germany, Nippon Gas and the Hoyer Group have introduced the first hydrogen-powered truck to transport dry ice. The truck has short refuelling times and a long range, which is exactly where a battery electric truck reaches its limits. Watch this space for more fuel innovation.

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