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Month: December 2025

First AirRob Project in Europe Goes Live

Posted on by David Priestman

The first AirRob automated warehouse storage system in Europe has become operational at CTPark Ostrava-Poruba in Czechia. The system, designed and manufactured by Libiao Robotics, was implemented by its local partner SLUNO at the premises of logistics services provider Geis Group.


Award-winning AirRob is a high-density, high-efficiency warehouse automation system that uses coordinated vertical-climbing pick robots and floorbots to deliver goods rapidly to workstations, without requiring major infrastructure changes. Designed for intensive logistics operations, AirRob significantly increases storage capacity and throughput while reducing labour and energy costs, setting a high benchmark for scalable goods-to-person automation.


Founded in Germany in 1945 and active in Czechia since 1991, Bad Neustadt-headquartered Geis Group offers a wide range of standard and customer-specific transport and logistics solutions. With a network of 182 depots in 14 countries, it manages over 1.8 million square metres of warehouse space. Family-owned Geis has experienced strong growth through its philosophy of continuous development, combining its experience and knowledge with current logistics trends, while retaining a sharp focus on consistent quality of service and adherence to environmental management.


Successful Pilot Project


Initially installed by Libiao partner SLUNO as a POC (Proof of Concept) project, the pilot proved so successful that it was soon commissioned into real customer operations. Situated in eastern Czechia on the D1 motorway, a major north/south European road corridor, CTPark Ostrava-Poruba is in an area where availability of labour is not so much of an issue as elsewhere in Europe and beyond. However, despite this, the POC demonstrated that in certain cases speed and accuracy of fulfilment and dense storage are just as important as labour challenges to justify investment in automated warehouse systems.

SLUNO has been developing cutting-edge IT for logistics and retail for 33 years and is considered to be a leading Central European player in the field of robotic solutions. Through AirRob, SLUNO provides Geis with automated tote storage, vertical movement on standard racking, and fast, precise handling in narrow (850mm) aisles. Libiao’s technology saves warehouse space and accelerates fulfilment speed, which is proving to be especially attractive to e-commerce customers shipping to demanding end consumers.

With the ability to pick hundreds of items per hour, AirRob already impressed Pavel Křížek, Director of Logistics at Geis, during an initial trial at a nearby facility in Skladon: “We realise that the capacity of logistics spaces is not inflatable, so we asked for a solution that can work independently even in extremely narrow aisles and at the same time can service racks up to eight meters high. Thanks to this, we can free up part of the capacity of our warehouses and we are not forced to immediately build additional buildings. AirRob has already helped us with this. The first days indicate that the robot is doing very well. It is accurate and fast.”


Petra Tylová, Director of the Distribution and Logistics Division at SLUNO, added:

Since we demonstrated the benefits of AirRob in Skladon at the end of last year, we have had a lot of demand. Bringing it to life is where the experience of Geis, which is synonymous with innovation, came into play. They are used to changing and reshaping things quickly when they see the potential for greater efficiency and gaining an edge over the competition. We see every day that as companies grow, they will eventually struggle with the limited capacity of their warehouses. And not everyone has additional land or millions to build new halls. Thanks to AirRob, we are able to optimise logistics in existing spaces by increasing capacity both in width and height, using the entire warehouse space up to the ceiling and at the same time narrowing the aisles to the necessary minimum.


Tried & Tested Solution


As the first and original system that uses rack-climbing robots paired with a fleet of its tried-and-tested ‘mini-yellow’ floorbots, AirRob is a flagship robotic solution. Easily installed between existing racks with minimal infrastructural modifications, AirRob places no increased demands on load capacity or floor surface, so is therefore ideal for retrofitting in warehouses where capacity and dimensions are becoming restricted. Installation causes minimal interruption to ongoing operations, and deployment is rapid.

Commenting on the Ostrava installation, Libiao’s Global Head of Sales Ronan Shen said:

Many customers around the world are already benefiting from the performance gains AirRob can bring them, so for us this first project in Europe is a significant milestone. We are already well-known here for our range of automated systems, and there are thousands of our mini-yellow floorbots operating night and day in warehouses and parcel hubs across all of Europe. But this project in Czechia demonstrates that at a time of labour shortages and rising per-square-metre warehouse costs, customers are looking for ways to optimise their existing space at a competitive investment level within their existing storage footprint.


Established in 2016, Libiao Robotics has grown to become one of the leading players in the global warehouse robotics sector, boasting household name customers across Asia, Europe, Australia and South America, and familiar U.S. brands such as Skechers, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and K-mart.

Lean Logistics Transformation for Packaging Firm

Posted on by David Priestman

Volpak, a Coesia company and a global supplier of HFFS solutions for flexible packaging, has launched a major intralogistics transformation at its historic Barcelona site, integrating lean principles, automation and data-driven process redesign. The project was executed in just six months and represents one of the most significant logistics upgrades in the company’s history.


Sustaining growth through smarter logistics


In recent years, Volpak’s growth has accelerated, driven by the global success of flexible pouches — a format that fits the modern, fast-moving lifestyle and offers strong sustainability advantages. As demand and production volumes grew, so did the internal movement of parts and sub-assemblies, putting pressure on both space and workforce. The company faced a clear challenge: how to handle higher logistics complexity while maintaining flexibility, quality, and efficiency within the existing footprint.

From push to pull: a new logistics philosophy


Volpak’s answer was a complete shift from a ‘push’ to a ‘pull’ material-flow model, where every movement responds directly to production demand. The first milestone came two years ago with the introduction of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that deliver selected components from the warehouse to the assembly lines. The new phase brings full system integration: a fully automated warehouse synchronized with three AMR connected to the production floor and synchronized with three AMRs, ensuring seamless, just-in-time delivery of materials.


A compact factory, a complex challenge


Volpak’s Barcelona site is spread across two levels — a configuration that naturally limits traditional warehouse expansion. To overcome this, the new system leverages vertical conveyors, high-density storage, and multi-level transport routes, creating a continuous material flow across the plant. The resulting architecture introduces a multi-level material-flow system designed to maximize capacity and minimize travel time. Each component, from inbound goods to production orders, is tracked and routed automatically through intelligent conveyors and buffer zones, linking warehouse, inspection, and assembly areas with precision timing.


Data, segmentation, and efficiency


Before implementation, Volpak performed a complete analysis of its more than 40,000 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) — unique codes used to identify each part or component stored in the facility, classifying them into A-B-C categories based on frequency and movement. The resulting setup now dedicates high-throughput areas to ‘A’ parts (representing 80% of movements) while lower-demand components are efficiently stored in deep racks. The new automated storage system provides over 50% additional storage capacity and scalability, allowing the company to absorb an expanded SKU portfolio. The integration of autonomous robots that handle boxes directly within the racking system ensures high throughput with minimal footprint.

An ecosystem built for Lean excellence


The project consolidates Volpak’s ‘Lean Transformation’ path, which has already improved assembly areas and introduced Just-in-Time principles across operations. With the new setup, material preparation follows a ‘one-piece flow’ logic: production orders are assembled and delivered as complete kits, minimizing waiting times and ensuring that every group has exactly the parts needed to start work. The result is a faster, cleaner, and more ergonomic process that reduces handling, improves safety, and enhances operator efficiency.


Benchmark for operational future


Entirely designed and managed by Volpak’s internal teams — with Coesia’s engineering and digital expertise as enabler — the new intralogistics system represents a scalable model that could inspire similar evolutions across the Group. It embodies the convergence of Lean principles, smart automation, and advanced logistics design — proving that even a multi-level, space-constrained facility can achieve world-class operational excellence through intelligent planning and innovation. Looking ahead, Volpak’s new intralogistics architecture strengthens its role within Coesia’s long-term strategy, setting a clear path toward fully connected, Industry 4.0–ready operations and positioning the Barcelona plant as a reference model for future advancements across the Group.

Empowering Commercial Drivers

Posted on by David Priestman

Optix, provider of driver safety management and fleet efficiency solutions, is celebrating 25 years of empowering commercial drivers and road users to return safely home. The anniversary comes during a year of significant international growth, marked by global senior hires and increased investment in technologies dedicated to preventing accidents and making roads safer.

A major milestone has been the launch of operations in Europe. This expansion will strengthen the company’s global reach and enable it to connect closely to local markets, providing customers with on-the-ground support and services. With established operations across Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, Optix supports customers in more than 60 countries.

This growth has been bolstered by a number of senior hires, including Damian Penney, who joins as chief revenue officer. Formerly VP EMEA at Lytx, Damian will focus on driving revenue growth and building strategic partnerships that can help fleets to enhance safety, efficiency and productivity.

New technological developments include the launch of Optix’s predictive fatigue detection system designed to react, prevent and predict risks across every journey. With a unique algorithm that can detect 11 indicators of driver fatigue, combined with Early Warning Control Tower Services as well as a predictive Fatigue Forecast Platform, the Optix Fatigue Solution is able to proactively detect driver fatigue and prevent accidents and collisions.

Optix’s central control tower, which reviews up to two million videos per month, enables rapid assessment of critical-risk events and is able to notify managers within three minutes. Last year alone, Optix’s fatigue detection technology was instrumental in helping to save over 80,000 lives.

Our commitment to best-in-class technology has enabled us to keep over 240,000 drivers worldwide safe over the last 25 years.

said Inge-Marie Hilligan, Group Executive for Product and Culture at Optix.

We are very proud of all we have achieved already but there is still work to be done. As we grow we hope to have a positive impact on even more drivers and to fulfil our vision where all road users end their journey Safely Home.

Launched in 2000, Optix began as a pioneer of ‘How’s my driving?’ stickers on commercial vehicles. Recognising the power of video to reduce on-road risk, the company quickly expanded to develop a suite of innovative safety solutions under the name of DriveRisk, before becoming Optix in 2023. Today, its solutions are used by more than 1 million vehicles in more than 60 countries worldwide.

First Tesla Semi Enters Heavy-Duty Logistics Operations

Posted on by Will Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has taken delivery of its first Tesla Semi, marking a significant step forward in its strategy to scale up heavy-duty electric vehicles across North America. The company confirmed that the first unit is now fully operational following an extensive pilot programme that tested the truck on real freight routes in California.

The Tesla Semi was deployed from DHL’s Livermore facility, where it completed more than 5,000 km of live operations with customer freight. During the testing phase, the vehicle handled up to 34 metric tonnes of cargo and achieved a 625-km single-charge run while fully loaded. DHL reports that the truck averaged 1.72 kWh per mile under load, reinforcing its potential for both emissions reduction and energy efficiency.

With a range of up to 500 miles, the vehicle has moved into daily operation and currently completes around 100 miles of freight activity per day. According to DHL, the Semi requires charging approximately once per week due to the relatively short-haul nature of the current route.

The company estimates that each Tesla Semi introduced into service can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by approximately 50 metric tonnes per year. The move is part of DHL’s broader fleet strategy, which includes more than 150 Class 8 electric trucks already operating in North America.

Other Logistics Operators Turning to the Tesla Semi

DHL is far from alone in exploring battery-electric heavy trucks. Several major logistics and freight operators have placed orders or begun pilot deployments of the Tesla Semi. UPS has reportedly ordered 125 units, while PepsiCo and its Frito-Lay division remain among the largest early adopters with around 100 trucks reserved. Food-distribution giant Sysco, brewer Anheuser-Busch and retailers such as Walmart have also committed to the vehicle. In the freight sector, operators including WattEV and Saia have taken delivery of initial units for commercial trials. The growing spread of orders across parcel carriers, retailers, manufacturers and trucking-as-a-service providers underlines a wider shift toward electrified long-haul operations across the logistics industry.

DHL plans to further expand its electric heavy-duty fleet in 2026, aligning with Tesla’s expected increase in production volumes. The company says the deployment of the Tesla Semi supports its long-term environmental goals and reflects growing customer demand for sustainable freight solutions.

As one of the world’s largest contract logistics providers, DHL Supply Chain’s endorsement of the Tesla Semi represents an important milestone for the adoption of electric heavy-duty trucking – a segment that many in the industry see as critical to realising net-zero supply chains.

Extraordinary Global Freight Deliveries

Posted on by David Priestman

Parcels, planeloads, and packed shipping containers are what people typically associate with DHL Group. However, this only scratches the surface of what the company delivers throughout the year. Here are just five of the most extraordinary shipments the global market leader in logistics handled in 2025.


Rare Antelopes Go Home


13,000 kilometers for survival: In February 2025, DHL transported 17 mountain bongo antelopes from a conservation center in Loxahatchee, Florida, to a wildlife sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. These animals are descendants of mountain bongos relocated from Kenya in the 1970s. Today, after decades of poaching, habitat loss, and forest degradation, the species is critically endangered, with fewer than 100 surviving in the wild. To ensure the Florida bongos’ safety and comfort on their journey, DHL provided a dedicated flight equipped with custom-built crates supplied by a wildlife protection organization. The animals received continuous care from a veterinarian and two bongo specialists. Their new sanctuary offers a secure environment where they can breed and thrive. Their offspring will one day return to the wild, reclaiming Mount Kenya’s forests as their natural home.


A Far-Traveled Helmet Meets Michael Schumacher


From Switzerland to Brazil, a helmet like no other embarked on a tour across continents in March 2025. On its journey, the helmet was signed by all 20 living Formula 1® world champions, becoming a unique piece of motorsport history. One signature was particularly moving: Michael Schumacher’s, the seven-time world champion who has withdrawn from public life since his severe skiing accident in 2013. His wife, Corinna, helped guide his hand to write his initials, “M.S.”, on the helmet – a gesture that resonated deeply with fans around the world. A replica of the helmet was later featured as a raffle prize to help fund the “Race Against Dementia” charity. Founded by three-time Formula 1® champion Sir Jackie Stewart, the organization funds research into prevention and treatments for dementia – a cause close to his heart after his wife’s diagnosis. Under strict security measures, DHL transported the helmet from Switzerland to the homes of multiple champions so they could add their signatures. The route included stops in Ibiza in Spain, London in the UK, and Brasília in Brazil.

Bear Sculptures on a Journey


When art goes on tour: In June 2025, 151 life-sized bear sculptures embarked on a journey of about 10,000 kilometers from Wustermark near Berlin to Singapore. Crafted from weather-resistant fiberglass, each sculpture stands about two meters tall. Known as the “United Buddy Bears”, this colorful art project was launched in Berlin in 2002 to spread a message of peace and tolerance. Every bear is painted by an artist from a different country, symbolizing that nation’s culture and identity. DHL oversaw the secure transport of these valuable artworks. Weighing a total of 37 tons, the shipment was packed into eight sea containers, loaded by crane onto trucks, and transported to the Port of Hamburg. From there, the bears began their sea voyage to Singapore, where they were displayed for two months, continuing their mission of promoting international understanding.


A Young Baboon Moves


An unusual passenger boarded a DHL flight from Bahrain to Djibouti, East Africa, in November 2025 – Saadoon, a young male baboon. He was found abandoned and in critical condition in Bahrain in 2024, at just three months old, in a country where baboons are not native. Saadoon was a victim of illegal wildlife trade. After more than a year of intensive care by an animal welfare organization, he needed an environment suited to his species. Djibouti’s climate and ecosystem offered exactly that. DHL flew Saadoon from Muharraq in Bahrain to Djibouti airport, where he was transferred to a specialized refuge near Djibouti City. Custom boxes, veterinary oversight, and an accompanying animal welfare representative minimized stress during the flight. Now living in a sanctuary tailored to his needs, Saadoon shares a new home with a female baboon, essential for social bonding among these intelligent primates. His new surroundings give him a chance to adapt and, hopefully, live freely one day.

South America’s Iconic Club Football Trophy


In November 2025, DHL delivered the iconic trophy for the CONMEBOL Libertadores Final, South America’s most prestigious club football showdown. The journey began at CONMEBOL’s headquarters in Luque, Paraguay, and ended in Lima, Peru, where the decisive match took place on November 29. Standing alongside Europe’s UEFA Champions League, the CONMEBOL Libertadores brings together the best clubs from across South America, each chasing the ultimate prize and the privilege to represent the continent at the FIFA Club World Cup. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate fans, the final is a sports highlight watched by millions worldwide. As CONMEBOL’s Official Logistics Partner, DHL ensured the trophy’s safe and timely arrival. Roughly one meter in height, it traveled in a custom metallic case with a special security lock and was handled exclusively with gloves to preserve its flawless shine. Even sealed inside the case, the trophy sparked excitement – fans who spotted it often gathered to snap photos and share the moment. This year, Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro claimed the trophy after an unforgettable all-Brazilian clash against Palmeiras of São Paulo.

Leather Group gets Forklift Support

Posted on by David Priestman

Supplying some of the world’s largest automotive and aviation brands with high-quality leather is a demanding business, requiring a robust forklift truck fleet capable of operating at peak performance in the harshest of industrial environments. Rushlift provides the full-support solution.


Scottish Leather Group is a family-owned, business built on supplying sustainable high-quality products to many of the world’s leading companies in the aviation, automotive, bus, coach and rail industries, as well as the luxury goods and furniture design sectors. High-profile customers include: Aston Martin, Polestar, Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Ryanair and Irish Rail.


The business prides itself on its pursuit of operational excellence, with a combination of Six Sigma techniques, exacting sustainability standards and a strong emphasis on workplace safety – having achieved award-winning safety performance and RoSPA Gold recognition. Maintaining these high standards across their manufacturing and distribution sites near Glasgow demands a robust fleet of well-engineered forklift trucks capable of performing at peak under the most punishing of production environments.


Challenging conditions


“Tanneries are by their very nature some of the harshest working environments for mechanical equipment,” says Kelly Truman, Engineering Compliance Manager at Scottish Leather Group. “Our forklift fleet at our main production facility in Bridge of Weir, Paisley, and at our site near Glasgow, work three-shifts a day, moving hides between wet processes and loading vehicles. It’s tough work that can take a heavy toll on a vehicle as the chemicals involved in the manufacturing process are highly corrosive, requiring regular servicing of the fleet in order to keep them operationally effective and safe.”


Keeping to schedule and ensuring that production is uninterrupted is essential for Scottish Leather Group’s continued business success, as any failure to deliver on time can impact customer production lines. This responsibility places a heavy emphasis on the performance of the forklift truck fleet and each truck’s ability to maintain maximum uptime – these vehicles must be robust, reliable high-performers. And keeping them on top form over a three-shift day, ‘day-in, day-out’, requires regular servicing and a rigorous maintenance regime.

When it came to reviewing their materials handling fleet in the summer of 2024 Scottish Leather Group entered into a comprehensive tendering process which resulted in them placing an order for 18 new Bobcat forklift trucks with Rushlift, the national full-service provider of materials handling equipment.


“Rushlift proved their worth back in 2023 when they offered excellent support, supplying a fleet of powered pallet trucks to reduce manual handling across three of our sites and by arranging for a number of LPG powered counterbalance trucks on short-term rental,” says Kelly. “The maintenance and service support were first-class, so we knew we could rely on them – and the Bobcat product range was clearly fit for the task.”


High-spec, anti-corrosion


The order consisted of: Ten Bobcat G30E-7 four-wheel counterbalance trucks, fitted with triple lift masts, half cabs and load weight indicators, capable of operating with loads up to 3000 kg. Critically, the vehicles had to be specially adapted to protect them against the harsh, wet working environment of the tannery, which included a high-spec anti-corrosion paint applied to the bodywork and mast, along with extra-thick chrome plating and zinc coated chains. In addition, three of the trucks were fitted with a box rotator attachment, which were also treated with anti-corrosion paint.


But not all vehicles were destined for tannery use; other models were supplied for the less aggressive working environment of the distribution centre, and yard duties. Further Bobcat counterbalance models supplied included two G25E-7 with half and full cabs, a G35E-7 with a load handling capacity of 3500 kg, three BR16JW-9 reach trucks with integral sideshift, LED lights and panoramic mirror, and two heavy-duty electric counterbalance models, the B30X-7 and the B25X-7, both with half cabs.


All vehicles across the fleet were supplied complete with triple lift masts, 4th hydraulics and the latest safety equipment, including: blue spot safety lights for alerting pedestrians, full FTC Optafleet Telematics (pre-use safety check, fleet utilisation data and impact detection), and seat belt interlocks.


Full support


“Maintenance and regular servicing are incredibly important to us,” says Kelly. “That’s why we went for a leasing agreement with a full maintenance and support package from Rushlift.” This includes an increased frequency of Thorough Examinations based on the sites arduous conditions and environmental factors, via Rushlift’s partner Plant & Safety.


In addition, Rushlift have supported Scottish Leather Group in training some of their personnel on carrying out interim maintenance checks to ensure they identify any issues out with the regular servicing, maintenance and pre-use checks, to ensure maximum uptime in harsh environments.


Kelly concludes: “Over the past year, Rushlift has proven to be an exceptional partner, delivering a level of service and support that has consistently exceeded our expectations. From the outset, the Rushlift team has brought a wealth of industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and a proactive approach that has added significant value to our operations. Their ability to understand our unique needs and tailor their support accordingly has made a real difference – not just in terms of compliance and safety, but in the confidence and capability of our workforce.”


Rushlift is providing further ongoing support with floor cleaning machines and access equipment across all four of Scottish Leather Group’s sites.

New Photoelectric Sensors Released

Posted on by David Priestman

Sensor specialist SICK has released the W12NextGen range of photoelectric sensors with enhanced detection capabilities, delivering intelligent usability even in harsh conditions. Building on the W12 series, the robust W12NextGen harnesses SICK’s innovation and sensor expertise to provide even greater precision, versatility and repeatability, with a range of new features.

SICK is continually innovating and the W12NextGen universal detection solution harnesses the company’s expertise, processing power and proprietary algorithms for superior performance across a wide array of industrial applications. In addition, the W12NextGen is the first SICK photoelectric sensor with a true digital twin and features new industry-leading Hybrid LED technology for better positioning, as well as state-of-the-art spot size recognition (SSR) for retro-reflective sensors. With easy setup and operation, and smart connectivity, it is enclosed in a rugged metal housing and built to last.

Easy to use

The W12NextGen provides outstanding detection performance even with high ambient light and reliable detection of critical objects. OpticalExperts facilitate detection at high speed, including very dark, shiny, flat, uneven, transparent or perforated objects, and those at different or difficult angles. Equipped with ClearSens for reliable detection of transparent objects and LineSpot for structured and uneven surfaces, W12NextGen sensors perform in even the most challenging environmental conditions, such as extraneous/high ambient light, shock, vibration or high/low temperatures. A new teach-in process, including foreground and background suppression, allows for fast setup on the device, while AutoAdapt technology allows the sensor to adapt to changing conditions.

Despite its advanced capabilities, the W12NextGen is simple to order, use and teach. The BluePilot user interface features a push-turn button for easy parameterization or SICK SOPAS software can be used via IO-Link for precise commissioning. An intuitive interface assists with fast installation and configuration, and a range of compatible accessories are available. W12 supports digitization with smart features and rich diagnostic & process data via IO-Link (temperature, distance, receiver level, alarm output, teach quality). Long lasting components and durable metal housing make the W12NextGen the most robust proximity diffuse sensor with TwinEye Technology, providing high chemical, thermal, and mechanical robustness.

Sensor Expertise

The iconic W12 has been one of the standout photoelectric sensors. Technological advances have led to an update that takes it to the next level, meeting the needs of OEMs and end users across industry. The robustness and reliability of detection provided by the W12NextGen and the extensive range of variants make it ideally suited to a vast array of sectors, including consumer goods, machine builders, material handling, and automotive OEMs and parts suppliers.

W12NextGen is a full range product family, featuring diffuse proximity, retroreflective, and through-beam sensors. Multi-mode sensors (WTM12, WLG12) provide universal application opportunities with one device, meaning a single inventory line and easy setup and commissioning. The ApplicationSelect mode enables hardly imagined ranges on low-remission objects and at large detection angles.

Applications for the W12NextGen sensor are endless, they vary from detecting water bottles in shrink packaging and detection of filled bottles in wet environments, to tear strip detection on transparent foil, objects in different detection ranges to prevent production line jams, detection of flat, uneven or glossy objects on conveyors, filling level of storage racks for material handling or material infeed, and monitoring of sorter tipping. Meanwhile, the W12NextGen’s digital twin enables OEMs and end users to model and develop whole production lines or machines, and it interacts with PLCs for design and virtual commissioning.

David Hannaby, SICK Portfolio Sales Manager, Presence Detection, says,

Exceptionally good, reliable and robust, the W12 family has led the market for decades. The W12NextGen photoelectric sensor takes an enormously popular and highly successful product to the next level. We have once again applied SICK’s decades of experience in customer-specific projects to innovative, high-end solutions that meet complex industrial requirements. The W12NextGen sensor harnesses technological progress in a single sensor to set new benchmarks in precision and reliability, and deliver uncompromising performance to the most challenging applications.

Podcast: Transforming Supply Chains with AI and Innovation

Posted on by Will Priestman

In the latest episode of the Logistics Business Conversations Podcast, host Peter MacLeod sits down with Sjoerd Eekelaar, Chief Customer Officer at CargoON to discuss transforming supply chains.

On, to explore the transformative power of AI in the logistics industry. As businesses face challenges like driver shortages and sustainability, AI offers innovative solutions to optimize supply chains and enhance connectivity.

The logistics industry is on the brink of a digital revolution. With AI at the forefront, companies like CargoON are leading the charge in creating fully connected supply chains. In this episode, Peter and Sjoerd delve into how AI is reshaping logistics, offering practical insights for businesses looking to embrace these changes.

Key Insights:

AI-Powered Supply Chains: Discover how AI is transforming traditional logistics processes, making them more efficient and sustainable. Overcoming Industry Challenges: Learn about the innovative solutions AI provides to tackle driver shortages and improve sustainability. Practical Steps for Businesses: Sjoerd shares actionable advice for companies looking to integrate AI into their operations, emphasizing the importance of digital innovation.

As the logistics industry evolves, embracing AI and digital innovation is crucial for businesses to thrive. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of logistics, providing listeners with the knowledge they need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation. Listen to the full episode below and subscribe to Logistics Business Conversations for more expert insights into the world of logistics.

NEXT Distribution Hub gets Lifted

Posted on by David Priestman

Doncaster-based Hörmann Transdek has successfully supplied and installed a Vehicle-to-Ground (V2G) lift at Next’s South Elmsall distribution centre, near Wakefield. The lift supports a newly built warehouse extension designed to meet the retailer’s growing demand for online fulfilment.


Designed for modern, agile logistics, the V2G lift provides level-access loading and unloading for a full range of vehicles, from small vans to single and double-deck trailers. Its modular, free-standing design makes it suitable for both internal and external use, and its surface-mounted construction eliminates the need for pits or major groundworks, significantly reducing installation time and cost.


Next faced the challenge of installing a loading solution in part of the distribution centre that had a completely flat floor and no existing doors or loading bays. Hörmann Transdek’s V2G lift was the ideal answer, with its rapid delivery and flexible design allowing for installation within weeks. To accommodate the lift, a new opening was created in the warehouse’s external façade, and the lift was installed directly onto the internal floor slab, avoiding disruptive civil works.


The installed V2G lift has a 12-pallet, 5.3 tonne capacity and was supplied without cladding to make use of natural light within the warehouse. Its space-efficient design delivers a sealed, secure loading environment, aligning with Next’s operational and safety requirements.


Tristan Robbins, Project Manager at Next, commented,

The V2G lift from Hörmann Transdek has provided an efficient, flexible solution for a challenging area of the warehouse. The team delivered quickly, and the installation allowed us to maintain our timelines with minimal disruption. The result is a lift that has integrated seamlessly into our operation.


Key features of the V2G lift include:

  • LED traffic light system for safe coordination between vehicle and operator
  • Low-gradient loading ramp for safe equipment movement
  • Dedicated pedestrian walkway to separate personnel from vehicle movement
  • Safety curtain and light beam system to restrict access under the platform
  • Interlocked safety gates, fully compliant with UK/EU legislation
  • Suitable for ambient, chilled and freezer applications


V2G lifts are available in capacities from 4 to 14 pallets (4 to 12.5 tonnes) and include an MHE-compatible hydraulic bridge plate. For smaller commercial vehicles and vans, the optional ‘Vandango’ bridge plate ensures safe and efficient loading. Watch the video here.

Virtual Commissioning of Drive Digital Twins

Posted on by David Priestman

NORD now offers digital twins for system development. Based on a myNORD configuration, it is now possible to request individually created drive systems as simulation models. This allows engineers to verify early in the planning phase whether the drive concept is suitable for the system. Virtual commissioning significantly reduces the project time – even for complex systems.

Since the publication of the FMI (functional mock-up interface) technical standard in 2010, it has become more and more common to work with simulation models in system planning. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS also uses data-based simulations for the development of its components and drive solutions. The system provider is now using this know-how to help its customers achieve greater efficiency and availability of its drive systems even in the planning phase by offering a digital service: With digital twins of its drives, NORD enables virtual commissioning.

Simple online configuration

Users can configure drive systems or components for their requirements as usual via the myNORD customer portal. They select components and their features such as performance, mounting options or outputs. Then, they can request a simulation model for the fully configured drive system. The process was developed by NORD in cooperation with the software company Machineering from Munich, which specialises in virtual commissioning.

Just a few weeks until actual commissioning

The advantage of these digital twins of the NORD solutions is the significantly faster availability of the entire system. The simulation models are inserted into a similarly simulated system. In this environment, the drive configurations can be extensively tested. If adjustments are required, they can be easily implemented based on the data. Errors can be remedied in the early stages of development, avoiding potential later damage. Only once the virtual drive system has been validated by the customer, it will be manufactured and delivered by NORD. As the drives are already functionally integrated into the system control at this point, actual commissioning is possible in a very short time. The overall process from configuration to commissioning is reduced from several months to only a few weeks.

High-efficiency

Virtual commissioning of drive systems is of special interest for any technically demanding solution. Therefore, NORD particularly focuses on components that play a decisive role in automating production processes. The manufacturer is kicking off the virtual commissioning with its range of high-efficiency IE5+ and IE4 motors, along with the corresponding gear units and frequency inverters. Simulation models will then gradually become available for other NORD product areas as well.

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