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Tag: Future

Future Logisticians Gain Hands-On Experience

Posted on by David Priestman

Meachers Global Logistics welcomed MSc students from the University of Southampton to its Nursling facility, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at real-world logistics operations. The visit, part of the Logistics Systems Operations Module, provided students with a first-hand understanding of how a leading logistics provider manages complex supply chain processes, providing a hands-on experience to future logisticians. 

Led by Professor Tom Cherrett, the visit brought together a group of 14 students studying Transportation Planning and Engineering, where they participated in an industry talk and toured Meachers’ state-of-the-art facilities to witness logistics in action. 

Gary Whittle, Operations Director at Meachers Global Logistics, kicked off the visit with an engaging talk about the company’s history, core services—including freight forwarding, UK transport and distribution, and warehousing—and the vital role of maintaining multiple supply chains. He also highlighted how logistics processes evolve to keep pace with global demands. 

Following the talk, students embarked on a guided tour of Meachers’ warehousing facilities, where they observed the intricate processes that ensure seamless supply chain operations. From advanced inventory management to distribution networks, the tour provided the future logisticians a valuable insight into the mechanics of modern logistics. 

Reflecting on the experience, Gary Whittle commented: “We were delighted to welcome the students and give them a practical glimpse into the logistics sector. Encouraging and educating the next generation of industry professionals is something we take great pride in.” 

Professor Tom Cherrett added: “This visit remains a crucial element of our curriculum. Theoretical learning in the classroom is essential, but seeing logistics in action reinforces those concepts and prepares students for real-world challenges.” 

Meachers Global Logistics remains committed to supporting industry education and looks forward to future collaborations with the University of Southampton. 

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[Podcast] Future Fulfilment: Smarter, Scalable Warehouses

Posted on by David Priestman

In this insightful episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter Macleod is joined by Andy Ingram, Vice President of Advanced Technology at Ocado Intelligent Automation. Together, they explore the evolution of Ocado from an online grocery retailer to a global pioneer in warehouse automation and the future of fulfilment automation.

Andy shares the remarkable story of how Ocado’s early warehouse systems—like their monorail pick-and-pack setup—were replaced through bold decisions and fast learning. From conveyor-based systems with major points of failure to today’s fully fault-tolerant, modular storage and retrieval grid powered by “naked bots,” the conversation dives deep into the transformative power of technology, simulation, and in-house innovation.

Peter Macleod and Andy Ingram, Ocado, Podcast

Key highlights include

The journey from Ocado’s early automation failures to cutting-edge proprietary tech

The development of the Ocado Storage and Retrieval System and its global rollout

Why Ocado runs its own tech and how this operational insight fuels innovation

The shift toward “lights-out” warehouses and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create lighter, faster, more efficient robots

Insights on flexibility, scalability, and KPIs businesses should measure when adopting automation

The importance of simulation and data modeling to design high-throughput, fault-tolerant systems

How Ocado is addressing labor challenges by upskilling workers and simplifying robotic systems

A look ahead at the future of logistics automation—including exciting technologies like subassembly 3D printing

Whether you’re a logistics professional, automation enthusiast, or just curious about the future of fulfilment, this episode delivers a fascinating glimpse into what’s next for warehouse operations around the world.

Click here to listen to this episode and more

[Podcast] Electric Freightway: Decarbonising the UK’s HGVs

Posted on by David Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter McLeod speaks with Colm Gallagher, Chief Data Scientist at Hitachi ZeroCarbon, about the ambitious Electric Freightway initiative. With heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) responsible for 20% of UK transport emissions, Hitachi ZeroCarbon, in collaboration with Gridserve and other key industry players, is spearheading a data-driven transition towards electric HGVs.

Colm explains how this initiative tackles the “chicken-and-egg” dilemma between charging infrastructure and vehicle adoption, ensuring a synchronized rollout of electric HGVs and public/private charging networks. The discussion explores the role of real-world telemetry data in optimizing fleet operations, reducing costs, and informing industry-wide decarbonization strategies.

Key topics include

The economic viability of electric HGVs, the challenges of scaling up infrastructure, and the behavioural shift required within the logistics sector. Colm also shares insights into Hitachi’s role in analysing fleet performance, supporting operators in making data-driven decisions, and driving policy development for the UK’s 2040 diesel ban.

Tune in to discover how Electric Freightway is shaping the future of sustainable logistics, and what it means for fleet operators, policymakers, and the wider supply chain. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from industry leaders tackling today’s most pressing logistics challenges!

Click here to listen to this episode and more…

Strategic Partnership Drives Automation Innovation

Posted on by David Priestman

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is leveraging SEER Robotics’ technology to transform its logistics and production processes through a strategic partnership. With a strong presence in energy efficiency and automation, Schneider Electric continues to push the envelope in smart manufacturing by integrating intelligent robots and advanced logistics management systems into its global operations.

Schneider Electric: A Pioneer in Smart Manufacturing

Schneider Electric’s commitment to innovation has earned several of its global production facilities the prestigious title of “Lighthouse Factories,” which are recognized as the benchmarks of the industry. These factories stand as a testament to Schneider Electric’s unwavering dedication to advancing automation and smart manufacturing.

But the journey to becoming an industry leader doesn’t end with technology—it’s about how they leverage that technology to improve operational efficiency and safety across their operations. That’s where SEER Robotics enters the picture, providing vital support in optimizing logistics and warehouse automation.

Driving the Future of Logistics

Since 2021, Schneider Electric has been gradually introducing SEER Robotics’ smart logistics solutions into its core factories in Shanghai, Wuxi, and beyond. These solutions are designed to optimize production workflows, drive efficiency, and reduce operational costs, ensuring that the company maintains its competitive edge.

In 2024, Schneider Electric took another significant step forward by partnering with SEER Robotics at its U.S. manufacturing site in Tennessee. The collaboration introduced SEER Robotics’ Laser SLAM-powered intelligent forklifts and the M4 Smart Logistics Management System to optimize warehouse operations. These technologies are enabling Schneider Electric to streamline its warehouse processes, reduce manual labor, and enhance overall productivity—empowering them to maintain a smooth flow from semi-finished product lines to storage.

Smart Solutions for a Smarter Future

Here’s a look at the key benefits of this smart logistics solution:

1. Laser SLAM Navigation for Greater Flexibility

SEER Robotics’ forklifts are equipped with Laser SLAM navigation technology, which ensures that they can operate in diverse and dynamic factory environments without the need for extensive site modifications. These autonomous forklifts boast an impressive repeat positioning accuracy of up to ±5mm, allowing them to perform precise tasks, such as moving goods across the factory floor, with ease.

2. Enhanced Safety with Refined Obstacle Avoidance

Safety is paramount when it comes to human-robot interaction. At Schneider Electric’s U.S. site, where smart forklifts frequently interact with human-operated ones, SEER Robotics’ system takes safety to the next level. The obstacle avoidance system was specifically optimized to meet the challenges of the warehouse environment, improving the accuracy of obstacle detection and ensuring that both workers and robots can operate safely side by side.

3. Interconnected Systems for Efficient Operations

The M4 Smart Logistics Management System integrates fleet management, task management, and warehouse management into a seamless, all-in-one solution. By linking the intelligent forklifts with the roller production lines, it ensures real-time coordination and boosts operational efficiency across the entire factory floor. This level of interconnectivity is transforming how Schneider Electric manages its production processes.

4. Adaptive Solutions for Non-Standard Applications

Industrial environments often come with unique challenges that require tailored solutions. SEER Robotics meets this challenge with standardized products that can be quickly adapted to different operational needs. At Schneider Electric’s U.S. facility, the forklift’s routing system was dynamically adjusted to optimize the movement of goods. Additionally, special attachments were added to pallets to allow seamless integration with robots and other smart devices, ensuring maximum efficiency across operations.

A Vision for the Future of Smart Logistics

This collaboration between SEER Robotics and Schneider Electric is more than just a technological integration. It’s a vision for the future of smart logistics. With advanced robotics and intelligent systems working in harmony, Schneider Electric is setting the stage for a new era of manufacturing that is efficient, safe, and adaptable to the evolving needs of the industry.

As more companies look to integrate smart solutions into their operations, Schneider Electric’s approach—backed by SEER Robotics’ innovations—demonstrates how technology is helping businesses not only meet today’s challenges but also prepare for the future.

The Future of Germany’s Power Grid – Intelligent Control Systems

Posted on by David Priestman

E.ON and PSI Software AG have announced a strategic partnership to deploy a standardized, intelligent network control system aimed at enhancing the efficiency, security, and sustainability of Germany’s energy distribution grid. The initiative, set to be completed by 2029, will unify the control systems across E.ON’s grid companies, marking a major step toward modernizing the country’s energy infrastructure.

The project will leverage PSI’s modular “Control System of the Future” (CSF) platform, designed to streamline operations, reduce maintenance costs, and enable advanced automation within the electricity and gas distribution networks. The CSF platform features a secure, open software architecture that allows for seamless integration of emerging technological advancements, ensuring long-term adaptability to evolving energy demands.

The German Power Grid

Germany’s power grid is one of the most advanced and complex in the world, integrating a mix of conventional and renewable energy sources. The country has been a global leader in the transition to clean energy, with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewables in electricity production. However, the shift to decentralized energy generation and fluctuating renewable sources, such as wind and solar, has presented new challenges for grid stability and efficiency. To address these issues, Germany has been investing in digitalization and intelligent grid management solutions to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply. In Germany, more than 95 percent of renewable energy such as wind or photovoltaics are connected to the distribution grids. With the heating and mobility transition, millions of electric vehicles and heat pumps will also have to be integrated into the grid in the coming years. To meet these challenges, E.ON is continuously developing its grids and system management.

Integrating Electric Lorries into the Grid

As the transition to electric mobility accelerates, heavy-duty electric lorries will play a crucial role in reducing transport-related emissions. The widespread adoption of electric lorries presents significant challenges for Germany’s power grid, requiring careful management of charging infrastructure and energy distribution. High-powered charging stations for lorries demand substantial electricity capacity, necessitating smart grid solutions to balance supply and demand efficiently. E.ON is actively working on strategies to ensure seamless integration of these vehicles into the grid, enhancing infrastructure resilience and optimizing energy use. Through intelligent load management and grid modernization, the company aims to support the growing fleet of electric lorries while maintaining grid stability.

The Control System Project

“The new, standardized network control system is an essential building block for this and an important step towards standardization. At the same time, a modular system is being created that can be expanded and thus react flexibly to the requirements of the future.” said Harald Heß, Senior Vice President Energy Networks Technology & Innovation, E.ON.

For the successful implementation of the project, PSI and E.ON rely on agile principles and cooperative partnership. PSI will set up its own customer unit, which will work closely with E.ON’s key supplier management. The common goal is to make an important contribution to the reliable, economical and sustainable grid management of the future, with important topics such as sector coupling and holistic optimization of the energy system becoming more important.

“We are very proud that E.ON is relying on its long-standing partner PSI for the implementation of a new and standardized network control system,” says Robert Klaffus, CEO of PSI. “This confirms our strategy of technologically redefining the grid management of the future with the development of our new generation of control systems and at the same time relying on proven modules. In this way, we provide our customers with the best possible support in meeting the requirements of an increasingly dynamic market and energy system.”

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