Tag: logistics|materials handling|warehouse automation

Organised and sponsored by Toyota Material Handling Europe, the Logiconomi Forum connected senior logistics managers from across Europe with experts from leading companies to learn about and discuss new concepts and trends in the world of logistics. Taking place recently in Antwerp, the 2022 event included insights from 15 companies including Microsoft, Bosch, Orange, Deloitte, Air Products and EcoVadis.

The event’s theme reflected the extraordinary challenges that logistics professionals in all business sectors are currently facing, including post-pandemic supply chain disruption, labour shortages, emission targets, the energy crisis, inflation and the geopolitical outlook in Europe today. “We are all being tested – more than ever before,” was the opening statement from Ernesto Domínguez, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling Europe.

The first day of the event was based around the theme ‘Responding to Now’ and was staged at the historic Handelsbeurs in central Antwerp, which was the world’s first stock exchange, originating in the 16th century. As introduced by conference moderator, Flemish TV presenter Anne De Baetzelier: “The Handelsbeurs in Antwerp has been hosting progressive business discussions for over 400 years, so what better place to continue insightful discussions today?”

The Responding to Now theme included focus sessions on digitalisation, automation, energy and sustainability, with expert insights from a number of partnering companies. Microsoft focused on digital ecosystems and cyber security, whilst Bosch presented simple concepts for consignment tracking. Robotics and digital twinning were key topics for Vanderlande and Siemens, whilst Air Products and Toyota Motor Europe set out the prospects for hydrogen as a future energy source.

Other topics included trends in sustainability (EcoVadis), solar power (Alight), 5G networks (Orange) and smart buildings for energy efficiency (Proximus). The first day of the Logiconomi Forum was concluded by a speech from leading European politician and former Prime Minister of Belgium, Guy Verhofstadt.

The second day of the 2022 Logiconomi Forum focused on innovation under the theme ‘Planning for Next’ and was principally held at ‘Log!Ville’ – a permanent meeting and exhibition centre dedicated to logistics, located just south of Antwerp.

This allowed delegates to see new concepts in action, and to have progressive discussions about new technologies. A highlight of day two was a ‘start-up parade’ which featured 15 different ideas from new businesses, with concepts for energy analysis, safety management and efficiency improvements from order picking to yard operations.

Logiconomi is an ongoing programme for the development and sharing of concepts and technologies that support efficient and economical logistics. This includes a Logiconomi TV channel which can be explored via the company website.  Extracts from this year’s Logiconomi Forum will be shared over the coming months.

CLICK HERE to view the after event movie.

 

With its SFX series, Hubtex is developing new platform transporters for loads of 25t, 40t and 65t. The compact, self-propelling vehicles for indoor and outdoor use have a large loading area for the transport of bulky, heavy loads. Thanks to its modular design, the base of the transporter can be equipped with various steering systems and a platform lifting option. The SFX module was developed for manual applications and can be further expanded into an AGV.

From July 2021, the portfolio of the manufacturer of custom-made industrial trucks will include the new SFX models for the load capacity ranges 25t (SFX-25), 40t (SFX-40) and 65t (SFX-65). Cross-series truck components and the addition of AGV functions make the series suitable for most customer requirements. The series is typically used for in-house transport of heavy-duty goods in the automotive and aviation industries. It is also a popular solution at various stages of the value chain in the metal industry, from foundries to trade, processing, and mechanical engineering.

The core element of all platform transporters is the running gear and the associated steering system. With single-axle steering used as standard on the front axle, a steering angle of up to 70° can be achieved. Multidirectional steering is also available for all three truck series for applications in which manoeuvring is to be avoided.

Due to the small turning radius, the amount of space required for the transporter can be further reduced in cramped production or storage areas. Another advantage of the new steering mechanism is the minimal amount of space required in the truck. This allows more compact designs than with the previous Hubtex models.

Another major plus point is the significant reduction in energy consumption due to the higher efficiency of the electric drives and the compatible components. While the two truck series up to 40t are designed to have two axles, the load capacity class up to 65t is available with three or four axles.

Surface flexibility is also required. For this reason, Hubtex has made the three SFX series for 25t, 40t and 65t available with PU-Soft tyres in addition to the standard polyurethane tyres. This means that all types of paved ground on a factory site can be negotiated and use is not restricted to indoor areas. Drive wheel and load wheel rockers ensure that the truck stays level on uneven floors. As a result, the materials are transported safely and reliably even with unfavourable ground conditions.

Modular construction

The high degree of modularity of the new platform transporters means that the vehicles can be adapted to a wide range of uses. The frame of the new SFX is divided into three fixed areas – the front axle, rear axle and central area. Due to a high level of variability at the interfaces of the assemblies, order-specific length and width adjustments can be made based on the transport task.

Thanks to pre-fabricated modules such as the wheel stool or the load wheel rocker and drive wheel rocker, comprehensive vehicle standards can be maintained. The optional lifting function controls either the cylinder or the entire platform. The hydraulic electrical cabinet can be used for all SFX series. Depending on the requirements, the modular electrical panels can also be flexibly expanded to include AGV functions, even when retrofitting. In this case, the SFX modules can be greatly enhanced by the Phoenix AGV series.

The pre-fabrication of standardised assemblies reduces working time and contributes to the short delivery times of the series. The transport vehicle is easily operated via wired or radio remote control as standard. Functions for integrating the platform transporter into automated processes can also be customised as required.

A communication interface compliant with VDA 5050 will be integrated in the future. In addition, special designs with driver’s cabins and individual superstructures are also available.

Watch the video here