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Tag: Materials Handling

Tiger Trailers Provide New Vans for Warburtons Fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

One of Britain’s leading bakery brands, Warburtons, has selected Tiger Trailers to supply 38 rigid box vans to its nationwide fleet of trucks, that transport fresh bread to around 18,500 locations daily, around the nation.

When Warburtons approached Tiger in the winter of 2022, they needed the vehicles to be built to match their specific operational requirements. Expected to become part of a busy retail delivery fleet, they needed a custom, clever, and ergonomic design with robustness and usability as key components.

With regular visits to Tiger’s factory and 3D-model review sessions during the initial design phase, Warburtons was impressed by Tiger Trailers’ thorough build quality, consistency, and attention to detail displayed in their vehicles, as well as an ultra-modern facility and assurance of on-time delivery.

Steve Gray, Head of Transport at Warburtons, comments: “It has been reassuring to have been involved throughout the design and manufacturing process. We have taken delivery of 10 of the vans already and are very impressed with the final product. We are looking forward to a further 28 due joining our fleet in spring this year.”

Transport Truck
Warburtons’ New Rigid Box Van

Building the Fleet

Built on 14-tonne DAF chassis from local firm Lancashire DAF, each rigid is fitted with Warburtons-specification racking along its sides, along with adjustable centre aisle load bars to suit the customer’s loading requirements. The rigids also boast crew doors on each side of the body’s rear, to expedite the loading process, access to which is covered with a hinged alloy floor section, maximising load capacity. The Dhollandia tail lift aids drivers with large loads, and the two Labcraft B3 Banksman reversing lights help in low-light conditions. They are finished in Warburtons’ trademark orange, painted in house at Tiger.

Tom Stott, Technical Sales Manager at Tiger Trailers, comments: “It’s been a pleasure to work closely with Steve and his team at Warburtons. At Tiger we are proud to offer competitive lead times, and guarantee a premium product without compromising on quality. To have done so for one of Britain’s most-recognisable brands is something to be celebrated, and we are hopeful to build on the relationship we have established with Steve and Warburtons in the future.”

Ten of Warburtons’ new Tiger rigids, delivered in late 2023, can already be seen out on the roads, operating out of several of Warburtons’ 22 nationwide depots.

Linde Experience Hub at HQ

Posted on by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling (MH) has had an additional office building at its headquarters in Aschaffenburg since October. A new structure with a total of 6,000 square meters on six floors was built in the immediate vicinity of the existing headquarters. The expanded administrative complex now also includes the “Linde Experience Hub”, a newly built 5,500-square-meter venue hall for training and education purposes, product presentations, and large and small events.

After a construction period of just over one and a half years, the new office building was ready for occupation and the employees of the two building complexes, which are separated only by a narrow street, came together for a house-warming party. With the completion of Headquarter West and Headquarter East, as the buildings are referred to, the main goal of the expansion at Carl-von-Linde-Platz has been achieved: The satellite locations that were previously scattered throughout the city area have been consolidated and the entire Linde MH headquarters team is now located in one place. “The design and facilities of the new building provide a first-class work environment for collaboration among employees at the Aschaffenburg site, as well as the pan-European Linde sales and service organization and business partners and further stakeholders,” said Ulrike Just, Executive Vice President Sales & Service Linde MH EMEA at the opening ceremony. “The expanded headquarters underscores our attractiveness as an international employer who offers a wide range of career opportunities.”

Linde Experience

The new office complex takes into account the needs and requirements of a changing world of work. For the first time, Linde MH’s Aschaffenburg site is using the shared desk system. Instead of having a fixed workstation, employees take a seat at an available desk in their department area when they arrive at the office. In addition to open-plan offices with desks, there are numerous other rooms on each floor that can be used for a variety of purposes. These include small and large meeting rooms with a variety of furnishings and state-of-the-art presentation technology for creative brainstorming, a library for solitary work in a quiet atmosphere. In addition, there is a bright, sizeable recreational area that is equipped with a kitchenette, bar tables and chairs, as well as lounge furniture for spontaneous exchanges of information and ideas.

The Linde Experience Hub, just a few steps away, bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing a first-rate functional setting for a wide range of events – from presentations for individual groups of guests to major customer events or events for Linde MH’s European or global sales and service organization. The hall is equipped with a high-rack warehouse, a flexible open area with truck ramps, and various exhibition areas where visitors can experience Linde MH’s solution and innovation expertise first-hand. Around half of the spacious hall is available for vehicle and theme presentations. In addition, there are training and meeting rooms on two levels, a reception area, service areas, hospitality areas for catering and numerous seating areas.

Linde Material Handling GmbH, a KION Group company, is a globally operating manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, and a solutions and service provider for intralogistics. With a sales and service network that spans more than 100 countries, the company is represented in all major regions around the world.

Yale Launches Outdoor Reach Truck

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has launched a new Outdoor Reach Truck, which it says applies smart design to meet the operational needs of logistics businesses. The Yale MRO16-20 will reliably support warehousing and distribution applications which incorporate both indoor and outdoor storage and handling areas.

“The materials handling industry is evolving, and so are the challenges that come with it for our customers,” says Gianbattista Scaramuzza, Senior Product Strategy Manager, Warehouse Products at Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “With the new Outdoor Reach Truck, we’re using tried and tested design and technology to provide a solution for industries where outdoor storage and activities are increasingly becoming an extension of the warehousing and intralogistics operations.”

The Yale MRO16-20 is positioned to aid the streamlining of vehicle-to-warehouse movements by combining the functionality of two traditional trucks into one product.

The multipurpose MRO16-20 Outdoor Reach Truck can handle goods as a counterbalance truck would and reach up to 7.5m in height, allowing operators to perform both functions with just one forklift.

Scaramuzza explained: “The Yale MRO16-20 enables warehouse managers to consolidate their fleet. Combining the use of Super Elastic tyres with the design philosophy of a reach truck, this new outdoor reach truck is ideal for sites with mixed indoor and outdoor applications.”

Smooth Transition

The Outdoor Reach Truck is designed to transition from outdoor movement of goods to indoor stacking and picking. One of the main features of the Yale MR016-20 is the Super Elastic tyres, which offer a comfortable ride for the driver and place less stress on the truck’s components.

The MRO Series is available with a number of configurable options to tailor it to its working environment. An example is the optional air suspended seat, where operators can enjoy high levels of comfort that could increase overall productivity.

Customers can choose between a lead-acid or a lithium-ion battery to power their MRO Series Outdoor Reach Trucks.

Telescopic forks are also available as an option, allowing the loading and unloading of lorries to take place all from one side and giving warehouse planners additional options thanks to dual deep lay outs.

The Yale MRO16-20 trucks can be fitted with Pedestrian Awareness Lights to warn people that a reach truck is in the area, while the Side Red Line system alerts others of their proximity to the truck. A working light assists visibility in dark environments, helping productivity and the easy handling of goods.

“We understand that uptime and productivity are essential in warehousing and intralogistics. We believe that this multi-functional concept, with the use of Super Elastic tyres and other key features, will prove to be very useful for businesses needing to operate both indoors and outdoors,” added Scaramuzza. “Yale is continually evolving to meet the challenges of the industry and the needs of its customers. The launch of the Yale MRO16-20 is part of that evolution.”

IFOY AWARD 2023 Winners Announced

Posted on by David Priestman

The winners of the IFOY AWARD 2023 have been chosen. Representatives of AGILOX, Crown, DS AUTOMOTION, HUNIC and STILL accepted the international intralogistics award from the laudators at the Award Night in the DortmunderU.

Jungheinrich took home two of the trophies, also known as the “Oscars of intralogistics”. A laudatory speech was given by: Dr. Johannes Söllner (Managing Director, Geis Industrial Services), Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel (Executive Director, Fraunhofer IML), Steffen Bersch (Chairman of the Board, VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association), Thomas Westphal (Mayor of the City of Dortmund), Bettina Baumann (Founder of Baumann Paletten), Udo Schmidt (Vice President Europe, Cascade Europe) and Peter Trapp (CIO, HGK Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln).

The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD, which is held under the patronage of Dr. Robert Habeck, Federal Minister of Economics and Climate Protection, is known worldwide. In 2023, 21 companies with 23 products and solutions were finalists in the 11th round of the award – more than ever before.

“The jury made one of its toughest decisions in April, sending a signal for more technology in logistics. Already during the IFOY TEST DAYS, the outstanding level of this year’s finalists was evident, some of whom are streets ahead of their competitors on the market in terms of innovation and customer benefits. Their products and solutions will be the future benchmark for modern distribution centres,” says Anita Würmser, Executive Chairwoman of the IFOY jury.

The IFOY AWARD in the category “Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV/AMR)” was won by AGILOX with the AGILOX ODM. The omnidirectional dolly mover is a smart logistics robot for small load carriers. Thanks to X-Swarm Technology, the floor dolly solution autonomously finds the fastest route through the production or logistics environment. Among other things, the jury highlighted the autonomous functions for avoiding obstacles on the route very positively.

The winner in the category “Warehouse Truck highlifter” was Crown with the SP 1500 order picking truck, which scores points for performance, efficiency and ergonomics. The IFOY Innovation Check emphasises the “unique ergonomics with very many configuration options developed from studies directly at customers’ premises”. It also highlights “the use in different aisle widths, a unique individually adjustable operation as well as the excellent field of vision”.

In the “Intralogistics Software” category, DS AUTOMOTION took home a trophy for its ARCOS vehicle software. The IT makes it possible for the first time to have AGV and AMR fleets drive variably zone-based between fixed lane guidance, lane guidance with flexible avoidance as well as free navigation with a single flexible vehicle software (plannable autonomy). According to the jury, in combination with cooperative navigation, which enables the robots to take coordinated evasive action, the manufacturer offers a very efficient solution that can also integrate vehicles from other manufacturers via the VDA 5050 interface.

A total of five young companies competed for an award in the “Start-up of the Year” category this year. In the close race, HUNIC convinced the jurors in the end with the SoftExo Lift. The passive exoskeleton is an extremely lightweight yet effective lifting and carrying aid. Skilled workers are supported by up to 21% when lifting and carrying loads. The body is relieved of up to 50%. In addition, incorrect movements are pointed out to the user. According to the jurors, the great innovative leap lies in the design of the exoskeleton exclusively from elastic materials.

Jungheinrich won in the “Special of the Year” category with its “addedVIEW fork camera”. The fully digital fork camera with barcode scanning reduces storage and retrieval errors. It prevents incorrectly recorded goods or storage locations in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and thus unplanned search times, returns or loss of goods. The camera reads barcodes directly at the storage location, compares them with the specifications of the WMS and marks correct and incorrect compartments in colour as the vehicle passes. Acknowledgement is made at the steering wheel. Although the individual technologies are not new in themselves, “the combination in this exemplary implementation is to be regarded as highly innovative”, according to the jury’s verdict.

Jungheinrich also took home a second trophy. Flexible, fast, efficient: with the PowerCube, Jungheinrich secured the win in the “Intralogistics Robot” category. In this automated compact tote storage system, access is possible from below, allowing for easier maintenance and variable ceiling heights. The jury highlighted several innovations, including the tote loading weight of 50kg and a quick-charge function for round-the-clock operation of the robots without downtime.

Intralogistics supplier STILL won one of the coveted awards for the EXH 16 in the ‘Warehouse Truck lowlifter’ category. The truck is part of the EXH 14-20 Plus series-hand-guided lowlifters and derivatives with additional lift for order-picking applications. The compact design together with the new functional tiller head and the resulting improvements in terms of operation and driving characteristics are classified as “undoubtedly new” by the IFOY Innovation Check. The EXH thus shows that innovations have not yet found their end in this vehicle class.

The IFOY AWARD honours the most innovative intralogistics products and solutions of the year. It has established itself as an indicator of cost-effectiveness and innovation and is regarded as the outstanding international innovation award in intralogistics due to its technical expertise. The basis of the decision is the three-stage audit–consisting of the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria, the scientific IFOY Innovation Check and the jury test. The decisive factor is that the nominees are not compared with each other, but with their competitor devices on the market.

During the IFOY TEST DAYS on the occasion of the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS in Dortmund in March, all nominees went through the IFOY audit. For the fourth year in a row, numerous potential buyers were once again on hand at the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. The winners of the IFOY AWARD are chosen annually by an international jury of trade journalists.

The IFOY AWARD is sponsored by the German Conveyor Technology and Intralogistics Association and the Robotics + Automation Association within the VDMA. IFOY partners are Messe Dortmund and the world’s leading forklift attachment manufacturer Cascade. The IFOY AWARD’s pallet partner is CHEP, a world market leader in the pooling of pallets and containers. Logistics partner is LTG. Trailer partner is Fliegl Fahrzeugbau.

The application phase for the IFOY AWARD 2024 starts on 1st August 2023.

 

 

IFOY Test Report: Volume DIVE

Posted on by David Priestman

Our penultimate look at all the finalists ahead of the IFOY Awards ceremony in Dortmund on Thursday June 22nd brings the DIVE storage and packing system from Volume Lagersysteme GmbH under the microscope.

Volume DIVE is a patented robotics-based storage and picking system for standard Euro bins and beverage crates, developed for quick commerce. The throughput can be flexibly scaled up to 4,000 bins/h. Instead of long restacking, they can be accessed quickly. Lifters are not required, as the robots can place the bins directly on the floor. In the smallest version, Volume DIVE takes up only 16 sq m. The individual modules fit through any normal store door.

IFOY category: Intralogistics Robot

IFOY Test Report

Volume DIVE is a newly developed storage and picking system for urban retail and delivery services. Despite its compactness, fast access to each container is possible with minimal restacking. This creates the conditions for a throughput of up to 4,000 totes per hour. This makes the development suitable for quick-commerce applications, but also an alternative for e-commerce and classic miniload applications. The system consists of the mobile robot (Snapper), the rack (Speedrack) and the load carriers (standard euro containers or beverage crates).

The Speedrack is made up of several modules of 48 small containers each and can be extended as required. Heights of up to 14m are possible. Fire protection can be ensured by sprinklers on the moving levels. Levelling via adjustable feet allows the system to be erected on any floor. The lithium-ion Snapper, the battery supplied with power without contact at charging stations, travels at up to 3m/s and can store and retrieve containers across the entire level. With the aid of a 360° rotating gripper unit, the robot can pick up or deliver totes with or without recessed grips on all four sides, at any position including the floor. Due to the stacking height of three load carriers, stock is only transferred once on average.

Standard beverage crates and euro containers in sizes 300×200, 400x300mm (weight: up to 25kg) and 600x400mm (weight: up to 35kg) can be used as load carriers. Containers of different heights can be stocked within a tower, as can loading aids already available to the operator. There are no restrictions due to picking ports, as containers can be loaded and unloaded at any balcony position in the warehouse. Transfer to conveyor systems is possible, but not necessary. Volume DIVE can be used as a small parts storage and picking system for slow-moving C-items up to the handling of A-items. This makes the new development an alternative to miniloads with stacker cranes or shuttles. The integration into containers enables further applications.

An extension in length, width and height can be realized. The performance can be scaled by the number of snappers. Due to the access times, Volume DIVE is the suitable storage system when a C-item seasonally becomes an A-item. The setup is simple. The material can be brought in through normal doors, so Volume DIVE can be used in existing retail stores, for example. Due to the start-up on a weekend, for example, the future operator is not impaired in his regular operations.

IFOY test verdict: Volume DIVE is a patented robotics-based storage and picking system for standard euro containers and beverage crates. Throughput can be scaled up to 4,000 totes per hour. Three totes are stacked on top of each other on one shelf level. This eliminates time-consuming restacking of the totes. Lifters are not required, as the robots can place the totes directly on the floor. In the smallest version, Volume DIVE occupies an area of just 16 sq m. The modules fit through any normal store door. Existing standard containers can be used and are allowed to leave the system.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Volume DIVE can come up with an extraordinary range of application areas. In addition to the typical applications in retail and production, it can also be used as a micro-hub in urban areas or nano-storage in boutiques, as a container-based material store on construction sites or as a refrigerated beverage storage facility, as well as a module for sorting empty goods. The scalability, flexibility and modularity, from the smallest warehouse with a footprint of 16 sq m to large warehouses, from room heights up to 14m, as well as the extremely short assembly time, leads to expect a high market relevance. Initial customer solutions have been reported with an ROI of less than one year.

Customer benefit: Due to its modular design, the system can offer maximum flexibility and scalability, both in terms of size and shape of the warehouse and in terms of performance characteristics. Unlike the market leader in compact vertical storage systems, AutoStore, Volume DIVE operates with picking robots on different levels, allowing both short access times of up to six seconds and high throughputs of up to 6,000 accesses per hour simultaneously. The pick robots themselves are said to be less expensive than AutoStore. Volume DIVE can be operated with any standard Euro containers of various heights and even beverage crates, which can also be used outside the system. Set-up time is extremely short, at one weekend, and add-ons can be made on the fly.

Novelty / Innovation: Despite similarities to well-known vertical storage systems, significant innovations have been implemented in terms of technology and process design. The pick robots have a 360° swivelling gripper with universal gripping fingers for standard Euro containers and beverage crates weighing up to 35kg, which can be placed anywhere around the warehouse system or transferred to conveyor systems or AGVs. The extreme modularity enables fast commissioning, any warehouse geometry with heights up to 14m, and scalable performance values depending on the number of robots. Sprinkler systems can be installed in every intermediate level, which is impossible with comparable vertical storage systems.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The technical implementation is of high quality and yet cost-effective. The very reliable and universal gripping mechanism, which could be tested with different containers, is to be emphasised. The robots are said to be able to act very quickly at up to 3m/s and can also be used down to -20°C in the freezer range. However, the rotating wheels of the undercarriage could be aware factor and affect the robustness. The system only requires a 230V electric power.

Verdict: Volume DIVE is a very versatile, flexible, and highly scalable automatic small parts storage solution. The very fast access times, the use of a wide variety of standard containers and beverage crates, the flexible placement and pick-up of containers around the entire system, the modular design and the quick and easy start-up over the weekend make the system suitable for an exceptionally wide range of applications.

Market relevance ++
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: STILL PXV

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The second IFOY Award 2023 entry for STILL is its PXV vertical order picker. We take a closer look at it as we race towards Thursday’s winner announcement in Dortmund.

The PXV vertical order picker inspires with performance, reach height, safety and comfort in a new dimension. Whether in wide or narrow aisle warehouses, employees can pick loads at working heights of up to 14.5m.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “highlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its PXV, STILL launches a new generation of high-lift order pickers that fits into the current development. Megatrends such as urbanisation, increasing e-commerce and retail logistics require more storage space, but there is no room to expand warehouses. The gain lies in storage densification, i.e., narrower aisles and higher storage.

With the successor to the EK-X, STILL is literally reaching for higher ground. With a reach height of 14.5m, the new high-lift order picker makes it 2.5m higher than its predecessor. A plus that in practice corresponds to two storage levels. To enable this gripping height, the chassis has been modified. The design is much stiffer and features stronger profiles. The new, V-shaped chassis can be better adapted to the width of the cab and improves steering behaviour.

In addition to more efficient use of space and higher storage density, STILL engineers have addressed ergonomics and operator comfort. A significant improvement can be found in the lift mast. There, the central free lift cylinder has been replaced by two cylinders positioned behind the mast profiles. The operator’s view is thus significantly better. As an option, the free stroke can even be dispensed with. With this unique option, a triple mast reaches the highest position much faster  ̶  without interruptions and with significantly more comfort for the operator. Especially in combination with the iGo pilot navigation assistance system, this can provide significant benefits in practice.

The display is also new, at least for the high-lift order pickers. STILL has already used it on the MX-X and RX series, increasing uniformity and ease of use. In the IFOY test, the display is mounted on the mast side of the truck. If desired, the display can also be mounted on the fork side.

During the driving impression, the IFOY test team noticed that the PXV is much smoother to operate compared to the EK-X. The truck vibrates less, is quieter and this gives additional safety during operation. In addition, the truck lifts faster and is easier to position. The new silver-grey colour scheme of the cabin also makes the workplace seem much more spacious. The PXV is faster and easier to position on the induction wire. The display helps with colour coding and good signalling. Lifting and lowering speeds are higher.

The IFOY truck has a Li-ion battery and the integrated easy charging system for quick and easy connection of the stacker to the charger. Compared to the previous model, the number of practical storage options has increased. There is even an integrated waste bin. The outward-sloping doors, already familiar from the EK-X, make it easier for order pickers to pick deeper into the racks. On the PXV, the doors are reinforced and available for retrofitting.

Unique to this type of truck is the ability to activate the main and initial strokes simultaneously. This allows for higher throughput. Thanks to the easy-touch function, the initial lift can be activated with just one touch of a button. The fork then automatically lowers to a pre-set level while the picker is already picking the next order.

IFOY test verdict: The STILL PXV is a comfortable truck that can be easily adapted to changing conditions. The truck is quieter, more powerful and offers a more comfortable workplace than its predecessor. The improved visibility on the mast side is unique for high-lift order pickers, while the free-lift models provide faster and jerk-free operation without mast transitions.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The ever-increasing shift towards e-commerce and goods handling in the retail sector in general are leading to increasingly greater storage heights and increasing demands on the performance of order-picking tasks. The STILL PXV achieves new records with its characteristics to meet these requirements, which means that it is highly relevant to the market.

Customer benefit: Maximising handling performance, comfort and flexibility is what STILL’s new PXV stands for, leaving hardly any wish unanswered. The unique maximum picking height of 14.5m for the model without free lift opens up new possibilities in terms of warehouse height and thus space utilisation. Flexible use across warehouses is also possible with variants with free lift, to name just one of the numerous configuration options. With the large dimensions, customers can still benefit from the high travel and lifting speeds for high-performance operation. In addition, the STILL assistance systems, iGo pilot navigation and safety can further optimise time savings while ensuring a high level of safety in the workflow.

Novelty / Innovation: The main innovation with the PXV is simply the technical data, which sets new standards for order pickers and thus broadens the horizon for warehouse design. The highly efficient operation at this picking height is unique on the market. In addition, the innovations lie in the implementation of assistance systems, which considerably simplify compartment approaches, make driving and lifting movements safer and order picking more comfortable.

Functionality / Type of implementation: With the proper finish of the entire machine, STILL lives up to its reputation and shows with the PXV that development has not yet come to an end. The configuration options of the model series are diverse and go as far as aspects of sustainability, whereby the trucks can be prepared accordingly for refurbishing so that configuration changes are easily possible. A regenerative lowering movement is standard, in addition to a variety of options that are available.

Verdict: An order picker with new maxima that can compete at the top of this category.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation +
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

 

IFOY Test Report: STILL EXH 16

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ahead of this Thursday’s IFOY Award winner announcement in Dortmund, we turn our attention to the STILL EXH 16 pallet truck.

The EXH 14-20 Plus series consists of hand-guided low lift pallet trucks as well as derivative products with additional lift for order picking applications and comes with a unique tiller head with integrated display in two versions. The special tiller head design enables intuitive handling for every operator.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “lowlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With the EXH 14-20 Plus series, STILL introduces the latest edition of its electric pallet truck range. The development of the new series was focused on the operator. The operating concept is completely revised and the EXH 14-20 Plus series now features a unique tiller head with integrated display in two versions. The so-called MMI (Man-Machine-Interface) is the interface between the operator and the truck and thus the linchpin in daily operation.

The EXH 14-20 Plus series includes several pedestrian stackers with a load capacity of 1.4 to 2.0 tonnes. The IFOY stacker is an EXH 16 with a load capacity of 1.6 tonnes. The integrated lithium-ion battery enables up to 80mm shorter front dimensions and significantly smaller turning radii and aisle widths. The L2 dimension is just 429mm. Thanks to the compact dimensions, the driver retains optimum visibility. Even in confined spaces, such as retail stores. In addition, the compact dimensions improve the manoeuvrability of the truck, which is now even easier to operate.

EXH forklifts are equipped with mechanical steering as standard. Despite this mechanical steering, the long and low-lying tiller enable easy operation. During the IFOY test, the power and speed of the newcomer were convincing. The truck has a high acceleration capacity, both without and with load. The driving speed is quite snappy at 6.1km/h. Those who want to work more quietly and economically can double-click the turtle button to select turtle mode or STILL’s Blue-Q optimisation program.

The unique design of the tiller head is a true eye-catcher. The operating elements have been given a new and modern design. Extra-large buttons support intuitive operation, no matter how big one’s hands are. Even when wearing work gloves, simple and effective one-handed operation remains a breeze for both left- and right-handed operators. STILL plans to use the new controls in future trucks as well. There, the concept will bring additional benefits, such as even better proportional control. This is less relevant for electric pallet trucks.

The EXH 16 has three driving modes as standard: turtle mode, Blue Q and high performance. For each mode, the most important information is automatically displayed on the brand-new colour display integrated into the tiller head. This means that the display follows the driver at every turn and provides a clear view of all important data under all conditions. This means that the driver is always informed about the battery charge status, the operating hours or the respective driving program. The optional touch display (not available on the IFOY test truck) revolutionises operation. Drivers are used to operating smartphones by touch these days, and the touch display now bridges the gap to equipment with stock technology.

Smart fork markings make forklift positioning easier and contribute to high productivity. For even smoother operation  ̶  also on uneven floors and around obstacles  ̶  the pallet truck can be equipped with three running wheels in the fork tip. In doing so, OptiSpeed automatically adjusts the truck’s speed to the angle of the tiller. Safe manoeuvring is thus possible under all conditions. The standard crawl speed button also enables safe operation even in the tightest of spaces. An active optional foot stop ensures that the pallet truck automatically changes direction on contact with the feet. This means that the operator always remains unharmed.

IFOY test verdict: The EXH 14-20 Plus series features a unique tiller head with integrated display in two versions. The special design of the tiller head enables intuitive operation for any operator. Numerous small innovations combine to bring great progress. The compact truck is immensely powerful, fast and quiet. It is also easy to recharge between uses thanks to Li-ion technology.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Handling goods and the internal transport of pallets includes a very wide field of application, whereby the Still EXH 16 can be seen as having great market relevance. The EXH 16 exemplifies an improvement of such products in terms of ergonomics and functionality, and it is therefore obvious that it represents a primary alternative in the market for new and replacement purchases.

Customer benefit: The Still EXH 16 offers the user more flexibility and functionality in terms of operation, field of vision and safety. Operation via the new tiller head is intuitive and comfortable for different hand sizes. The display integrated in the tiller head in two different versions provides information as well as the possibility to use different driving programs, which can be adapted to the operator on the one hand and to the transport task on the other hand, and to adjust the battery life accordingly. The very compact design through integrated Li-Ion technology leads to an improvement in manoeuvrability and ensures optimal visibility even for smaller persons.

Novelty / Innovation: The compact design together with the new functional tiller head and the resulting improvements in terms of operation and driving characteristics are undoubtedly to be regarded as new. The EXH thus shows that even in this type of vehicle, innovations have not yet come to an end.

Functionality / Type of implementation: With many details and configuration options, the EXH 16 shows that it is without doubt at the top of this vehicle class. The functionality can be ordered with several variants of design details and can thus be optimally adjusted for the customer. Moving pallets is a piece of cake with the EXH 16, while at the same time offering a high level of safety. The overall impression of the implementation on the unit appears flawless.

Verdict: The EXH 16 impresses with its outstanding further development in this vehicle class. Its market lead is significant.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck

Posted on by Keith McKinley

It’s time to put the Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck under the spotlight as we continue our run-through of all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd.

The next-generation Raymond 8910 end rider pallet truck is ideal for heavy-duty and high-throughput applications. This comfortable pallet truck features intuitive, easy-to-use controls and enhanced ergonomics, especially for long hauls.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “lowlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its new generation Raymond 8910 electric pallet truck, the US manufacturer offers a stand-up pallet truck for intensive use. The stacker has been completely redeveloped based on its predecessor (8900). Due to intensive use, Raymond has paid particular attention to ergonomics. The cabin is 20% roomier than its predecessor. In addition, the workplace can be set up flexibly. The entire console can be moved to adapt to the operator’s position. The console cannot yet be moved by the operator, which is a disadvantage when working multiple shifts. This is coming in the new versions of the lift truck, according to Raymond. For operators who require more space, Raymond offers a smaller steering concept with an additional more than 3cm of extra space.

For intensive use, the IFOY testers are still missing a seat option in the backrest, which has also been announced. The pallet trolley is equipped with a vibration-damping base plate. The dead man’s switch integrated into the base plate requires 61% less effort.

The toolbar has been moved from the battery side behind the steering console. This makes it easier to read terminals and other peripherals, and they are no longer in view of the direction of driving. The controls are intuitive and known from the manufacturer’s order picking portfolio. However, this is the first time that this control system has been used by Raymond on a lift truck.

Raymond has also introduced some innovations in the technical area. For example, sensors have been built into the chassis to constantly check that the operator is within the safe contours of the truck. If this is not the case, the truck’s speed is greatly reduced and an acoustic warning signal sounds. Once both feet are back within the work area, the truck automatically returns to normal settings. In addition, the 8910 features automatic steering centring when the truck is started  ̶  another novelty for this type of truck from the US manufacturer.

According to Raymond, the energy consumption of the truck is 24% lower than that of its predecessor. This is mainly due to the electric steering system, which replaces the hydraulic steering. In addition, the new steering system enables a shorter turning radius and thus better manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Another advantage: thanks to the new steering system, the pallet truck is more silent.

The IFOY stacker is equipped with a conventional lead-acid battery. On request, Raymond can also supply the 8910 with a Li battery.

The forklift could not be fully tested by the IFOY test team because the forks commonly used in the US do not fit under the available test weights. However, the test team did test drive the truck. By European standards, the steering needs to get used to. The steering works exactly opposite to what the driver expects. However, the steering character setting can be adjusted via service if necessary.

IFOY test verdict: The truck offers a spacious operator’s cab for added comfort and is equipped with intuitive, user-friendly controls. For the US market, this is a significant improvement; by European standards, the improvements are somewhat less innovative. The controls require adaptability from operators who are not used to the US steering system.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The transport of goods on pallets over longer distances as well as fast turnover on trucks still has an enormous share of the market. This is why further developments of pallet trucks with stand-on platforms, such as the Raymond 8910, are highly relevant to the market. With its improvements, it focuses on the American market and sets new standards there in terms of ergonomics and energy efficiency, which promises a positive customer response.

Customer benefit: The Raymond 8910 represents a significant evolution for the customer from its predecessor in terms of ergonomics and safety. The operator is better protected in the more spacious cabin with ergonomic details. Other features, such as light barriers as platform limitation, automatic speed reduction when cornering and the centring of the drive wheel when starting operation, increase the benefit in terms of safety. The electric power steering also increases energy efficiency, giving the user more uptime.

Novelty / Innovation: The innovation level can be regarded as high in relation to the American market due to all the enhancements. In an international comparison, the Raymond 8910 has reached a level of technology that puts it on a par with comparable pallet trucks.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The Raymond 8910 impresses with its robustness and good finish. As an operator, you feel the increase in comfort on the platform and can expect a long-lasting overall product.

Verdict: The overall impression of the Raymond 8910 pallet truck undoubtedly makes it a worthy nominee for the IFOY Award, promising a pleasant increase in pallet handling output for the user.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation Ø
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: Airrob by Libiao

Posted on by David Priestman

As we move inexorably towards the moment when the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the Airrob container handling robotic system from Zhejiang Libiao Robots Co., Ltd.

Zhejiang Libiao Robots invented the world’s first sortation robots five years ago; now they have created another new robotic system named Airrob container handling robotic system. The robots can climb racks, and store, pick, sort, and move plastic containers, and the climbing robot can move vertical and horizontal direction freely. It is a simple, efficient and flexible system for the fulfilment centre or the work-line-side storage system.

Category: Intralogistics Robot

IFOY Test Report

Libiao Robotics has been nominated for an IFOY AWARD with its Airrob, a “climbing” container robot. Its maximum load capacity is 25kg.

The system is suitable for the vast majority of all containers in this weight class, about 95% according to the manufacturer, and virtually all racks. It allows a quick and easy installation, even when retrofitting existing warehouses. Adjustments to the floor are not required. However, horizontal rails must be attached to the rack, over which the Airrob travels along the rack. The maximum speed of the robot is 2m/s.

The Airrob is attached to a lightweight frame that moves along the horizontal rails through the aisle. This design allows the robot to “climb” up the shelves and store or retrieve the correct container on the shelf at any desired location. Each bin is thus directly accessible at all times.

The frame is flexible and automatically adjusts to the position of the robot. This ensures high reliability and fast, trouble-free and stable transport of the boxes.

The system is suitable for racks up to 12m high. In this case, however, Libiao mounts two Airrobs on top of each other, as this requires less adjustment.

A unique feature is the hook system used to move the crates in and out of the racks. The hook moves within the contours of the robot, which does not penetrate the shelves. This allows the boxes to be stored extremely compact. The hook system is suitable for handling totes on both sides of an aisle. This limits the aisle width to about 85cm.

The concept is lighter than a miniload, a multishuttle or an autonomous case robot (ACR). This is one of the reasons why energy consumption is low. Consumption could not be measured by the IFOY test team, but according to the manufacturer, the savings compared to competing solutions is more than 30%.

The battery built into the Airrob is maintenance-free and is charged when the tablet is switched on and off; according to the non-sliding touch charging principle. The rack on which the Airrob is mounted is powered by mains electricity.

In the Pick&Go setups during IFOY TEST DAYS, the Airrob worked with the manufacturer’s AMRs, but other configurations are also conceivable.

The concept is particularly suitable for micro-fulfilment centres and can also be used in ambient temperatures as low as -20°C, for example in cold stores.

IFOY test verdict: The Libiao Airrob container handling system can set a new standard for mobile robots and fundamentally change existing solutions. The Airrob is cost-effective, scalable, and efficient. The system saves space and labour. The unique hook system guarantees high storage density.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The Airrob solution addresses manually operated warehouses that are to be automated cost-effectively using existing racking infrastructure and potentially inhomogeneous container systems. With an ROI of one to two years for the 10 installations currently on the market, the Airrob system is an attractive option for brownfield automation in diverse industries such as warehouse logistics, e-commerce, or manufacturing. Airrob can be used for rack heights between approx. 2m and 14m and is already economical in smaller warehouses starting at 100 sq m. The market potential is high due to the high flexibility of the system, the comparably low costs, the wide range of applications as well as worldwide marketing partners.

Customer benefit: The greatest benefit of Airrob is its flexibility and adaptability for use in existing warehouses without replacing existing infrastructure. This also results in manageable investment costs, which should be a fraction of fully automated systems. Set-up and commissioning are in the range of one to four weeks. Due to the modularity, additional robots can be temporarily integrated for more throughput at peak times. Compared to similar solutions on the market, Airrob is said to consume 30% less energy. In addition, the system is easily reusable in other operating environments.

Novelty / Innovation: Airrob stands out for its simplicity of design, which enables high efficiency and robustness at low cost. Nevertheless, several innovative details have been implemented for the applicability in a wide range of manually operated warehouses. The vertical guide is flexibly mounted on two horizontal rails on the rack, so that even inclined shelves can be approached with the appropriate inclination. A simple hook mechanism allows access to various standard containers from two parallel shelves. Unlike comparable solutions, a fast-charging mechanism ensures 24/7 operation of the pick robot, so fewer pick robots are needed overall.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The pick robot, a type of stacker crane, is designed to be simple and practical, enabling a rapid access time of about 30 seconds to the totes weighing up to 25kg. The throughput of containers can be scaled flexibly by dividing the tasks between the pick robot on the rack and the mobile transport robots. With a temperature range between -20°C and 50°C, freezer applications are also possible.

Verdict: With Airrob, existing rack storage systems for any standard containers can be automated very cost-effectively. The easily retrofittable and technically minimalist solution for removing totes from heights of up to 14m, in conjunction with a fleet of mobile transport robots, enables significant efficiency gains compared to manual warehouse management. Technical highlights include the simple but universal gripper for crate removal and return, adaptivity to typical real-world conditions such as sloping shelf layers, and a fast-charging function for 24/7 operation.

Market relevance ++
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: Jungheinrich addedVIEW

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As we move closer towards the moment when the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the second from Jungheinrich AG, its addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning.

The Jungheinrich addedVIEW fully digital fork camera with barcode scanning reduces storage/retrieval errors in the warehouse. It prevents incorrectly recorded goods or storage locations in the warehouse management system (WMS) and thus unplanned search times, returns or loss of goods.

IFOY category: Special of the Year

IFOY Test Report

In technical terms, the device is the first fully digital fork camera in series production, with full HD resolution, broadband automotive Ethernet data transmission and software for transferring the results to any WMS. For the Jungheinrich WMS, the product is equipped with additional intelligence that, with the help of coloured overlays in the camera image, makes it possible to recognise whether the correct or incorrect barcode is located in front of the fork as it passes by. In addition, an acknowledgement button is located near the steering wheel. This keeps the forklift driver’s hands on the controls of the industrial truck. The driver does not have to reach for the scanner, scan and put the mobile device back every time.

Scanning on-site at the storage compartment and/or the goods avoids scanning incorrect barcodes from a list at the rack foot, ensuring the WMS always receives correct data and avoiding incorrect deliveries. The high-resolution, digitally enhanced image allows labels to be read at high altitudes, bypassing the need to unstack incorrect merchandise.

By scanning with the fork-mounted camera, the location of the goods movement and the location of the scan coincide. This drastically reduces putaway/retrieval errors. Examples include putting away wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS, or taking out wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS. The camera, data transmission, image processing, forwarding to the WMS and, as in the case of Jungheinrich, the WMS itself were all newly developed or expanded – into an integrated series solution.

IFOY test verdict: The integrated series solution is unique on the market, because the addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning gets to the root of a previously unsolvable basic problem in logistics and offers a practical and effective solution. The previously described problem of incorrect storage is particularly pronounced in reach trucks, as mix-ups can occur in high-bay warehouses due to the large number of uniform storage locations and the low clarity in the upper rack levels. Depending on the type, 20-40% of reach trucks have tine cameras, are connected to a WMS via a radio data terminal and use handheld scanners for posting. These industrial truck operators will benefit from the innovation. But forklift drivers will also benefit from the image quality and the ergonomic acknowledgement function on the steering wheel.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The management of goods on pallets or similar in larger warehouses with the help of reach trucks and barcodes concerns a very large area of logistics, which is why the market relevance is considered to be high. The presented digital camera-based system represents an enormous step towards the improvement of such systems, as errors are largely eliminated, positioning is supported and a large time-saving potential is associated with it.

Customer benefit: Users of the addedVIEW fork camera benefit in a very direct way from this system, which goes well beyond the camera itself by integrating it into the warehouse management system (WMS). Manual barcode scanning is no longer necessary, as direct identification of the barcodes is made possible by the high resolution of the camera. The comparison with the WMS, implemented in the background, provides direct information about the correctness of the goods or storage location. Thus, faulty storage or retrieval is reduced to a minimum or can be practically excluded. Furthermore, there are no wrong trips or unnecessary times in which incorrectly stored goods have to be searched for. All in all, this can result in a significant increase in the efficiency of the warehouse system for the user.

Novelty / Innovation: The integrated solution of a digital camera presented by Jungheinrich combines visual use with the possibility of scanning barcodes and processing them in the WMS for the first time in the field of material handling equipment. Although the individual technologies do not represent a novelty in themselves, the combination in this exemplary implementation is to be regarded as highly innovative. The challenges in the development, which in some respects reside in the details, were systematically solved. One example is the realised data transmission via the automotive Ethernet cable, which was applied to the variable geometry of the mast and which, with a total length of 30m, nevertheless guarantees a safe and fast transmission.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The components of the implemented system appear in a very robust design and thus meet requirements for durability in operation. The camera is mounted on the inside of the fork, which makes damage unlikely. Likewise, the transmission cable appears to be more than able to withstand the constant bending loads due to its specially developed design.

Verdict: The addedVIEW fork camera is convincing in every respect. Its market lead is clear.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation ++
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

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