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Tag: Materials Handling

Gideon launches autonomous loading forklift

Posted on by David Priestman

Gideon, the robotics and AI solutions company, has announced a pioneering new solution – Trey, an autonomous forklift for truck trailer loading and unloading operations.

Trey loads and unloads pallets entirely autonomously, saving more than 80% of a worker’s time. It operates safely, consistently, and reliably in dynamic environments, working side by side with people.

“We at Gideon believe that we can help exponentially grow humanity’s ability to move goods by automating the most complex material handling workflows,” said Matija Kopić, Gideon CEO and co-founder. “The world needs new ways of solving challenges. Our new way is to give superpowers to the millions of essential workers who keep our supply chains running. With the help of our customers, partners, and investors, we’ve built an AMR specifically for the task of loading and unloading truck trailers, augmenting human talent,” Matija Kopić said.

“The new solution from Gideon brings us an exciting potential for optimization, creating new efficiencies, and new ways to work,” Annant Patel, director at Koch Disruptive Technologies, an investment unit of Koch Industries, and Gideon Board Member. “As new technologies become available, the supply chain challenges act as a catalyst to spur companies to innovate – Gideon being one of them. We may face uncertainties, but innovators like Gideon prove that the future is here and now.”

Xavier Garijo, Member of the Board of Management for Contract Logistics at DB Schenker, also highlights the importance of innovation. DB Schenker, the global logistics leader, is one of the early Gideon customers and Series A investor.

“Here at DB Schenker, we draw on 150 years of logistic experience, and we’ve always focused on bringing innovation to deliver the efficiency and excellence expected by our clients. This is why we are excited to see new solutions from Gideon. Our projects so far are promising demonstrated, real-potential use cases that help us transform inbound and outbound logistic operations,” said Xavier Garijo, who is also a Gideon Board Member.

The new trailer (un)loading solution combines Gideon’s proprietary autonomy technology powered by AI and 3D vision, user-friendly software for smart workflow orchestration, and a robust, purpose-made chassis by Infinity Machine & Engineering Corp.

Trey helps companies relieve labour shortages, increase throughput, and raise process stability and efficiency. It significantly increases loading dock safety, reducing incidents and damages. Thanks to the flexibility and adaptability of Gideon’s technology, Trey is easy to use, deploy, and scale, with minimal impact on existing infrastructure, further improving the bottom line.

 

MiTek Mezzanine Systems appoints new MD

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Having sold the company he helped create to MiTek in 2017, Scott Chambers, Managing Director of MiTek Mezzanine Systems, has taken the decision to retire.

“It was always my intention to step down when the time was right,” said Chambers, “and, with the company at the top of its game, that time has come. We have just had our best year ever, with turnover double that of our nearest competitor.”

Taking the reins as Managing Director is Matt Loveday (pictured), formerly Operations Director and a member of the MiTek team since 2005. “In collaboration with our MiTek colleagues in North America, I’m delighted to hand over to Matt Loveday,” said Chambers. “Everyone in the industry who knows him will know that he’s the right man for the position. He’s driven in upholding our reputation for excellent quality, continuous innovation and business integrity.”

Loveday, who began his new role after the Easter break, commented: “I’m thrilled to be leading the company in what is an exciting period of growth for us. With the support of our strong team, I’m confident we can capitalise on the fantastic opportunities we face. Scott’s shoes are difficult to fill,” he continued, “as everyone at MiTek and many people across the industry know that he’s been a fantastic leader for this company over several decades.”

MiTek Mezzanine Systems, which has been a UK market leader for mezzanine floors for the past six years, began life as Mezzanine International in 1991. Chambers worked with fellow partners Keith Loveday (Matt’s father) and John Porter to grow the business and became Managing Director in 2014. The company set up a German operation, Mezzanine Europe GmbH, in 2016. Both the UK and European businesses were acquired by MiTek, a Berkshire Hathaway company, in 2017.

Having worked in the mezzanine sector since the age of 24, Chambers admits that he will miss the buzz of fast-paced business. “I have genuinely loved working in the mezzanine floor industry. Anyone who knows me knows the passion and love I have for this business and I will miss it hugely.”

Chambers, who served as President of AMHSA (the Automated Material Handling Systems Association) from 2019 to 2021, plans to buy a second racehorse, play more golf and spend time with his new granddaughter.

“We are sad to bid farewell to Scott,” said Loveday, “and we are so grateful for his contribution to the success of the company. We are in such a great position, with the rise in both e-commerce and logistics automation driving our growth and strong support from MiTek underpinning global expansion. With our order size last year averaging £1m, our aim to dominate in Europe is credible and the future is only positive.”

MAFI partners with Wajax in Canada

Posted on by David Priestman

German logistics equipment manufacturer MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH will work exclusively with Wajax to distribute its state-of-the-art terminal tractors, trucks, and trailers in Canada.

MAFI, based in Baden-Württemberg, is the original pioneer of the now famous RoRo (roll-on roll-off) technology used at seaports, and remain a leading terminal tractor provider that specialises in equipment for logistical tasks.

MAFI’s diverse terminal tractor line and container industrial trailers provide the ultimate convenience and safety and can be configured for off-road use at shipping terminals, railyards, container facilities, and satellite yards.

A new exclusive relationship in Canada with equipment provider Wajax will see MAFI increase its presence in Canadian markets. Wajax has been at the heart of Canadian industry for over 160 years and is one of the country’s premier material handling equipment providers.

“I am very pleased to announce that Wajax is the exclusive MAFI dealer for all of Canada,” said Brian Kolthof, Vice President of Material Handling at Wajax. “We have been searching for a world-class manufacturer and MAFI’s line up of high-quality terminal tractors and trailers fits well with our other lines of equipment.”

Wajax will add a comprehensive range of MAFI equipment next to an already extensive product offering from the likes of such brands as PowerBoss, Columbia, Bulmor, Hyster, and Yale. In addition, Wajax will also be able to assist MAFI customers in Canada with any after-sales support they might require.

 

Rite-Hite showcases safety solutions at Intralogistica

Posted on by David Priestman

Rite-Hite, one of the leading manufacturers of loading bay and health and safety equipment, will showcase some highlights of its complete range of solutions for warehouse and logistics environments at Intralogistica Italia, Milan on 3rd-6th May 2022 (Pad.10 Stand C15-D20).

As an expert in loading bay safety solutions, Rite-Hite will display and demonstrate a range of its products that can be utilised inside, outside and around any loading bay environment, to ensure every angle is covered. These include its world-renowned Global Wheel-Lok (pictured), designed to secure any type of trailer to the loading bay, preventing well-known incidents such as vehicle creep and accidents caused by a vehicle leaving its bay too early. It will also demonstrate how the Global Wheel-Lok can be connected and integrated with its robust and versatile Dok-Guardian Safety Barrier to ensure full-time safe operation at the loading dock.

Also on the stand, Rite-Hite will showcase its intelligent LED warning Safe-T Signal system, which can be used to clearly detect and communicate traffic within a busy warehouse environment. It will also show its TS-2000 Trailer Stand, designed to fit most trailers that come into the loading dock with a static load capacity of 227kN, and its innovative Flex Neck LED Dock Lights, which offer enhanced flexibility when lighting a trailer or container at the loading dock.

Thorsten Mauritz, Marketing Manager (Europe) at Rite-Hite, says Rite-Hite is more than just a ‘products’ business: “We take a holistic approach with our clients and our leading range of solutions are proven to improve safety, security, productivity, energy savings and environmental control within any logistics environment.

“Italy is an important market for us, and Intralogistica provides the ideal opportunity for us to further connect with the market and meet with new and existing partners and customers to discuss their needs, and further grow our presence in the region.”

Global Materials Handling joins Toyota network

Posted on by David Priestman

Toyota Material Handling UK (TMH UK) has appointed a new addition to its national dealer network. Saint Helens-based Global Materials Handling Ltd became the official Toyota dealer for the north west of England when managing director Andy Evans (pictured right) put pen to paper at a signing ceremony at the company’s premises at Haydock attended by TMH UK’s managing director, Nick Duckworth (pictured left), and dealer manager, Robert Wright.

Established in 2010, Global Materials Handling is the fastest-growing independent forklift dealer in the UK’s north west. Joining the Toyota dealer network means that the company can now offer the full Toyota range of intralogistics solutions as well as used Toyota forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, service, parts, a range of flexible and highly competitive finance and rental packages as well as operator training.

Andy Evans, who prior to forming Global Materials Handling, began his career with Birchwood Mechanical Services, commented: “When I was with Birchwood the first forklift truck that I ever sold was a Toyota, so I am very excited to have joined the Toyota network once again.

“Global Materials Handling provides a personalised, local service tailored to our clients’ business needs. The combination of a local dealership supported by an internationally recognised manufacturer such as Toyota means that we can deliver excellent levels of service support to all of our clients – regardless of whether they operate a single truck or the largest fleet.”

Duckworth added: “Toyota has a dedicated, strategically positioned dealer network and we are extremely pleased to welcome Global Materials Handling as part of our network. Global has developed an impressive business in the region and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the company.”

ConFoot sponsors Agoria Solar Team

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ConFoot Ltd is sponsoring Agoria Solar Team, the solar car building team from the University of Leuven in Belgium, by providing the team with the latest ConFoot CFU model for lifting and lowering shipping containers.

Agoria Solar Team is competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge with its Bluepoint Atlas car, and has so far won the World Championship in 2019, as well as the European Championships in 2020 and 2021, being the first team ever to have won both titles.

However, winning is not the only goal; the team aims to promote renewable energy, introduce innovative techniques and ideas, promote entrepreneurship and inspire young people.

The three-wheeled Bluepoint Atlas has an entirely self-built engine, with microstructure containing solar panels to increase efficiency, and artificial shark skin to improve aerodynamic performance.

The biannual Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is the world’s toughest and most prestigious solar car event, and it has been inspiring the most brilliant minds in engineering and pushing the limits of technological innovation for 30 years.

In 2019 the competition had 44 teams participating from 21 countries.

The ConFoot CFU model has manually operated hydraulic bottle jacks incorporated into the leg structure, enabling for the container holding the solar car to be lowered all the way to the ground from the truck’s trailer and lifted back again without any additional container handling equipment.

The co-operation between ConFoot and Agoria Solar Team is a continuation of ConFoot’s work with various pioneers and innovators in the renewable energy sector.

Agoria Solar Team Car Facts:

  • Length – 5,000mm
  • Width – 1,300mm
  • Height – 900mm
  • Weight – 190kg
  • Maximum speed – 150km/h
  • Range – 700km
  • Number of solar cells – 292
  • Solar panel power – 900-1,000W
  • Solar panel surface area – 4 sq m
  • Solar cell efficiency – 28%
  • Motor efficiency – 98%

 

ConFoot CFU Facts:

  • Capacity – 20t
  • Lifting/lowering range – 0-1,400mm
  • Single leg weight – 46kg (consists of several pieces, individual piece weight under 25kg)
  • Number of legs in CFU set – 4
  • Operational temperature – -20 +40°C

New Linde trucks offer state-of-the-art performance

Posted on by David Priestman

New powerful electric tow tractors and platform trucks from Linde Material Handling are now flexing their muscles. Equipped with extensive safety features, improved driving comfort and powerful drive technology, the towing machines and transport vehicles ensure enhanced throughput rates for automotive and steel producers, at airports and wholesale markets or in traffic-calmed areas.

Electric tow tractors, whose design is reminiscent of light trucks, are extremely powerful despite their small dimensions and therefore indispensable in many applications where, for example, they pull heavy trailers loaded with machine components or pieces of luggage over longer distances, or reliably transport large numbers of vegetable crates along narrow aisles. Great driving comfort for operators as well as fast and safe goods handling are the predominant requirements placed on this vehicle class. And Linde MH has once again achieved significant improvements with regard to precisely these parameters.

The new electric tow tractors in the Linde P120 to P350 series are designed for towing capacities of 12, 18, 25, 30 and 35 tonnes. For the P250 model there is an additional choice between a short or long wheelbase version. The Linde W20 and W30 platform trucks are capable of moving two and three tons of payload respectively or, alternatively, six tons of towing load. Here, too, there are options regarding the length of the wheelbase.

The entire series has been completely revised in terms of performance and ergonomics, resulting in significant potential benefits for users. “For example, the vehicles are even more enduring when transporting over long distances, which provides a boost in efficiency,” says Sandra Karras, Product Manager Warehouse Technology, highlighting one of the product benefits. In addition, both the platform trucks and the tow tractor variants are equally agile and safe to manoeuvre, and they use either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries as energy storage medium.

Powerful on gradients

Thanks to their powerful electric motors, the vehicles master ramps, underpasses with gradients and long distances quickly and reliably at driving speeds of up to 25km/h. In addition, the overall vehicle design takes into account the regulations and standards that apply in highly sensitive airport environments.

The improved ergonomics are aimed at providing the driver with the best possible support and thus make goods transport even more productive. The spacious cabin with wide, non-slip entry, large display, comfortable seats, air conditioning and lighting, as well as many other equipment features, offers a perfect working environment. Additional windows in the doors and roof provide the driver with the all-round visibility that is so important, especially on difficult terrain. The doors are electronically monitored so that the towing machine only starts up when they are closed.

To prevent unintended acceleration on sloping terrain or ramps, the driver can activate the automatic speed reduction at the push of a button. Other safety equipment includes a protective grille for the rear window, emergency stop switches on the right- and left-hand side at the rear of the vehicle, a solid metal shield at the front of the vehicle, double mirrors on the doors and lighting solutions such as the Linde BlueSpot. All these features pay off in terms of high driving comfort and safe operation.

Driving comfort taken to a new level

The fully suspended and fully damped sports chassis is another feature that ensures driving pleasure. “Everyone who got behind the wheel of one of the new electric transporters was thrilled by the completely new driving experience,” Karras enthuses and recommends taking a test drive. She highlights the fully encapsulated, maintenance- and wear-free brake system as a particularly service-friendly feature which reduces the maintenance outlay. Last but not least, the greater variety of models and equipment options offers economic benefits: Oversizing is avoided, while at the same time high performance is available whenever needed.

Digitised battery charging gives competitive edge

Posted on by David Priestman

Digitalisation is the path to opening up a world of new opportunities in the commercial and industrial sectors. Harnessing new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) or the Internet of Things (IoT) can make supply chains and processes more agile, flexible and connected. In the intralogistics sector in particular, digitalisation is resulting in greater productivity, lower costs and sustainable, efficient warehouse operation.

Many companies are already working with AI and the Internet of Things. Intelligently connected supply chains can be utilised more effectively with a more conscious use of resources. When it comes to electric forklifts, the latest digitalisation and software solutions can also help to prevent unnecessary movements and set ongoing operating costs into a constant downward trend.

But digitalisation does not stop with the vehicle. Charging technology is another field packed with potential for continuously improving workflows and cutting out manual tasks, something which Paul Wagner, Strategic Product Manager at Fronius Perfect Charging, knows all too well: “At many companies the intralogistics processes are conducted with a mixed forklift fleet. The challenge here lies in ensuring that both trucks operated with lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries are kept reliably ready for use. This is where Charge & Connect comes into play.”

Turning data into added value

The greater degree of interconnectivity within companies is generating large quantities of data. By using Charge & Connect, the fleet manager can convert this charging data into valuable information on which to base the introduction of important optimisations into daily operations. The fleet manager can see how many and which batteries are connected as well as their current state of charge.

The battery pool management can also be digitised, which allows for the available batteries to be used and managed more efficiently. The “Cool Battery Guide (CGB)” information management system from Fronius is easily enabled via Charge & Connect and shows which batteries have been fully charged for the longest. The advantages are clear: the forklift driver is lead intuitively to the battery that is already cooled down and ready for use by the blue LED strip on the battery charger.

“The even utilisation of the battery pool and longer battery life reduce procurement costs on new batteries by up to 15%,” adds Wagner.

HUBTEX and INTIS launch inductive charging system

Posted on by David Priestman

Choice of charging technology is key to the efficient use of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in intralogistics. The aim is to supply the vehicle with energy as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, while maximising the internal material flow. To achieve this, HUBTEX is forming a partnership with INTIS.

HUBTEX was responsible for introducing the PhoeniX AGV – the world’s first fully automated electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods. Now, thanks to an inductive charging system from INTIS, the vehicle’s 48V lithium-ion battery can be supplied with a charging current of 400A contactlessly and wirelessly. The same concept can then be transferred to all HUBTEX vehicles with electric drives.

As the requirements in intralogistics become ever more complex, energy management is increasingly used to save time and money. It has become clear that the only way to make your AGV solution as economical as possible is to choose an optimal charging system. In HUBTEX’s experience, stationary cable charging is not the best long-term solution due to the amount of time and space required. Manual charging is certainly the most economical solution, but it relies heavily on the employees.

Swapping the battery for a replacement, on the other hand, takes far less time but requires an appropriate charging infrastructure and skilled personnel. Another option is an automated battery changing station, which can, in many cases, reduce the number of vehicles required, but must be taken into account in the layout and design.

HUBTEX therefore believes that inductive battery charging for AGVs is the best way forward. In its chosen solution, charging pads on the vehicle automatically interact with charging plates on the floor or on the walls as soon as the vehicle is positioned accordingly.

Inductive charging

“By partnering with INTIS, a specialist in inductive charging technology, we are investing in a completely autonomous concept that we believe works best with a combination of lithium-ion batteries and an inductive battery charging system,” explains Michael Röbig, an expert in energy management at HUBTEX.

“In the past, maximum charge power was primarily achieved with cable-based charging equipment. Now we have inductive rapid charging systems, which can charge the vehicles quickly and ensure high availability thanks to the high charging currents.”

The compact charging station can be placed in the respective warehouse or production environment, where the users can take advantage of production-related downtimes for charging purposes, for example. The user has constant access to data such as capacity, status and charging time. Furthermore, inductive charging is maintenance-free, less susceptible to vandalism and, thanks to the smaller lithium-ion batteries, conserves resources. It also requires less time and effort than powering the vehicles using charging stations.

Visitor registration opens for IMHX

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Visitor registration is now open for IMHX 2022, which returns 6 – 8 September to the NEC, Birmingham as the UK’s flagship event for those involved in managing, maintaining, and optimising the operations that keep supply chains moving.

The free-to-attend event, which last took place in 2019 ahead of the global Covid-19 pandemic, will bring together world-class suppliers to showcase intralogistics and supply chain solutions across three days of interactive demonstrations, exciting new product announcements and immersive experiences – each designed to help companies stay ahead of the shifting landscape of logistics and supply chain processes.

As technology continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of supply chains, IMHX 2022 will not only provide a fascinating opportunity to discover artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated handling systems throughout the event, but it will also use cutting-edge technology solutions to create a more exciting event experience for visitors.

The Sustainability Zone, which is a brand-new addition for 2022 and is delivered by SEC Group and sponsored by Cranfield University, Crown Lift Trucks and Intelligent Energy, will harmonise a physical and virtual experience through the power of augmented reality. This ground-breaking feature will enable visitors to fully immerse themselves in the existing solutions that can be adopted as sustainability continues to be a key focus across supply chain operations.

IMHX 2022 group director, Rob Fisher, commented: “While the power of technology has enabled us to stay connected over the last three years, we are really delighted to be able to safely welcome our community back to IMHX this year for a face-to-face event.

“Once again, we look forward to working with UK Materials Handling Association to provide an essential opportunity for professionals to source supply chain solutions, discover the very latest in technological advancements and gain actionable insights that will enable them to create stronger, more sustainable operations today that will stand the test of tomorrow’s challenges.”

In addition to the full exhibition floor which includes names such as Whittan Group, Knapp, Combilift, Geek+, Cesab, Zebra Technologies and Swisslog, IMHX 2022 will host a multi-track series of educational seminars, talks and workshops, with each covering key industry themes and trends. The full agenda, which is supported by Cranfield University as the official Academic Partner, is set to be released soon and will feature some of the industry’s most influential, innovative and pioneering minds as conference speakers.

Fisher further commented: “The main conference at IMHX 2022 will focus specifically on sustainability, while the Logistics Solutions agenda will dive into how advancements in technology and product design are driving key efficiency gains.

“As new supply chain challenges continue to emerge amidst the demands of an ever-growing population, both the conference and exhibition at IMHX will provide the ultimate opportunity for this important industry to prepare and protect their operations.”

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