Körber and Hai Robotics Enter Strategic Partnership

Körber, an international technology group, is entering into a strategic partnership with Hai Robotics (“Hai”)— a leading provider of intelligent automated warehouse solution. The partnership allows Körber to offer Hai Robotics’ products as part of its solutions globally, particularly Hai’s industry-leading autonomous case-handling robots (ACR).

Since 2016, Körber has remained active in establishing strategic partnerships for the integration of mobile robotic solutions. With Hai Robotics’ ACR systems, operators can automate their warehouses within very short lead times. Warehouse operation efficiency will also increase by three to four times, and storage density by 80% to 400% respectively. The Körber portfolio consists of a mix between its own products and that from third party suppliers. This technology-agnostic approach allows supply chain experts to implement optimal and individualized solutions for their customers.

“As one of the leading integrators of automated intralogistics solutions, the Körber Supply Chain Business Area is always searching for new and innovative partners to ensure that customers are getting the best solutions”, said Michiel Veenman, Vice President of Körber Fulfilment Solutions. “We believe the solutions from Hai Robotics are sufficiently different from some of the other offerings in the market, thus making it a good addition to our portfolio.”

“From increasing costs to scarce labor, alongside intense developments in mobile robotic solutions, logistic operators are constantly under the pressure to meet stakeholder demands,” said Kane Luo, Vice President of International Business Center at Hai Robotics. “Our continued dedication to flexible automation has already provided clients with the efficiency required to fuel warehouse activity, and we are excited to continue such through our partnership with Körber. Through this partnership, both Hai’s and Körbers’ position as industry pioneers will be further strengthened.”

Hai Robotics, a leading global provider of Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems, is committed to providing flexible, intelligent, and efficient warehouse automation solutions through robotics technology and AI algorithms. The HaiPick solution, independently developed in 2015, is the world’s first ever ACR solution. Hai Robotics is a global enterprise that has more than 1,000 projects worldwide and serves customers from more than 30 countries and regions. We have offices to cover the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and Australia. We strive to combine global experience with local expertise to provide our customers with tailored, quality solutions.

IFOY Test Report: Youibot AT100

Tonight is the night when the winners of the 2023 IFOY Awards will be revealed at a ceremony in Dortmund. Alphabetically last, but certainly not least, we take an in-depth look at the AT100 warehouse fulfillment solution from Youibot Robotics.

Youibot’s Automatic Trolley warehouse fulfillment solution utilises its brand-new assistance picking robot AT100 AMR and its robot fleet management system YOUIFleet to integrate with retailers’ and 3PL’s existing infrastructures and workflow and help them meet their increasing fulfillment demand, while ensuring a low ROI.

IFOY category: Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV / AMR)

IFOY Test Report

Youibot’s Automatic Trolley (AT) solutions are an automated alternative to manual picking on trolleys. Depending on the use and height of the order totes, the number of platforms on the trolley can be adjusted. The AT100, nominated for the IFOY AWARD, has a load capacity of 100kg.

While manual picking involves pushing the heavy trolleys through the warehouse by hand which often results in lost time due to the partly long walking distances, the Youibot concept works on the principle of zone picking. Each picker has his own picking zone, which the automated trolley passes when one or more order lines for the respective orders on the trolley need to be picked in that zone.

The orders on the trolley are grouped by Youibot’s Robot Picking System (RPS), which is connected to the customer’s WMS. The RPS also controls the robots in a facility. By using a central fleet management system (YOUIFleet), the risk of congestion and waiting times is minimised. YOUIFleet supports a maximum fleet size of 150 robots at one location.

For safe navigation through the warehouse, the AT100 uses the latest SLAM laser navigation technology. Because the AT100 knows the warehouse better than any employee, the robot always chooses the most efficient route to the next picking zone. One employee looks at the touch display to see how many items are to be picked at which location, scans those items with the trolley-mounted scanner, and then the display shows which order bin the goods are destined for. Once all orders in a zone have been picked, the operator confirms this via the display and the robot continues on its way to the next picking zone.

If the multisensor system detects an obstacle or a person, the robot stops automatically and the green light (ready for operation) changes to yellow. The standard safety distance is 300mm, but if a higher travel speed is desired, this distance can be adjusted. The maximum travel speed of the AT100 is 1.5m/s.

The system is CE certified and also complies with the latest US standard (ANSI/RIA R1508). This makes it one of the safest systems in its class.

The AT100 is equipped with a Li-ion battery that  ̶  when the robot is fully loaded  ̶  is good for up to nine hours of use. Incidentally, the battery is fully recharged within one hour. This enables trouble-free 24/7 use.

In addition, the AT100 provides an efficient and error-free picking process. With the same number of pickers, up to three times as many orders can be picked. For the pickers, walking distances are significantly reduced. In addition, working with the robots is more pleasant and less tiring.

IFOY test verdict: With the AT100, Youibot offers a good example of how “You, I and a robot” can work together harmoniously and effectively. Its load capacity of 100kg is one of the highest on the market. The AT100 minimises walking distances and human errors. It offers higher efficiency and accuracy and guarantees a lower ROI.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Picking support vehicles have a large market as they can be applied in many operations. Automated transport of the picked items for one or more orders on a vehicle frees the picker from the heavy-duty pushing of order collection totes. Instead, the pickers remain in defined zones of the picking warehouse, where they take over the item removals from the provided assortment as soon as a vehicle enters the zone with its assigned orders.

Customer benefit: The AT100 has large, individually adjustable shelves and a load capacity that makes it suitable for a wide variety of combinations of larger orders and item weights. All-important functional and safety elements are well integrated into the vehicle and arranged in an easily accessible manner. The vehicle is very robustly built for its task and enables a very high usability value for its users.

Novelty / Innovation: The structure and the compact design are not exceptionally new for a vehicle supporting order picking. However, the very good design with versatile adjustable shelves and the robust design, which seem appropriate for the application, make the unit stand out in this market segment. However, the software for controlling a fleet of AT100s is limited to routing the vehicles through predetermined zones and does not highlight the potential to guide vehicles and order pickers dynamically and thus order-dependently to each other in an order-picking warehouse.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The aforementioned features of the vehicle and fleet management offer good functions for increasing performance and ergonomics in order-picking warehouses. For the sometimes challenging operation in order-picking warehouses, the vehicle offers recognisable reserves in terms of stability and robustness.

Verdict: Picking support vehicles have a large market as they can be used in many businesses. The vehicle is robustly built for this task and promises very good benefits for users. The structure and compact design with adjustable shelves is not exceptionally new but offers good functions and features 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

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: Hikrobot F4-1000C

In the next of our comprehensive looks at all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd, we come to the first of several entries from China, the F4-1000C AGV from Hikrobot.

Category: Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV / AMR)

IFOY Test Report

Hikrobot introduces the F4-1000C, or F4 for short, a super-compact AGV designed specifically for use in narrow aisles or confined spaces. It can be used in a variety of conditions, from logistics to production environments. With a chassis of just 400mm (1,600mm including forks) and a width of 800mm, the IFOY nominee appears extremely slim. Despite its compact size, the AGV with forks can effortlessly transport and lift loads of 1,000kg up to a height of 1.3m. At the maximum lifting height of 3m, the residual load capacity is 600kg.

With travel speeds of 1.8m/s (without load) and 1.2m/s (with load), the robot is faster than many competitors. Lifting speed is 0.5m/s (unloaded) and 0.3m/s (loaded). Lifting accuracy is ±2mm.

The CE-certified F4-1000C is equipped with numerous safety features that ensure safe cooperation between man and machine. It operates precisely and reliably with a positioning accuracy of ±5mm. At the IFOY presentation, the F4 detected pallets that were not fully in position thanks to the camera in the fork carriage. If a pallet deviates by up to 10°, the AGV detects this and independently corrects its position.

Hikrobot’s in-house fleet management system can also be easily adapted to the requirements and systems of customers in different industries. No third party is required for this, eliminating additional work and costs.

The F4-1000C is controlled by Hikrobot’s robot control system (RCS). This system optimises routes and avoids congestion and traffic delays. According to Hikrobot, this increases efficiency by two to three times.

The F4 navigates with SLAM technology. The 48V/70Ah lithium-ion battery is sufficient for eight hours of use on a full charge, according to Hikrobot.

Regardless of the workflow or deployment situation, the F4-1000C ensures a smooth flow of goods. The F4 is one of the few robots that can operate in both logistics environments and industrial deployment situations. The F4’s “mother tongue” is Italian, but it can provide feedback in all European languages.

The manufacturer considers the attractive price to be a major plus point. Since the Chinese manufacturer  ̶  with the exception of the SICK sensor  ̶  develops and produces all components in-house, Hikrobot retains maximum control over the supply chain. In addition, this allows the manufacturer to respond to a wide variety of customer requests and requirements. In other words, maximum flexibility at a competitive price. By its own account, Hikrobot delivers the F4 at a price that is at least 30% lower than any competitor. To maintain control of the supply chain after delivery, Hikrobot has a European headquarters and spare parts centre in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

IFOY test verdict: Thanks to its compact size, the independent F4-1000C maximises the use of storage space. Its manoeuvrability gives users a great advantage in both logistics and industry.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Vehicles like the F4 1000C with a fork for standard pallet skids have a large market. The 1200x800mm pallet format and other load carriers with these basic dimensions, such as mesh boxes or large load carriers, are used in very many companies in Europe.

Customer benefit: The extremely compact design of the vehicle with a short body for drive and control results in a vehicle length of only 1640mm. This enables the F4-1000C to place the DIN pallet format 1200x1000mm crosswise in a rack after a 90° turn, even in a storage aisle that is only 2052mm wide. The manoeuvrability of the compact vehicle enables a good utility value for the user.

Novelty / Innovation: Even in this compact design, the vehicle is not exceptionally new. Market competitors already have vehicles with omnidirectional drive in their portfolio, which currently represent the benchmark in the compact industrial truck segment.

Functionality / Type of implementation: In addition to its compactness, the F4-1000C offers many good functions and features that are beneficial to the user. These include the autonomy functions, such as the well-functioning avoidance of obstacles. The demonstration of detecting load carriers outside the specified pick-up position, for example twisted or shifted, did not work in the successive tests.

Verdict: Vehicles like the F4 1000C have a very large market, as the 1200x800mm pallet format is used in very many companies. The manoeuvrability of the vehicle enables good benefits for the users. Even in this compact design, the vehicle is not exceptionally new, but offers good functions and features for the user.

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

NEXT Streamlines Order Processing

Geek+, a global leader in mobile robots for logistics, and NEXT, the British multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer, have announced the success of their automation collaboration in NEXT’s Dearne Valley Pallet fulfilment centre. In 45,000 sq m of warehouse space, 250 Geek+ robots handle both goods-to-person picking and order sorting processes for NEXT’s e-commerce operations.

Faced with high demand and operating in the volatile fashion industry, NEXT decided to streamline its processes and scale up efficiently to meet new customer requirements. To achieve this goal, it  has sought efficient solutions including selecting Geek+ as its robotic warehouse automation partner. The hybrid “Pick-and-Sort” solution is the result of the successful co-development process between the two companies.

Liam Jenkinson, Site Manager at NEXT, said: “Working with Geek+ has been a positive experience for us, both from the start and with the ongoing support provided. The flexibility offered by Geek+’s picking and sortation system is critical to our operations, and the integration between our Warehouse Management System and Geek+’s Robot Management System is seamless. As our business continues to expand, we are planning to extend the warehouse and replicate the success of this project in the new space.”

NEXT Manages Wide Variety of Products

The process begins with the Geek+ P800 picking robots, which retrieve the pallets from the pallet transfer area and move them to the storage area for picking. Once a picking order is initiated, the robot transports the rack to a multifunctional workstation that is utilised for both the picking and sorting procedures. Once the picking is completed, the operator deposits the item onto the S20T sorting robot. The S20T robot then transfers the goods to the designated chute for the depot, while the parcel heads downstairs for packing. The flexibility of the Geek+ solution enables NEXT to manage a wide variety of products that differ in size, weight, and velocity of sale.

With this solution, NEXT can process 16,000 units per day. According to NEXT, the efficiency of the automated process is twice that of manual picking.

Brian Lee, VP of EMEA Region at Geek+, said: “NEXT is a visionary customer that placed their trust in us. We are proud to have fulfilled our promise and provided NEXT’s warehouse with our intelligent and flexible warehouse automation solutions. We are eager to replicate it in more warehouses across the UK, Europe, and around the global.”

This improved efficiency has not only enabled NEXT to handle a record volume during the last Christmas season without requiring additional labour, but it has also allowed it to push the cut-off time from 18:00 to 22:00 while still meeting its next day delivery promise. One of the advantages of the Geek+ solution is its scalability. To meet its growing demand, NEXT introduced 50 additional S20T robots earlier this year.

 

MFCs Benefit from Robotic Sorting Systems

Installing outdated intralogistiics technologies will prevent micro-fulfilment centres from achieving the efficiency gains ecommerce retailers are looking for, writes Xia Huiling, founder and chief executive of LiBiao Robotics.

With online shoppers demanding more convenient and ever faster order fulfilment speeds, many online retailers are choosing to invest in micro-fulfilment centres (MFCs). MFCs are usually small footprint facilities capable of enabling fast local pick-up or delivery and are located within major population centres – close to a retailer’s customers.

So, given that the key driver for opening an urban MFC Is the ability to fulfil orders in the shortest possible time frame, why would an internet retailer specify handling methodologies or intralogistics technology for their MFC that could slow the process down? After all, your MFC unit may be in the ideal geographical location to give rapid access to your client base but that counts for nothing if the materials handling system within the building is delaying the time it takes for orders to leave the facility.

Thanks, in part, to the fact that they achieve the same parcel throughput statistics as traditional conveyor systems and yet require a significantly smaller area within which to operate, autonomous mobile robot (AMR) parcel sortation systems are increasingly seen as an ideal solution for MFC applications where, due to a site’s urban location, the square footage available is usually restricted.

And the ability to make the most of an MFC’s cramped conditions isn’t the only advantage that modern AMR systems can claim over traditional conveyor technology. Unlike conveyor-based sorting systems that often have to be completely shut down if a fault develops at any point ‘on the line’, a malfunctioning robot causes no discernible drop in a site’s throughput capacity: the problem unit is simply and quickly removed and replaced meaning the parcel sortation process never stops and the MFC is able to continue to provide the kind of swift customer response for which it is designed.

Light and easy to construct and dismantle with no fixed infrastructure requirements, modular AMR sortation systems, such as LiBiao’s ‘Mini Yellow’ series, can be easily scaled up to cope with any spikes in throughput. Capacity is increased by simply introducing additional robots as required and once the busy period has passed, units can be removed again just as effortlessly. And the technology is also fully portable – meaning systems can be switched between sites if required.

Sortation robots are easy to maintain. For instance, software errors are fixed remotely, which removes the need for an engineer to make a site visit and contributes to an AMR system’s low lifetime running costs.

Micro-fulfilment operations can increase speed, agility, and competitiveness in response to some of the challenges caused by the rapid and sustained growth of eCommerce. But implementing out-dated intralogistics technologies that are neither agile nor speedy, will mean your MFC will fail to generate the expected results, so it is essential that executives identify the solutions that will allow customer demands to be met and generate long-term value for their business.

 

Tailored Automations for Optimising a Warehouse

Warehouses are some of the most important parts of the way that retail organisations operate, with better warehouse logistics keeping companies up to date with their orders and shipping requirements, writes Jack Roberts of Bluestonex (pictured). As artificial intelligence and machine learning become more common, companies are starting to implement more automation in their warehouses to take advantage. Learn more about the role of automation in a warehouse, and how to best tailor automation to your warehouse operations.

What is automation?

The process of automation refers to when artificial intelligence plays a significant role in taking manual tasks away from people in the workplace, instead placing them under the purview of machines that have been designed for the role. Many people think of automation as a purely “robotic” process that uses advanced machinery to complete work, however, most of the automation primarily emphasises software solutions. Lots of tasks that artificial intelligence completes focus on relatively menial and repetitive jobs, as these are much simpler to program.

How does automation apply to a warehouse?

Technology has been an increasingly important part of warehouses for a few years now, with automation starting to apply in a range of different ways. Some of the main processes that are becoming more automated in a warehouse environment include:

Product ordering

Some companies use automation to complete product ordering processes. This includes keeping tabs on the amount of stock available as one of the main metrics that a company has and ordering new stock the moment it lowers to a specific threshold. Product ordering automation is ideal for businesses as it ensures that there are always enough products available for customers. Automating this is less useful for just-in-time systems, with bulk products being ideal.

Stock tracking

Vast warehouses can have stock across a large area, with different products all being in different places. By combining artificial intelligence with a barcode or QR scanning system, automation can keep track of where individual products are in a large warehouse. This removes what would otherwise be an extremely strenuous task for employees, freeing up a lot of time to complete more important tasks for the company.

Manual tasks

Moving away from the implementation of software automation in the workplace, adding robotic hardware such as mobile arms to the warehouse can increase efficiency. Robotic implements can move precisely and repeatedly without showing any signs of fatigue, bringing a greater degree of consistency to the workplace. This also keeps staff members safe from injury, with robotic tools able to lift heavier goods more safely.

Tailoring automation to your warehouse

Automation is all well and good, but it is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, with different companies implementing it in unique ways. Learn more about the steps to take when tailoring automation to your warehouse, and why each of these steps is a fundamental part of preparing your business for the future.

Consider your needs

Start your journey towards automation by considering your needs. A lot of automation focuses on information, such as data governance automation and ensuring greater data health. By understanding the issues that your data faces and some steps to resolve it, you guide your automation to be far more effective. Some companies turn to external consultants at this stage, but a lot of the time you have a better understanding of the issues affecting the company than someone that is only looking at the data.

Understand limitations

Every company has its own limitations to consider when it is looking to implement new technology, with some examples including the budgetary limits that the company is working with and the amount of space a business has. For example, adding robot arms to a space is a fine idea, but it doesn’t work if there isn’t enough physical room. Do a full audit of what might hold your automation back, then balance your dream solution with this better understanding of the boundaries you are working within. It will save you time later in the process when you’re considering solutions.

Set clear goals

Make sure that you have clear goals for your automation. Pay attention to your needs and set clear goals that resolve the gaps in your workflow, with automated systems specifically targeting these. Whether you’re targeting better business partner onboarding beyond the warehouse or simply an improved way of ordering products, knowing your goals ahead of time stops the project from spiralling out of control and eating into the budget you allocated to other areas.

Get started

The best way to tailor your automation is to get started as soon as possible. Automation and AI are fast-moving areas that are providing more cutting-edge advantages as time goes on, so the sooner a company makes the most of this, the better positioned they are for future developments. Augment your warehouse with automation today and start seeing the benefits immediately.

Flooring ‘Revolution’ for Warehouse Robots

Hi-Level Mezzanines is launching Hi-Tile, an innovative robot-ready flooring system that meets the demands of the booming global logistics automation sector. Hi-Tile uses robust interlocking 7mm textured PVC tiles to create what it describes as the most durable, cost-effective flooring on the market.

Hi-Tile’s high point load, electrostatic resistance and anti-slip surface make it an ideal partner to robotics solutions. It is already in use by Geek+ Robotics and with Locus’ Directed Picking technology.

“The tile option is a great way to create a perfect floor very, very quickly,” says Simon Houghton of Geek+ Robotics.

“Hi-Tile is the cost-effective solution the market has been waiting for,” adds Chris Baxter, Hi-Level Mezzanines Sales Director.

Hi-Tile is being successfully used by clients including High Street retailers, supermarkets, 3PLs, specialist logistics firms and e-commerce wholesalers. Installations range from 200 to 9,000 sq m for warehousing, production, automation and robotics environments.

The right time

Launch of Hi-Tile comes at just the right time. The global logistics automation market was valued at £30.16 bn and is expected to reach over £93.11 bn by 2027, according to UK Manufacturing, which credits the demand for industrial robots as driving much of that growth. Warehouse automation experts expect to see an increase in adoption over the next five  years, driven by the ongoing labour shortage, a more integrated warehouse and the introduction of better and more affordable solutions.

Hi-Tile is not only half the price of steel plates on timber board, it is also moisture resistant so avoids the cracking and blistering seen with epoxy resin floors. Minimal subfloor preparation is required, so Hi-Tile flooring can be installed over uneven or damp slabs. With a 10-year wearability warranty, it is described by Hi-Level Mezzanines as an outstanding improvement on brittle phenolic (laminate) decking panels.

More advantages include a range of 11 colours so clients can demarcate particular areas of floor for walkways or storage areas, or for health and safety reasons. Hi-Tile is quick to install and easy to clean and maintain. Made of 100% recyclable PVC, it also has green credentials.

Created by Hi-Level Mezzanines’ structural engineers, the innovative Hi-Tile system was tested with a global robot provider in China – with 68,000 cycles on a 150kg payload – and a leading supermarket chain in the UK. Hi-Level Mezzanines then acquired sole rights to sell it for use with robotics on mezzanines in the UK and mainland Europe.

 

Plus One Demonstrates Human-in-the-Loop Solutions

Plus One Robotics, a provider of advanced robot perception software and solutions for parcel handling systems, will be demonstrating its human-in-the-loop remote supervisor software, Yonder, in booth 6C11 in Hall 6 at LogiMAT 2023 at the Messe Stuttgart convention centre.

By participating in the Yonder demonstration, attendees will be provided an opportunity to act as a ‘Crew Chief’ and remotely control and command a robot in the Plus One Utrecht Customer Experience Centre to pick and place using their de-palletising system for random mixed pallets. With Yonder, remotely located humans can supervise multiple robots from any location, speeding the robot’s ability to handle exceptions. The AI system learns from this intervention to further improve its capabilities if similar situations occur in the future, helping to minimise downtime and enabling 24/7 fulfilment.

PickOne with Yonder enables companies to be more efficient and cost effective with very precise, high-speed robotic picking and automated sortation. Using award-winning AI vision software in conjunction with the company’s unique end-of-arm robot grippers, PickOne optimises the picking and depalletising of mixed parcels, bags, pallets, and products for high-volume ecommerce fulfilment and distribution centres.

 

Industry-Proven Visual SLAM Solutions

Sevensense Robotics is committed to innovation and excellence in the field of Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology and hardware. As a trusted partner to some of the world’s most innovative robotics manufacturers, Sevensense will showcase its cutting-edge Visual SLAM solutions at LogiMAT, which enable precise positioning and navigation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and other service robots.

With its unique market-proven Visual SLAM technology, Sevensense enables manufacturers of mobile robots to upgrade the navigation technology of their products and deliver best-in-class performance.

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting at LogiMAT 2023, and to have the opportunity to demonstrate our Visual SLAM solution at a key event for the intralogistics industry. Our products have been designed to meet the needs of logistics businesses, providing a solution that can help AMR users to increase efficiency, and flexibility while reducing their operating costs. We are excited to work with our partners and their customers to reinvent how mobile robots are used to automate processes,” said Gianluca Cesari, Chief Business Development Officer at Sevensense Robotics.

Product demos at LogiMAT 2023

The LogiMAT 2023 exhibition is the perfect platform for Sevensense to demonstrate its industry-leading technology and expertise.
Visitors will be able to experience first-hand how 3D Visual Autonomy can enhance the capabilities of automated vehicles, enabling them to navigate and operate in complex environments with greater precision and efficiency.

Sevensense Robotics will showcase its products:
● Alphasense Autonomy, a multi-camera Edge AI solution that provides vehicles with advanced navigation capabilities.
● Alphasense Position, which leverages the same hardware bundle to provide precise localization.
The Sevensense Robotics team will be offering live demos from Tuesday, April 25th to Thursday, April 27th at booth 6D09 in hall 6 at the LogiMAT 2023 show in Stuttgart, Germany. For the first time, Sevensense will display a number of series vehicles produced by its OEM partners and equipped with its Visual SLAM solutions. These mobile robots – spanning from intralogistics vehicles to service robots – state the maturity of the Sevensense technology and demonstrate only a few of the use cases that greatly benefit from it.

Sevensense builds the eyes and brains for mobile robots whose vision and intelligence empower manufacturers of manually operated vehicles to become providers of smart robots and enter the automation revolution of the 21st century. The company aims to solve complex automation challenges for its clients in the fields of logistics and service robotics. The technology radically simplifies and accelerates their development efforts, as it can easily be installed on any kind of ground vehicle, transforming them into smart robots. Sevensense envisions a world in which repetitive, dangerous, and unhygienic jobs in factories, warehouses, and public spaces will be carried out by robots equipped with their technology. Sevensense is a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich.

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