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Tag: sensors

Greener Farm to Fork Journey

Posted on by David Priestman

5G-technologies could deliver significant carbon savings across food and drink manufacturing from farm to fork, according to new economic modelling. The modelling reinforces the environmental benefits of 5G Standalone (5G SA), particularly for key industries in that are traditionally carbon intensive like manufacturing.

Technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and tracking systems can transform the way we manage food and drink across the manufacturing supply chain – from its origins on the farm, through to factory production sites and transporting the food on UK roads to our stores. The new modelling reveals that 5G technologies could save the food and drink supply chain 37 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions between 2024 and 2035. That’s the same as removing 78,000 delivery trucks from UK roads.*

However, these efficiencies can only be achieved with the timely rollout of a 5G SA network. That is why, following completion of the proposed joint venture, Vodafone UK and Three UK have committed to investing £11 billion in the first 10 years as a combined business which will help deliver 99% of 5G Standalone population coverage by 2034. This critical infrastructure will deliver a far superior network that will allow us to build towards the UK’s digital future, faster and facilitate the innovations needed to support the UK on its Net Zero journey.

The modelling conducted by WPI Economics for Vodafone reveals the impact that these technologies can have on decarbonising the supply chain.

• In farming, 5G technologies, such as drones and sensors that monitor soil and crop conditions could improve yields and significantly reduce the food waste produced on farms. By 2035, this reduction in food waste can correspond to a total saving of carbon emissions equivalent to 6% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2022.
• On the factory line, 5G-enabled manufacturing technologies like remote maintenance systems, which reduce machine downtime, plus IoT tracking systems, which reduce electricity consumption required for cooling and storing goods, could all contribute to an 11% reduction in CO2e emissions in manufacturing by 2035.
• When transporting goods by road, implementing 5G technologies, such as Vehicle-to-Everything to improve the fuel efficiency of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV), in the commercial distribution of food and drink could reduce HGV emissions by up to 54 MtCO2e. This equates to more than double the total UK HGV emissions of 2021.

Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer, Vodafone UK, said: “We’re supporting many customers across the farm to fork supply chain to become more energy efficient through innovative technology like IoT and the Cloud. But we need the proper infrastructure to take it to the next level. 5G Standalone has the potential to transform the UK supply chain, smoothing operations for suppliers and reducing carbon emissions. Vodafone’s proposed combination with Three UK will enable us to invest £11bn over the next decade, reaching over 99% of the UK population with 5G Standalone by 2034 and helping the UK’s agricultural industry decarbonise sooner rather than later.”

A spokesperson from the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “The RHA is dedicated to supporting its members to help them sustainably reduce emissions in the road freight and logistics industry. We welcome Vodafone’s newly released research which finds that the implementation of 5G technologies could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sector by up to 44%. This year, the RHA launched the Net Zero forum which seeks to collaborate with other leading business voices for sharing best practices, technological advancements, and cutting-edge research related to sustainable transport, and we look forward to continuing to support our members by identifying new technology which will support them to decarbonise.”

In June, Vodafone launched the UK’s first Standalone network, 5G Ultra, creating one of the most technologically advanced network for customers.

Methodology

The estimated figures are based on analysis by WPI Economics using trusted data sources, including data from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Department for Transport and the ONS, as well as academic literature. Overall benefits are calculated based on a Theory of Change flow, which breaks down the total effect into discrete effect channels identified through a literature review. Benefits coming from each channel are estimated and summed together (where applicable). The analysis presents emissions avoided between 2024 and 2035, assuming a staggered implementation of 5G-enabled solutions over time. The estimates are based on official government projections of CO2e emissions by industry, and the projected changes in sources of energy generation.
*Delivery trucks refers to Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

Precision 3D Navigation and Collision Avoidance

Posted on by David Priestman

SICK has unveiled a milestone advance in its three-dimensional LiDAR technology with the launch of the multiScan multi-layered LiDAR sensor. The SICK multiScan combines floor-to-ceiling 360° environment perception with high-resolution navigation for reliable real-time localisation, mapping and collision avoidance in automated mobile robots (AMRs) and industrial vehicles, such as forklifts.

Developed on the foundations of SICK’s industry-leading multi-echo LiDAR technology, the SICK multiScan is a compact, lightweight and rugged 3D sensor designed to maximise vehicle availability in both indoor and harsh outdoor environments. With their broad 360° x 65° field of view and 16 scan layers, the LiDAR sensors in the multiScan100 family use on-device pre-processing to output a dense 3D point cloud with 690,000 measuring points, complemented by a high-resolution 0° 2D scan plane for precision navigation.

Each multiScan arrives factory-calibrated and ready for use, whether it is specified as a standard pre-configured product or using the specially-developed Online Configurator. Machine builders and integrators can select the features they need for their application using the time-saving online platform with access to software apps and add-ons for easy customisation.

“Designed with the needs of integrators in mind, the multiScan’s ability to pre-process precision measurement data in real time with no external controller sets it apart,” explains Nathaniel Hofmann, SICK’s Market Product Manager for Measurement Systems.

“The multiScan provides a detailed 3D point cloud of its environment, so the AMR knows exactly where it is, and where any objects are, and it can update its 3D map as it travels around. At any moment in time, it is providing real-world measurements of the production floor or warehouse to make the AMR as efficient and available as possible.”

To enhance the 16-layer 360° horizontal coverage, the multiScan’s vertical aperture angle is configured to optimise the layers between -22.5° to +42.5°. This ensures reliable collision avoidance for objects at ground level, as well detecting cliff edges and ramp inclinations. Objects protruding into the field of view at height, e.g. on warehouse shelving, can also be reliably avoided. The multiScan136, the first sensor to be launched in the product family, has a 360° x 65° field of view and a 60m working range with further variants available from later in 2023.

On-the-Spot Troubleshooting

The multiScan can also be used with SICK’s Augmented Reality Assistant, SARA for troubleshooting and configuration of LiDAR sensors on Automated Mobile Robots. Diagnosis and correction of machine downtime, such as a field infringement, can be done ‘on the spot’ with a mobile phone, without the need to connect a PC.

The multiScan100 family achieves high performance and availability in harsh industrial environments, with a choice of rugged housings available up to IP69K. Using SICK’s unique multi-echo LiDAR technology, the multiScan generates three echoes per beam at 20Hz to achieve higher availability by filtering out the false signals caused by unwanted laser reflections from raindrops, snow, fog or dust particles.

Online Configurator

With SICK’s Online Configurator, engineers are prompted to make selections to customise the multiScan for its working environment, with the opportunity to select hardware options and software add-ons.

In addition to the standard sensor software for data streaming, customers can also select feature add-ons, e.g. for reflector recognition, data reduction and pre-processing, or a filter package where additional robustness is needed e.g. outdoor weather or harsh industrial conditions. Specialised pre-developed SICK sensor apps, such as Safe Break Assist and the SICK LiDAR-LOC are also available to use with the multiScan.

Equipped with 100Mbps Ethernet, eight multifunctional I/Os and matching system plugs, the SICK multiScan is easy to integrate and saves engineers valuable time during commissioning. When ordering, customers can select predefined parameters or choose previously stored configurations. SICK imports them onto the device before delivery.

Warehouse Drone Employed for Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

Kite, an employee share-owned company, is paving the way for logistics as one of the first UK businesses to incorporate warehouse drone technology into its materials handling operation.

Next generation technology, inventAIRy XL, provides automated inventory control in rack and pallet warehouses whilst offering unrivalled efficiency. It has allowed Kite Packaging to significantly improve their processes by undertaking the responsibility of stock checking, enabling the company’s workforce to focus on order fulfilment to meet the rising demand for ecommerce whilst maintaining outstanding customer service.

Using sensors for barcode scanning, a ground robot for autonomous navigation, and smart software to make the data obtained usable, the drone conducts cycle counts considerably faster than any manual operation, no matter how effective it may be. The revolutionary pairing of this technology with a supporting ground vehicle conquers three key constraints of drone use in warehouses: battery endurance, flight stability and autonomous navigation with GP.

Warehouse Drone accuracy

By overcoming these issues, inventAIRy XL removes the need for labour to carry out inventory counts, thus eliminating possibilities for human error and increasing the accuracy of Kite’s operation. The need for mobile elevating work platforms is also made redundant, significantly reducing health and safety risks for staff.

Ultimately, the drone has streamlined Kite’s warehouse operation for far greater efficiency, empowering the leading online packaging supplier to continue improving their existing first-class customer service.

Handling a Smart Century

Posted on by David Priestman

Part of the Meijer Group, Meijer Handling Solutions has just celebrated its 100th birthday. It’s been a century of innovation, and with another set to follow, the urge to innovate is far from over.

Meijer Group started as a one-man business in 1921, founded by Jan Meijer in the Frisian village of Wier, the Netherlands. Like many businesses at that time, Meijer focused on local agriculture. Jan went from farm to farm offering his services as a thresher. His son, Hendrik, took the first technical steps and expanded the range to include tractors and tracked vehicles. Under his leadership, Meijer grew to become a contracting and earthmoving company, carrying out repairs and developing new machines and machine parts. The company demonstrated technical and customer-specific thinking that soon bore fruit.

Hendrik’s son, Sjoerd, added his own contribution. Sjoerd was even more of a techie than his father and shifted the company’s course towards mechanical engineering and construction. Meijer proved himself by developing surprising and effective solutions to complex technical problems. The knowledge and experience gained from these activities were also essential to the development of the company’s present achievements.

These days, the fourth generation is at the helm in the person of Hendrik Meijer (pictured). Meijer Handling Solutions specialises in the production of logistics solutions, such as attachment equipment for material handling equipment and standalone systems. Apart from a brief excursion to Wieringerwerf, the company has always remained in Friesland. In St. Jacobiparochie, the Meijer Group employs approximately 170 people, but it still exudes the feel of a true family business.

Innovative solutions

The origin of current activities lies in the patented telescopic fork that was introduced in 1980, an innovation of Hendrik’s father. The hydraulic ReachForks concept was originally sold exclusively to KOOI, a manufacturer of portable forklift trucks, which at the time was sold under the name KOOI-AAP. In 2000, however, Meijer took over the sales and marketing rights. The official brand name KOOI®ReachForks was also acquired.

“That acquisition has been a success for us,” says Hendrik Meijer. “From then on, we could also supply our products to other OEMs of portable forklift trucks and distributors worldwide. During that time, we grew a department into a professional market leader.” In ten years’, the number of distributors rose sharply: from eight in 2000 to approximately 25 in 2010. Meijer Handling Solutions grew to become the world market leader in the production of hydraulic forks.

In addition to acquiring the sales rights, Meijer also invested in engineering. New innovative products were introduced, such as KOOI®RollerForks. “But we do more than just forks,” Hendrik Meijer continues enthusiastically. “We develop and produce pallet transfer systems for moving goods from one pallet to another, mast height extension and much more.”

Making products smarter

Personified by the CEO, Meijer Handling Solutions is still full of energy and innovation after 100 years. Today, the focus is on making products smarter. The KOOI® Next programme enables forklift trucks to be used even more efficiently. Handling speed can be increased, damage to goods, pallets and racks can be reduced and workplace safety can be improved. The KOOI® Next program is an excellent tool for providing users with essential information. Using an app on the mobile phone, for example, the deflection of the fork can be analysed. KOOI®ReachControl, a length measuring system for all kind of ReachForks, ensures that the extension of the fork stops at the right moment and the forks do not protrude too far through the pallet.

With the length measuring system, Meijer Handling Solutions also responds to the ongoing electrification of internal transport. “For example, we are developing an electric ReachFork,” says Hendrik Meijer. “To guarantee the quality that the market has come to expect from us, we are currently developing and testing various prototypes.”

“There are still many good things in store for the company,” says Hendrik Meijer. “We are a global market leader and want to grow in North America in particular. We have had a joint venture (Cascade-KOOI®) with Cascade there since 2019. Cascade is well represented in North America and our products fit well with their current programme.”

Locally made

Meanwhile, the production facility in St. Jacobiparochie does not offer sufficient space for this further global growth. “When the time is right, we will also look at manufacturing opportunities in other parts of the world. By manufacturing locally, we can also reduce transport and in turn contribute to achieving an environmentally friendly chain.”

Rack Protection and Mast Control Revisited

Posted on by David Priestman

Rack protection and mast control has been reconsidered by Linde Material Handling. A new sensor has been developed which prevents collision damage to the rack and a multifunction lever ensures efficient control of driving, reach travel and lifting functions while being gentle on the finger joints. Fleet managers benefit from cost savings and productivity gains, while forklift drivers can devote their full attention to goods handling.

Collision damage to racking systems is a major annoyance for warehouse managers because it can entail considerable expenditure of time and money. Crushed rack supports and damaged pillars primarily result from operators of reach trucks maneuvering in front of the rack with their eyes looking upward as the load is stored and retrieved. “What’s happening on the ground can easily slip out of focus,” says Alexander Schmidt, Senior Product Manager Reach Trucks at Linde Material Handling, adding that market studies have shown that damage is caused primarily by the load arms while the load, forks or chassis are less frequently involved. “Even minor carelessness can lead to major obstructions in warehouse operations,” Schmidt says. “If a rack frame is dented six millimeters over a length of one meter, up to one-third of the rack’s load-carrying capacity can be lost. This might mean that the corresponding number of rack locations can no longer be occupied and the capacity of the warehouse is consequently reduced. Repairing the damage and replacing the broken rack support is time-consuming because all areas to the right and left of the damaged rack frame must be emptied and the goods temporarily stored elsewhere.This takes up working time and additional storage space, disrupts operations and thus reduces productivity in the warehouse,” the Senior Product Manager says, outlining the negative consequences.

Linde Material Handling is addressing this problem by means of its Rack Protection Sensor (RPS). Two special light sensors, which are installed above the load arms in a protected housing, detect objects that come into focus in the light beam in front of them. If an obstacle is identified, the assistance system dynamically brakes the truck, thus avoiding damage. The sensors become active at a driving speed of less than five kilometers per hour – which is the usual speed when maneuvering in front of a rack. If operators accelerate the vehicle above this set limit, for example to cover longer distances, the patented system automatically switches off. The technology is particularly well suited to the conditions in the warehouse because it can work in artificial light as well as in daylight and sunlight, explains Schmidt.

The RPS has proven particularly helpful for companies whose driver pool regularly includes new or temporary employees. “These individuals often lack experience and misjudge the dimensions of the reach truck,” states the Linde product manager. Here, as an “additional eye at ground level”, the RPS provides valuable support for the fast yet safe maneuvering of heavy equipment.

 

Smart Sensors and Cloud Technologies

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Siemens Logistics is taking its proven customer service to the next level with SmartService, a portfolio of cutting-edge solutions to further improve processes. Airports, airlines and parcel centers are thereby able to minimize costly system downtimes and substantially improve system availability. A key element of Siemens’ service approach is predictive maintenance: collected data helps detect changes in the condition of systems and their components at an early stage. Necessary measures such as service, repair and simple cleaning are carried out at the optimum time and resources are used in the best possible way.

“We’re proud to be a reliable lifecycle partner to our customers. With our innovative digital service solutions, we boost the performance of material handling systems and extend the service life of system components,” says Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “In so doing, we provide our customers with a decisive competitive advantage.”

Siemens’ service approach is based on condition monitoring of the systems, in which mobile and stationary sensors record, for example, vibration and distance measurements of rails and belts as well as forces on chains. If deviations from threshold values established from historical data analysis are identified, customers can plan and carry out targeted maintenance measures and thus avoid downtimes.

The predictive maintenance approach from Siemens is based on condition monitoring and makes full use of advances made in digitalization: Smart applications and highly developed machine learning algorithms evaluate collected data and predict the remaining life of components, such as sorter carriers, belts and motors. To store and analyze the data obtained, Siemens offers the open, cloud-based IoT operating system MindSphere. Evaluations and recommended actions are displayed on user-friendly dashboards. With predictive maintenance, Siemens’ customers can substantially improve the reliability of their systems. At the same time, the deployment of service teams and spare parts management is optimized, and unnecessary work is avoided. This not only lowers costs, but also enhances the safety of service staff.

Siemens Logistics has already implemented SmartService solutions such as Sorter 360 and Motor 360 in both the airport and parcel sector worldwide. Sorter 360 provides customers with valuable data indicating, for example, the degree of wear and tear on sorter carrier rollers. This is achieved by monitoring the vibration and height of moving parts on tilt-tray sorters, such as VarioSort TTS in baggage handling systems, or on cross-belt sorters, like VarioSort EXB in parcel sorting centers. Installation is also possible on third-party sorters. Another solution, Motor 360, focuses on recording and evaluating data that already exists in the system, enabling abnormal current values to be identified in good time.

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