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Tag: warehouse automation

New Stockholm automated logistics facility

Posted on by David Priestman

Mathem is growing at a fast pace together with the food retail e-commerce industry in the Nordic countries. The establishment of a new logistics facility in Larsboda, south of Stockholm, is an important piece of the puzzle for continued expansion. An equally important aspect is the specially designed automation solution from SSI Schaefer.

Mathem was established in 2007 as an online grocery store and has seen since a huge expansion with more and more returning customers. Currently the operations are conducted in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö and their surrounding areas.

With a constantly evolving and changing customer offering, a high degree of flexibility is a must. The solution must also meet customers’ demands for increased and faster availability, which has been one of the major driving forces during the project. SSI Schaefer was selected because of its flexibility and adaptivity to Mathem’s business needs and productivity goals.

“E-commerce for food retail is an exciting industry where we have seen high growth rates all over the world, especially during the last year. Mathem is a very important project for us at SSI Schaefer. This clearly shows that we are at the forefront of efficiencies in the market segment that we see continuing to grow. It is exciting to be able to contribute to and support Mathem in achieving its goals,” says Hans Ekström, Solution Design Manager Automation at SSI Schaefer.

With Mathem’s project, SSI Schaefer position itself even stronger in e-commerce for groceries. An area that places higher demands on automation solutions than typical e-commerce in retail due to larger orders and higher capacity. SSI Schaefer already has extensive experience in automation for food retail with several large projects in the Nordic countries. For example, the largest automation solution in Europe for Coop and automation with a strong sustainability focus for ASKO.

“I am glad that the deal is finally through. In a short time, and in close collaboration with SSI Schaefer, we have found a solution that provides the conditions to continue our fantastic growth journey and to achieve our set profitability goals. Every day, tens of thousands of items, in any combination, must be picked and delivered to our customers as quickly as possible. The solution will also offer our logistics employees in Sweden the best working environment! We have come a long way and made many important decisions and now the real work begins to achieve this,” comments Henrik Peitz, COO at Mathem.

The installation will begin this autumn and the goal is to release the new facilities into operation during the second half of 2022.

First data logger meets IEC standard

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The G-Log 2 data logger from Germany-based Aspion GmbH is the first shock recorder on the market to implement the continuous shock/vibration test of the European transport standard EN IEC 60721-3-2:2018 with its 2M4/2M5/2M6 classes during transportation.

This standard specifies the common environmental influences to which products may be exposed during transport in their ready-for-shipment form.

“Reliably detecting transport damage, verifying it simply and transparently according to recognised and agreed on rules in order to minimise risks and avert costs – this is no longer a pipe dream for supply chain managers and quality managers,” says Aspion Managing Director Martina Woehr. “With the implementation of transport standards in a low-cost and easy-to-use data logger, the proof of transport damage in multimodal transport becomes, for the first time, as simple and transparent as monitoring the cold chain.”

The use of an international standard improves understanding among all parties involved in transport and eliminates misunderstandings. Specialist knowledge is no longer necessary. The procedure is simple: the manufacturer classifies or tests their product according to the standard/class for integrity under normal transport conditions, usually carried out during packaging tests in testing facilities.

The data logger now monitors the transport for environmental conditions of the applied standard and directly indicates deviations in the data analysis. The result is either: the standard was complied with or it wasn’t. In the latter case, the recorded data enable experts to carry out an in-depth analysis of the exact sequence of impacting shocks or vibrations. They know that not only the amount of acceleration per axis is relevant, but also the duration of the shock or vibration.

The Aspion G-Log 2 data logger is the only device in its price class to document the course of a shock or vibration per axis in millisecond increments. This is made possible by an intelligent algorithm that ensures that the very first shock, as well as the other eight highest shocks and vibrations in the entire transport process, is available for analysis in this level of detail. All further shocks or vibrations are reliably logged by the data logger with date and time in a ring memory with their respective height and direction on all three axes.

The German specialist hopes that the use of the shock recorders will lead to more conscious handling of goods by all those involved in their transport. “Our Aspion G-Log 2 creates evidence through the transparency of the stored data, which significantly simplifies claims processing – for shippers, transporters and, last but not least, insurers,” says Woehr, adding: “With this innovation, we not only simplify the evidence in the event of a claim but also give our customers a clear competitive advantage.”

New MD for robotics specialist

Posted on by David Priestman

Robotics and automation specialist RMGroup has appointed Mark Tucker as its new managing director. Mark has over 40 years’ experience in the automation sector, having held a number of previous technical, managerial and sales senior roles. He will be working with the existing board, consisting of previous MD, Edward Rees, who now becomes chairman, Rosie Davies (commercial director), Edward Pugh (sales director) and Thomas Rees (technical director).

With increasing demand for its range of handling, robotics and automation solutions, the company has enjoyed significant growth in recent years. The company’s success is based on its reputation for quality UK-manufactured machinery and national on-site and on-line service support, allied to integration of its partnerships with ABB Robotics, Asti Mobile Robotics (recently acquired by ABB), Lantech and pallet packaging solution specialist, Lachenmaier.

Tucker said: “RMGroup is a great business with great products, great people and a can-do attitude. It’s my dream job and it was an easy decision to accept the invitation from Edward. I look forward to leading the management team along a maturing path to even greater success.”

From its 5,000 sq m mid-Wales factory, RMGroup designs, manufactures and supplies a wide range of manual and automatic packaging machinery, packaging systems and robotic automation to a customer base spanning food & beverage, horticultural, aggregates, chemicals and agricultural industries. The company’s service packages cover a wide-ranging toolbox of support options and can be configured to suit customers’ equipment and requirements.

Robotics Fleet Management: buy or build?

Posted on by David Priestman

As the robotics market continues to accelerate — with many robotics enthusiasts diving into the development of robots and their accompanying systems — you might be wondering what would be best for your business: to buy or to build?

To help make your decision-making process a little bit easier, Meili Robots‘ industry report explores and discusses the seven key considerations for buying or building a fleet management system (FMS) for your robot fleet.

Implementation & maintenance costs

An important aspect of building or buying an FMS is the costs and speed of the implementation process. While a third-party FMS can be integrated into your existing systems within hours, it can easily take a year or more to develop your own scalable solution.

Meanwhile, resources and expertise are also crucial factors for deciding whether to build or buy a scalable FMS. Depending on the size of your fleet, you will need to consider hiring a team of developers to establish the necessary infrastructure and interface of your software.

Perhaps the most important consideration for buying or building an FMS is the maintenance of the system. If you do decide to build your own FMS, you will need to keep your system up to date — meaning you would most likely need to hire in-house developers. If you were to buy an existing FMS, you would instead have automatic access to external developers from the third-party provider.

Compatibility, functionality & scalability

Many third-party FMSs can easily be integrated into existing systems and might be customisable to your exact requirements. However, this usually costs extra and takes more time to deploy. On the other hand, when building your own FMS, you get to design and develop your software exactly the way you want. Keep in mind that this also comes with additional maintenance to keep your system up to date.

If you have the resources at hand to develop your own FMS, you get a lot of flexibility in terms of functionality — having the ability to add new features and updates as you see fit. With an existing FMS, you will be dependent on the third-party provider for updates and new features.

Most existing FMSs are specifically designed to make it easier for you to scale your business. If you were to build your own FMS, you need to ensure that you have a strong, scalable software foundation so it can keep things running in the long run without running into any complexities.

For further insights into the seven key considerations for buying or building a FMS, please download the free report on Meili Robots. Here, we dive further into the implementation speed, cost estimates, functionality, system compatibility and security as well as connectivity, data monitoring, and current market insights.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT

MHS introduces cross-belt sorter for small items

Posted on by Keith McKinley

MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, has unveiled a new cross-belt sorter designed to handle small items. The HC-Loop Double Cell has an innovative design that uses sections of two cross-belt cells that can either work simultaneously to handle a single large item or independently to handle two smaller items and boost capacity.

The versatility of the double-cell design enables the sorter to handle items as small as 75x75x3mm and as large as 850x650mm. The HC-Loop Double Cell gives operations a solution to reliably handle small items like flyers, polybags and shoe boxes, while maintaining the flexibility to handle larger packages like electronics or office supplies.

The precise diverts of the HC-Loop Double Cell enables the use of narrower chutes to increase density and reduce the total footprint of the system, while achieving up to 99.99% sortation accuracy. An intelligent induction system works to increase the utilization of available sorter cells by booking them in advance for target parcels, helping operations reach a capacity of up to 4,500 parcels per hour using a single compact induction line.

“As operations face a demanding product mix and rising commercial real estate costs, the HC-Loop Double Cell sorter offers the versatility they need in a compact, efficient package,” says Luis Antezana Vila, Product Manager, Cross-belt Systems, MHS. “But avoiding unplanned downtime is also critical. That’s why we’ve worked to establish strong component reliability and leverage sensor-based technology to predict and prevent unexpected outages.”

Sensors placed along the sorter track and within each cell constantly monitor overall system status and individual components. Through predictive analytics, MHS can detect when a failure might be imminent, based on data reaching pre-determined thresholds, and proactively alert maintenance teams to help avoid unnecessary downtime. The company provides local sales, support and service for implementations worldwide.

Click here to view the video

 

Hubtex develops new platform transporters

Posted on by Keith McKinley

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modular construction

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

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

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

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

Watch the video here

Vision-guided robotics & AI: a guide for the non-technical

Posted on by David Priestman

The automation industry is experiencing an explosion of growth and technology capability. To explain this complex technology, we use terms such as “artificial intelligence” to convey the idea that solutions are more capable and advanced than ever before. If you are an investor, business leader, or technology user who is keen to understand the technologies you are investing in, this article will help you gain a well-rounded view on vision-guided robotics and enable you to make informed decisions.

Types of vision systems used in warehousing and distribution environments

There are three primary applications of vision systems used in warehousing and distribution environments:

Inspection and mapping

Vision systems for inspection are used in a variety of industrial robot applications, providing outputs of “pass/fail”, “present/not present”, or a measurement value. The result dictates the next step in a process.

Mapping systems, on the other hand, are less frequently used but are similar to inspection systems in that vision maps do not directly translate into machine action. Both systems can be very sophisticated, but they do not require deep learning or artificial intelligence.

Pick-and-place without deep-learning

Pick-and-place vision systems with limited variables are deployed on most robotic cells installed today. The cameras direct the robot’s motion through closed-loop feedback, enabling the robots to operate very quickly and accurately, within their prescribed parameters. These systems do not have a “learning loop” but are instead pre-programmed for a fixed set of objects and instructions. While these systems are “smart”, they do not add intelligence or learning over time.

Pick-and-place with deep-learning

The most sophisticated vision systems employ “deep learning”, also referred to as “artificial intelligence”. However, many non-learning systems are marketed as if they have intelligent (learning) capability, leading to confusion. The deep-learning algorithms, subset of artificial intelligence, learn features that are invariant of the objects, in order to generalise over a wide spectrum of objects.

For example, through such algorithms, robots can recognise the edge of an object no matter the exposure of the camera or the lighting conditions. Something as simple as a change in lighting could affect the results and that is the reason behind deep-learning systems not relying on a single variable like colour.

It is crucial to note that all three types of vision systems include three main elements: an input (camera), a processor (computer and program), and an output (robot). They may use similar cameras and robots, but the difference lies in the program.

Basic building blocks for deep-learning systems

Vision-guided robots using deep-learning algorithms for industrial applications recognise various types of packaging, location, and other variables (e.g. overlapping items) and act based on those variables. Compared to self-driving cars, some variables for industrial robots are not as complex, but the underlying approach to learning and responding quickly is the same.

There are three co-dependent requirements for deep-learning solutions:

  • Computer processing power
  • High-quality and varied data
  • Deep-learning algorithms

Fizyr has optimised these three elements required for deep-learning systems.

Deep-learning vision systems for vision-guided industrial robots

Commercial applications using robots to pick, place, palletise, or de-palletise in a warehouse environment require three basic building blocks: cameras, software, and robots. The cameras and robots are the eyes and arms; the software is the brain. All three components must work together to optimise system performance.

Camera technology enables the flow of high-quality data. Cameras and post-image processing provide a stream of data ready for the deep-learning algorithm to evaluate. Some cameras are better suited for an application, but that itself is not what makes a vision-guided robot capable of deep learning. The camera supplies data but does not translate data into actionable commands.

This is where the role of software comes in, which is the deep-learning algorithm – data in from cameras, process, results out to robots.

The robot and end-effector (a.k.a. gripper) also play a critical role in system performance. They must provide the level of reach, grip-strength, dexterity, and speed required for the application. The robot and end-effector respond to commands from the deep-learning algorithm.

Conclusion

To summarise, there are three points to remember about artificial intelligence and vision-guided robotic systems:

  • Deep-learning algorithms classify data in multiple categories
  • Deep-learning algorithms require both high-quality and varied data
  • Algorithms become more powerful over time

Latest developments in camera technology and computer processing power serve as building blocks to advanced deep-learning software that improves robot performance. The future has arrived!

Read the full article here

 

 

 

New Sitma sorting system features cutting-edge technology

Posted on by David Priestman

Sitma Machinery is launching Symphony, a sorting system that takes up the baton of Easy Sort and Speedy Sort, its existing best-sellers in the logistics automation sector. Through Symphony, Sitma takes another step forward, creating a cutting-edge technology that remains easy to use and fully satisfies the new challenges facing the sector.

Symphony can be configured in both a “tilt tray” and “cross belt” mode. The first example of this technological evolution was created for an important operator in North America, where it is currently being installed, with testing forecasted by autumn of this year.

The growth of the logistics sector driven by e-commerce, is one of the most relevant phenomena in recent years. According to data provided by PR Newswire, the sector boasts a compound annual growth rate of 23% globally and will reach $16 trillion in value by 2027. This increase creates new needs, including the necessity to create increasingly complex and articulated layouts that can move objects even faster.

Sitma has put in place the know-how accumulated in over 40 years of activity in the logistics sector and working around the concept of modularity, has launched a system that is able to support particularly complex configurations. Symphony can in fact be set up with straight or curved modules, suitable for supporting upward or downward movements and preserving the packs from the risk of falling and damage — even at high speeds. All of this is achieved in incredible silence.

Single starting point

A single modular base structure allows the use of both a tilt tray and cross belt technology, depending on the specific needs. Symphony can also support multi-output and multi-directional configurations, helping to increase production capacity and line efficiency. The chutes for unloading products allow for maximum flexibility, giving customers the opportunity to manage different outlet configurations and container positions for collecting the products. Even for large dimensions, the outputs can be dynamically configured according to the changing production needs.

Speed ​​is an increasingly determining factor for players in the logistics chain, whether they are postal operators, couriers or third-party providers. This was demonstrated by The Canada Post Corporation, which found this innovative technology to be the ideal solution for tackling logistics management. According to a survey carried out by PwC, receiving a product as quickly as possible is in fact at the top of the list of services requested by those who order through e-commerce platforms.

Having a fast and efficient sorting system is a fundamental requirement to meet this need. Symphony offers top performance in this sense, being able to manage up to 14,000 products per hour in the tilt-tray configuration and up to 20,000 with cross-belt configuration. The system also boasts an increased load capacity compared to previous solutions, being able to sort larger and heavier products. In the tilt-tray configuration it reaches up to 15kg per tray, while in the cross-belt configuration, it can manage up to 30kg.

These performances require a handling system that guarantees operational fluidity and maximum reliability. Symphony runs on polyurethane wheels, specifically designed to minimize noise (which is below 70dB) providing add-on value in the work environment. The system is also gearless and equipped with standardised transport cells, which are very light and highly technological. The brushless motors are installed on-board and each cell is powered by electricity; being interconnected via wi-fi with the PLC, to communicate its positioning in real time. These features are not only useful for purposes of planning sorting activity (for example to send and receive inputs from PLC for unloading) but also for the constant monitoring of the line. To be more precise, it’s possible to know where the products are at any given moment in time.

Little or no maintenance

Finally, Symphony minimises maintenance activities by using a high number of identical parts, thanks to this new development that has been extremely simplified. Sitma has also turned its design efforts towards arriving at a solution that is completely maintenance-free – a goal that can be achieved by equipping the sorter as an alternative to mechanical traction systems, with electromagnetic traction solutions. In this case, linear motors and magnets are used, which are installed directly on the cells. In addition to the total elimination of maintenance activities, this also entails a further reduction in noise.

Kroger expands Great Lakes DC

Posted on by David Priestman

The Kroger Co., America’s largest grocery retailer, is working with KNAPP to expand the capacity and enhance the capabilities of its Great Lakes Distribution Centre in Delaware, Ohio.

In order to supply stores in the region efficiently and quickly with fresh food, the Great Lakes DC is currently being renovated to add state-of-the-art technology – including KNAPP’s OSR Shuttle Evo and RUNPICK systems – and is expected to be complete this summer.

Improved efficiency for store replenishment

The Great Lakes facility – which opened in 2003 and currently services 115 stores in central and northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and the Ohio River Valley region – will be expanded by 130,000 sq ft during the renovation.

Tony Lucchino, Kroger’s Vice President of Supply Chain and Network Strategy, said of the agreement, “Kroger’s investment in KNAPP’s latest technology allows the Great Lakes Distribution Centre to improve efficiency in replenishing our stores, enabling us to quickly deliver fresh food to our customers. The expansion of the facility is part of the ongoing transformation of our supply chain network, and this project will more than double our capacity while delivering innovation and scalability that can grow with demand. This collaborative project will allow us to better serve customers in the region.”

Innovative combination of technologies

The site will feature a unique combination of two KNAPP technologies: the OSR Shuttle Evo storage and picking system and the Robotic Universal Picker (known as RUNPICK). The OSR Shuttle Evo store delivers groceries in an exact sequence to the RUNPICK picking and palletizing robot, which uses an intelligent algorithm to build mixed loads of full cases, packs and trays fully automatically. Specially designed for the food retail sector, the RUNPICK system relies on KNAPP’s KiSoft Pack Master software to ensure load stability, shop-friendly delivery sequencing and optimum packing density on the load carrier.

Within a single cycle of movement, the robot moves and deposits several items at the same time, thereby increasing performance. Together, the OSR Shuttle Evo and RUNPICK technologies will deliver next-generation efficiency and performance increases for Kroger’s supply chain network.

According to the CEO of KNAPP Inc., Josef Mentzer: “The technology investment in the Great Lakes Distribution Centre has been designed to add a new level of flexibility to the Kroger supply chain network and deliver a resilient approach to investments in automation.”

CLICK HERE to see the RUNPICK solution in action.

Transport robotics specialist rebrands

Posted on by David Priestman

With a sharpened brand profile, a completely revised brand design and a new company name, a leading manufacturer of innovative high-tech transport robotics for production and warehouse logistics is positioning itself for the industry of the future: From July 1, 2021, EK Automation will operate as ek robotics.

The central element of the new brand identity and communication is the Infinity sign as the new logo. The multitude of colours and the visualisation of the infinite possibilities through several lines in a functioning cycle form the unmistakable look of the “Infinite colors of transport” and at the same time form the claim that highlights the expertise of the independent family-owned company.

“With the new brand identity we underline our commitment to uncompromising quality, a unique product design as well as our claim to offer every company an optimal and absolutely reliable solution,” explains Andreas Böttner, CEO of ek robotics.

With the goal of making the benefits of intelligent transport robotics available to every company in the world, ek robotics is shaping the future of its customers today and offers endless possibilities: According to ek robotics, no other provider presents a greater variety of solutions for intralogistics, is as flexible and needs-oriented as ek robotics. No challenge is too small or too big, no system too simple or too complex.

With its unique engineering, powerful technology, and software tailored to individual customer needs, ek robotics is among the technical elite in the very fast growing transportation robotics industry.

“With everything we do, we strive to transform intralogistics challenges into critical competitive advantages for our customers. To keep challenging the status quo, we combine the best industrial technologies with our endless inventiveness and unique engineering skills,” explains Böttner.

The reorientation of the brand also includes the expansion of the product portfolio to include additional standard products as well as the continuous expansion of global presence. With its own innovative products and a steadily growing service network of transport robotics specialists, ek robotics is striving to open up further market areas. The innovative high-performance transport robots from ek robotics solve internal inefficiencies in production and warehouse logistics.

With maximum reliability, the automated guided vehicles from ek robotics optimise intralogistics processes and make them more flexible, fail-safe and efficient.

The new brand identity represents the company’s values and identity, while its history of more than 50 years forms the foundation of the transport robotics specialist.

“Trust, safety and quality are values that define us and clearly highlight customer benefits,” says Böttner. “Our direct and authentic communication, as well as our extraordinary expertise, are our trademark. We work pragmatically and need-oriented. This is what our customers appreciate us for.”

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