EP 235: Procensis Solution Center visit
On this episode, I was hosted by Ed Kennedy at the Procensis Solution Center. Ed is the President and Founder of Procensis which is focused on bringing you solutions that will turn your workers into warehouse superheroes. We discuss the current labor shortage, Procensis beginnings, and the growth they are experiencing. Key Takeaways Procensis is focused on bringing solutions to your warehouse in order to turn them into superheroes. They do this by combining the latest technology in mobile computing and scanning to bring the best-tailored solution for your operation. Ed founded the company with their CTO who recognized that they could bring extreme value to companies by focusing on improving the worker experience. Combined with the latest hardware, they are providing solutions on the software and platform side as well. From the software perspective, they are able to strip down and simplify your screens so that employees are only seeing the necessary information. It is no secret that there is a labor shortage in our industry and that many are feeling the pain. The key right now is to figure how to attract talent and then retain them. Ed makes some great points about the importance that technology can play in retaining employees. Making their job easier and allowing them to be more productive can help them enjoy the job more and make them stay longer. He even references a story that Procensis experienced recently where employee retention was actually more important to the company than ROI. Implementing the right technology to empower your employees is the best way to see your operation improve. We recorded this episode from the Procensis Solution Center but Procensis is rapidly expanding and will be upgrading to the Procensis Solution Center 2.0 which will have all different unique setups so they can give you the best demo possible. How they have been able to adapt to give remote demos is truly incredible and I encourage you to get one from them. Very interested to see and share with you the next version of their solution center when it opens up. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 235: Procensis Solution Center Visit
Cimcorp continues global expansion with office relocation
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this space will bring capabilities for improved product demos, increased warehousing space for parts, and an innovative showroom for Cimcorp’s 3D Shuttle solution Cimcorp, a manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic order fulfillment and tire handling solutions, has announced the relocation of its U.S. office to a larger, expanded space designed to better serve customers and support continued growth in the U.S. market. Thanks to a rapidly growing customer base in the United States, Cimcorp has outgrown its Alpharetta, Georgia, office that opened in July 2020 and moved to a new space on October 1, 2021, that accommodates more storage, parts, and employee offices. Atlanta is a great area for growth with twenty-nine companies headquartered in metro Atlanta being among the 2020 Fortune 1000. This facility is three times larger than the previous location and will include a dedicated space for product demonstrations and training to ensure customers are taking advantage of all of Cimcorp’s offerings. “Our Alpharetta office was ideal for growth, but our new location in Atlanta with expanded warehousing space will allow us to provide even higher quality service and support for customers,” said Rick Trigatti, president of Cimcorp Automation Ltd. Trigatti, and the rest of the Cimcorp team, will utilize the Atlanta office to continue providing stellar customer service and valuable training opportunities to the warehousing, distribution, and tire industries, as adoption of automation, continues to rise around the globe “Cimcorp stands at the forefront of order fulfillment services, and this more spacious office will showcase our capabilities with a ‘Showroom of Automation’ that includes offerings such as an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and more,” said Joel Kuusman, Manager of U.S. Operations and Technology Services at Cimcorp. “The Atlanta office will give our team the opportunity to provide high-level parts, service, and training programs in line with our Success Services initiative.” Previously featured at the Alpharetta location, the facility’s showroom will also include Cimcorp’s 3D Shuttle solution, automated storage, and retrieval system (AS/RS) for goods-to-person order picking ideal for e-commerce, retail, and foodservice distribution. Additionally, this facility will offer technology demos that will provide immense value to the warehousing and distribution marketplace. The new office is located at: Cimcorp USA, Inc. 1381 Stonefield Court Alpharetta, GA 30004, United States Tel +1 888 797 3703 ccna_customersupport@cimcorp.com
Seegrid Lift Truck AMR is the Market’s most advanced Automated Forklift
Autonomous mobile robotics provider creates next-generation autonomy platform with humanlike 3D perception Seegrid Corporation, the provider in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling, just announced new details surrounding the technology that powers Seegrid Palion™ Lift AMR, the company’s first autonomous lift truck. Palion Lift is equipped with the most advanced generation of Seegrid IQ, the company’s autonomy technology, and is the only lift truck AMR in the market with industry-leading 3D perception. Seegrid’s acquisition of Box Robotics is a driver of the company’s acceleration of next-generation Seegrid IQ technology, delivering enhanced perception and productivity to Seegrid’s AMR fleet. The company was also recently named #1 for all mobile robots in the United States in the 2021 Mobile Robot report by Interact Analysis, an international market research authority for the supply chain automation industry. “Seegrid and its AMRs are undergoing massive growth and eclipsing alternative material handling solutions to increase productivity and safety as logistics, eCommerce, and manufacturing facilities demand flexibility, reliability, and scalability,” said Jim Rock, Seegrid’s Chief Executive Officer. “Palion Lift AMRs provide next level, 360° safety to flawlessly execute vertical movements and reliably self-navigate in busy, ever-changing industrial environments.” Seegrid Palion AMRs benefit from decades of innovation. The latest generation of Palion AMR autonomy, Seegrid IQ, fuses data from cameras, LiDAR, and machine learning models with the company’s proprietary 3D computer vision system to provide safe and reliable material handling. “Seegrid IQ, the company’s proprietary autonomy technology, brings together our breakthrough 3D vision-based navigation technology pioneered by Dr. Hans Moravec with our best-in-class 3D situational awareness capabilities,” said Todd Graves, Chief Technology Officer. “Seegrid AMRs have the intelligence to perceive, plan, and control their movement, enabling them to reliably and safely perform in highly dynamic, complex, and fast-moving industrial settings.” Seegrid has long been a technology innovator since its founding in 2003 by world-renowned roboticist Hans Moravec, the company’s Chief Scientist. Seegrid Blue Labs, its dedicated in-house research and development group, specializes in advanced technology for the company’s future product innovations. Palion Lift is Seegrid’s latest innovation, safely automating the movement of palletized goods in workflows that involve transporting payloads up to 3,500 pounds throughout customer operations, retrieving, and securely placing them at heights of up to six feet for a complete, end-to-end solution. “Our logistics, eCommerce, and manufacturing customers need proven, scalable automation solutions to retain their competitive advantage in an era of relentless consumer demand,” said Jim Rock, Seegrid’s Chief Executive Officer. “Palion Lift is just the tip of the iceberg as to what Seegrid IQ will deliver to the materials handling industry.”
AutoScheduler.AI Automates all Operational Warehouse decision-making in a capacity-considerate way
AutoScheduler helps warehouse sites Go on “Autopilot” AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, announces that customers gain a combined planning and execution system capable of integrating with any WMS, allowing the warehouse site to go on “autopilot.” With the use of advanced digital twin and artificial intelligence technology found in AutoScheduler.AI, users’ locations become more efficient through automated decision-making based on constraints within the warehouse environment. “The WMS is not the problem, but a WMS doesn’t do everything that companies need to keep up with today’s market,” said Keith Moore, Chief Product Officer at AutoScheduler.AI. “There is too much going on within operations for any one planner to keep up. The only way a business will ever meet its customer schedules and requirements is to invest fully in digitizing and automating operations.” There are more challenges than ever today in the warehousing market, from volatility in the transportation market to limited availability of warehouse labor to an increase in customer expectations. These challenges create a massive need to drive operational excellence inside distribution centers. Yet, processes inside the warehouse are highly fragmented, with operational decisions made by manual planners leveraging tribal knowledge. To effectively manage a site, the era has arrived. It is imperative that companies automate all operational warehouse decision-making in a capacity-considerate way, freeing up people to fight the fires that pop up. This autopilot planning system leads to indirect labor savings, increased fill rate, increased load on time, and productivity improvements across direct labor by optimizing the work historically released and executed by warehouse operators. AutoScheduler.AI ushers in this new era as the brains of an operation and is the only solution on the market designed to optimize operational activity to decrease touches and increase capacity per headcount. Adds Moore, “Even at a mid-sized DC, the activities that AutoScheduler orchestrates can add up to millions of dollars in capacity growth and savings.”
Seeq appoints Dr. Lisa J. Graham as Chief Executive Officer and announces changes to Board of Directors
Graham brings more than 20 years of process industry experience, along with demonstrated success driving growth and innovation at Seeq Seeq Corporation, a provider in manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advanced analytics software, has announced that the company’s board of directors has appointed former chief operating officer Dr. Lisa J. Graham, PE as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Former CEO and co-founder Steve Sliwa will remain at Seeq in an advisory role as vice chairman and co-founder. Seeq also appointed Ashley Kramer to the company’s board of directors. Leveraging Dr. Graham’s experience driving innovation in the process industries and with IIoT-focused organizations, she will focus on reinforcing a strong culture, while rapidly scaling the organization to achieve growth and revenue goals. Graham previously served as COO and VP of Analytics Engineering at Seeq, where she played an instrumental role in executing the company’s vision to fuel the digital transformation of the process industries. This required empowering Seeq’s customers to bridge the gap between their operational technology and information technology teams through the use of easy-to-use, advanced analytics applications. Prior to joining Seeq, Graham served as CEO and founder of Alkemy Innovation, an engineering services company. She also served as COO and SVP at Bend Research, now part of Lonza. “We recognize that this is a crucial time in Seeq’s evolution, and the board of directors strongly believes that Lisa’s combination of skills will take Seeq to the next level,” says Pete Higgins, founding partner of Second Avenue Partners and chairman of Seeq’s board of directors. “She has made supporting and growing this organization and its people her daily focus since coming to Seeq, and we look forward to supporting her passion and focus as we embark on this next chapter.” In 2021, Seeq experienced significant growth, including the announcement of a $50 million Series C funding round, recognition from Frost & Sullivan’s 2021 North American Technology Innovation Leadership Award for Seeq Data Lab, and the expansion of its products and capabilities—providing Graham with significant momentum. “I am honored to step into the role of CEO at such a pivotal time in our company’s growth,” says Dr. Graham. “I look forward to working with the Seeq team and its board of directors to continue accelerating our business growth while delivering great value to every one of our customers.” The board of directors will work alongside Sliwa and Graham to ensure a smooth and successful transition. “The board would like to thank Steve for his leadership in building an outstanding team, developing market-leading technology, and exceeding our growth goals over the last eight years,” says Higgins. “We look forward to his continued involvement in guiding the future of our company as vice chairman of the board.” In parallel, Ashley Kramer has been named to the board of directors, bringing more than 15 years of experience to Seeq, gained during scaling of hypergrowth companies. Kramer serves as the chief product officer and chief marketing officer at Sisense where she is responsible for leading its go-to-market and product strategy, brand awareness, and revenue growth. Previously, she held positions as senior vice president of product for Alteryx, where she drove the company’s transformation to a data science platform, and global head of cloud for Tableau, where she built the company’s fastest-growing and only SaaS product from the ground up. “Ashley has an impressive track record and we’re eager to have her join the board,” says Higgins. “Her expertise in big data technology platforms and product strategy will be invaluable to our board as we continue to grow and scale our business.” “I am passionate about data and analytics, and particularly enjoy working with companies like Seeq that enable organizations to easily leverage analytics applications to improve their business outcomes,” says Kramer. “I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the board and joining Seeq on their growth journey.”
Tompkins Solutions names Roy Smith Vice President of Material Handling Integration
Tompkins Solutions, a supply chain consulting and services firm, has named Roy Smith vice president of sales of its material handling integration division. In this role, Smith will be responsible for driving sales revenue and growth by building and maintaining customer relationships and delivering best-in-breed material handling integration solutions. Smith has over 35 years of sales management and logistics engineering experience, designing and supplying more than $100 million of material handling solutions for companies across a wide variety of industries, including automotive, food production, and manufacturing, among others. His extensive systems expertise includes, but is not limited to, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), conveyors, robotics, and other warehouse automation solutions. Prior to joining Tompkins, Smith was the southwest regional sales manager for Interroll, the leading global provider of material handling solutions. “We are excited to welcome Roy to the Tompkins team,” said David Latona, co-CEO of Tompkins Solutions. “His strong track record of developing long-term business relationships and vast knowledge of material handling systems make him an invaluable resource to our organization and our clients.” Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University.
Cimcorp joins MHI’s AS/RS Industry Group to further the development of Automated Warehousing Solutions
The Industry Group includes 25 of the world’s leading AS/RS suppliers who have installed thousands of systems worldwide, in virtually every manufacturing and distribution sector Cimcorp, a manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic order fulfillment and tire handling solutions, proudly announces it has joined MHI’s Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) Industry Group, a collective of the world’s leading AS/RS suppliers that focuses on collaboratively growing and supporting the AS/RS market. As part of the Industry Group, Cimcorp will leverage its knowledge and expertise to help MHI members and customers discover efficient, safe, and innovative solutions to their most pressing material flow challenges. Incorporated in 1945, MHI is the nation’s largest material handling, logistics, and supply chain association that helps equipment and system manufacturers promote their solutions and advance the industry. It is an authoritative resource that offers education, networking, and solution sourcing for its 800+ members, its customers, and the industry at large. MHI includes 17 Industry Groups that represent the leading providers in several key equipment and system solution categories. The AS/RS Industry Group meets regularly to share and evaluate standards for the design, performance, and proper operation of AS/RS solutions. As a provider of intralogistics solutions, Cimcorp has installed automated systems in over 40 countries across six continents and is ready to lend its voice to further the AS/RS Industry Group’s mission. Cimcorp’s comprehensive portfolio of systems includes a variety of storage and retrieval solutions that uniquely solve critical challenges in warehousing and distribution. Cimcorp’s technology can handle a wide range of products with high speed and precision, making it ideal for industries such as retail, e-commerce, third-party logistics, and grocery—an industry in which Cimcorp has a wide breadth of experience. Notably, Cimcorp’s solutions have the flexibility to manage a distribution center’s entire operations or operate as an ‘island’ of automation within a manual facility. Derek Rickard, Director of Sales, Cimcorp Automation Ltd., commented, “We are excited to bring our insights and experiences to MHI’s members, as well as learn from fellow industry leaders! At Cimcorp, we know that implementing an AS/RS can have a big payout for warehouses and solve some of the biggest challenges in modern distribution—from labor shortages and safety concerns to SKU proliferation and shrinking storage space to rising customer demands for faster fulfillment speed. We also know that every organization’s warehousing needs are unique and that successful automation projects require so much more than technology. We bring extensive project management expertise to the table, and can help educate MHI members in best practices to reduce uncertainty, while ensuring safety and quality, during the implementation process.”
Collaboration between LLumin and Rockwell Automation results in new Archive Management of Change capabilities in FactoryTalk AssetCentre
LLumin, Inc., a provider of asset management software has announced that it has released, in partnership with Rockwell Automation, Inc., the Archive Management of Change (MoC) module for FactoryTalk AssetCentre. Archive Management of Change augments the existing security in FactoryTalk AssetCenter Archive by adding workflow and digital signature. Customers who wish to add visibility and control around modifications made to Controller code being managed by FactoryTalk AssetCentre now have a simple but powerful tool they can use to track, from cradle-to-grave, the entire modification and change request process. The offering is ideal for customers in industries like life sciences, food and beverage, and energy who are focused on complying with regulatory requirements as they manage evolving engineering and design requirements within their industrial automation environments. LLumin’s workflow engine was integrated into Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk AssetCentre platform, adding the ability, within the Archive, to create policies that restrict authority to grant change control permissions, impose quality, and MoC rules upon code modification completion, and require a digital signature. All MoC usage generates audit trail messages “AssetCentre is already a vital instrument on the plant floor. Now, with the Archive MoC capability, powered by LLumin, it will provide customers with a powerful solution for adding a higher level of quality control to their engineering processes and facilitating regulatory compliance strategies,” said Edward Garibian, CEO of LLumin. “AssetCentre, with Archive MoC, provides customers with the tools needed for process-driven change and configuration management,” said Tad Palus, Sr. Global Product Manager at Rockwell Automation. “Extending FactoryTalk AssetCentre’s Archive security support to include Digital Signature and Workflow functionality, powered by LLumin, helps industrial automation engineers better control and track modifications to files in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre Archive used on a plant floor. “ “LLumin is used by Asset Management and operations professionals to protect mission-critical assets from unplanned downtime,” added Ed Garibian, LLumin CEO. “LLumin’s workflow architecture is a perfect complement to Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk AssetCentre. Our solution prevents unauthorized (accidental as well as malicious) modifications of critical control system application code.” FactoryTalk AssetCentre, with Archive Management of Change, is available from Rockwell Automation and its distributors.
Trew operations expanding in Fairfield, Ohio
TREW has expanded with an additional new facility! Their existing operations in Mason, Ohio and Milwaukee, Wisconsin have been busting at the seams due to our rapid growth. To provide room to grow, we decided to move our Mason, Ohio operations into a new facility that allows our engineering, software, support, part fulfillment, and manufacturing operations to expand. Trew’s headquarters, and the added manufacturing capacity, are now located in Fairfield, Ohio – a suburb of Cincinnati. The area is a hotbed of material handling talent and provides us with the opportunity to grow our product and service offering while recruiting world-class talent. “We are extremely excited about the opportunity that we have in front of us,” says Mark Tefend, CEO. “As the material handling industry continues to grow and change, so is Trew. The new facility allows us to continue growing our team and operations while delivering uncommonly smart solutions to help our clients thrive.” The new facility provides: The ability to take on larger and more complex projects 4X the existing manufacturing space Complimentary capacity to our Milwaukee, Wisconsin manufacturing plant Expanded collaboration space for our growing team Space to demonstrate Trew’s products and solutions Dedicated space for our parts fulfillment operations TREW Locations Trew HQ 5855 Union Centre Blvd, Suite 100 Fairfield, OH 45014 USA Trew MKE 11925 W Carmen Ave Milwaukee, WI 53225 USA Trew North Toronto, ON Canada Our Canadian office is expanding too! More news coming soon!
Ken’s Foods selects Westfalia Technologies to automate new Atlanta-Area warehouse
The warehouse will be the second Ken’s Food facility to install and streamline operations with Westfalia’s automated storage/retrieval and warehouse execution systems Westfalia Technologies, Inc., a provider of logistics solutions for manufacturers and distributors, announces its automation technology will be installed in the new Ken’s Foods, Inc. warehouse located in McDonough, GA. Westfalia’s automated storage/retrieval system (AS/RS) and Savanna.NET® Warehouse Execution System (WES) will fully automate the food manufacturing company’s 343K sq. ft. facility. This will be Ken’s Foods’ second location that incorporates Westfalia’s warehouse automation solutions. Ken’s Foods produces salad dressings, sauces, and marinades for a global network of customers. Westfalia’s technology will provide a reliable, temperature-controlled warehousing environment with a customized solution addressing all material handling, automatic layer picking, and integrated case picking requirements while delivering almost zero touches from receiving to shipping. The Savanna.NET® WES will streamline operations and provide seamless software integration between Ken’s Foods’ ERP system as well as all storage, order selection, and material flow automation. “Ken’s Foods Inc. has benefited greatly from the automation that Westfalia provided in our Massachusetts facility,” said Jim Bourne, Director of Transportation and Offsite Distribution at Ken’s Foods. “The system has allowed us to expand our operation in a smaller footprint and handle activities in an accurate and efficient manner. We look forward to putting a second system into our supply chain at the McDonough location as we continue to grow and meet our customer’s needs.” “Warehouse automation is critical for today’s food manufacturers to effectively keep up with high demand and a shrinking workforce,” said Dan Labell, President of Westfalia. “We are confident our automated warehousing system will optimize the McDonough location and operations for Ken’s Foods and are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with them.” The new warehouse will be built across the street from the existing Ken’s Foods manufacturing facility, further simplifying operations and taking more than 40 trucks off the highway each day.
Columbus McKinnon adds new SPA Linear Actuator with Intelli-Motion™ Technology to family of automation solutions
Columbus McKinnon’s First Intelligent Actuator combines Plug-and-Play Control and feedback with Robust Duff-Norton® Hardware Combining intelligent controls with some of the highest-quality linear actuators available on the market, Columbus McKinnon Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of intelligent motion solutions, products, and technologies for material handling, has announced the introduction of its Duff-Norton® brand SPA Linear Actuator with IntelliMotion™ technology. The latest and most advanced Duff-Norton linear actuator, the SPA with IntelliMotion is designed to provide reliable operation, enable precision motion control and simplify applications, especially those that can benefit from automation technology. The latest product to join Columbus McKinnon’s family of automation solutions, this intelligent actuator offers easy installation, configuration, and operation to ensure systems can get up and running quickly and perform reliably. “Getting the most from a motion system means finding the right linear actuator, one that works efficiently, is durable, moves the load safely, and operates at the desired speed,” says Mark Yerse, senior global product manager and strategic marketing manager. “The SPA with Intelli-Motion can do all of that and more. It is robust enough to handle higher-duty cycle applications while providing precise, repeatable motions and feedback capabilities.” By utilizing onboard variable frequency drive (VFD) control, the SPA with Intelli-Motion gives operators the ability to program specific movement patterns with variable speeds, expanding the range of production applications it can be applied to, including balancing loads on automated guided vehicles (AGV), synchronizing lifting tables, timing critical steps in a manufacturing process, and more. Optional Ethernet/IP connectivity enables direct connection to a PLC, providing an infinite number of control options and configurations to choose from when programming complex patterns and motion sequences. Other actuator configurations require a separate VFD or contactor control system housed in an external control panel. The SPA with Intelli-Motion features an integrated VFD and onboard I/O, which reduces installation costs and the overall product footprint. Onboard analog and digital I/O provide enhanced control and position feedback capabilities. The actuator also features electronic programmable limit switches (EPLS), which provide greater precision and accuracy and increased ability to repeat motions compared to mechanical limit switches. The EPLS can be set with either a pushbutton on the actuator or the easy-to-use digital configuration software. Then, operators can simply connect the actuator to a PC to troubleshoot or adjust parameters. In addition, the SPA with Intelli-Motion increases the full load duty cycle to 30%, an increase of up to 75%, as compared to typical ACME screw actuators. SPA with Intelli-Motion is also capable of running at a duty cycle of up to 50% at reduced loads. This not only extends the length of time the actuator is operational but also helps improve production rates and reduces the need for wait times or external forced cooling devices. Customers can learn more about the SPA Linear Actuator with Intelli-Motion, including additional information about features and benefits, available product packages, and technical data, in a webinar hosted by Columbus McKinnon experts on November 18th. Registration for the free session is available at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6638015997554897935.
Seegrid gives select customers early access to Its new Autonomous Lift Truck
Autonomous Mobile Robotics provider’s industry-leading customers to share insights, capture benefits ahead of widespread deployment Seegrid Corporation, the provider in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling, just announced it is giving select customers early access to Seegrid Palion™ Lift AMR, the company’s newest AMR—and the only autonomous lift truck with 3D perception in the industry. The select customers receiving first priority access to the highly anticipated Palion Lift are part of the Seegrid Technology Early-Access Program (STEP). Participants in STEP receive a dedicated Seegrid team, gain exclusive opportunities to experience and provide feedback on new Seegrid technology, obtain insights into product roadmaps, and have the ability to impact innovative new products like the Palion Lift, an AMR that uniquely addresses major supply chain challenges. Palion Lift addresses customer pain points around safely optimizing operations during a time of high demand and labor shortages by adding novel automated workflows. The lift truck AMR automates the movement of palletized goods in workflows that involve transporting payloads throughout the customer operation, retrieving and placing them at heights of up to six feet for a complete, end-to-end solution. “Supply chain pressure is at an all-time high, and Seegrid Palion Lift will become a critical part of our customers’ operations,” said Jim Rock, Seegrid’s Chief Executive Officer. “STEP puts Palion Lift into select customers’ live production environments now, and provides companies participating in the program the ability to fine-tune and validate automated vertical lift applications.” Seegrid’s AI-based algorithm collects and prioritizes massive amounts of real-world, live data, enabling Seegrid robots to safely and reliably navigate in busy, ever-changing industrial environments without any fixed infrastructure. Customer insights from STEP will enable Seegrid to add valuable, real-world production data to advance machine learning models in this highly anticipated autonomous lift truck. “Safety is a primary driver for logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing companies to make the transition from manual lift trucks to autonomous lift trucks,” said Todd Graves, Chief Technology Officer for Seegrid. “Safe, predictable vertical movement requires highly complex algorithms and advanced sensing—Seegrid is uniquely equipped to develop and deliver robots that can navigate with human-like agility but with the spatial awareness that far exceeds the safety record of manual lift trucks.” Recently named the leading U.S. mobile robot provider and ranked #1 in worldwide market share for automated tow tractors, Seegrid has demonstrated a year of rapid technology and product portfolio expansion. In addition to the Palion Lift AMR, Seegrid also released upgrades to its Palion Tow Tractor and Palion Pallet Truck, extending the end-to-end capabilities of the company’s fleet of mobile robotic solutions, and introduced Fleet Geek, a cloud-based analytics solution that empowers users with critical insights to optimize workflows, increase utilization, quantify the value of automation, and scale automation initiatives across the enterprise. Seegrid is a technology innovator and leader, rapidly evolving its vision-based navigation technology and enterprise software to optimize performance and maximize customer value since its founding in 2003. The company’s latest proprietary technology breakthrough leverages the strengths of cameras and 3D LiDAR, fusing multiple sensor inputs through advanced, proprietary algorithms to create the most reliable AMRs on the market. The company’s autonomous mobile fleet recently collectively surpassed six million autonomous miles driven in customer operations without a single personnel safety incident. “Seegrid customers have put their trust in us to help them safely increase productivity in their highly dynamic and complex factories and warehouses,” said Rock. “We are uniquely committed to doing just that.”
‘Keep on truckin’… Creform low profile AGV ideal for in-plant truck frame transport
Creform has introduced an unusually long version…measuring 17′ L x 30″ W x 39″ T…of its model CA-B50100-NSI, Bi-directional AGV. The AGV is used to transport light truck frames for a repeat automotive assembly customer. It measures approximately 17 ft. long to accommodate the truck frames. It was custom designed and built by Creform with fabricated steel for strength and durability. The model is bi-directional with Creform bolt-on drives, with each end of the AGV following a guidepath independently to ensure accurate and repeatable tracking and to provide greater flexibility of movement. It travels along an approximate 700 ft. guidepath, with frame detecting proximity sensors included for added safety. The dual drive wheels also give this AGV high load capacity and the ability to travel laterally, useful for space restrictive areas and to allow the AGV to side shift into an interface position either for an automated lift, or personnel. The unit comes with powered engage/disengage to raise/lower drive wheels. When the drive wheels are raised, the AGV can be repositioned by a couple of associates. The AGV runs two shifts per day and is loaded by forklift and unloaded by robotic lift. The route, moving frames from the incoming receipt area to the assembly line, features eight stops. The vehicle stops automatically and starts when released by the traffic control system. It is part of a 15-vehicle system, and the traffic control system is connected to the plant’s overall production system for complete integration. An opportunity charging system minimizes the need for the user to change batteries. With each circuit of the guidepath, batteries are automatically charged by just pulling into the charging stations positioned along the route. No human intervention is necessary. This provides production efficiencies of automation and safe handling. The unit can travel at speeds up to 50 M/min. and has a load capacity of 750 lb. The Creform AGV provides for 50-course programming, 128 command capability using HMI screen located at one end of the AGV. This unit includes I/O monitoring, course programming, error messages, and error log and has an electro-mechanical emergency and parking braking system, and is powered by 24V batteries. It reads floor-mounted RFID tags for position feedback as well as command tapes adjacent to the magnetic tape guidepath. Onboard radio equipment to maintain contact with the traffic control system. The unit meets safety CAT3 requirements, comes with 16-view laser scanners for obstacle detection, flashing lights, E-stops, and an audible warning. Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency-enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.
MHS and Mujin exhibit robotic palletizing at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Palletizing solution automates double pallet stacking for four SKUs simultaneously At PACK EXPO 2021 in Las Vegas, MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software, demonstrates a robotic palletizing solution developed in collaboration with Mujin, a specialist in advanced motion planning for industrial robot arms. The palletizer, engineered for a U.S.-based packaging producer, is showcased at the Mujin booth #SU7233 in the South Upper Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The palletizing robot can handle four different SKUs of the same case size simultaneously, picking cases individually from the source conveyor and stacking them onto one of four pallet destinations at a rate of 120 cases per hour with more than 99.95% accuracy. The system is capable of double pallet stacking, in which after finishing one pallet, it locates, picks, and places a slip sheet and empty pallet over the completed pallet. Once the second pallet stack is full, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) moves it to the shrink-wrap section. The solution leverages the combined strengths of Mujin and MHS for everything from solution development to implementation, including robotic end-of-arm tooling, vision, controls, assembly, installation, integration, and validation. MHS also supplied the source conveyor and AMR, as well as MHS Helix, a modular warehouse execution system (WES), which integrates the automated components with the customer’s business-level systems to work together as a smart system. “Intense labor challenges and customer expectations are testing manufacturers and distributors to re-think manual processes and capitalize on the potential of automation to unlock greater reliability and efficiency,” says Dean Terrell, senior vice president, research and development, MHS. “With this project, MHS Robotics partnered with Mujin to do what we always do – meet real-world challenges with advanced automated solutions that our customers can be confident in.” A previous collaboration between MHS and Mujin produced a multi-pick robotic end-effector for an e-commerce order fulfillment project that won a 2021 RBR50 Innovation Award from Robotics Business Review. Unlike end effectors that handle a single item at a time, the multi-pick end effector can pick up and hold as many as 36 items simultaneously and pack four orders at a time into four separate shipping boxes. MHS Robotics develops advanced technologies in-house and engages with a range of innovative suppliers like Mujin to provide robotic solutions designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows. The group also engages with academic organizations, including the Louisville Automation and Robotics Research Institute to develop technologies for real-world logistics applications.
EP 212: Blue Horseshoe
On this episode, I was joined by the VP of Digital Strategy at Blue Horseshoe, Steve Shebuski. Blue Horseshoe is a supply chain integration company that helps companies leverage technology to move into the future of their business. We discuss Blue Horseshoe, high automation solutions, and where to start with automation. Key Takeaways Blue Horseshoe is focused on bringing technology to your company in order to help disrupt your business and maximize efficiency for growth into the future. When I asked Steve what they do, basically there is nothing they don’t do when it comes to bringing technology to the supply chain space. Steve explains how their team has a diverse background from all different parts of the industry and is really able to come together to offer multiple solutions for the whole supply chain process. Steve speaks a lot about high automation and how it has become a hot topic for the supply chain world due to the pandemic. High automation refers to the type of automation that is lights out where no human interaction is needed in the distribution process. Blue Horseshoe has been implementing high automation solutions and helping companies to go lights out to combat the labor shortage and become more efficient. One interesting about high automation is that even though it may be a great fit for your business model right now there would be something that disrupts your business model. While Steve agrees that high automation solutions make for a safer environment, there is also that case that high automation limits what you can do. For example, we discuss how a company could be shipping strictly cases in a high automation environment but then consumer behavior shifts and they need to break cases but the automation solution is not built for that. Where to start with automation? This is always an interesting question and I really enjoy hearing the varying answers. Steve makes some incredibly good points about automation and how many people get caught up in automation being robots or conveyors but automation can go down to the level of new handheld scanners. These points help to show how automation can be a slow incremental journey. As you learn about new solutions and try out new solutions you can start to see how we will do things better in the process you are addressing. With these small incremental changes, a lot can add up over time. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 212: Blue Horseshoe
GEODIS Partners with AHS to Implement Exotec Robotic Solution to optimize e-Commerce Fulfillment
GEODIS, a global transport and logistics provider, and Advanced Handling Systems (AHS, LLC), a full-service provider of integrated fulfillment and distribution solutions, has announced a new partnership to implement the Exotec Skypod System into GEODIS’ eLogistics site in Nashville, Tenn. The cutting-edge robotic system will allow GEODIS to optimize the e-Commerce fulfillment process on behalf of its emerging direct-to-consumer customers. GEODIS recently announced the expansion of its eLogistics service in the U.S. to provide best-in-class e-Commerce fulfillment solutions for startups and growing e-Commerce retailers from four new strategic GEODIS eLogistics locations. GEODIS will partner with AHS to integrate the Exotec Skypod System into GEODIS’ state-of-the-art automated eLogistics facility that will go live in Nashville, Tenn., in Q1 of 2022. An agile and high-performing automated goods-to-person solution for the retail and e-Commerce industries, the Exotec Skypod System is the first of its kind to use mobile robots that can move in three dimensions and reach heights of 36 feet to enable efficient, high-density inventory storage. “eLogistics is an important strategic initiative for our company, and collaborating with our long-term partners at AHS in new technology with Exotec will be winning formula for our exciting new product,” said Eric Douglas, Executive Vice President of Technology and Engineering at GEODIS in Americas. “By implementing the Exotec Skypod System into our GEODIS eLogistics site, we can enable an even faster shipping experience for our customers as e-Commerce continues to drive demand.” Exotec has revolutionized the fulfillment industry in Europe and Japan and continues to grow its presence in the U.S. market with customers like Gap Inc., Ariat International, and Comoto Holdings recently adopting the Skypod system. The Exotec Skypod uses laser scanner navigation and robust software to increase warehouse throughput by up to five times with a two-minute response time for all SKUs. The system is designed to improve working conditions and foster more sustainable warehouse productivity by reducing highly repetitive, physically intensive tasks like walking, lifting, and bending. “The hockey-stick growth of e-Commerce coupled with the growing importance of supply chain resilience continues to be a massive tailwind for scalable robotics solutions like Exotec,” said Romain Moulin, CEO of Exotec. “We are delighted to join forces with AHS and GEODIS to better serve the rapidly evolving needs of the North American market.” “AHS has been working with GEODIS for several years and has formed a strategic partnership to provide ground-breaking solutions to assist the company with best-in-class offerings,” said Chuck Frank, President of AHS. “The AHS team is committed to being on the cutting edge of technology and expanding its market share by investing in the training, deployment, and post-go-live support of trending technologies. Exotec is a great strategic partner of AHS, and we are excited about yet another successful installation of an Exotec solution. AHS is thrilled to be a part of GEODIS’ eLogistics service, and we congratulate their team on their commitment to pushing technology to new levels.” The leading integrator of the Exotec solution in North America, AHS will complete the installation of the system into GEODIS’ eLogistics facility with guidance from Exotec’s execution team. AHS and GEODIS collaborated on the design of the construction build for the GEODIS eLogistics site so it can be easily expanded, with plans to double its initial size in the future. “As we continue to see a significant increase in direct-to-consumer e-Commerce brands today, GEODIS remains dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology solutions that will best meet our customers’ unique needs when it comes to enabling fast and flexible operations,” said Drew Bailey, Senior Director of Design Engineering at GEODIS in Americas. “The integration of the Exotec Skypod System will allow us to further optimize our e-Commerce fulfillment process on behalf of our customer’s thanks to its efficient, scalable, and responsive goods-to-person technology.”
FlexQube receives an order for six robotic eQarts
Through a dealer in the US, FlexQube has received an order for six robotic eQarts to a customer in Georgia, USA. The eQarts will be delivered in September of 2021 and this is the first time FlexQube receives an order for as many as six robotic carts in one single order. The customer will deploy them as a combined conveyor- and assembly cart and function as a moving assembly line solution. The eQart Line product was the first launched product within the eQart product family and is a modular robotic cart system that uses software technology FlexQube has developed in-house. The eQart Line uses camera technology to follow a colored line/tape on the floor and laser scanners for safety. Anders Fogelberg, CEO at FlexQube, comments: “It is encouraging to see that we are able to bring in new customers through a dealer like this and it is clear evidence that an expansion of our brand via partners leverage our business and brings us closer to potential customers. Given the type of product which has a mix of hardware and software, we are also able to maintain a higher gross profit with our eQart products, even when we work through a dealer.”
EP 197: SOTI
On this episode, I was joined by the Vice President of Product Strategy at SOTI, Shash Anand. SOTI is a suite of software solutions that allow companies to look at their mobile setup and create a more efficient flow on those platforms. We discuss what SOTI does, how they allow users to build their own mobile apps, their recent T&L Report, and lost time. Key Takeaways SOTI is all about your mobile connectivity and ensuring that it is running as efficiently as possible. Their SOTI ONE platform is an integrated suite of business mobility solutions that allows you to do multiple things from having remote connectivity to all of your devices to developing your own apps for mobile devices in a very easy-to-use platform. Shash even shares that you can easily convert Word and Excel files into mobile apps quite easily. With this type of connectivity, you can ensure that your operations will continue to run smoothly and that you can constantly improve on your mobile offerings. Recently, SOTI released their T&L Report entitled “Mobilizing the Delivery Workforce: State of Mobility in Transportation and Logistics” which focuses on looking at mobility in our industry and what trends are happening or issues are being seen. I was very interested to know how the report had changed since pre-pandemic times. Shash shares some of the noticeable differences between the two reports and one of the big ones was the impact of online returns. He said there was an increase of 41% for online returns which was directly linked to the increase in online sales. This all goes back to the retail experience and customer experience. One of the biggest and potentially most frightening findings was that employees are losing approximately two days of work a month due to mobile downtime and technology issues. This is staggering and blew my mind when I heard it. Two days a month in our world is a ton of time and a lot of lost productivity that should not be the case. With the technology not being upgraded and connectivity issues not being resolved this is too often the case for companies and it needs to end. Shash and I discuss how companies can recognize these issues and then what actions can they take to eliminate this lost time. Listen to the episode below and leave a comment with your thoughts. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 197: SOTI
Updated KINETIC Reflex Dashboard makes it easier for operators to ensure devices are being worn
Cleaner look-and-feel as well as new metrics and reports for easier deployment, more actionable insights, and streamlined data interpretation KINETIC, the company providing wearable technology that fosters safe environments for the industrial workforce, today announced an updated dashboard interface to its Reflex wearable device and software analytics platform that provides a cleaner look-and-feel, new metrics, and new reports for easier deployment, more actionable insights, and streamlined data interpretation. The update also includes improved weekly email reports that allow industrial operators to fully leverage their data and easily compare key metrics. “Because participation drives success when it comes to wearables, KINETIC is making it even easier for operators to manage their devices and increase engagement,” said Haytham Elhawary, CEO and cofounder at KINETIC. “The updated Reflex dashboard ensures that, at a glance, they’ll be able to easily see their device inventory and take immediate action.” Enhanced dashboard and email reports are meant to allow managers to be more focused and effective with their time. KINETIC is providing succinct and consistent workplace analytics so teams can easily communicate and act on insights, such as training and workplace redesign opportunities. New KINETIC Reflex dashboard features deliver the following benefits: Ease of Deployment – With all their devices visible on a single page, management can easily monitor participation and determine which devices are available to assign to employees. A Weekly Active Time metric highlights which employees are wearing the devices, including the frequency and duration of use. Actionable Insights – Hourly High-Risk Posture comparison metrics allow operators to compare risk levels across employees and jobs, including varying-length shifts. Enhanced Coaching – Individual employee reports enable the sharing of data with employees to support company coaching efforts and celebrate employees’ safety wins. Streamlined Data Interpretation – Weekly email reports distill the data and highlight key metrics at both the individual-facility and facility-wide levels. Read the KINETIC blog: New: Increase Participation and Make More of Your Data
Hy-Tek Holdings acquires BP Controls and Nogol Electric
Hy-Tek Holdings (“Hy-Tek”), a portfolio company of Dunes Point Capital, LP (“DPC”), has acquired BP Controls Inc. and Nogol Electric LLC (collectively “BP Controls”). Hy-Tek is a material handling automation integrator serving clients in diverse end markets and applications, including eCommerce, third-party logistics, and parcel. BP Controls designs, engineers, and integrates control systems and warehouse control software for warehouse automation applications. Together, the companies operate as Hy-Tek Material Handling, LLC. The acquisition was announced by Hy-Tek Holdings CEO Sam Grooms. “Hy-Tek’s acquisition of BP Controls broadens our offerings as the predominant player in material handling. With BP Controls’ software solutions, Hy-Tek delivers a full pallet of products and services to the material handling and integrated systems (IS) industry. Committed to growth through acquisitions, Hy-Tek always is looking for best-of-breed companies to join our team,” said Grooms. “We’re excited to be part of Hy-Tek,” said BP Controls president Bill Klemanowicz. “We are dedicated to working hand-in-glove with Hy-Tek to resolve challenging material handling problems with cost-effective, customized solutions based on a well-established, time-tested software platform that delivers quick ROI.”