E Tech Group to showcase Oligonucleotide Automation Advancements at Rockwell Automation Fair 2023
Rockwell Automation Gold Partner E Tech Group to present three educational sessions and demonstrate oligonucleotide automation in booth #232 at Automation Fair in Boston, MA November 6-9, 2023 E Tech Group, a provider in high-quality automation, control, and engineering services for industrial clients and Gold Certified Rockwell Automation Partner, has announced the company will be leading three separate presentations at the 2023 Rockwell Automation Fair and exhibiting in booth #232. Automation Fair will take place November 6-9, 2023, in Boston, MA at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. E Tech Group will host three different educational sessions at the show. On Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 am ET, Vivek Puthezath, E Tech Vice President of Northeast Operations, will be presenting “Oligonucleotide Production Automation Improves Yield and Consistency for a Pharmaceutical Manufacturer”, a case study on manufacturing oligonucleotide pharmaceutical drugs, converting a highly manual process into a fully automated system. On Tuesday, November 7, at 1:00 pm ET, “PlantPAx 5.0 Makes Oligos Go Go Go! Accelerating the Pace of Life Science Research” will be presented by Umar Karim PMP, P.E., TUV FSE, E Tech Senior Automation Engineer I, where he will instruct attendees on how PlantPAx 5.0 was used for a new oligonucleotide production facility. The third presentation will be given twice by Jeff Allen, E Tech Application Engineering Manager, and Steve Scheffler, E Tech Engineering Manager, both Tuesday, November 7 at 1:00pm ET and Thursday, November 9 at 11:00am ET. Jeff and Steve will share insights on gaining value in Industry 4.0 through edge and cloud computing during “Leveraging the Power of Industry 4.0.” “As one of the largest Rockwell partners in the life sciences space, E Tech Group is thrilled to be presenting during three different sessions at the 2023 Rockwell Automation Fair showcasing our commitment to innovation and excellence across the industry,” said Matt Wise, Chief Executive Officer of E Tech Group. “Our passion for automation and our dedication to improving processes have allowed us to lead the way in transforming oligonucleotide production and accelerating life science research. Join us at Automation Fair to experience firsthand how E Tech Group is shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing and Industry 4.0.” Visit E Tech at Booth #232, to connect with the E Tech team and see their oligonucleotide automation demonstration on display at the front of the booth. The demo will be a high level look at how automation can provide the ability to replicate a traditionally manual process over and over, track production, and lessen operator interaction with caustic chemicals. Automation Fair is an opportunity to learn about new innovations in the industry, network with professionals, and understand steps to achieving digital transformation. Register for Automation Fair here.
Episode 430: The Evolution of WMS Implementation with Tryon Solutions
In the latest episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, special guest Adam Downing, President of Tryon Solutions, dives into the intricate world of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). With 14 years of specialization in Blue Yonder WMS implementations, Tryon Solutions provides a comprehensive suite of services spanning consulting and operational improvements to upgrades and support. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and boasting a global presence, the company completed an impressive thirty-nine go-lives just last year. Adam offers invaluable insights into how WMS providers are evolving to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies, including automation and robotics. Don’t miss the chance to gain these insights; tune in to the episode for the full discussion. Robotics, Labor Issues, and the Rise of SaaS in Warehouse Management Systems In an industry as dynamic as warehousing keeping up with technological advancements and labor market shifts is crucial. Adam sheds light on some of the most pressing issues and changes currently affecting the warehouse management landscape. “A lot of our products right now are centered around either robotics or automation,” Adam mentions, highlighting the increased focus on these technologies to drive efficiencies, with labor remaining a significant concern. One of the most noteworthy shifts is moving from on-premise solutions to Software as a Service (SaaS). “There’s this big push to move to SaaS,” Adam notes. This change, though sometimes met with resistance from large enterprise IT departments, is becoming increasingly accepted. It allows operational folks to take more ownership of the systems, bypassing the need to rely solely on internal IT teams. “SaaS WMS solutions are not a new thing, but certainly from the enterprise level, they are becoming more and more adopted,” Adam adds. WMS Implementation and Integration in an Age of Robotics and Automation Adam emphasizes the integration challenges of the proliferation of robotics: “You’re just automating things that are in your work queue, and rather than assign it to a person, you’re assigning it to a robot. Much of that still boils down to how you implement it and do the industrial engineering to build that into your operation.” This becomes particularly pertinent as warehouses strive for seamless coordination between human labor and automation technologies. As warehouses increasingly adopt robotics and other automation technologies, one critical hurdle is how these new tools integrate with existing WMS platforms. “The biggest challenge our customers see is how you integrate these various technology solutions with your existing WMS system?” Adam points out. He notes that while older WMS systems might still be able to handle new technologies via middleware, there’s a growing push toward SaaS solutions. The transition to SaaS offers better reliability and eases the integration of additional microservices that can optimize operations further. The Value of Test Automation in Streamlined Warehouse Operations Test automation is pivotal, especially as the warehouse ecosystem becomes more complex. “Test automation, for example, doesn’t necessarily make your go-live easier, but it makes your ongoing maintenance more robust and reliable. It’s always about mitigating risk,” Adam shares. He notes that while test automation is most effective in a large ecosystem where WMS is just one part of a broader IT infrastructure, its value is undeniable in maintaining long-term operational integrity. “We look at automating those tasks of the high priority things…the picking, the put-away, those sorts of tasks,” says Adam. By focusing on automation for these tasks, warehouses can better mitigate risk and reduce the need for manual interference, which can be especially critical during system upgrades or other changes. Key Takeaways on WMS Implementation Robotics and automation are increasingly essential in warehouse management, necessitating seamless integration with existing WMS platforms. The transition from on-premise to Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions accelerates, allowing operational teams to take greater ownership and improve system reliability. Test automation is pivotal for mitigating risks and streamlining operations, particularly in larger ecosystems where WMS interacts with a broader IT infrastructure. EP 430: The Evolution of WMS Implementation with Tryon Solutions
Global Mobile Robotics Market Survey indicates widespread acceptance and significant growth
BlueBotics, the global reference in natural navigation for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has released results of a new survey indicating significant growth in automated guided vehicle (AGVs) on its educational website, ANTdriven.com. Conducted in collaboration with Logistics Business magazine, the report “AUTOMATED VEHICLES IN MATERIAL HANDLING 2022/2023 USAGE REPORT indicates a bright outlook for the future of AGVs. Between November 28th and December 14th, 2022, the independent research firm Logistics Business interviewed 180 respondents from 29 different countries, 87 percent of whom were involved in purchasing automated vehicles. Virtually all respondents used some automated vehicle to improve their operations, and most planned to expand use soon. The results also indicated increasing acceptance and trust in automated vehicle technologies, high adoption of natural navigation methods, and significant interest in interoperability. Key findings: Widespread use of automated vehicles. More than 70 percent of the respondents have adopted or plan to adopt AMRs or AGVs and 21 percent were using self-driving forklifts. The average fleet size was 7.7, consisting mostly of AMRs or AGVs; only 17 percent used more than one type of vehicle. Diverse uses. Respondents used AGVs to compensate for staff shortages but generally not to reduce headcount. Applications included moving payloads to or from conveyors, palletizers, and wrappers; packaging or other end-of-line applications; pallet toting and retrieval; and picking. About a third cited on-site safety as a reason for adopting automated vehicles. Natural navigation is the most popular guidance method. About 3 out of 4 respondents were using vehicles guided by natural navigation methods, with others using laser triangulation, inductive wire, magnetic tape, and QR code or tag-based systems. Market growth. 91 percent of respondents plan to extend their AGV or AMR fleets, with 81 percent planning to do so within the next two years. Most will purchase between 3 and 10 vehicles. Interoperability trending. The need for new purchases to interoperate with each other and other plant technology showed as important as brand reputation and payload capacity, as respondents seek to avoid single vendor reliance. The need to measure ROI remains. But how they will measure that return remains of concern. The two most cited approaches include comparing cost savings to manual or automated vehicle technologies and productivity increases, with break-even time, accident reduction, and staff acceptance. “This survey confirms our belief that the adoption of automated vehicles will continue strongly for many years, driven by the challenge of hiring and retaining material handling workers, the continued need for increased efficiency and cost savings in challenging global conditions. We are especially gratified to see such strong current use of natural navigation as users see the value of automating material handling operations,” said BlueBotics CEO, Dr. Nicola Tomatis. For more details on survey results, read the complete survey report here.
Hai Robotics launches new solutions aimed to heighten Warehouse Storage Density and real-time efficiency
Hai Robotics (“Hai”), pioneer and provider in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) Systems, has announced the launch of the world’s first telescopic Grapple Hook ACR, the HaiPick A42T-E2, and the HaiPick System 3—two new innovations that address customer concerns around increasing storage density and performance at a smaller warehouse footprint. The telescopic Grapple Hook ACR can be integrated within HaiPick System 3, creating a nexus that facilitates higher performance while delivering enhanced storage density. The HaiPick A42T-E2—equipped with ChainPick technology—features a grappling hook with a picking speed of 2.7 seconds, quickly pulling totes one after another. Such ChainPick technology is key to enabling up to five-deep tote storage capacity, allowing shorter picking and placing time to further streamline the goods-to-person workflow. Horizontal space in between totes can be slashed by 60%, ensuring no space gap at the back and hence optimizing existing warehouse storage space. Businesses are also offered tailored solutions to scale up or down, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge without compromising on financial agility, while still achieving cost-efficiency. “Businesses nowadays are struggling to not only optimize their warehouse space, but also strike a balance between automation and leaving room for growth,” said Peter Guan, General Manager at Hai Robotics EMEA. “We are thrilled with the launch of the HaiPick A42T-E2. This project encapsulates our commitment to providing intelligent, flexible and efficient solutions for the modern warehousing industry, while keeping in mind the growing and dynamic needs of this market on a global scale.” The HaiPick System 3, on the other hand, is the latest solution in Hai’s portfolio, enabling ultra-high storage density up to 50 totes/㎡ and increasing worker efficiency up to six times. HaiPick System 3 is a highly standardized system incorporating Hai’s telescopic Grapple Hook ACRs and Fast-transit K50 autonomous mobile robots (AMR) running at a speed of 4m/s. HaiPick System 3 introduces fast deployment and efficient ACR-AMR collaboration: While ACRs handle totes from the top to the bottom of the racks, AMRs handle rack-bottom totes between racks and workstation swiftly. Additionally, the solution facilitates rack expansion by up to five-deep configuration, by using the telescopic Grapple Hook ACR, with a maximum picking height of up to 10 meters. “HaiPick System 3 is a high-performance and agile solution that scales alongside businesses to better achieve instantaneous customer satisfaction,” added Guan. “Combined with the telescopic Grapple Hook ACR, warehouses will be able to achieve a level of performance efficiency and ROI at new heights in both B2B and B2C operations, such as within 3PL and apparel industries.” Davide Tuzi, Country Manager of Italy at Hai Robotics, will discuss more details in the upcoming episode of HaiPulse webinar. The special edition, scheduled to air on October 20th, at 9:30 AM (CET), will cover an in-depth analysis of these two innovations. Sign up for this webinar here.
Waabi partners with Uber Freight with AI-powered automomous trucks
September 21, 2023 marked a significant milestone for Waabi and the logistics industry. They have announced a strategic partnership with Uber Freight to accelerate the safe deployment of AI-powered autonomous trucks at scale. The agreement pairs Waabi’s core technology—the Waabi Driver—with Uber Freight’s vast logistics platform and marketplace technology to deliver a turnkey driver-as-a-service solution that will be the first of its kind. This unique solution will empower carriers to dynamically and effectively deploy the Waabi Driver while also unlocking critical capacity for shippers and driving value throughout the supply chain. By providing carriers with the services and infrastructure to deploy, maintain and manage their autonomous assets seamlessly, our bundled solution can help increase asset utilization significantly as well as drive profitability for carriers of all sizes. Over the next ten years, Waabi and Uber Freight also intend to deploy billions of miles of Waabi Driver capacity alongside carrier partners on the Uber Freight network, ensuring the technology will have a meaningful impact for shippers and carriers over the long term. To gather valuable insights for the joint solution, our autonomous trucks have already been deployed on the Uber Freight network, giving their customers early access to autonomous freight capacity. The autonomous commercial loads, the first of which ran this week, will run regularly between Dallas and Houston and give the thousands of shippers and carriers on the Uber Freight network an opportunity to better understand what the future of supply chain operations will look like and how autonomous trucks can improve overall network efficiency. As the partnership continues to advance, we will quickly expand to other key lanes in Texas and beyond. A new model for AI-powered autonomous truck adoption and deployment While autonomous trucks represent a huge opportunity for the logistics industry to increase asset utilization, improve road safety, lower carbon emissions, and improve drivers’ livelihoods, reaching their full potential hinges on integrating into a scaled freight network that can optimize load matching, orchestrate hub-to-hub operations, and provide carriers a streamlined experience for onboarding, load booking and execution, trailer hand-offs, payments and asset maintenance. The industry-first driver-as-a-service solution at the center of our partnership will pair the Waabi Driver with Uber Freight’s technology and services to offer carriers the most technologically advanced, operationally efficient and holistic model for safely and effectively adopting autonomous trucks within their fleets. In the future, carriers with Waabi Driver-enabled trucks will have the option to deploy their assets instantly and seamlessly on the Uber Freight network, taking advantage of continuously optimized routes, as well as an ecosystem of partnerships with transfer hub infrastructure, roadside assistance, and national maintenance providers. A robust technical integration will enable shippers to tap directly into Waabi Driver capacity from Uber Freight’s digital tools, making it easy to transform procurement strategies and incorporate efficient and reliable autonomous capacity into their day-to-day operations. With $18 billion of Freight Under Management, Uber Freight is uniquely positioned to improve reliability and cost-effectiveness for shippers by optimizing routes and combining shipments, ultimately maximizing utilization of autonomous and human-driven trucks across entire networks. Importantly, this partnership will make it effortless for carriers and shippers to unleash our generative AI-powered technology within their own operations. We’re tackling autonomous driving in a new way, the Waabi Driver is the first and only autonomous truck solution to be built around a foundation AI model, which unlike traditional approaches that require painstaking manual code adjustments, can automatically learn from data and generalize its learnings to all the situations it might encounter on the road, including those that it has never seen before. The Waabi Driver’s development is front loaded within our revolutionary simulator, Waabi World — the most scalable, highest fidelity closed-loop simulator to ever exist. In Waabi World, generative AI reconstructs digital twins automatically from raw sensor data. These digital twins can then be modified to create infinite potential new scenarios, exposing the Waabi Driver to the vast diversity of experiences needed to hone its driving skills, including common scenarios and safety-critical edge cases. This approach drastically reduces the need to drive in the real world, resulting in a solution for carriers and shippers that is not only more sustainable, but also smarter, safer, and more scalable. Accelerating the future of logistics and driving positive change across safety, efficiency, jobs and the environment This partnership comes at a time when logistics innovation is needed most. Not only is the industry facing considerable inefficiencies across supply chains, with an estimated ~20-35% of miles being driven empty, and a looming shortage of truck drivers, expected to reach 160,000 by 2028, but persistent safety issues continue to plague the industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, large truck crashes accounted for more than 5,000 lives lost—and 87% of large truck crashes involve human error, according to historical data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, transportation is the only sector with emissions that are still growing in US & Europe and freight trucking, in particular, accounts for nearly 7% of US CO2 emissions. Autonomous trucks have tremendous potential to address these issues, significantly increasing asset utilization, reducing carbon emissions, improving road safety, and positively reimagining the career outlook and quality of life for truck drivers. A recent study by the Department of Transportation found that autonomous trucks could actually stimulate job growth and increase total U.S. employment by 26,400 to 35,100 jobs per year on average. Together, we look forward to advancing logistics and delivering on the promise of autonomous trucks.
Rockwell Automation and Infinitum announce agreement to make high-efficiency low voltage drives and motors
Partnership will deliver market-leading integrated drives and motors giving manufacturers the ability to deliver sustainable outcomes with less consumed energy, raw materials, and waste Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, and Infinitum, creator of the sustainable air core motor, has announced an exclusive agreement to jointly develop and distribute a new class of high-efficiency, integrated low voltage drive and motor technology. This solution will significantly save energy and cut costs for industrial customers globally, while helping them reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. As companies grow more energy conscious and look to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, variable frequency drives (VFDs) with high-efficiency motors have increasingly come into focus. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric motors consume approximately 40% of the electricity consumed globally, with the percentage rising to nearly 70% for industrial companies. Under this agreement, Rockwell’s market-leading PowerFlex® drive technology will be combined with Infinitum’s high-efficiency Aircore EC motor system. This powerful package will help companies reduce their carbon footprint with a motor system that is 50% smaller and lighter, uses 66% less copper, and consumes 10% less energy than traditional iron core motors. “We’ve long recognized the benefits of Infinitum’s integrated motor and drive system because of its class-leading energy efficiency, sustainability, and ease of operations,” said Barry Elliott, vice president and general manager of Power Control, Rockwell Automation. “We’re excited about the powerful impact that our new joint solution will have on improving sustainability, energy-efficiency, and productivity for our customers around the world.” Rockwell and Infinitum have collaborated since 2021, when Rockwell made an initial investment in Infinitum as part of the company’s Series C funding. “We’re excited to extend our successful partnership with Rockwell Automation. This agreement opens new customer channels for our sustainable motors that can power the world with less energy, material, and waste,” said Ben Schuler, founder and CEO, Infinitum. “Working with Rockwell will enable a direct and widespread impact on industrial companies, reducing electricity consumption and increasing sustainability for this energy-intensive sector.” The integrated VFD and motors will be available in late 2024 exclusively through Rockwell and its partners.
SUN Automation Group enters exclusive Strategic Partnership Agreement with AL-GAR
SUN to become exclusive distributor and service provider for AL-GAR in USA and Canada effective August 2023 SUN Automation Group (SUN), has announced it has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership agreement with AL-GAR. Effective August 2023, SUN will be the exclusive representative of all AL-GAR products and support throughout the United States and Canada. Based in Barcelona, Spain, AL-GAR offers advanced engineering solutions for corrugated manufacturing. The company provides expertise and resources to optimize manufacturing processes, with customizable solutions for design, control systems, retrofits, and maintenance. AL-GAR bolsters its comprehensive services with its top-of-line product offerings engineered to enhance corrugated, paper, and converting operations globally. “By partnering with AL-GAR, SUN continues to expand its capabilities and presence around the world,” said Greg Jones, Executive Vice President of SUN Automation Group. “On behalf of our board, senior leadership team and our employee-owners, we welcome AL-GAR to the SUN Family.” AL-GAR’s technology-enabled solutions allow corrugated manufacturers to see quick benefits, from increased productivity and efficiency to saving on materials and cost. With AL-GAR, companies can be assured that all processes are fine-tuned to maximize results. “The partnership with SUN Automation Group will fuel the growth of both companies,” said Silvia Alcazar, Managing Director at AL-GAR. “By combining SUN’s exceptional sales and service support with our engineering expertise and resources, we will build upon our strong position in the global marketplace.” SUN leadership views the partnership with AL-GAR as a perfect complement to SUN’s current offerings. By introducing AL-GAR’s extensive services, SUN further solidifies itself as a complete solutions provider for the corrugated industry. “We are honored to work with AL-GAR and excited to introduce the company’s forward-thinking solutions to our current customers in the United States and Canada,” said Jones. “We look forward to introducing AL-GAR’s innovative Automatic Load Tag Inserter during the What’s New presentation at TAPPI CorrExpo later this month. Customers can also stop by booth #101 to learn more and meet with AL-GAR representatives onsite.” The strategic partnership between SUN Automation Group and AL-GAR reinforces their mutual dedication to innovation, efficiency, and customer-centric solutions. By leveraging each other’s strengths, they are poised to redefine excellence in the corrugated industry, ensuring a future of growth and success.
Signode to highlight industry-leading Automation and Support Solutions at CorrExpo 2023
Signode, a global manufacturer of a broad range of automated transit packaging equipment, tools, consumables, and warehouse automation and support solutions, is highlighting industry-first technologies at CorrExpo in Cleveland. Held at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland August 28-30, Signode will present a selection of its innovative corrugated packaging advancements in booth 335. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in corrugated over the last several years,” says Jonathan Lust, Corrugated Segment Manager at Signode. “Our portfolio of solutions is designed to help corrugated plants keep up with these increasing demands. From easily integrated end-of-line automation options to ongoing equipment support via our Packaging Plus® Reliability Services Team, we aim to protect our customers’ corrugated automation investments while prioritizing optimal outcomes.” Corrugated solutions to be showcased at CorrExpo include: SIG-VCS Signode’s SIG-VCS automatic squaring bundler is our premier solution for customers seeking high-speed bundling capabilities. With bundling capacity of up to 32 bundles per minute, box converters are empowered to meet demanding deadlines and optimize throughput. The SIG-VCS is equipped with XL strap coils, quick-change strapping dispensers, and auto-refeed technology, all designed to minimize downtime with continuous strapping. The production versatility of the machine enables effortless changes in production requirements, giving box converters peace of mind to meet varying customer needs. The SIG-VCS has standard built-in features to keep production downtime to a minimum, and the auto-bundle teach option reduces set-up time to one minute or less. The patented easy-access strap guides require no tools for normal maintenance. SIG-CORR Another one of Signode’s automatic squaring and strapping bundlers, the SIG-CORR, will be on display at CorrExpo to demonstrate high-speed bundling capabilities for specialty-glued items, including crash-lock boxes, corrugated trays and lids, and straight-line cartons. Up to 50% faster in some specialty folder gluer applications, the SIG-CORR is manufactured with intuitive features such as signal lights to indicate low strap and end-of-strap monitoring with auto bundle ejection promotes continuous strapping and maximum uptime. Additionally, the SIG-CORR features easy-access strap guides for simplified maintenance. The SIG-CORR can accommodate production changes quickly and easily with storage of up to 5,000 bundle program configurations. BXT3 Battery Powered Strapping Tool Signode’s line of BXT3 battery powered hand tools offers a modern alternative to pneumatic and manual equipment by showcasing reliability, ease of use, and speed – essentially giving any operator highly consistent results not possible with manual tools. This battery powered strapping method is user-friendly, reduces operator fatigue, and saves time and money. The BXT3 is specifically designed for strapping applications using Signode Tenax® polyester and Signode Dylastic® polypropylene strapping. It accommodates 13mm to 32mm plastic strapping and is capable of variable tensioning speeds of up to 11’ per second. With a lightweight, ergonomic design, intuitive user interface and up to 800 cycles per charge, this tool is designed to increase customer uptime. Signode’s comprehensive suite of corrugated solutions is underscored by the Packaging Plus® Reliability Services Team, featuring more than 500 field service engineers and technicians around the world. These highly trained specialists are equipped with the latest technology, tools, and training and provide proactive maintenance, full line efficiency audits, and emergency repairs to keep customers’ packaging equipment operating at peak performance. The Reliability Services Team engages with customers to develop preventive, protective, and comprehensive care using a specially designed Performance Assessment Reporting.
SUN Automation Group highlights latest innovations and key partnerships at CorrExpo 2023
SUN Automation Group (SUN), a global industry provider of innovative corrugated solutions for feeding, printing, and converting, welcomes customers to CorrExpo in Booth 101 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio from August 28-30. Visitors can learn more about the SUN625® Rotary Die Cutter, SUN’s next-level solution for corrugated manufacturing. With comprehensive feeding, printing, and converting capabilities, the fixed-frame system offers more production volume than two traditional RDC machines, while also producing superior container quality. “We’re incredibly excited to share SUN625® at CorrExpo,” said Gokul Gopakumar, Vice President of Technology and Business Development. “The technology embodies our commitment to innovation and productivity and offers unprecedented cost savings to our customers. It sets new standards in efficiency and versatility, and we look forward to engaging in discussions about its transformative capabilities in August.” SUN will also be highlighting Helios, the company’s machine learning and IIoT platform. The SaaS solution quantifies and analyzes key elements of the corrugated manufacturing process. With this data, box plant leaders are empowered to make more efficient and informed decisions around when to schedule downtime and order parts to prevent machine failure. “Helios saves box plants time and money by enabling their equipment to work smarter, not harder,” said Gopakumar. “Its machine learning capabilities enable predictive maintenance, and its real-time remote monitoring allows for quick identification and resolution of issues. Helios is the 21st-century solution for optimizing the manufacturing process.” In addition, SUN will feature their breadth of strategic global partnerships at CorrExpo. By combining the experience, equipment, service, and technology of experts worldwide, SUN is able to provide the right solution for any operation and accommodate even the most unique needs. “Our strategic partnerships allow us to stake our claim as a total solutions provider for the corrugated industry,” said Greg Jones, Executive Vice President. “We are able to capitalize on our all-encompassing resources to provide individualized solutions for our customers. We look forward to demonstrating how our expanded knowledge, experience, and global presence can serve the corrugated community.” SUN is proud to maintain key partnerships to provide solutions for increasing production, efficiency, and profitability. When CorrExpo attendees visit SUN’s booth this year, they will also have the opportunity to meet and learn more about these strategic partners. Latitude Machinery Group (LMC) Since August 2019, SUN Automation Group has been the exclusive representative for Latitude Machinery Corp. (LMC) in North and Central America. As a world-class manufacturer of Rotary Die Cutters and Flexo Folder Gluers and with over 100 machine installations in North America, LMC has an outstanding reputation for reliability and throughput. PARA Srl Machinery and Material Handling for Corrugated Board As a globally integrated Italian material handling company and partner to SUN since 2021, PARA boasts a vast variety of material handling solutions for the corrugated industry, with over 15,000 products installed world-wide. PARA’s extensive product range includes pre-feeders, palletizers, RDC stackers, bundle breakers, pallet inserters, vertical storage solutions, paper mill roll transports, and unit conveyor systems. Al-Gar Al-Gar, SUN’s newest partner, is a global leader offering corrugated engineering solutions. Based in Barcelona, Spain, the company provides expertise and resources to optimize manufacturing processes, with customizable solutions for design, control systems, retrofits, and maintenance. Al-Gar bolsters its comprehensive services with its top-of-line product offerings engineered to enhance corrugated, paper, and converting operations. eProductivity Software Packaging (ePS) SUN’s strategic partnership with ePS works to provide the most comprehensive software solutions for the corrugated and packaging industries. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, ePS offers a robust portfolio of highly flexible, modular packaging software solutions built to enable revenue growth, improve operational efficiency, and reduce manufacturing costs. ePS software is seamlessly integrated with SUN’s Helios platform, empowering customers to not only unlock intricate insights into machine settings and patterns but also to transform their operations into a more proactive, efficient, and evolved system. Highcon SUN and Highcon have been cultivating a growing relationship since 2021. Highcon represents the digital arm of corrugated converting solutions, bringing a patented digital cutting and creasing process for post print processes in the folding carton and corrugated carton industries. SUN is committed to delivering excellence to the corrugated industry. To learn more about how your operations will benefit from SUN’s well-rounded suite of corrugated support and solutions, visit booth 101 at CorrExpo.
Trew® named 2023 Top Workplaces Award winner by employees
The award recognizes top companies in the Greater Cincinnati region based on employee feedback Trew, LLC has been recognized by Enquirer Media as a 2023 Top Workplaces award winner. Trew’s team includes a wide range of roles including solutions development, project management, software, engineering, manufacturing, installation, sales, marketing, and other general corporate services, and is proud to be recognized by its employees as a top workplace. “I am incredibly proud of our teammates for making this award possible,” said Alfred Rebello, Trew President and COO. “We put a lot of effort into building an environment where people make big things happen and win together by creating value for our customers. The Top Workplaces Award is confirmation that the people who make Trew great share a passion for excellence.” The Top Workplace Award is based entirely on employee feedback gathered by a third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to success of any organization such as alignment, execution, and connection. “Earning a Top Workplace award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard.” Trew was formed in January 2019 by warehouse automation veterans and has quickly become a solutions leader in the industry. The company is anchored in Cincinnati, with a diverse hybrid workforce and additional facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the greater Toronto, Canada area.
Dematic names Mohamed Vaid Senior Vice President Business Solutions P&L, Americas
Dematic announced the appointment of Mohamed Vaid to Senior Vice President, Business Solutions Profit & Loss (P&L), Americas. In this role, Vaid will oversee the project execution team for the Americas region, deliver excellence in project execution for customers, and partner closely with all functions within the organization to enable future success for Dematic Americas. “Mohamed was a natural choice for this position, as he’s exemplified strong leadership within the organization over the past four years,” says Mike Larsson, Executive Vice President, Americas. “With a strategic mindset and an unwavering dedication to success, his appointment ensures that Dematic will continue to excel and deliver exceptional projects and solutions for our customers.” Prior to this new role, Vaid served as Dematic Americas’ Senior Vice President, Customer Service, where he facilitated steadfast operational benefits for Dematic customers and ensured support throughout the entire lifecycle of their operations. “I am excited to take this next step in my journey with Dematic, now managing a new team with strategic project execution at the forefront of all my work,” says Vaid. “The execution phase of our work is the lengthiest and most critical part of our duties, and I look forward to further supporting our customers throughout the process.” Vaid joined Dematic in 2019 as Vice President, Global Solution Development. Before joining the organization, he garnered extensive professional experience driving global revenue with cross-functional teams over the course of his career, including executive roles with General Electric, United Technologies, ALJ Toyota, and Saudi Cable Company. A graduate from Harvard Business School, Vaid holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in commerce, finance, and management information systems from the University of Virginia. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt for excellence in professional leadership. Vaid will continue to be based out of Dematic global headquarters in Atlanta.
R.A. Jones introduces an intelligent flexible transfer system that intergrates automation and flexibilty within packing options
The intelligent transfer system incorporates personalized robotics and customized tooling, increasing production line efficiency and speed capabilities R.A Jones recently launched its intelligent Flexible Transfer System (iFTS), a smart automated and customizable transfer system that provides consumer packaged goods (CPGs) companies with a reliable and flexible solution to solve simple or complex automation challenges. Offering the standard building blocks, iFTS draws upon a comprehensive library of fixed automation, various robot types and sizes, and standard or custom tooling to optimize a solution to meet production needs and improve efficiency within the packaging line. The iFTS will be showcased alongside R.A Jones’ Criterion CLI-100 cartoner at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023. The iFTS being displayed at the show will demonstrate the receiving of product from upstream systems, such as a Volpak SI-180 pouch machine, which are then placed upon magnetic levitating shuttles which transport, group, and orient the pouches for side-loading of cartons from 3-count to 8-count variations. The system integrates a four-axis robotic pick and place, offering enhanced pouch size change flexibility, and depending on sizing, product can span across two magnetic shuttles. By rotating and collating products so more can fit in the carton, iFTS can help brands cut down on overall carton volume by 10 to 20 percent and create a more sustainable packaging option. Another advanced feature of the transfer system is the shuttles’ ability to detect the presence of a product; if no product is placed on the shuttle, the machine automatically responds to substitute another shuttle in its place in some scenarios. By combining appropriate digital technology, robotics, and tooling, the iFTS can provide greater production efficiency, reliability, and flexibility within packaging operations. “Leveraging over 30 years of robotics experience, R.A Jones is able to provide our customers with a flexible transfer system that can be customized to solve any packaging problem,” said Bob Burkhardt, Product Portfolio Manager at R.A Jones. “Our customers come to us needing to package 300 or more products a minute, so they need an efficient transfer system to help produce compact cartons.” The transfer system can service a variety of products, including bulk packs and dry foods, such as snacks, cereal, and candy as well as electronics and home goods like toothpaste. Standard frame mounting, guarding, and overhead enclosures can be readily adapted around other machines in the line while lower frame mounting enables easy integration of conveyors and other equipment. The system offers a smaller footprint and is scalable, so units can be grouped in a line or in different configurations to incorporate larger robots or solve different problems, such as packaging heavier products. The iFTS is available now and can be purchased alongside other Coesia company machinery to create a fully integrated system or sold individually with an R.A Jones pouching machine or cartoner.
Zion and FF Solutions Group join forces
Zion Solutions Group, LLC, a provider of material handling automation technology and systems integration, and FF Solutions Group, LLC, a systems integration company specializing in high-end solutions and implementations of material handling and robotics technologies have combined to form a multi-million-dollar organization. Together, they will provide automated and robotic solutions assisting their customers with state-of-the-art fulfillment and distribution centers. The combined organization will maintain the Zion Solutions Group, LLC name. With the ongoing opportunity to do more for their customers and the advancement of technology and automation, Zion and FF Solutions are excited to continue building their team to support accelerated growth. Zion is on track to meet its 5-year business plan by the end of 2023, less than two years from its launch.
Episode 399: Sustainability and Digital Innovation in Warehouses with Dematic
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin speaks with Jenn Tabbert, the Director of Software Sales at Dematic. As a provider of intelligent warehouse solutions, Dematic plays a crucial role in streamlining supply chain operations for some of the world’s most renowned brands. In this engaging conversation, Jenn shed light on sustainability and digital connectivity and how they are shaping the future of the warehouse industry. Sustainability: A Path to Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility Amid increasing pressure from consumers, regulators, and industry groups to reduce their carbon footprint, sustainability has become a critical concern for warehouse operations. Dematic recognizes the importance of data in enabling a more sustainable approach. By leveraging software solutions, such as intelligent automation and inventory management, Dematic helps customers identify and address inefficiencies. As Jenn points out, “We’re really helping our customers move data rather than paper.” These sustainable practices reduce waste and improve overall supply chain performance.” Dematic is Breaking Down Silos for Real-Time Visibility The traditional, siloed approach to supply chain management is no longer sufficient in today’s dynamic market. Dematic emphasizes the need for real-time, accurate visibility across the supply chain network. By enabling connectivity and data sharing, Dematic empowers customers to adapt rapidly to changing market conditions and customer expectations. Jenn highlights data from a recent MHI survey: “86% of respondents predict that the autonomous, connected supply chain will be the norm by 2027, but only 5% are seeing that today.” Dematic aims to bridge this gap and facilitate the adoption of technologies that enable seamless connectivity and collaboration. Software’s Role in Optimizing Warehouse Operations Software is pivotal in optimizing warehouse operations, driving efficiency gains, and improving overall throughput. Dematic recognizes the value of leveraging software solutions to automate decision-making processes, reducing the reliance on labor and institutional knowledge. By automating tasks and streamlining workflows, the software enables employees to focus on higher-value activities and coaching, ultimately enhancing productivity. Additionally, user-friendly interfaces cater to diverse labor pools, allowing quicker on-boarding and reducing errors. Key Takeaways from Dematic The Synergy of Sustainability and Efficiency: Dematic’s sustainable solutions contribute to environmental goals and drive operational efficiency and cost savings. Through intelligent inventory management, optimized truck loading, and reduced paper usage, customers can minimize waste, enhance supply chain visibility, and achieve tangible financial benefits. Real-Time Visibility for Adaptive Supply Chains: Supply chain connectivity is crucial for staying ahead in a dynamic market. Dematic’s software solutions provide real-time, accurate views of operations across the entire network, enabling rapid adaptation and meeting customer expectations. As the industry moves toward an autonomous, connected supply chain, Dematic is at the forefront of empowering this transition. Software as a Catalyst for Optimization and Labor Management: Dematic recognizes the significance of software in optimizing warehouse operations. Automation of decision-making processes reduces reliance on labor and institutional knowledge, allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks. Intuitive user interfaces expand the labor pool by enabling quick training and reducing errors, helping companies address labor shortages effectively. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 399: Sustainability and Digital Innovation in Warehouses with Dematic
Rocrich AGV Solutions: Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas and Jungheinrich to expand their joint venture for mobile automation solutions in North America
Combination of Rocla and Jungheinrich® automated guided vehicle (AGV) portfolios in the North American market within existing AGV joint venture Rocrich to offer best-in-class AGV solutions that cover all major customer use cases Joint venture to further expand local capacities to offer even stronger support to customers and partners across North America German intralogistics pioneer Jungheinrich and Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas(Logisnext), a North American provider and manufacturer of material handling and innovative automation and fleet solutions, has announced the pending launch of Rocrich AGV Solutions (Rocrich). The joint venture will build on their existing partnership and will offer proven mobile automation solutions for warehouses and production facilities in North America. Both partners will hold equal shares in the company which will be headquartered in Houston, Texas with additional operations in Marengo, Illinois. Rocrich: Bringing Rocla and Jungheinrich® AGVs together in North America Logisnext and Jungheinrich have already been collaborating in a long-standing and proven partnership for over 15 years in North America, including a joint venture company offering Jungheinrich AGV solutions – MCJ Supply Chain Solutions LLC (MCJ). In order to capture a significant portion of the projected growth in the North American material handling automation market, Rocrich will combine the AGV portfolios of Logisnext’s Rocla brand and that of Jungheinrich within the existing MCJ joint venture. This will provide customers and business partners with a single source for product and service solutions from both brands. Rocla and Jungheinrich have long-term industry expertise, with each having over 40 years of experience offering reliable mobile automation and robotics solutions for state-of-the-art warehouses. As one entity responsible for Rocla and Jungheinrich AGV portfolios, Rocrich will streamline processes and offer a single point of contact for customers and business partners as well as a strong service offering across North America. Comprehensive portfolio covers all major customer use cases in the North American market With the combined offering, the product and service portfolios of Jungheinrich and Rocla will enable Rocrich to cover all major customer use cases from standard to special purpose AGVs and automated forklifts. This offering for the North American market will build on Rocla’s and Jungheinrich’s global industry-leading knowledge in the area of AGVs that has been continuously developed over the last decades. Rocrich will build on these solutions with more products and services in the future. Strengthening of local capacities backed by largest North American dealer network To become an even stronger partner for the market, Rocrich will grow the North American organization and further strengthen its local capacities. As part of this strategy, it will expand its capabilities in the areas of sales, commissioning, installation and aftersales. At the same time, the joint venture will leverage the knowledge from Jungheinrich’s and Rocla’s in-depth expertise to further enhance its existing customer support and experience in the region. Partnering with more than 570 Logisnext dealer locations across North America, Rocrich will offer the industry’s best service promise with leading local and regional coverage. The extensive dealer network is present throughout the U.S. and provides additional coverage in Canada and Mexico. The industry-leading support offering will include aftersales services such as 24/7 helpdesk support, a quick local response to inquiries as well as planned and unplanned maintenance, among other items. Brian Spradlin, currently President of MCJ with over 15 years of experience in the automation field, will continue his role in the expanded joint venture and serve as President of Rocrich. “We are truly excited to announce Rocrich and to bring together the automation product portfolios of Rocla and Jungheinrich in the North American market,” said Brian Spradlin. “The combination will enable us to provide our customers and partners with fast and easy access to an industry-leading offering and position us for future market opportunities. We will combine the best people and products in the industry to scale our business. Our ambition is to become one of the leading players in the market and to shape the future of our industry.” The launch of Rocrich commercial operations is subject to the receipt of various regulatory authority approvals. The parties expect to complete these activities and commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2023.
Stoecklin introduces CasePicker Automation Solution to help produce companies improve throughput performance
New system accommodates different size containers to optimize palletizing and depalletizing while ensuring product integrity Increased demand for fruit and vegetables across retail and foodservice channels is driving suppliers to enhance their supply chains with automation and other tools that make the transfer of product more efficient and effective, while reducing waste. Stöcklin Logistics, a supplier of innovative supply chain solutions, is launching Stöcklin CasePicker to address the specific product logistics challenges and opportunities now facing produce shippers. The Stöcklin CasePicker offers a completely automated solution for distribution centers serving hundreds of retail outlets, with freshness zones from 4°C to 14°C and up to 135,000 cases/day for fruit and vegetables. It features a depalletizer with intelligent control that manages a unique special gripper with a suction strip and underride plate to ensures gentle and reliable case picking. In addition, the gripper allows different returnable and disposable containers to be picked immediately after another for the first time. “Until recently, varying types of containers were a major impediment to automated depalletization and subsequent direct palletization on pallets for each specific retail outlet. Conventional automated picking systems depalletized the entire pallet and separated the contents on trays in one initial step, which took a lot of extra time and increased the opportunity for product damage and waste. The Stöcklin CasePicker addresses all of these pain points plus dramatically improves throughput performance,” said Damaris Grütter, Director of U.S. & Canada for Stöcklin. Keeping with Stöcklin policy, this Stöcklin CasePicker is completely modular and scalable. Depending on the required performance, it can be upgraded by adding new modules and used in combination with proven Stöcklin equipment such as the FTS Eagle-Ant picking and conveying equipment. In addition, the modules are simple to integrate into existing buildings and structures as well as capable of docking with existing systems. The Stöcklin CasePicker ensures that only the intended goods are picked directly from the produce pallet for the retail-outlet pallet which prevents unnecessary movement. In addition, the system speed depends on the order volume. This process optimization and variable utilization reduces the energy required in comparison to conventional solutions. “The Stöcklin CasePicker is completely scalable and ensures simple modular integration into existing distribution centers. The number of workplaces can be reduced by two-thirds. The remaining personnel experience a considerable improvement in the quality of their workplace as well as a significantly healthier working environment. This system, therefore, provides a truly employee-friendly alternative to the prior system of strenuous manual picking,” said Lothar Käufler, Head of Development at Stöcklin Logistics,
Big Joe debuts new AMR Features & Capabilities at Automate 2023
Big Joe Pallet Mover automates workflows through a simple user-directed interface Big Joe Forklifts has seen a tremendous response to its recently launched Pallet Mover, a new user-directed autonomous mobile robot (AMR), and is showing off its newest features at Automate 2023. Developed in partnership with Thoro.ai, the Big Joe Pallet Mover is an easy-to-deploy autonomous solution for floor-to-floor pallet transportation and drop-off that companies can set up and begin operating in less than one hour after receipt. New Pallet Mover AMR features that will be introduced at Automate 2023 include dynamic mapping, map sharing, and zone drop functionality to further enhance the product’s capabilities and thereby increase potential use cases and return on investment for customers. Dynamic mapping allows the Big Joe Pallet Mover to update onboard facility maps on the fly to keep up with changing environments and thus reduces map depreciation and the need to frequently remap areas of operation. As multiple Pallet Movers working in the same facility adapt to changes, users can now utilize a new map-sharing feature via Wi-Fi to update all units and efficiently maintain performance across a fleet. “AMRs bring so many benefits to the modern warehouse, and The Pallet Mover from Big Joe offers functionality, dependability, and a point of entry to automation that doesn’t require any enterprise-wide software or extensive training to get up and running,” said Big Joe’s Chief Marketing Officer, Bill Pedriana. “With the new features being released this week and our simple implementation process, our focus remains on empowering workers and eliminating the need for complicated systems integration.” In addition to enhanced mapping capabilities, the new zone drop feature being introduced at Automate 2023 greatly enhances the Pallet Movers’ ability to do what it does best. That is to autonomously travel to a destination and deliver pallets to preset locations. When the zone drop feature is used, the Pallet Mover will take a load to a predefined area in a facility having multiple pallet delivery locations and will place a pallet in the first open spot based on sequential order – even if they are not in one continuous row or adjacent to one another. “Given my experience vetting manufacturers that have begun adopting autonomous technology, I can tell you first-hand that the new features we are introducing will eliminate a lot of severe headaches and costs for our customers,” said Big Joe’s Autonomous Division General Manager Nick Malewicki. “None of my suppliers, when I was a customer of automation, could deal with the high level of change in areas like receiving docks without the need for hard infrastructure or an industrial engineer being regularly involved. Our focus on making this machine as easy to deploy as it is to use and where we are at with these new features is such a huge step change from where the industry has been stuck for years.” The Big Joe Pallet Mover features an intuitive tablet interface, LiDAR, and a camera system to transport and drop pallets to locations autonomously once the operator initiates it and selects a mission. This collaborative approach uses self-driving technology as a productivity force multiplier by allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks or direct multiple independent workflows concurrently. Initial pricing for the Pallet Mover is set at $65,000 plus tax and freight per unit inclusive of deployment, initial training, and a robust three-year autonomous software and support subscription.
FAULHABER GROUP: Drives for speed in intralogistics
Suitable transport structures in intralogistics are a prerequisite in all industries in order to be able to withstand competitive pressure in the future. An increasing number of work steps involved in storing items in warehouses as well as retrieving these items and preparing them for dispatch are being taken over by automatic storage and retrieval machines, driverless transport systems, and intelligent logistics robots. To speed up the processes, flexible systems that work reliably around the clock are needed here. Such logistics solutions are often driven by high-performance micromotors. The demands that modern intralogistics place on the used drives are high: In many instances, they must be capable of releasing tremendous forces under extremely confined conditions, also work reliably in continuous or stop-and-go operation, and oftentimes they must also perform highly precise positioning tasks. The speed also plays an important role, after all, many thousand orders need to be processed every day in large warehouses. Drive systems from FAULHABER have often demonstrated their performance here during sorting and transporting as well as with storage and retrieval. Thanks to their modular design, the motors can be combined with a variety of high-resolution encoders for precise positioning tasks and with high-performance gearheads for high torque requirements. There are also compact motion controllers that can either be integrated into the drives or arranged externally. Powerful handling with finesse Autonomously driving and self-contained logistics robots are a critical component of “Intralogistics 4.0”. They are used both for storage as well as removal and dispatch preparation. They optimize material flow, relieve employees and replace, e.g., conventional lift trucks or pallet trucks. Autonomous picking robots that allow individual objects to be precisely accessed are one example. A typical picking robot comprises a lifting column and gripper. As a drive unit, it contains, e.g., BX4 series brushless DC-servomotors with an integrated motion controller and planetary gearhead. When used in the gripper, this combination ensures precise positioning during storage or retrieval – all during continuous operation with constant load changes. Yet the complete drive unit weighs only about 300 grams. This means that no counterweight is required even when the gripper is fully extended. With a diameter of only 32 mm and a length of 85.4 mm, the brushless DC-servomotors are also very compact. This makes it possible to design the gripper very flat, allowing it to also pick up packages that are stored just above ground. Expensive storage areas can thus be optimally used. Thanks to the brushless commutation system, the motors are long-lasting and reliable. They deliver high torques and, with the balanced rotor, are very quiet running. With the integrated current control, the torque demands are limited and the drive is reliably protected against overload. Compact drives for rapid start/stop operation Graphite-commutated DC micromotors of the CXR series combined with matched gearheads have also proven themselves in handling tasks. Their commutation system is very robust and is especially well suited for dynamic, high-performance applications with fast start/stop operation as is required in many handling systems as well as with automatic sorting, e.g., in cases where switches are used to change routes on transport paths. Thanks to their linear characteristics, the DC motors are also easy to control. Combined with high-resolution encoders, this makes them ideal for precise positioning tasks. High-quality neodymium magnets and the proven Faulhaber winding ensure a high power density in a compact design. They can thereby be installed directly in the handling elements. In spite of their small size, they can lift considerable weight there. Flexible through production Automated guided vehicles (AGV) are the means of choice when it comes to ensuring flexible transport in production processes. Among the most important requirements for the used drives with in-house material transport systems are availability, speed, flexibility, and – often – low space requirements. The current consumption also plays a role in ensuring that the battery of the vehicles is as long-lasting as possible. For example, brushless DC-servomotors of the BP4 series are suitable to drive the wheels, whereby the motor power can be transferred to the wheels via planetary gearheads and drive belts. The motors operate with high efficiency: their innovative winding technology allows for high copper content and keeps losses to a minimum thanks to high winding symmetry. Encoders of the IE3-1024 series are built right onto the servomotors for precise position detection. The magnetic incremental encoders, which are available with different resolutions, feature an indexing channel for referencing a revolution of the drive shaft as well as a standardized, electronic encoder interface. The resolution, direction of rotation, index width, and index position can be flexibly adapted to the application. A motion controller controls the servomotors. Such drive systems are also used for mobile robot platforms, which move about completely autonomously in industrial halls without a preinstalled guidance system. Above all, their high power density is particularly evident in the wheel modules. A lot of power in a very small space If there is limited installation space for wheel drives in the axial direction, the high-torque flat motors of the BXT series are often an option. Thanks to innovative winding technology and an optimized design, the motors are just 14, 16, and 21 mm in length but deliver torques up to 134 mNm, within a diameter of 22, 32, and 42 mm respectively. For precise speed control or in the case of high requirements on positioning accuracy, diameter-compliant magnetic encoders or speed controllers are now fully integrated into the housed motor variants, whereby the drive is increased by just 6.2 mm. Speed control is performed by the digital Hall sensors integrated into the motors. Thus, a wide speed range from 200 rpm to 10,000 min -1 is available. The compact drive combination is ideal for space-critical applications and simplifies installation and commissioning. The matching metal planetary gearheads of the GPT series too are characterized by a short design, high torque, and extremely fine graduations of the numerous reduction ratios.
SAKOR Technologies releases Dynolab™ GenV next generation test automation control
SAKOR Technologies Inc., a recognized leader in the area of high-performance dynamometer systems, announces the release of the DynoLAB™ GenV next-generation test automation controller, which allows even a non-programmer to implement complex test systems and testing standards. Delivering a new benchmark in modularity, performance, robustness, and expandability, DynoLAB GenV is built on the latest Windows technologies and development tools in full compliance with current information technology standards. The new DynoLAB GenV can be used with a wide array of hardware, including power analyzers, resistance meters, high potential (hi-POT) testers, ECU’s, video control units, and emissions analyzers. The fully networked test automation controller can operate several different devices independently, so users can perform multiple tests simultaneously, often with a single DynoLAB GenV controller. Each DynoLAB GenV execution unit is an independent module, which provides superior software robustness. The system is completely scalable, so performance takes advantage of faster processors, larger memory, and more processor cores as they become available. The powerful new automation controller features multi-monitor, multi-window, and multi-tabbed displays that allow the test sequence to be laid out in the most appealing and ergonomic manner. With its modern intuitive interface and powerful graphical test sequence editor, test engineers and technicians can easily design and implement complex automated test sequences without the need to learn a programming language or employ a professional programmer. Tests can be edited or created online or offline and the user interface and displays can be modified while the test is executing. Users can export test sequences, hardware channel sets, and unit definitions for offline test editing. SAKOR uses its advanced user experience feature to teach operators and engineers how to quickly configure and run tests. “We are excited about the launch of our new DynoLAB GenV product,” said Randal Beattie, president of SAKOR. “Building on our decades of testing experience, the new controller allows customers to automate much larger and more complex systems than ever before, with a cost and expandability not available in the market until now.”
Jungheinrich AG Commits to Strategic Collaboration Utilizing Configura as an All-in-One Plant-Design-Solution for the Company’s Warehouse and Automation Projects
Jungheinrich AG chose Configura to be a strategic partner for the development of various product and system configurators for highly complex customer solutions for its logistics systems division. The aim is to jointly establish an all-in-one plant-design solution for customer projects which covers Jungheinrich’s entire process from initial planning to calculation and the creation of a bill of materials. “Configura has officially been awarded the contract as the central software solution for the ‘System CPQ’ topic at Jungheinrich, which covers our fully automated intralogistics solutions and several other products,” said Dr. Florian Kuzmany, Head of Business Tools Sales Warehouse & Automation Projects at Jungheinrich. The cooperation between Jungheinrich and Configura began in 2020, starting with a pilot project for the configuration of automated pallet racking systems. With the latest development in this strategic collaboration, further racking systems, as well as materials handling components, will be added to Configura’s CET Material Handling planning software, providing Jungheinrich’s sales department with an efficient, intuitive, and cross-product project planning solution. “We value Jungheinrich’s continued commitment to Configura,” said Rich Trahey, VP Sales & Marketing at Configura. “This strategic collaboration enables Jungheinrich to take full advantage of our software ecosystem—enabling them and their network of partners to concept and engineer warehouse systems with speed, accuracy, and efficiency.”