MHS introduces cross-belt sorter with double-cell design for small items
The innovative design offers versatility to handle a wide range of item sizes typical of e-commerce fulfillment and parcel distribution centers MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, announces a new cross-belt sorter designed to handle small items. The HC-Loop Double Cell has an innovative design that uses sections of two cross-belt cells that can either work simultaneously to handle a single large item or independently to handle two smaller items and boost capacity. The versatility of the double-cell design enables the sorter to handle items as small as 2.95-by-2.95-by-0.11 inches and as large as 33.46-by-25.59-by-25.59 inches. The HC-Loop Double Cell gives operations a solution to reliably handle small items like flyers, polybags, and shoeboxes while maintaining the flexibility to handle larger packages like electronics or office supplies. The precise divert of the HC-Loop Double Cell enables the use of narrower chutes to increase density and reduce the total footprint of the system while achieving up to 99.99% sortation accuracy. An intelligent induction system works to increase the utilization of available sorter cells by booking them in advance for target parcels, helping operations reach a capacity of up to 4,500 parcels per hour using a single compact induction line. “As operations face a demanding product mix and rising commercial real estate costs, the HC-Loop Double Cell sorter offers the versatility they need in a compact, efficient package,” says Luis Antezana Vila, Product Manager, Cross-Belt Systems, MHS. “But avoiding unplanned downtime is also critical. That’s why we’ve worked to establish strong component reliability and leverage sensor-based technology to predict and prevent unexpected outages.” Sensors placed along the sorter track and within each cell constantly monitor overall system status and individual components. Through predictive analytics, MHS can detect when a failure might be imminent, based on data reaching pre-determined thresholds, and proactively alert maintenance teams to help avoid unnecessary downtime. The company provides local sales, support, and service for implementations worldwide.
EP196: IAM Robotics
On this episode, I was joined by the Founder and CEO of IAM Robotics, Tom Galluzzo. IAM Robotics is a Pittsburgh-based robotics company offering material handling and piece picking solutions for the warehouse. Tom and I discuss the Pittsburgh robotics scene, how IAM Robotics was founded, their offerings, and their collaboration with Tompkins Robotics. Key Takeaways Many of the robotics companies that have been on the show are Massachusetts-based but there is also a great robotics hub that has been developing over the past few years in Pittsburgh. Tom goes into detail about why this is happening and how the local talent pool is really helping to push the robotics scene forward. He spent some time at Carnegie Mellon as well which is one of the places really pushing robotics forward. Also, as many robotics companies in our space have gotten started, IAM Robotics was also an idea that came out of the DARPA project and then evolved into what it is today. IAM Robotics has two offerings in its robot fleet. The first is the BOLT which is an AMR that can move material throughout your facility in multiple ways. Tom explains how flexible this solution can be due to the top being adaptable to your needs. You can put conveyor sections on top, pallets, or even a customized top. The next offering is an AMMR or autonomous mobile manipulation robot that can maneuver around like an AMR but has a piece-picking arm on top that can grip on to products. Tom discusses both in detail and talks about how they are really one of the only companies right now that are commercializing the AMMR. One of the big takeaways from MODEX 2020 last year was that so many more companies were collaborating and finding ways to offer more to customers by combining solutions or having their solutions work together. IAM Robotics is no different and has recently collaborated with Tompkins Robotics and their T-Sort solution. As Tom explains, this now allows the robotic solution to pick the item using the SWIFT solution and then pass it on to the T-Sort which will sort the merchandise for shipping. He also hints that there will be an additional collaboration in the near future that we should be looking out for. I believe that collaboration is the key to ensuring operations are getting the most efficient solutions with remaining open to flexibility. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 196: IAM Robotics
EP 194: SVT Robotics
On this episode, I was joined by A.K. Schultz the Co-Founder and CEO of SVT Robotics. A.K. and I connected during ProMatDX 2021 earlier this year to discuss SVT Robotics and their mission to help improve the deployment and integration of robots from multiple vendors. Key Takeaways SVT Robotics is not technically a robotics company from a hardware perspective but they are leading the way in ensuring that robots are here to stay in our industry. They are doing this by making it incredibly easy to deploy and integrate robots and automation solutions from multiple vendors in the same operation. One of the big challenges as technology has developed is ensuring that multiple automation solutions can coexist in the same operation and work together. A.K. and the team at SVT Robotics is tackling that challenge and creating an amazing solution so that these types of scenarios are completely feasible for companies. The solution that SVT Robotics has come up with is the SOFTBOT Platform. This platform creates a standard for multiple robotics and automation platforms to connect to. What this allows you to do is simply configure the setup that you would like in the SOFTBOT Studio by dragging and dropping the different automation solutions you are utilizing. Since all of the background work is done this automatically connects them without any coding or engineering on your end. It is this simple connection that is what is driving these types of multi-faceted operations to move forward with automation. Why is a technology like this so important? As robotics and automation adoption rates increase and the accessibility to these technologies also increases there will be more scenarios where more than one solution is under the same roof. This is inevitable as many solutions are only focused on one process. The key will be ensuring that all of these technologies are able to communicate effectively with each other in order to have continuous flow through your operation and really see the benefits of each solution. SVT Robotics has created the technology to allow this to happen and it will only increase the opportunities for companies utilizing the technology but also the companies creating the solutions. Listen to the episode below and let us know your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 194: SVT Robotics
MHS launches dedicated robotics division
Research and development spinoff expands advanced, market-ready robotics portfolio MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, launches a dedicated robotics division spun off from its research and development organization. Known as MHS Robotics, the group develops advanced technologies in-house and nurtures external relationships to deliver market-ready robotics solutions for e-commerce and parcel logistics facilities. “We’re a team of problem solvers, inventors, and innovators with the expertise to engineer automated solutions for real-world logistics challenges by working closely and cooperatively with our customers. This agile approach accelerates the pace of development and gets us quickly from the lab into a live operational environment, where the real development continues,” says Dean Terrell, senior vice president, research and development, MHS. “We leverage MHS’s collective material handling knowledge as an experienced full-service provider, so our customers can be confident that our robotics solutions will integrate seamlessly, just like our more traditional automated systems.” MHS Robotics develops its own advanced technologies such as computer vision, machine learning, simulations, 3D cameras, and end-of-arm tooling, and also engages with a range of robotics suppliers and the Louisville Automation and Robotics Institute to rapidly engineer and deploy its turnkey robotic solutions. The company currently offers several pick-and-place robotic products, each designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows, including order fulfillment, in distribution centers. MHS Robotics also offers autonomous mobile robot solutions with modifications like detachable carts, robotic arms, and conveyor supplements to handle specific requirements like large and irregularly shaped items. MHS Lifecycle Performance Services is equipped to support solutions from MHS Robotics through a consultative lifecycle planning approach that helps customers get the most out of mission-critical automated systems.
EP 193: RightHand Robotics at ProMatDX 2021
On this episode, I was joined by Vince Martinelli of RightHand Robotics at ProMatDX2021 . Vince has been on the show multiple times since we first started way back at ProMat 2019 and it has been great to see the evolution of RightHand Robotics. The last time we spoke we were discussing how companies are trying to keep up with the E-commerce spike and predictions for 2021. For this episode, we discussed Right Pick 3 and how 2021 is developing for robotics and automation. Key Takeaways RightHand Robotics is known for their piece-picking robotic arm which has been highly regarded in the industry but a big portion of that is the software portion in addition to the gripper they are using. At ProMatDX they were showing off Right Pick 3 which is the latest version of their system. One of the big things with the latest version is the upgrade of their processor which can allow them to handle much more processing and give more bandwidth to do additional things with the picking arm. Another big thing is the approach to slotting, which you know I love. One of the interesting conversations that have been developing a bit through a few podcasts is the concept of slotting when it comes to robotics and how it differs from how we would typically slot a facility. The new system is allowing for items that are difficult for the grabber to get or having a reoccurring issue being picked to easily be identified. This allows you to take your slotting to another level and adjust accordingly so that you can get maximum throughput from your picking robot. Vince discusses what they are seeing through 2021 so far and it certainly sounds like robotics and automation are continuing to accelerating in the adoption area. He mentions there are a few new clients they have signed and they were also seeing some interest at ProMatDX which is promising. As the technology is evolving, I believe the adoption rate of robotics will only keep increasing and more rapidly over the next few years as well. It will be great to see how things have evolved throughout the rest of the year when we connect again at MODEX in person next year. Listen to the episode below and let us know your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 193: RightHand Robotics at ProMatDX 2021
Lenze Americas welcomes new president
Lenze, an automation company for the machine-building industry and a specialist in motion-centric automation, recently announced the appointment of Steve Markham as president of Lenze Americas. “More than ever, Lenze’s industrial solutions expertise and motion-centric applications can make a real difference for machine builders looking for higher productivity, better energy efficiency, lower system cost, and global service support. We are thrilled to welcome Steve Markham to our organization. Under his leadership, Lenze Americas will build on our North American sales, production, and engineering footprint to better serve our customers and drive company growth,” said Christian Wendler, chairman of the Lenze executive board. Having lead US and international firms in rapid growth, Markham brings extensive experience providing management and business consulting services, continuous improvement, and business transformations. With his multi-industry expertise in supply-chain, operations, production, and international business, Markham will make the expansion of the Lenze brand in North America a top priority. “By leveraging Lenze’s impressive worldwide capabilities, investing in logistics and supply chain, and expanding our comprehensive solutions portfolio and engineering support, I look forward to accelerating Lenze Americas’ position as a top motion control supplier,” said Markham. “It is an exciting time to be joining Lenze as we work to make a dramatic expansion in the Americas with our consistent and scalable solutions portfolio – which includes high-quality mechatronic products, powerful hardware, and software for machine automation, and services for digitalization in areas such as big data management, cloud or mobile solutions, and software in the context of IoT.” Markham brings a strong track record to Lenze having held executive leadership positions at Musent LLC, (Interim Management and Consulting), Schaefer Container Systems North Americas, Inc., and BLG Logistics, Inc. Markham is recognized for his ability to develop teams that create sales, client development, operational, and administrative strategies that deliver key results. “I am motivated by challenges that provide an opportunity to learn and grow. I also gain great satisfaction from watching other people and teams develop and succeed,” said Markham. “The plan is for my experience in executing successful strategies, and mastering complex situations with analytical, solution-oriented problem solving, to result in Lenze Americas seeing significant market share growth and improved operational efficiencies. Markham attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Woolworths selects Vanderlande’s STOREPICK solution for its new Sydney DC
Vanderlande has signed a new contract with Australia’s largest food and grocery retailer, Woolworths, to deliver STOREPICK, a robotized, end-to-end automated case picking (ACP) warehouse solution. The system will be installed in a new, innovative regional distribution center (DC) in Moorebank Logistics Park in Sydney and will supply over 200 stores in New South Wales from 2025. This will be the second state where a Woolworths DC will be using Vanderlande’s STOREPICK solution. Woolworths Group’s supply chain arm, Primary Connect, will build and operate the state-of-the-art DC, with the aim of enhancing customer shopping experiences, as well as improving efficiency in stores. STOREPICK allows for the optimization of all processes in the entire value chain. It effectively handles both incoming and outgoing goods, and thanks to Vanderlande’s Load Forming Logic (LFL) software, guarantees store-friendly deliveries across multiple store formats. This is combined with a redundant design and optimum usage of the DC’s footprint, which contributes to a safe working environment for Woolworths’ operations team. In addition, the solution has been designed using the latest technologies in material handling, including the Vanderlande ADAPTO shuttle system with flexible in-rack shuttles, free-roaming AGVs, intelligent robots for case picking, and Goodsto-Picker workstations. Primary Connect Managing Director and Woolworths Chief Supply Chain Officer, Paul Graham, explains: “The facility will transform the way we serve our New South Wales stores, strengthen our network, and deliver on our ambition to create Australia’s best food and grocery supply chain. We will be able to carry up to 8,000 additional products, which will help in unlocking a much better shopping experience for our customers. To keep pace with growing demand and ever-evolving customer expectations, we need to continue to invest in new technology and capacity to power our next-generation supply chain. We’re pleased to be on this journey with our trusted technology partners at Vanderlande.” Vanderlande’s Managing Director Warehousing Solutions for Australia and New Zealand Roald de Groot adds: “It’s been an incredible journey over the past two years for the local and overseas teams from Vanderlande who have worked closely together with Woolworths’ design team to make this project happen. We are extremely proud to provide Woolworths with this state-of-the-art fully automated solution and are keen to further build on this established partnership in the future.” The relationship between both organizations has been a significant positive for Vanderlande’s Vice President Warehouse Solutions Terry Verkuijlen: “Vanderlande is proud to have been highly involved in this key partnership with Australia’s largest supermarket chain. Woolworths has strong ambitions in terms of its growth, product offering, and customer experience, so we’re delighted to help play our part in this continued success story. By providing our automated end-to-end STOREPICK solution, it will enable Woolworths to maximize efficiencies within its new DC in Sydney.”
Raymond introduces next-generation real-time location system
Solution reinforces operator training and slows a Raymond® lift truck to a controlled stop Raymond introduces the next-generation iWAREHOUSE® RTLS (iW.RTLS), a real-time location system. This operator assist technology is the newest addition to Raymond’s end-to-endless intralogistics solutions. iW.RTLS reinforces facility rules and supports proper lift truck operation by slowing a Raymond® lift truck down or bringing it to a controlled stop within a facility’s defined zones. iW.RTLS is a patented technology that uses ultrawideband (UWB) to determine positions of tags on lift trucks and pedestrian badges and is accurate to within approximately 3 feet, based on the tag’s relative position to the anchors in fixed locations around the warehouse. Using geofencing and zoning capabilities, iW.RTLS helps keep lift trucks, operators, and pedestrians in the right place at the right time. Zones can be created around pedestrian areas or busy intersections and will notify lift truck operators that they are in predetermined zones with objects of concern. Zones can also be created around facility environments, such as creating keep-in / keep-out zones to notify operators of height-restricted areas, freezer areas, very narrow aisles, and indoor and outdoor areas. Working in conjunction with the iWAREHOUSE telematics solution, this technology equips facility managers with increased visibility across an entire operation. Benefits include the ability to identify high-traffic areas of congestion for enhanced route optimization, summarized zone violations to reinforce operator training, visualization of impacts, locations of locked out equipment, location of frequent idle time and the ability to reduce unproductive hours by increasing operating efficiency and accuracy. “Raymond’s culture of innovation and continuous improvement encourages team members to solve inefficiencies and challenges in material handling processes,” said Erica Moyer, Product Manager, RTLS, ObjectSense and Pick2Pallet, The Raymond Corporation. “We listened to our customers talk about their operational challenges and designed iW.RTLS to offer an easier, more effective way to manage an operation’s fleet and personnel throughout a facility.” Raymond’s initial version of RTLS launched in 2019, and has the capability to define zones, but it does not bring the lift truck to a stop. This version can be used with legacy Raymond models and other forklift brands. https://youtu.be/P4IYmO6YevY
SVT Robotics’ SOFTBOT™ Platform accelerates Integration of RightHand Robotics RightPick™ 3 Item-Handling System
SVT Robotics, whose software dramatically accelerates the deployment of industrial robotics, today announced a new SOFTBOT Platform connector for RightHand Robotics, a provider in autonomous robotic picking solutions. SVT Robotics worked with RightHand Robotics to develop the pre-built connector between SVT’s SOFTBOT™ Platform and the RightPick™ 3 item-handling robot system, the company’s newest generation of the RightPick product suite and the world’s first autonomous piece-picking solution designed to be integrator-friendly. “By connecting to the pre-built standard integrations of our SOFTBOT Platform, RightHand Robotics customers who adopt the RightPick 3 system can now deploy without the need for custom integration code,” said T.J. Fanning, VP of sales for SVT. “Integrators offering flexible, automated piece-picking will be able to connect and integrate this robust solution faster than ever before.” “Automation, especially robotic picking, is an essential solution to the supply chain and labor challenges warehouses are facing today. Our integrator-friendly solution makes deployment into the customer’s facility as seamless as possible,” said Leif Jentoft, co-founder and CSO for RightHand Robotics. “The SOFTBOT Platform connector, which leverages our standard API, RightPick-MCP, further streamlines the process for rapid implementation of item-handling robots and will accelerate market adoption.” The RightPick 3 system can rapidly pick and place thousands of SKUs of varying-sized products. This autonomous and flexible system combined with the pre-built standard integrations of the SOFTBOT Platform creates a powerful end-to-end solution for any business wanting to rapidly deploy piece-picking automation for a wide range of warehouse tasks.
Yale breaks new ground for warehouses with Operator Assist Lift Truck Technology
Yale Reliant solution helps reinforce lift truck operating best practices by controlling performance based on real-time information and site-specific rules Yale Materials Handling Corporation announces an industry-first suite of operator assistance technologies that warehouses can use to help reinforce lift truck operating best practices. The Yale Reliant™ solution automatically adjusts lift truck performance based on proximity to pedestrians and obstacles, load weight, equipment status, and location-specific rules. The technology is the product of more than 29,000 hours of research and development invested by Yale’s parent company, Hyster-Yale Group. Yale Reliant is a tool for supporting operator awareness and adherence to best practices. The solution triggers audible and visual alerts to inform operators of proper operating protocols and initiates lift truck performance reduction based on facility-specific rules while leaving the operator in ultimate control of the equipment. “Advanced dynamic stability is the core technology of Yale Reliant. It applies performance limitations to equipment without introducing a ‘jerk’ event that can upset stability – but that’s not all,” says Kevin Paramore, Emerging Technology Commercialization Manager, Yale Materials Handling Corporation. “Rather than controlling performance based solely on equipment and load status, it scales beyond that, acting based on proximity and location information to account for the complexity of warehouse environments.” In practice, this suite of technologies enables a broad range of functionality. For example, warehouses can set the desired following distance between equipment, and Yale Reliant can automatically limit the speed to maintain proper distance. Operations can implement location-based rules to limit travel speed at the end of aisles, exclude equipment from pedestrian-heavy zones, and much more. Yale Reliant also can apply performance controls in a variety of scenarios based on truck sensors and inputs, such as restricting travel and lift functions if a load exceeds the weight limit and reducing cornering speed to avoid upsetting stability. The Yale Reliant solution leverages three key technologies to control truck performance based on real-time information. It provides proximity detection through either local or real-time location technologies that use tags on equipment, pedestrians, and infrastructure to provide truck-to-truck, truck-to-pedestrian, and truck-to-beacon detection. For further awareness, including objects not connected to proximity tags, lidar-based technology detects obstacles in the path of travel. Advanced dynamic stability uses information from lidar and proximity detection, together with equipment-level sensors and inputs, to provide advanced traction, hydraulic, and overload control to support lift truck stability. Yale Reliant is currently deployed on five common warehouse models and available on a select range of the company’s lift trucks.
KAMAN Distribution Group announces new Executive appointment
Kaman Distribution Group (“KDG”), a value-added distributor of bearings, power transmission, automation, and fluid power products, has announced the appointment of C. Todd Boone as the Vice President & General Manager of their Automation business. Most recently, Todd served as the Senior Director of Wesco Distribution’s Applied Technology Group. In addition, Todd held the position of Director, Assembly division at Wesco. As a member of the KDG Executive Team and leader of the Automation business unit, Todd will be critical in driving our growth in automation, both in distribution sales as well as system integration and assembled solutions. Todd holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from the University of Dayton. “Todd is uniquely qualified to run our automation business, with his combination of experience in both automation distribution as well as system solutions and integration,” said Ben Mondics, president and CEO of KDG. “Todd’s 30 years in automation, in both sales and operations, will provide the experience and industry knowledge necessary to provide market-leading solutions to our customers. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to execute our strategic growth plan.”
Ready-to-Connect Servo Drive targets low-voltage applications
STXI Motion, a global motion control, and servo solutions company, introduces the servSD ready-to-connect low-voltage servo drive, aimed at applications such as automated guided vehicles/autonomous mobile robots, electronics assembly, and medical equipment. The servo drive offers high power density in a small footprint (106 mm wide, 73.6 mm deep, 40 mm high) with near-motor mounting for applications with tight space constraints. With Safe Torque Off (STO) functional safety, the servSD meets the full range of safe operation requirements and can be connected to a master motion PLC or a modular safety controller. The ready-to-connect drive doesn’t require pin soldering or cable adaptors, supports common motor feedback types including SSI, incremental, and BiSS, and uses real-time data exchange for higher levels of axis synchronization and safer modes of operation. A simple commissioning software with comprehensive parameterization options offers step-by-step guidance for motor setup, application configuration, and tuning. The SD01-030 model offers a 24 VDC input bus, 24 VDC input logic, continuous current of 30 Arms, and peak current of 100 Arms, while the SD01-025 model features a 48 VDC input bus, 24 VDC input logic, continuous current of 25 Arms, and peak current of 80 Arms. The new servo drive is the latest in the company’s existing servo drive portfolio, which includes medium and high voltage drives for a wide range of applications.
EP 183: Don’t Fork it Up with SIERA.AI
On this episode, I was joined by the Co-Founder and CEO at SIERA.AI, Saurav Agarwal. I was very excited for this episode because the safety technology that SIERA.AI is bringing to the market is game-changing. Just in time for National Forklift Safety Day, I am happy to present this episode to you where we discuss SIERA.AI’s different offerings including collision avoidance for forklifts which is much needed in the industry. Key Takeaways SIERA.AI is focused on improving safety for the material handling industry or simply, as Saurav states, they keep you from forking it up. They do this by recognizing that safety is oftentimes reactive instead of proactive. By addressing the issue of safety being reactive they are helping to ensure that all aspects of safety are not only prevented but also done in a more productive way. It starts with something as simple as the checklist and audit process. As we discuss, oftentimes the checklist process is very messy because it is on paper and there can be many papers to check for a full operation with multiple forklifts and 5 days or more of operation. The time consumed by supervisors to audit these checklists can be massive so they have made the checklist digital so that they are recorded in a much better way digitally and easily accessible for auditing purposes. Now, the most exciting part of SIERA.AI’s offerings is the collision avoidance system. We have certainly seen this technology in the consumer world on cars but SIERA.AI is bringing it into the warehouse to help reduce the staggering number of safety incidents that occur in the workplace. Saurav shares some incredible numbers of how many accidents actually occur and how they have prevented 11,000 incidents in just the last year. There are two versions that can help you avoid collisions in your warehouse. The first is an alert system that will give the operator a notice that they are close to an object and the next version is one that will actually override the operator and stop the machine when it detects a collision coming. The threshold for collisions can be adjusted by the company to ensure that it works within your standards. When these incidents occur, everything is recorded so that it can be reviewed which includes photos and videos of the incident. A huge advancement for reducing safety incidents in the warehousing space. One of the most impressive things about the system is the ease of implementation. The system sounds very robust but according to Saurav, it is very simple to add to any material handling equipment. There are two units that are installed, one the size of an iPad and one the size of an iPhone. From these two devices, you can get all of the great technology that SIERA.AI is offering and continue to get the updates as the technology grows and your business changes. This is one of the best things about their solution because you can constantly be improving your safety setup which is the ideal way to handle your safety culture. Very excited to see what comes next from SIERA.AI. Listen to the episode below and let us know if you’ll be looking at this technology for your operation. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 183: Don’t Fork it Up with SIERA.AI
AutoStore reaches milestone with 600 Robotics Systems
DSV, the Danish transport and logistics company, is expanding its position in the 3PL market through the use of AutoStore technology. Implemented by Element Logic, the system uses AutoStore robotics and Element Logic’s proprietary software to provide a leading solution for e-commerce players. The solution is being deployed in nine countries and represents AutoStore’s 600th system implementation DSV’s global strategy is to serve its clients with the most cost and operationally-effective solutions on the market. Such solutions need to be environmentally sustainable and give clients access to robust and trustworthy technology. With a track record of delivering over 600 automated warehouses globally, AutoStore will provide a long-term solution in partnership with Element Logic, giving DSV’s clients a competitive advantage in the market. This multi-site roll-out follows the successful installation of AutoStore technology by Element Logic into one of DSV’s distribution centers in Norway, located in Vestby outside of Oslo. Technology Across National Borders “With a proven technological solution, combined decades of experience between ourselves and AutoStore, and the integration of our eManager software, DSV will benefit from a significant competitive advantage when serving both existing and new customers,” said Chief Commercial Officer at Element Logic, Håvard Hallås. Hallås believes DSV’s solution represents an exciting opportunity in a market that is characterized by growth. He stated, “Providing integrated solutions and a common technology across countries and continents brings competitive advantages. It is an exciting time for DSV.” DSV’s CEO for the Solutions division, Brian Ejsing, commented on the investment program. “This is a logical next step considering the growth of our e-commerce operations. This partnership enables us to scale our B2C fulfillment network much faster.” AutoStore CEO and President Karl Johan Lier added, “Our latest partnership with DSV is a positive milestone for AutoStore, representing a crucial part of our growth journey. They are an excellent partner for us to have on board as both companies hold the same values of efficiency, innovation, and environmental impact, making our positioning in the market a unified one.” Sharp Increase for AutoStore The company’s first robotic system was implemented back in 2005 by Element Logic, and the growth in the number of robots in recent years has attracted international attention. At the beginning of April, Softbank invested NOK 25 billion ($2.8 billion USD) in the company, valuing the company at NOK 65 billion ($7.7 billion USD). According to the CEO of AutoStore, Karl Johan Lier, growth in the 3PL sector will continue to increase. “The demand for automated solutions in the retail trade and an increased uptake of e-commerce by consumers means that the market for automated warehousing solutions is strong.” Lier believes that AutoStore and its sales partners are very well equipped to take a large share of the market. “In addition to the fact that AutoStore represents a unique and efficient technology, it is actually players such as DSV that are the main argument for AutoStore and Element Logic’s eManager software. Our technology is flexible and scalable. Companies using our solution do not need to predict demand but can scale up when the need arises.”
EP 180: Vecna Robotics at ProMatDX 2021
On this episode, I was joined by the Director of Strategy at ProMatDX, Matt Cherewka. We have had Vecna on the show a few times and it is always a pleasure to connect with them and hear what they are up to. For this episode we spoke about what Vecna was showing off at ProMatDX, the current state of automation, and also what Matt thinks will be the next technology to really make an impact on the warehousing space. Key Takeaways Vecna has been focused on self-driving vehicles for the warehousing space and has become known for their tugger and forklift applications like the latest Silverback series which was recently featured on the podcast. Matt discusses how they were showing off these in the virtual showcase of ProMatDX and what the reception from attendees was. In addition to their vehicles, they also had their orchestration software which is really one of the key drivers to their success as it is able to really prioritize the work and ensure the robots are in the right place at the right time. Matt discusses the current state of automation and how things are evolving. He discusses how we are now seeing much more applications of robotics in the warehousing space to address all different functions. On top of all of these different applications is the development of software that will help to get these applications communicated properly. The key is to get to all tie together according to Matt and that is what a lot of companies are working on now which will really help to accelerate the adoption of robotics. As we discuss the evolution in our space, it is not just the technology that is evolving but also the consumer and user of the technology. Matt and I discuss how just in the past few years the consumer has really evolved from being a bit skeptical and curious about robotics to really understand the solutions and wanting to get down to the numbers. He says now what they see at trade shows is that the consumers recognize they need to automate in this way but they really want to understand how they get their ROI from the solution. This is really a great sign of the adoption of robotics becoming more regular and commonplace which will ultimately help drive prices down allowing smaller companies more accessibility to keep up with increasing demand. Listen to the episode below and let us know your view on the current state of automation in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 180: Vecna Robotics at ProMatDX 2021
Seegrid announces ‘Blue Labs’ Research and Development Group
Leading Autonomous Mobile Robotics provider launches In-House Innovation Acceleration Team to rapidly deliver the future of material handling automation Seegrid Corporation, a provider in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling, announced the formation of Blue Labs, a research and development group committed to furthering the company’s strong technical advantage. With an in-house team of the best innovators in mobile automation building upon Seegrid’s proprietary, state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technologies, the company will accelerate its expanding footprint throughout the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics sectors it serves. This year the company has launched multiple new automated workflows for its fleet of Palion AMRs along with a cloud-based data analytics platform and has been heavily focused on faster development of new products and rapid expansion of its product offering. “Blue Lab’s team of talented researchers anticipate quickly revealing additional pathways to transform material handling for incorporation into Seegrid AMR and software solutions,” said Todd Graves, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Seegrid. “With a team of the best innovators in mobile automation, we have the vision, ambition, and expertise to make our customers even more competitive in their ability to meet demand.” The Blue Labs team is composed of world-class automation experts, many with Ph.D.-level expertise in robotics and computer vision systems. “Seegrid is more than a technology company—we are an automation partner for our customers,” said Graves. “Blue Labs is about ingenuity with an entrepreneurial approach, ensuring continued strategic exploration and visionary discovery, leading the company and our customers into the future of intelligent mobile automation.” Seegrid has long been a technology innovator since its founding by world-renowned roboticist Hans Moravec, the company’s chief scientist. The company has been experiencing rapid growth and demand—some of the biggest brands in the world leverage Seegrid’s mobile robots and enterprise software to fill labor shortages, increase throughput, and help improve overall material flow. Seegrid helps businesses in the supply chain network remain agile while ensuring the flow of goods is both steady and safe: the collective fleet has driven more than 5 million miles at customer sites without a single personnel safety incident.
RightHand Robotics unveils its RightPick Center Europe
The company continues expanding its global presence with a center for collaboration and business development based in Nürnberg, Germany RightHand Robotics, a provider in data-driven, autonomous robotic picking solutions for order fulfillment, is pleased to announce the opening of its RightPick™ Center Europe in Nürnberg, Germany. The new center will expand the company’s continued global presence in Europe and strengthen its business in a fast-paced, thriving market characterized by accelerating adoption of warehouse automation and the development of increasingly sophisticated supply chains. With a growing number of customers and partners based in Europe, the new RightPick Center will provide a collaborative space for meetings, system integrations, automation testing, and robot demos, similar to the first RightPick Center at the company’s headquarters near Boston. At the PickCenter, prospective customers will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the award-winning item-handling system in order to assess performance and suitability for their business needs. Additional services that will be offered at the center include initial item set evaluation, pre-service process, and workflow audit, project scoping and management, and training. EMEA Senior Sales Manager Roderik ter Beek stated, “We’ve very excited to open our new demo center in the heart of Europe. The RightPick Center will give our customers and partners an opportunity to get an up-close look at our piece-picking solutions and directly interact with our regional teams for further education. This will help them understand how they can benefit from integrating our technology in their operations.” “Over the past few years, we’ve gained a lot of traction in Europe, which has presented the need for a demo space to showcase our robotic systems,” added Larry Chin, Head of Sales at RightHand Robotics. “With this new investment, we plan to accelerate our growth in the region, and more broadly, meet the needs of our customers and partners and expand our pipeline of projects.” Most recently, RightHand Robotics launched the RightPick™ 3 item-handling robot system, which is the newest generation of its RightPick product suite. The company has also published a case study video showcasing German-based customer Apologistics GmbH, a provider of online pharma, using RightPick in a new facility in the Netherlands. The RightPick Center Europe is ready for demonstrations and already has a backlog of planned visits. To learn more and schedule a visit, please contact Roderik ter Beek at sales.eu@righthandrobotics.com.
Cimcorp opens new Service Center in Germany to accommodate rapidly expanding client base
The Willich office will provide customer support and increase the intralogistics automation company’s presence in continental Europe Cimcorp, a manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic order fulfillment and tire handling solutions, announces the opening of a sales and service center in Willich, Germany, to support new and existing customers as well as Cimcorp’s long-term growth strategy. The new office is a direct result of Cimcorp’s expanding presence in food industry distribution operations. A significant number of European grocery retailers are turning to the company’s automation solutions to address their challenges. With approximately one-quarter of Europe’s food distribution originating in the area, the new office will enable Cimcorp’s dedicated support teams to provide fast and reliable on-site service to clients across continental Europe. The location, near Düsseldorf, offers great potential for the automation business, having a population of approximately 60 million people within 200 kilometers of Willich. Tero Peltomäki, CEO of Cimcorp Group, said, “We think that this location is perfect for serving our German and Central European customers. Although Germany has been a significant market for Cimcorp for over 30 years, a steady influx of recent orders – including major fresh food logistics systems for grocery retailers such as Netto and Edeka – indicated that we needed a local customer service presence in order to better support the growing number of 24/7 distribution centers. Although remote help is sufficient, sometimes on-site services are needed. We think that it is vital for our large and growing customer base to have support closer to them.” Intralogistics automation is a highly competitive industry in Europe and in Germany. “To be honest, we are positively surprised that we have such huge and well-known clientele in this market area. We have proven our reliability to some of the biggest grocery retailers in Europe,” Peltomäki continues, “They have recognized the benefits of our unique automation solution: simple to use, reliable and scalable to meet the individual needs of different logistics centers.”
Automation and the Labor Shortage
Repetitive and non-value-adding tasks are driving turnover rates in warehouses. As employers search for solutions to this problem, automation is revealing itself to be a valuable asset to the warehouse environment. Using machines to take on repetitive tasks may be the solution that frees your employees to focus on fulfilling tasks that benefit the company. To view the video, click here.
Toyota Industries Corporation launches Global Autonomous Vehicle Software Development Company
In order to meet the increasing demands of its customers, Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) will bundle its software development in autonomous vehicles (AVs), increase its global investments, and establish T-Hive B.V. as a new center of excellence. By combining the software products, partnerships, and innovations from TICO’s main Group companies, Toyota L&F, Toyota Material Handling, Toyota Material Handling Europe, Raymond, Bastian, and Vanderlande, and respective brands, the organization will significantly strengthen and expand TICO’s main brands’ solution portfolio. “The new portfolio will consist of existing solutions within TICO, ensuring that our loyal customers can benefit throughout their automation journey,” said Yojiro Mizuno, TICO Senior Executive Officer responsible for TICO’s material handling solutions business, stressing the importance of being close to customers while benefitting from global developments. “Our strong customer organizations support such developments while managing smooth project implementation on the customer side.” In recent years, the demand for AVs has been increasing in line with the rapid growth of the e-commerce market, labor shortages in general, and the need for flexibility. Flexibility in operations, application areas, and vehicle type have become increasingly important, as well as the potential to deploy AV solutions worldwide. With this in mind, T-Hive has been established to centrally coordinate all developments, leverage existing solutions for new market segments, and accelerate innovations globally to support TICO’s customer-facing companies. “Due to the increasing demand for software development in all industries, securing personnel is also becoming a global challenge. Our new company, T-Hive, will create opportunities for us to work together across the Toyota Industries Group network,” said Norio Wakabayashi, TICO Executive Officer. “This decision highlights TICO’s commitment to remaining a leading player in the AV business and its investments accordingly.” The new company will operate from Ede in The Netherlands from April 2021 and be led by Léon Jansen, serving as T-Hive CEO and Managing Director. T-Hive’s main focus will be to provide a seamless control system encompassing all AVs within TICO, such as automated guided forklifts (AGFs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). “Modern software developers experience the fine balance between making great quality software and meeting delivery deadlines every day,” Jansen said. “Our combined solution portfolio will be introduced at logistics sites around the world, enabling TICO’s customers to enjoy the seamless movement, storage, and distribution of goods throughout their entire supply chains.” Overview of the new company: Company name: T-Hive B.V. Headquarters: Ede, The Netherlands Representative: Léon Jansen, CEO and Managing Director Business Description: Application planning for autonomous vehicles and control systems Architecture/software development and sales