Displaying items by tag: Continental

LogiMAT, the international trade show for intralogistics solutions and process management, will set new standards from May 31 to June 2, 2022 in Stuttgart. The technology company Continental will also be exhibiting at the largest annual intralogistics trade show in Europe. Under the slogan “Shaping the Future of Intralogistics” the company will showcase pioneering solutions from the fields of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) as well as tires, digital solutions and material handling solutions.

• In-house-developed autonomous transport vehicle optimizes material transport in production. Volume production planned for 2022 after completion of the trial phase
• Holistic product range for warehousing and port logistics: Continental presents its current tire portfolio, its digital solutions and its material handling solutions
• International trade show for intralogistics solutions and process management in Stuttgart from May 31 to June 2, 2022

“As a tire manufacturer, automotive supplier and manufacturer of industrial production solutions, we have a completely unique profile to support the intralogistics industry,” said Mario Branco, head of Business Development Off-Highway at Continental. “We are thus helping the intralogistics industry to quickly and effectively integrate suitable new technologies into their products, thereby significantly increasing value creation.” Employees from all areas of Continental relevant to intralogistics will be welcoming visitors at stand EF 15 in Hall 2.

AMR – an autonomous robot for logistics tasks on the shop floor

Autonomous Mobile Robots transport heavy loads of over one metric ton and increase the efficiency of production and the entire value chain.Continental is showcasing a state-of-the-art, autonomously driving transport vehicle developed in-house that further increases efficiency in production operations. This Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) automates the flow of materials in production plants, warehouses or logistics centers. The robust vehicle is equipped with proven technologies: lidar sensors for 360-degree detection of the environment, 3D camera systems, intelligent software and an optional ultra-wideband transmitter for precise live tracking of the AMR in the fleet make the robotic vehicle a valuable employee. It independently executes transport orders, can avoid obstacles and calculate alternative routes. An optional fleet management system can coordinate a larger fleet of AMRs.

Continental initially designed the autonomously operating vehicle for its own benefit: Engineers at the technology company could not find a suitable solution on the market to make the material flow and handling of heavy product components at its own plants more efficient. “We developed a customized robotics solution that is currently being integrated very successfully into everyday production at our plants for hydraulic brake systems in Slovakia and China. The intelligent transport robot will also be mass-produced for external customers from this year,” said Pierre Pomper, Head of Autonomous Mobile Robots at Continental .

Heavy-duty timing belts for automated storage and retrieval systems

Future technology for high-rise racking stores: Synchrodrive timing belts are characterized by minimized wear, lower maintenance, and longer change intervals. Photo: LTW Intralogistics GmbHHigh-rise racking stores are the beating heart of many logistics processes. Filling them and removing goods from them effectively is a major challenge that is increasingly being met by automated storage and retrieval systems with belt drives. As key elements in intralogistics processes, they position goods quickly and precisely. Together with a partner, Continental has developed a new drive technology that is based on the block-and-tackle principle and works with a deflected belt drive. Here, a synchrodrive timing belt offers several advantages over the rope technology that is often used: minimal wear, less maintenance, shorter positioning times and longer change intervals. The belt technology does not require any lubrication and has already proven beneficial in series production – under large loads as well as in the low-temperature range at temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero. Continental makes the compounds needed to produce the corresponding belts in-house.

Continental presents current tire portfolio for logistics and port operations

Increased hygiene requirements: Continental meets these challenges with its non-marking tires, which it is also showing at the trade show.Whether the transport of heavy loads is in demand, longer distances have to be covered or automated vehicles in material handling are involved, Continental will be presenting its current tire portfolio for the logistics and port industry and its digital solutions for more efficient tire use at LogiMAT 2022. Driven by the pandemic, hygiene regulations in particular have risen sharply in the pharmaceutical and food industries, and in a wide range of other industries. Continental is meeting these requirements with its non-marking tires, which it will also be showing at the trade show. After all, it is precisely in highly hygienic production conditions that driving and braking marks should be reduced as far as possible. Tires such as the SC20, CS20 and CSEasy as non-marking versions thus visibly contribute to a cleaner and more hygienic working environment.

Continental will also be bringing its new three-brand strategy to life at LogiMAT. Under the Continental, General Tire and Barum brands, Continental offers a customized portfolio of robust solid tires for a variety of industrial applications and customer requirements. Regardless of whether for the highest requirements, such as in 24/7 use, or for areas of application with lower intensities.

Like a bird: ProViu 360 gives a complete surround view of the industrial truck

The ProViu 360 digital camera system offers drivers a bird’s-eye view of their industrial trucks.Drivers of industrial trucks in a warehouse can’t have their eyes everywhere. At the same time, however, accidents must absolutely be avoided. Colleagues walking around on the shop floor need to be protected. Collisions with vertical rack struts can cause extremely serious damage to property. The ProViu 360 digital camera system provides a bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. Four 1.3-megapixel cameras supply images in HD resolution, which are displayed on a 10-inch HD touchscreen. In collaboration with OEM customers, Continental’s engineers can develop numerous, even highly specialized solutions based on the ProViu 360 system. Special applications are possible, for example, which are only required in certain models within a portfolio. In addition to various warning functions, the development agenda for engineers and programmers also includes the fusion of camera and radar information and the display of augmented reality content.

A better view of the working environment is also provided by Continental’s new work lights for industrial trucks. All major applications are covered by the four variants – Spot, Wide, Ultra-wide and Flood. Their aluminum housings are designed for off-road use and are appropriately protected against water and dust ingress in accordance with the IP6K8 standard. The lights withstand temperatures from -40 °C to +90 °C and are protected against strong vibrations. Their flexible mounting system enables retrofitting at many different positions on the industrial trucks.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. On October 8, 2021, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary.

International technology company Continental is intensifying its activities outside the automotive sector and further expanding its industrial business. In the future, technologies for construction, agricultural, and material handling machines and vehicles will come increasingly into focus. „With this in mind, we are consistently working toward our strategic aim of achieving a more balanced customer portfolio across the automotive sector and other industries, and doing an even better job of safeguarding the future viability of the company in the face of possible economic fluctuations. We see great opportunities here: based on current forecasts, we are assuming possible sales potential in the high triple-digit million euro range by 2020,“ explained Helmut Matschi, member of the Continental Executive Board.

The portfolio ranges from displays and instrumentation to solutions for telematics, electronic control units, and tires as well as drive and exhaust-gas after treatment technologies, conveyor belts, vibration and hose technology, air spring systems, and interior materials. Continental will present a selection from its portfolio at the bauma in Munich. „We are therefore contributing to safe, efficient, clean, and comfortable mobility outside the automotive sector as well and offering solutions tailored to our customers' individual needs – all from a single source,“ added Hans-Jürgen Duensing, member of the Continental Executive Board, who used this year’s visit at the bauma for on-site talks.

• Focus on machines and vehicles for construction, agricultural, and material handling
• Sales potential by 2020: high triple-digit million euro figure
• Contribution to safe, efficient, clean, and comfortable mobility
• Customers receive tailor-made solutions from a single source

Greater safety for off-highway vehicles and machines
Thanks to a new telematics solution, fleet managers, drivers, and maintenance teams are always informed about relevant tire-related data. In combination with the tire pressure monitoring system, the solution facilitates the efficient management of vehicle fleets. On a central server, information is collected, made available, and transmitted.
 
The system informs the user when the tire pressure has to be corrected, for example. Vehicle downtimes are thus reduced as the danger of tire damage is minimized, and the outlay for regular, time-consuming maintenance work is lessened. The right choice of tire also makes a significant contribution to vehicle safety. Continental has a comprehensive range of pneumatic and solid tires for the various areas of application. Heavy devices and tractor units such as pickups, road construction equipment, tractors, or combines also move safely on rubber tracks.
 
In addition, integrated and retrofittable camera systems enable 360-degree monitoring of the vehicles. Vibration isolation and noise reduction products damp vibrations and structure-borne noise, isolate machinery oscillation, and noticeably increase ride comfort. Components can be safely lifted, powered, and controlled using high-pressure hydraulic hoses. Electrically conductive fuel hoses ensure a reliable media supply.
 
Efficient work and transport
With its wide variety of instrumentation solutions that range from the dial-type gauge to the fully programmable 12-inch terminal, Continental is following the trend toward connected vehicles that make drivers' lives considerably easier by displaying information clearly. The display and terminal solutions improve everyday working life, from maneuvering on the construction site to the targeted management of agricultural areas. An on-board telematics unit transmits data from and to the vehicle. This sees Continental play a supporting role in saving time and making work more efficient. Furthermore, when it comes to machinery leasing, data about the duration and place of use can be stored for billing purposes.
 
The conveyor belt solutions for transporting goods – including products for steep-incline conveying, closed belt systems, heat-resistant conveyor belts, and lightweight PVC belts – are reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Air springs also offer potential in the off-highway sector. For example, they can be used in situations where contact pressure needs to be generated. Continental has also designed its drive belts for the off-highway sector to be able to cope with dynamic power transmission at extreme stress under full load. For example, they perform impressively well in earth-moving or agricultural machines thanks to their energy efficiency, zero-maintenance requirements, long service life, and high level of reliability.
 
Clean mobility and enhanced comfort
Manufacturers are using high-activity catalytic converters and efficient SCR systems to ensure low emissions. To meet the high legal requirements in the future as well, Continental offers emission-relevant modules of the engine and exhaust system control unit, fuel injection technology, sensors, SCR systems and injectors, catalytic converters, filters, tanks, and hoses, not to mention software and engineering. Additional particulate filters, or combination filters with an SCR coating to remove the nitrogen oxide, are used for this purpose for Stage 5 of exhaust system cleaning as applicable for engines from 130 to 560 kW from 2019 onward.
 
Whether in construction or agricultural machines or cranes, manufacturers are equipping the cabins of their vehicles and machines with increasingly high-quality fittings and placing a growing emphasis on the highest possible level of comfort. The modular design of Continental's driver workstation ensures an extremely flexible, user-friendly workstation with fittings that can be adapted for numerous applications and customer requirements. All switches are positioned within reach, while overhead switches can also be replaced by additional panels, if required. The cockpit fittings can therefore be as minimalist or as high-end as desired. Sleeve air springs also increase comfort in the driver's seat. Surface materials for the interior of off-highway vehicles withstand the tough conditions of an average working day on a construction site or agricultural land. Particularly scratch-resistant materials and products with easy-to-clean soft-touch surfaces are available.