2021 10 05 090346Geek+, a global AMR leader, is proud to announce it has won the European Product Design Award in the industrial robot category with RoboShuttle, the double deep tote-picking robot for high-density storage. The award recognizes the combination of flexibility and functionality that permeates the entire design, from robot to solution, and the ability to create, innovate and produce solutions that solve logistics bottlenecks to help businesses flexible grow and compete.

  • Winner of the industrial robot category for combining flexible, functional, and aesthetic robot design to build automated solutions that have a real impact on the world of warehousing.

Jackson Zhang, President of Geek+ Europe, says: “We are very proud to receive this award and see it as a recognition of the ability of our engineers and designers to develop products that solve actual logistics bottlenecks by targeting the physical issue of space as well as a more e-commerce-driven business environment. Today, RoboShuttle has been deployed in over 10 countries. There is exponential interest in the solution, which optimizes space, ensures the safety of employees, and brings accuracy and flexibility to warehouse operations." 

The Double Deep RoboShuttle can operate 1m narrow aisles, reach 5m high shelves, and use its extended telescopic arms of 1.5m reach to access totes of varying depth in one location. Equipped with high-precision sensors, the robot will adjust the depth of the telescopic arms to pick totes at varying depths accurately and safely. Due to the flexible and slim chassis design, the RoboShuttle can operate in varying ground conditions and access totes stored as low as 0.215 meters. It can also carry up to 5 totes in one go to and from a picking station for more efficient and fast order fulfillment. RoboShuttle can be adjusted to match different shelf heights. The robot can also work in dark warehouse environments, using safety lights and self-charging capabilities, enabling 24/7 safe, efficient, and energy-saving logistics operations. 

Zihan Yu, Industrial Designer at Geek+, says: “As logistics processes grow increasingly complex, we have to leave the one-size-fits-all mentality behind and see optimization in terms of customization. At Geek+, we provide tailored solutions using both hardware and software. While it is our intelligent software platform that analyzes the customer’s order history and adjusts operations accordingly, it is the ability to produce versatile robots that allows us to optimize the physical reality of each customer’s warehouse.” 

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RoboShuttle is a high-density solution that creates a safer work environment for warehouse employees, improves storage capacity by 2-3x, and streamlines logistics processes with intelligent applications incorporating real-time demand such as logical task management and route and maintenance management. 

Award page: https://www.productdesignaward.eu/winners/country/2021/22367621/

About Geek+

Geek+ is a global technology company leading the intelligent logistics revolution. We apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. Geek+ counts 300 global customers and has sold more than 20,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, Geek+ has over 1,500 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, the UK, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

For more information, please visit:https://www.geekplus.com/company

About EPDA

The European Product Design Award™ was created to recognize the efforts of talented international product designers who aim to improve our daily lives with their practical, well-thought-out creations. We reward the strategic thinking and imagination which goes into making a great product. Farmani Group assembled European Product Design Award to bring attention to international product and industrial design and promote the winning designers to the prominent audience in Europe.

Massive module loaded-out safely and to schedule

Mammoet has loaded out a main support frame (MSF) module in Thailand, using a significant 604 axle lines of SPMT at Aibel Thailand’s yard in Leam Chabang. This module was the largest ever fabricated by Aibel Thailand and the largest to be loaded-out in Thailand using SPMTs. The mega MSF module weighed approximately 14,500t, and at 16,258t with grillage.
 
As Mammoet has worked closely with Aibel Thailand in the last decade, assisting Aibel in almost all of their heavy transportation work, Mammoet was once again selected as the trusted partner to perform this record-breaking module transportation.

Strong coordination amongst Mammoet, Aibel and various other stakeholders were required for the load-out of this module onto the ship. Strong coordination amongst Mammoet, Aibel and various other stakeholders were required for the load-out of this module onto the ship.

Mammoet’s global network of engineering expertise meant that it was able to provide Aibel with a project team made up of professionals from all over the world. The team included specialists from Thailand and Mammoet’s Global Offshore Services division, who were in charge of weighing the module, while mechanics and supervisors from Australia, Malaysia, Netherlands and Thailand covered the site move and load-out execution using the SPMT trailers.
 
The 604 axle lines of SPMT and 21 PPUs were sourced from various depots in Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. It was a logistical challenge for the team to bring in such a significant number of SPMTs from different locations due to COVID-19 restrictions, which complicated shipping schedules. Nonetheless, all equipment was mobilized on time, and all trailers were assembled weeks before the load-out took place. The team’s strong technical expertise ensured all axle-lines functioned together and are ready on time.

Despite logistical challenges brought about due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team ensured all 604 axle lines were mobilized and connected weeks before the load-out took place. Despite logistical challenges brought about due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team ensured all 604 axle lines were mobilized and connected weeks before the load-out took place.

On site, weighing of the MSF module was completed using Mammoet’s weighing system swiftly; within a day. Once the load cells were removed, the SPMT trailers were driven in position under the MSF module.
 
With the SPMTs in position and the hydraulic and electronic systems connected, the module was lifted up from the fabrication supports using the SPMTs’ suspension systems. The site move covered approximately 700m in distance to the load out quay, and it was completed the day before the load out onto the vessel took place.
 
The following day, Mammoet, Aibel and the crew of the vessel coordinated well to ensure load-out of this module went smoothly onto the ship. It took a few hours before the module was rolled onto the vessel and accurately aligned with the grillage.
 
Shimming and adjusting procedures were undertaken before the MSF module could be completely set down on the vessel. After this, the SPMT trailers were removed from underneath the module.
 
The mega MSF module has since been shipped to Norway and is now part of Equinor’s fifth platform for the Johan Sverdrup oil field. The oil field is expected to have a daily production capacity of up to 535,000 barrels by the end of this year.

Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.

For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Wednesday, 22 September 2021 12:14

Launch of Combilift’s new XLE model

Irish materials handling specialist Combilift has officially launched its latest product, the Combi-XLE, as a further addition to its impressive range of electric models. In line with the growing demand for electric powered equipment, this multidirectional forklift with up to 5-ton lift capacity, combines emission-free operation with powerful performance for a wide range of industries and applications.

The original engine powered XL C-Series model was developed to address the requirements of tough working environments such as those in the timber, concrete and steel sectors. The new Combi-XLE incorporates the same key design features as its earlier counterpart such as high ground clearance, large cushioned front and rear tyres and a spacious cab, allowing smooth operation on semi rough terrain whilst offering a high level of driver comfort.

With sustainability ever higher on the agenda, Combilift further helps its customers achieve their environmental goals with its versatile “3 forklifts in 1” models, which work inside and out, reducing fleet size and thereby their carbon footprint. A hallmark of all Combilift products is the ability to increase storage capacity without expanding the size of a facility, resulting in lower energy usage and associated costs such as heating, lighting and maintenance, which is of significant benefit to the environment and the workforce. Noise pollution and carbon emissions, which can impact on the health and well-being of people as well as wildlife, is also no longer an issue thanks to electric power. Drivers, employees and visitors on site appreciate the quiet operation, as do neighbouring residents and businesses, particularly in urban areas.

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The Combi-XLE incorporates up-to-the-minute technology such as the patented all-wheel traction that reduces tyre wear, load swing and enhances braking. Also included is a newly developed, patented Eco-Steer System which provides a smaller turning radius and improved user experience. Since Electric powered trucks do not have traditional combustion engines, or hydraulic transmissions, there is no longer any need to check and top up engine fluids / lubricants, resulting in longer intervals between services, ultimately saving costs. The use of toughened, eco-friendly water-based paint also dramatically reduces the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during build.

“The technology we have incorporated into the Combi-XLE means that its performance is equally on a par with diesel or LPG powered forklifts when it comes to handling very bulky and heavy loads, whilst of course offering a greener operation,” said Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar. “We made our first electric C-Series over 18yrs ago, and now over 60% of the trucks we manufacture are electric, with availability in almost all models across our range. As more and more of our customers are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”

At Combilift’s own manufacturing facility, features such as daylighting technology - LED lights with individual PIR sensors, solar panel energy and rainwater harvesting are all aimed at conserving natural resources and decreasing energy consumption. 92% of all components used in the truck assembly are 100% recyclable and the company is also on track to save over 473 tons of CO2 by using carbon neutral wood chip instead of gas for heating within the factory.

In conjunction with the SITL trade show scheduled for 13-15 September at Paris Porte de Versailles, Scallog is announcing a new contract in Belgium for robotization of the new distribution centre operated by Newpharma, the Belgian online pharmacy that serves 1 million customers in 12 countries across Europe. The deployment of Scallog’s Goods-to-Person robotics solution at Newpharma’s new distribution centre, which spans 20,000 sq.m and can be expanded to 50,000 sq.m, is scheduled for the fall of 2021 and will be overseen by Smart Technics Ventures, the innovation unit at Colruyt Group, which holds a minority stake in Scallog. At SITL, Scallog will also be showcasing the latest addition to its lineup, the Flexytote robot, which will be demonstrated at the Warehouse of the Future, an immersive environment at SITL devoted to the smart warehouse and including a full line of innovations for the intralogistics of the future!

Here’s a look at how Colruyt Group forged a successful collaboration among three businesses: Newpharma, Scallog and Smart Technics Ventures!

As part of its plans to consolidate its operations in Wandre, Belgium, Newpharma will soon be inaugurating its brand-new logistics centre located on a site near the Port of Liege.  Plans for this next-generation warehouse were launched in 2019, supported by the Belgian retail business Colruyt Group. Pierre De Lit, COO at Newpharma : “Each year, Newpharma records double-digit revenue growth, which, over time, has forced us to spread our activities across several sites in Wandre and Tongeren. We have therefore decided to build one large distribution centre to support our further growth and optimise our logistics flows. We will gradually put the new installations into operation. In a first phase the site will cover 20,000 m². In 2022, we will expand the site to 50,000 m².”

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The consolidation of Newpharma's activities is accompanied by extensive automation, supported by Smart Technics. The mission of the engineering team of this Colruyt Group start-up is to integrate innovative solutions in a sustainable way. Jeroen Theys, Managing Director at Smart Technics: "In this project, we integrated the Scallog solution into Newpharma's operational flow, from the delivery of the goods by suppliers to the dispatching of the packages to end customers. Several options were considered each time to optimise stock management, order processing, order picking, packaging and ergonomics for the employees. We are very satisfied with the collaboration, which has resulted in a phased plan that will enable Newpharma to respond more flexibly to future market developments and secure further sustainable growth." 

"Scallog is already active in this sector in France. We are particularly pleased that we can equip the new Newpharma warehouse in close cooperation with Smart Technics today. This means that yet another Scallog picking facility will be operational in Belgium", Caroline Dumas Scallog International Business Manager, adds.

Here’s a closer look at the Flexytote, which will be in operational readiness at the Warehouse of the Future!

As part of its ongoing desire to include more immersive demonstrations and experiences for its industry visitors, the 2021 SITL show is showcasing a 600-square-metre smart warehouse dubbed the Warehouse of the Future, presenting the most innovative solutions on a real-life scale. The space will feature the Flexytote, a new addition to the Scallog product line, working under operating conditions to automate the transfer, loading and unloading of bins and boxes so as to speed up the order picking process.

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As a truly lightweight, flexible robotics alternative to traditional workflow automation systems, the Flexytote is based on a simple but effective principle: robots move two or three tiers of empty bins or boxes to picking stations, deposit them on order buffer racks, then retrieve them and transport them to the packaging area once the operators have completed the orders.

The logistics benefits are immediate: automated two or three tier supply on demand to the order buffer racks, elimination of load handling and transport by operators, less physical strain and accelerated order picking.

With flexibility that is unrivalled on the market, the Flexytote solution is easily integrated into any existing warehouse and can be adapted to all changes in order picking flows; the mobile robots follow optical markings on the floor that can be repositioned if and when required.  The Flexytote solution also stands out for its load capacity of up to 250 kg, the background tasks it can undertake, its ergonomics and logistics productivity and its ROI in under 18 months

About Newpharma

Founded in 2008, Newpharma is Belgium’s largest online pharmacy and the online offshoot of its brick-and-mortar pharmacy. With an online pharmacy serving 1 million customers throughout Europe, Newpharma offers delivery to 12 countries from its original website, www.newpharma.be, while also operating four local websites for France, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria. Boasting more than 30,000 products and 1,750 brand names, Newpharma stands out in the market for its optimum logistics and its ability to deliver most orders placed before noon to customers in Belgium within 24 hours. In 2015 Newpharma acquired the Paraseller and Parafemina websites, solidifying its position in the French market and building on a strategy that was begun in 2014 with its purchase of the MonGuideSanté website, a long-time leader in France’s consumer health market. In addition, its online pharmacy is ranked 31st among Belgium’s top 100 e-commerce firms and is a four-time winner at the country’s BeCommerce Awards. Newpharma is also a member of the European Association of Mail Service Pharmacies (EAMSP). With its historically equity-driven growth, Newpharma posted turnover of €140 million in 2020.

www.newpharma.be.

About Smart Technics Ventures

Smart Technics Ventures is an innovative start-up within Colruyt Group that lives by the motto: from inspiration to implementation. The team provides a broad spectrum of services, ranging from engineering to project management, design and implementation of technological solutions, both for the shop environment, logistics centres and production activities. With its 35 employees, primarily engineers and software developers, the company specializes in consulting services, project management, design, optimization of existing facilities and the creation of new logistics centres.

About Scallog

Founded in 2013, Scallog is a French company that designs, manufactures and markets robotics solutions for the logistics sector to boost warehouse agility and productivity for 3PL, e-commerce, distribution and manufacturing companies.  Responding to evolving demand among B2C and B2B customers, particularly with regard to product availability and delivery, the Scallog solution helps companies accelerate order picking and absorb peaks in activity whilst reducing arduous working conditions for employees and staggering investment. Scallog’s Goods-to-Person range includes the best ‘smart’ decision-making and execution software and mobile robotics, meeting the need of logistics operators to increase order picking flexibility and integrate automation more widely in their warehouses. With over 30 different clients to its name and substantial funds raised, Scallog - the pioneer of scalable, flexible logistics robotics - is now aiming to boost its growth across Europe and internationally.

 www.scallog.com

Geek+, a global AMR leader, is proud to announce the launch of a new solution for Smart Mixed Case palletizing, co-developed with WSR Solutions, a provider of intelligent warehouse management tools. The solution combines Geek+ autonomous mobile robots and WSR’s intelligent palletizing algorithm to help warehouse operators systematically handle the processing of multiple outbound orders in an efficient, safe, and flexible way. 

Lit Fung, Vice President of APAC, UK and the Americas at Geek+, says: “We are thrilled to work together with WSR Solutions to provide a tool that targets every aspect of the outbound logistics process, from how goods are stored and moved around the warehouse to how pallets are stacked, streamlining processes by eliminating the need for re-palletization, and optimizing overall space utilization.”

Based on real-time demand, Geek+ autonomous mobile robots optimize the movement of ordered goods between the storage area and picking station. At the picking station, WSR’s intelligent algorithm support warehouse operators to stack cases of varying weight, height, width, and so on in an optimal way. It is a one-stop solution that takes warehouse automation one step further, allowing operators to not only modernize logistics processes inside the warehouse but ensure agile supply chains through the efficient use of truck space.

Marcel van Schijndel, CEO of WSR Solutions, says: “Together with Geek+ we provide a full framework for the changing market requirements. Innovative mixed palletizing solutions that in effect serve one single goal: to optimize the customer's supply chain with efficient, flexible, and affordable automation solutions.”

The solution has four key components – storage area, buffer area, case picking area, and loading area. 

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Storage Area

The storage area is built on multiple layers using high-density racking and bulk lifts for more storage capacity. After inbound processing, pallets of incoming goods (donor pallets) are stored in high-density racking. Donor pallets are then moved horizontally by four-way shuttles and vertically by lifts. The system flexibly solves bottlenecks caused by rapid changes in required throughput. With no need for wires and long installation periods, the number of shuttles can be flexibly adjusted to handle changes in required throughput, and peak values can be changed using the system’s scheduling tool.

Buffer Area

Upon receiving the outbound order, items of high outbound volume go to a buffer area between the storage area and the workstation. Upon registering an incoming order, a picking robot picks up the donor pallet from the storage area and moves it to the buffer area for temporary storage. At the buffer area, picking robots streamline the movement of pallets, ensuring the smooth supply and optimal sequencing of source pallets to the workstation.

Case Picking Area

At the workstation, an operator picks cases from a donor pallet and stacks them on an order pallet based on a pre-calculated stacking pattern. The user-friendly interface provides the operator with information on outbound orders such as required type and quantity of goods, and the SAT laser pointer specifies case placement. 

If one type of good is included in different orders, picking robots will move the donor pallet of that good to the next workstation, and new donor pallets containing other SKUs will automatically arrive at the previous workstation for continued order picking. The remaining items that do not require further picking will go to the storage area, creating a dynamic transit cycle.

Loading Area

At the loading area, optimally stacked pallets are loaded onto trucks by autonomous forklifts without the need for re-palletization. By optimizing how pallets are stacked it improves truck space utilization, lowering the overall transport costs. The algorithm enables efficient organization and order sequencing of large-scale, mixed case combinations. It can be tailored to fit customers' actual business needs for allocation and priority management, making a powerful tool applicable to a wide range of industry scenarios.

About Geek+

Geek+ is a global technology company leading the intelligent logistics revolution. We apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. Geek+ counts 300 global customers and has sold more than 20,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, Geek+ has over 1,000 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, the UK, the US, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore.

For more information, please visit: https://www.geekplus.com/

About WSR Solutions 

WSR Solutions is a technology innovator of optimized end of line mixed palletizing solutions for the global intralogistics market. Founded in 2014, WSR Solutions develops and supplies innovative depalletizing and mixed palletizing solutions that in effect serve a single goal: to make logistics efficient, flexible, and cost-effective. WSR Solutions is headquartered in Deventer (the Netherlands) and has partners/resellers in Sweden, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and the USA.

For more information, please visit: www.mixedpalletizing.com

Nidec ASI is awarded a €12 million contract for the electrification of the berths in the port of Malta, which will relaunch tourism from a more sustainable perspective 

This innovative electrical supply system for cruise ships moored in the port will reduce emissions by over 40 tons a year and lower noise pollution, a benefit to both tourists and the local community

Nidec ASI—head of the Nidec Industrial Solutions platform belonging to the Nidec Group, one of the groups engaged in restarting the economy with a view to greater sustainability—has signed a €12 million contract with the Maltese company Excel Sis for the creation of a “shore-to-ship” project for the port of La Valletta (Malta). The project will make it possible for cruise ships moored at the five berths to draw from the island’s energy grid the power they require to be fully operative, without having to keep their polluting on-board diesel engines running. This innovative system will make it possible to reduce the emissions of pollutant gases by over 40 tons a year, the equivalent of continuous circulation of over 4 million vehicles, and will contribute to creating the basis for a more eco-friendly and innovative relaunching of tourism, a key sector in the Maltese economy.

The project complies with the necessity of following European Union directives which encourage ports to adopt berth electrification systems (shore-to-ship) to reduce polluting emissions of vessels in the port, while maintaining active heating and air conditioning, as well as vessel auxiliary systems. By 2025, this recommendation will become binding for all European ports and it has also been included in the EU Recovery Plan which places reducing environmental impact among the priorities in relaunching European countries. Within this context, Malta and its main port of La Valletta provide an example for all European (and other) ports to follow. The entire project was planned from the very earliest feasibility studies and will be coordinated through to its completion by Infrastructure Malta (IM), the Maltese government agency responsible for all the country’s infrastructure projects.

Nidec ASI, which together with the main contractor Excel Sis received the highest technical and economic rating in the call for bids, has been involved for years in the spread of these technologies to provide a 100%-electric future for both naval and other forms of transport, as well as logistics. In fact, it is currently completing the electrification of the berths in Genoa’s Port of Prà, after also having installed its systems in the ports of Leghorn, the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyards, EDISON–Navalimpianti - FSO Alba Marina and a number of other ports. The company was one of the first players in the world to promote berth electrification, a solution that provides for a significant reduction in the impact of port activities on the environment and on people to promote a drastic reduction in the emission of pollutant gases and noise from berthed vessels.

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In fact, thanks to the contribution of Nidec ASI technologies, the port of Malta will be able to reduce SOx, NOx, CO2 and PM emissions which are a significant source of pollution for the tourist-oriented Isle of Malta. In addition, by plugging ships into the national grid, and thereby avoiding the use of on-board diesel generators, the noise pollution so annoying for tourists and local residents is also greatly reduced.

Specifically, Nidec ASI was awarded the supply of power and high-tech systems and all related engineering, including transformers, converters and the cable management system. Its extensive practical experience allowed the company to develop and implement this complex project. In fact, the unique nature of every cruise ship required the development of a specific solution for each to be able to connect the vessel with the energy grid, and Nidec ASI chose a cable management system capable of meeting the needs of the different ships.

We are truly proud that our partner and main contractor Excel Sis and Infrastructure Malta have chosen our proven expertise in project management and our custom solutions for this key project which, for us, represents a new objective in our strategy to promote sustainable development and reduce environmental impact in transport and logistics, towards an all-electric future. The transformation of logistics and port infrastructure from the standpoint of greater security and energy savings can also contribute to attracting a greater flow of tourists who are increasingly concerned about respect for the environment. This will aid in relaunching the tourism and business sectors which have been particularly hit by the effects of the pandemic,” said Dominique Llonch, CEO of Nidec ASI and Chairman of Nidec Industrial Solutions. “Thanks to our expertise in the areas of automation and battery storage systems, we are able to electrify the entire port, from cranes to internal transport by using charging stations installed in microgrids within the port area. Times such as these are ideal for promoting infrastructural transformation which is also made easier by lower traffic levels. Our hope is that the example of Malta—and that of other earlier ports such as Genoa Prà—will be followed soon by many others in Italy and Europe to comply with EU norms and to make the best use of the funds allocated in the Recovery Plan to, finally, act from a sustainable and green standpoint.

This new project, together with other shore-to-ship systems implemented in Italy and France and other major initiatives such as the supply of storage battery systems for onboard energy for full-electric and hybrid cargo ships, ferries and yachts (with the possibility of providing automatic fast-recharging from land), and solutions for automating cranes used in ports, make Nidec ASI a true leader in the evolution of the maritime and port sector towards all-electric, so key to navigation and logistics that are increasingly green and sustainable. The group is also fully-active in the transport sector through promoting the development of electric cars utilizing an ultra-fast recharging system for e-vehicles. For over 40 years, it has also been creating ropeway systems with the goal of making them an increasingly-utilized system of public transport, while also supplying systems for recharging electric buses and passenger transport via tram/trolley.

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