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Material handling

Predictions: Ultimation Industries forecasts five material handling trends for 2025

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Artificial intelligence and other smart technologies are expected to help boost operational efficiency

Smart technologies such as robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in material handling operations are expected to be among the top trends in 2025 for manufacturers, distributors and warehouses in their quest to improve operational efficiency, according to Ultimation Industries.

Ultimation is an MCE company that solves productivity challenges with special purpose machinery and industrial automation equipment systems as well as direct-to-consumer solutions for a broad range of end-markets, including energy, automotive, logistics and vertical farming.

Kali Wahrman, general manager, e-commerce for Ultimation, says: “Companies of all sizes in the manufacturing, warehouse and distribution sectors are realizing that they need new technologies and sustainable options to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding marketplace.” [Read more…] about Predictions: Ultimation Industries forecasts five material handling trends for 2025

FlexLink introduces new ‘collaborative palletizing’ system

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FlexLink, a Coesia company and a provider of material handling solutions, has launched the new RC12, its third-generation collaborative palletizer.

Designed to enhance efficiency and safety in end-of-line operations, the RC12 provides a streamlined, flexible palletizing solution for demanding production environments requiring no robotics programming skills to operate.

Building on over a decade of experience in collaborative palletizing, FlexLink has developed the newest generation of RC12 to meet the growing demand for smarter and safer palletizing systems. [Read more…] about FlexLink introduces new ‘collaborative palletizing’ system

Seegrid ends distribution agreements with Toyota subsidiary in favour of direct sales

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Seegrid, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions for palletized material handling, has decided to terminate its product and distribution agreements with Raymond Corporation, a division of Toyota, effective upon the conclusion of a ninety-day notice period.

Joe Pajer, CEO of Seegrid, says: “This move will allow us to sell and service the full Seegrid-branded product line across all market segments rather than serving a large portion of the market through Raymond.

“We are seeing more customers desire a direct relationship with Seegrid as we roll out our new lift truck products and release innovative technology enhancements across our product line.” [Read more…] about Seegrid ends distribution agreements with Toyota subsidiary in favour of direct sales

Media company brings in AGVs from ek robotics to handle supply and disposal of printing machines

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More and more companies are relying on automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in intralogistics to increase efficiency and meet challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers.

This is also the case at GGP Media, in Pößneck, Thuringia, which produces high-quality print and digital publications.

In view of the shortage of skilled workers and rising costs, GGP Media decided to use an AGV in March 2024, which has been in 24-hour operation ever since. [Read more…] about Media company brings in AGVs from ek robotics to handle supply and disposal of printing machines

Third Wave Automation closes $27 million Series C funding to scale autonomous forklifts

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Third Wave Automation, a provider of autonomous high-reach forklifts, has closed a $27 million Series C round led by Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth fund.

Return investors Innovation Endeavors, Norwest Venture Partners and Qualcomm Ventures joined the round, bringing total capital raised to $97 million.

The funding will enable Third Wave to scale its “Shared Autonomy Platform”, expand manufacturing of its multimode TWA Reach forklifts, and support future technology development that advances the use of autonomous forklifts in and around warehouse environments. [Read more…] about Third Wave Automation closes $27 million Series C funding to scale autonomous forklifts

The Rise of Industrial Robotics and AGVs in Material Handling

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In recent years, industrial robotics and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have significantly transformed material handling operations across various industries.

With companies striving for greater efficiency, safety, and reduced operational costs, these technologies are becoming essential in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.

This shift not only highlights the increasing role of automation but also reshapes the landscape of equipment use – especially in sectors that depend on forklifts and other heavy machinery. [Read more…] about The Rise of Industrial Robotics and AGVs in Material Handling

Large dimensions and high automation: Systraplan handles intralogistics for Timpla by Renggli

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Systraplan at the logistical heart of the production at Timpla wood module factory

Future-orientated construction with sustainable use of materials is booming. Timpla by Renggli is clearly recognizing this – and is responding with expanded capacities.

In Eberswalde, the modular brand of Swiss timber construction veteran Renggli is building the largest timber module plant in Germany. This pioneering project is relying on the proven expertise of Systraplan for its storage and conveyor technology.

[Read more…] about Large dimensions and high automation: Systraplan handles intralogistics for Timpla by Renggli

AutoStore launches ‘multi-temperature’ automated storage and retrieval system

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AutoStore has added new capabilities to its automated storage and retrieval system for warehouses: the AutoStore Multi-Temperature Solution, an expanded 18-Level Grid, a Motorized Service Vehicle, and enhancements to the cube control software.

Building on AutoStore’s foundation of density, efficiency, and scalability, the company says these new innovations will “help businesses maintain a competitive edge” with their automated fulfillment solutions.

Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, says: “AutoStore is shifting to a regular cadence of product announcements, focusing on innovation and execution to better serve our customers.

[Read more…] about AutoStore launches ‘multi-temperature’ automated storage and retrieval system

Seegrid closes $50 million funding round as market adoption of its autonomous lift truck ‘exceeds expectations’

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Seegrid Corporation, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for pallet material handling, has successfully closed its $50 million Series D investment round, funded by its existing lead investors Giant Eagle Incorporated and G2 Venture Partners, as well as smaller investments from other existing shareholders.

Seegrid says the new investment allows the company to accelerate its autonomous lift truck market initiatives, which are “currently generating more growth than expected”.

Joe Pajer, Seegrid’s CEO and president, says: “We are thrilled to have secured this additional funding from our investors. It enables us to drive our innovative AMR technology and solutions into the market faster, delivering even more value to our customers sooner.

[Read more…] about Seegrid closes $50 million funding round as market adoption of its autonomous lift truck ‘exceeds expectations’

Vecna Robotics closes $100 million in Series C funding

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Vecna Robotics, a provider of flexible material handling automation solutions, has closed its Series C round at $100 million, with $40 million in new funding including equity and debt. This latest investment nearly doubles the company valuation from the previous round.

Tiger Global Management, Proficio Capital Partners, and IMPULSE participated in the round.

The cash infusion will be used to fund new workflow-specific innovations that enable the company to deliver rapid return on investment to cost conscious warehouse operators served by the $165 billion pallet-moving autonomy market. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics closes $100 million in Series C funding