Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

logistics

Geek Plus Robotics wins award at Deliver e-logistics event

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Geek Plus Robotics has won an award at the Deliver e-logistics event, which this year took place in Lisbon, Portugal. 

The warehouse robotics and automation specialist was awarded the “Rising Star” prize in recognition of its spectacular growth since the company was founded four years ago, and especially for its progress in the past couple of years.

Geek Plus says it is particularly pleased with this award because it was voted for by retailers. “We believe that this award would further encourage us to the next level and provide more efficient solutions to the logistics industry,” said a spokesperson for the company. [Read more…] about Geek Plus Robotics wins award at Deliver e-logistics event

‘E-logistics’ event Deliver to be held in Amsterdam next year

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The fifth annual “e-logistics” – or e-commerce logistics – event Deliver is to be held in Amsterdam next year.

The fourth edition of the Deliver elite series successfully gathered ​1,000 high-level attendees from 40 countries on June 5th and 6th, 2019 in Lisbon, representing a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous edition.

Next year, 1,500 business leaders are invited to join Deliver 2020 on ​June 10/11, 2020 in Amsterdam​ at the Taets Art & Event Park. [Read more…] about ‘E-logistics’ event Deliver to be held in Amsterdam next year

Logistics and supply chain: An overview of ‘goods-to-person’ and ‘last-mile delivery’ technologies

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The term “goods to person” in the context of the logistics and supply chain sector refers to technology that brings items from locations within, for example, a warehouse to a human picker while he or she remains in one place, also within the warehouse. 

And while “logistics” and “supply chain” are terms that are often used interchangeably, logistics usually refers to moving goods along public roads or out in the wider world, whereas supply chain refers to specific sections within the journey that the goods make, such as their processing through a warehouse.

One of the technologies most readily associated with medium- to large-scale warehouses is the conveyor, which has been around for more than 100 years. But in the past few years, warehouse robots have been eroding the total dominance of conveyors by offering what are offering described as “flexible” supply chain systems, in contrast to the “fixed” nature of conveyors. [Read more…] about Logistics and supply chain: An overview of ‘goods-to-person’ and ‘last-mile delivery’ technologies

BMW and Microsoft launch ‘Open Manufacturing Platform’

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Microsoft and the BMW Group have announced what they describe as “a new community initiative” to enable faster, more cost-effective innovation in the manufacturing sector.

In manufacturing today, production and profitability can be hindered by complex, proprietary systems that create data silos and slow productivity.

The Open Manufacturing Platform (OMP) is designed to break down these barriers through the creation of an open technology framework and cross-industry community.

[Read more…] about BMW and Microsoft launch ‘Open Manufacturing Platform’

Deliver: Cost-effectively navigating the last mile is crucial to e-commerce growth

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The second and final day of the Deliver event has seen sponsors and attendees ask each other many questions about the future of e-commerce, or rather “e-logistics”.

And some of the most crucial questions concern the critical last mile of the journey a product makes before it reaches the customer’s door.

The answers appear to be many and varied, and involve new hardware and software, but there does seem to be a general feeling of consensus, even if the details of the technologies underpinning that consensus is yet to be fully articulated, let alone realised. [Read more…] about Deliver: Cost-effectively navigating the last mile is crucial to e-commerce growth

General Motors names Kuka as ‘Supplier of the Year’

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Auto giant General Motors named industrial robotics and automation company Kuka its “Supplier of the Year” during its 27th annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony held recently in Detroit.

This is the fourth time Kuka has received the award. In an interview with Robotics and Automation News, Joe Gemma, a senior executive at Kuka, provided some insights into the company. (See video below.)

During the event, GM recognized 133 of its best suppliers from 15 countries that have consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value or introduced innovations to the company. [Read more…] about General Motors names Kuka as ‘Supplier of the Year’

Rigterink Logistikgruppe tests the all-electric eActros truck

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Mercedes-Benz Trucks has sent another fully-electric eActros onto the streets: the heavy-duty truck will now be put through its paces by Rigterink Logistikgruppe in regular operations transporting foodstuffs around Frankfurt am Main and other towns in the Rhine-Main area of Germany.

The daily distance from the Rigterink logistics premises in Flörsheim am Main to supermarket branches and various central logistics centres of supermarket chains is around 200 km.

The route will be driven once a day by the 25-tonne truck, making full use of its range of around 200 km with a single charge. The batteries will be charged overnight.

[Read more…] about Rigterink Logistikgruppe tests the all-electric eActros truck

KB Components develops its logistics with automation specialist Swisslog

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KB Components, one of Scandinavia’s leading manufacturers of plastic components, has chosen Swisslog as its partner for automation and logistics development.

The two companies started collaborating back in 1986 with the installation of automated pallet cranes and now, more than 30 years later, they have chosen Swisslog as their partner again for the replacement of this market leading technology.

Kent Brickling, logistics manager at KB Components, says: “Over the years, we have had a great cooperation with Swisslog for the service and system support of our pallet cranes at our facility in Örkelljunga, Sweden. [Read more…] about KB Components develops its logistics with automation specialist Swisslog

Tests reveal potential of truck ‘platooning’ in Germany

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A pilot project on truck platooning has been successfully completed by DB Schenker, MAN Truck & Bus and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

‘Platooning’ is when two or more trucks drive in a tight convoy on a motorway, benefiting from reduced air drag. All vehicles driving in the platoon are electronically linked to each other

Operating electronically linked trucks on German motorways is safe, technically reliable and easily applicable in the routine of a logistics company.

[Read more…] about Tests reveal potential of truck ‘platooning’ in Germany

Einride and DB Schenker launch driverless electric truck

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Autonomous electric vehicle developer Einride and logistics giant DB Schenker have launched a driverless electric truck in Sweden.

The vehicle – called “T-Pod and intended for logistics operations – is believed to be the first cab-less electric truck to go into operation on a public road.

The world premiere and inaugural run took place at DB Schenker’s facility in Jönköping, Sweden. The T-pod will transport goods between a warehouse and terminal at the facility, as part of a commercial flow.

[Read more…] about Einride and DB Schenker launch driverless electric truck