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logistics

CeMAT 2018: Knowledge platform for logistics providers and supply chain managers

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This year, CeMAT will feature another excellent set of forums. Together with major partners such as VDMA (Germany’s mechanical engineering industry association), BVL (Germany’s logistics association), the Fraunhofer IML Institute and the EHI Retail Institute, CeMAT will illuminate the opportunities presented by new Logistics 4.0 concepts while highlighting the latest best-practice solutions.

“Together with Hannover Messe, we are crafting a unique knowledge platform for the digitization of the supply chain, featuring numerous best-practice solutions and innovations like nowhere else in the world,” said Dr Jochen Köckler, member of the managing board at Deutsche Messe.

Below are some of the forums planned for CeMAT 2018.  [Read more…] about CeMAT 2018: Knowledge platform for logistics providers and supply chain managers

Framos releases static dimensioner for intelligent package and storage optimization in logistics operations

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Framos has released a “Static Dimensioner” which the company says provides intelligent package and storage optimization for logistics operations.

For warehouse logistics, the right master data and dimensions of both inbound and outbound goods are crucial to determine the perfect packaging for storage and shipment optimization.

The Framos Static Dimensioner is an autonomous static precision solution, capable of calculating accurate three-dimensional size and weight measurements for automated master data acquisition.  [Read more…] about Framos releases static dimensioner for intelligent package and storage optimization in logistics operations

Material world: Exclusive interview with Wynright Robotics boss

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Daifuku Wynright was established in 2013 as a result of Daifuku Group’s acquisition of Wynright Corporation and is now the largest material handling company in the world.

Last year, the company generated almost $3 billion in revenue worldwide. Daifuku has approximately 6,500 employees globally, while Wynright has around 500. 

Material handling is the aspect of logistics which is mainly concerned with the movement of boxes from one place to another, usually over short distances, such as from a truck to a warehouse, and then from the warehouse to the trucks for the dispatching of goods to customers’ locations.  [Read more…] about Material world: Exclusive interview with Wynright Robotics boss

Logistics 4.0: Facing digitalization-driven disruption

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By Vincent Bamberger, Florent Nansé, Bernd Schreiber, and Michael Zintel, of Arthur D Little

In the past, legacy logistics players (LLPs) such as DHL, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, UPS and Nippon Express operated in a stable world, where efficiency, standardization and low cost were the keys to success.

However, digitalization has changed this focus, transforming the market.

New, digital-native entrants are better able to adapt to emerging imperatives such as agility, customer centricity and the need to constantly innovate.  [Read more…] about Logistics 4.0: Facing digitalization-driven disruption

UPS using automation to move more parcels with same number of people, says boss

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The chief executive of logistics giant UPS says the company is using automation technologies to move a greater number of parcels with the same number of people. 

In comments to Yahoo Finance, UPS CEO David Abney says: “Last year we hired about the same number of people and we’re doing it this year with an extra 5 per cent of packages and it is because of automation.” 

The company’s busiest periods are the weeks leading up to the Thanksgiving holidays, and Cyber Week, which is a week after that.  [Read more…] about UPS using automation to move more parcels with same number of people, says boss

Coca-Cola orders robotic warehouse system from Swisslog

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Swisslog has secured an order for the first of its PowerStore intralogistics systems from Coca-Cola Malaysia.

As part of Coca-Cola Malaysia’s investment of RM500 million ($119 million) to expand the size and production capacity of its current plant at Bandar Enstek, the company has commissioned Swisslog for a flexible, robotic, data-driven automated warehouse for intralogistics.

This will make it the first Swisslog PowerStore system in South East Asia.  [Read more…] about Coca-Cola orders robotic warehouse system from Swisslog

Collaborative robotic arms + autonomous vehicle = a new kind of animal

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In what is probably a good illustration of how innovation can sometimes be bewildering at first, industrial robotic arms are being placed on autonomous robotic logistics vehicles to create something entirely new that doesn’t yet have a name of its own, and no one really knows how to describe it in simple terms. 

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Briefing on collaborative robots, free to subscribers

But plenty of people know what it does. Or what it could do at least.

In fact, anyone who’s seen a picture of one or has read the first paragraph of this article can probably imagine what such machines are capable of.  [Read more…] about Collaborative robotic arms + autonomous vehicle = a new kind of animal

Kuka expected to roll out collaborative robot on autonomous platform in more factories

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Kuka is expected to make its mobile collaborative robot available to more factories, partly as a result of its takeover by Midea, the Chinese home appliances manufacturer. 

Midea has many large factories where a mobile robot which can also pick and place objects would be very useful.

Kuka’s collaborative robot is called iiwa, and it’s already in use at various large companies, including automotive giant BMW.  [Read more…] about Kuka expected to roll out collaborative robot on autonomous platform in more factories

DHL uses Effibot logistics robot to deliver Formula E racing cars

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Logistics giant DHL called on the Effibot autonomous vehicle to help with the logistics demands of delivering all 40 fully-electric racing cars which took part in the recent Formula E Championship decider in Montreal, Canada.

Along with the cars, DHL also delivered lithium-ion batteries, charging stations, garage equipment and track infrastructure for the 10 teams that will compete for the title.

With the season finale, DHL also concludes its third season of delivering logistics solutions for the only fully single seater electric car racing series around the globe.  [Read more…] about DHL uses Effibot logistics robot to deliver Formula E racing cars

There will be 35 million autonomous trucks on the road by 2020, says Frost

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Business consultancy Frost & Sullivan expects 35 million connected and autonomous trucks will be on the roads by 2020.

Connected trucks will be integral to future logistics and freight operations as smart trucks will be a necessity in smart cities, says Frost.

And in what may be a controversial prediction Frost says: “By 2020, 35 million trucks are expected to be connected with digital freight solutions and autonomous technologies, transforming the trucking industry into a smarter, efficient and more productive sector.”  [Read more…] about There will be 35 million autonomous trucks on the road by 2020, says Frost