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Seat and Grupo Sesé launch a parts delivery service using drones

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The Seat factory in Martorell is the first Spanish plant to receive components via drone delivery. In collaboration with Grupo Sesé, the Spanish carmaker has a pioneering service connecting Sesé’s logistics centre in Abrera with the Seat factory using drones.

The first parts delivery service between two production plants in Spain by drone will deliver steering wheels and airbags to the Seat assembly lines.

The pilot project is being carried out under the supervision of the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) and will go forward in an experimental phase with several flights per day.

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DB presents ‘world’s first autonomous electric truck’

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DB Schenker has presented the world’s first autonomous electric truck, the T-Pod, to a wide industry audience in Germany for the first time at a transport logistics trade show in Munich in June.

The T-Pod was developed in cooperation with Einride, a Swedish startup. It is the world’s first truck approved for commercial use on public roads.

Alexander Doll, member of the management board for finance, freight transport and logistics, says: “We want to be a reliable partner for our customers in the logistics, freight transport and infrastructure segments now and in the future. We have set out to implement new ideas and innovative technology to become better, day after day.”

The Benefits of Automatic Truck Loading Systems: Reduce loading and unloading times to a few minutes

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By Jack Smylie, North America sales manager, Ancra Systems

As 3PLs (third-party logistics) companies, distribution centers, and warehouses all get ready for the all-important holiday picking, packing, and shipping season there is a fundamental flaw in how space utilization is conceived.

Most warehouse managers are sure if they had double the number of loading and unloading bays, their operation would be twice as efficient. Nothing could be further from the truth. The efficiency of truck unloading and loading occurs when that process is automated.

Fully automatic loading and unloading always require two combined systems: one system in the truck or trailer and a fixed installation on the loading platform or in the warehouse. Truck loading conveyors and other automated solutions allow increased efficiency. [Read more…] about The Benefits of Automatic Truck Loading Systems: Reduce loading and unloading times to a few minutes

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

US Postal Service testing driverless trucks from TuSimple

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The US Postal Service is testing driverless trucks from TuSimple in a two-week pilot program.

TuSimple, a self-driving truck company, says the USPS has awarded it a contract to perform five round trips during the trial, hauling USPS trailers more than 1,000 miles between the Postal Service’s Phoenix, Arizona and Dallas, Texas distribution centers.

The truck will have a safety engineer and driver on board for the duration of the pilot to monitor vehicle performance and to ensure public safety. [Read more…] about US Postal Service testing driverless trucks from TuSimple

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

ZF unveils electric truck prototype for Japan

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ZF has developed an electric light commercial vehicle specifically for the Japanese market.

The company has been electrifying a wide range of systems not only for passenger cars and commercial vehicles but also for industrial machines.

This prototype vehicle has been developed by ZF Japan’s engineering team at their Tech Centre in Yokohama, collaborating with a team in ZF HQ in Germany in order to satisfy Japan’s unique requirements.

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Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

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By Andy Legut, FlexQube

Too often automation and robotics are characterized by sensors driving Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

There are ways to efficiently automate material flow and lean manufacturing principles today. It starts with automating into a fork truck free environment.

Ultimately the reason for automation is to capture improved productivity. Cesar Jimenez, a Toyota Material Handling, USA employee shared that a forklift can only carry up to two loads at a time.

[Read more…] about Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

Nikola and Bosch develop fuel cell powertrain for new truck

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Nikola Motor Company has showcased its hydrogen-electric powered semi-truck, the Nikola Two, at its Nikola World event.

Bosch technology and expertise helped Nikola to realise the fully functional Nikola Two hydrogen-electric truck with industry-ready heavy-duty truck components and systems.

The trucks feature innovations in automation, connectivity and electrification enabled with Bosch’s assistance.

[Read more…] about Nikola and Bosch develop fuel cell powertrain for new truck