In this episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, Peter MacLeod sits down with Damon He from SEER Robotics to discuss the evolving relationship between humans and robots in warehouse operations. As automation reshapes logistics, Damon sheds light on how robotics enhances, rather than replaces, human roles, creating a more efficient and safer working environment. He highlights that robots don’t eliminate jobs but instead restructure them—allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks such as robot maintenance, programming, and data analysis.

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Robots as Collaborators, Not Replacements – How automation supports human workers by taking over repetitive, physically demanding, and hazardous tasks.
✅ Job Creation Through Robotics – Why the introduction of mobile robots doesn’t mean job losses, but instead creates opportunities for higher-skilled roles.
✅ Safety & Efficiency Gains – How robotics reduces workplace injuries, improves accuracy, and enhances productivity.
✅ The Role of AI in Future Warehouses – Damon’s insights on AI-driven robotics and its potential to further optimize logistics operations.
✅ Steps to Automation – Practical advice for businesses looking to integrate robotics, starting with small-scale pilot projects before scaling up.

“It’s time to welcome robots, not resist them.” – Damon He

Listen Now – Available on all major podcast platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe to Logistics Business Conversations for the latest insights from industry leaders!

Humans and Robots

March marks a major milestone for SEER Robotics, as the smart logistics company gears up to showcase its latest intelligent robotics solutions at two of the world’s most influential logistics exhibitions—LogiMAT Stuttgart and ProMat Chicago.

As a global supplier of intelligent robotics controllers, SEER Robotics will present a comprehensive line-up of hardware and software solutions built around its industry-leading SRC series controllers, highlighting its cutting-edge automation technologies and innovation-driven capabilities.

With a commitment to localization and adaptability, SEER Robotics tailors its solutions to meet the unique needs of different markets, driving the intelligent transformation of global logistics. Visitors to LogiMAT and ProMat will witness region-specific solutions that have already been deployed by world-renowned enterprises, including Schneider Electric, Philips, Hisense, Haier, Gree, Bosch, Volkswagen, ABB, Walmart, and many more.

Where to Find SEER Robotics
LogiMAT 2025 | March 11-13 | Stuttgart, Germany | Hall 8, Booth 8D77
Showcasing: SRC controllers, intelligent stacker forklifts (SFL-CDD14-CE & SFL-CDD15-CE), pallet trucks (SFL-CBD15-CE), single-arm forklifts (SOF-300EU), RDS resource scheduling system, and visualization products.

ProMat 2025 | March 17-20 | Chicago, USA | Lakeside Hall, Booth E12013
Showcasing: SRC controllers, rotary lifting AMRs (SJV-SW600), single-arm forklifts (SOF-300EU), reach trucks (SSR-1400), RDS resource scheduling system, M4 QuickGo application, and visualization products.

similar news

Podcast: Automation: The Future of Your Warehouse

As eCommerce continues its rapid expansion, businesses face mounting challenges: space constraints, labour shortage, increasing shipping costs, and the urgent need for sustainable packaging solutions.

CMC, a global supplier of sustainable, advanced packaging solutions, is set to transform fulfilment operations with the launch of two game-changing innovations at LogiMAT in Stuttgart, Germany, March 11-13, 2025 and ProMat 2025 in Chicago, March 17-20, 2025: CMC Super Vertical and CMC Genesys PRIMA.

CMC Super Vertical: The first 3D Vertical Bagger and Auto-packer for single and multi-item orders, featuring an ultra-compact footprint, one-day installation and plug-and-play integration and relocation —ideal for brownfield sites.

With less than a 10 square metres/107 square feet footprint, CMC Super Vertical is a breakthrough in right-sized packaging automation, designed to optimize fulfilment even in smaller facilities. It is the first-ever 3D Vertical Bagger and Auto-packer on the market, providing a plug and play and scalable solution that integrates seamlessly into brownfield environments. It is an ideal choice for businesses seeking to upgrade existing facilities with automation while minimizing disruption, also serving as an entry-level solution to help companies transition from manual packaging to 3D automation.

Key Features of the CMC Super Vertical:
• Packaging Capabilities – Two versions available to produce either 3D paper mailers or right-sized boxes, offering versatility for diverse products shipping needs.
• Higher speed per Square Metre/Feet – Runs up to 500 packages per hour, handling both single and multi-line orders seamlessly.
• Pre-Consolidation Eliminated – Handles unstable multi-line orders without requiring pre-consolidation.
• Versatile Paper Options for 3D Mailer Version–Supports heat sealable functional barrier paper, kraft paper, padded paper and open flute cardboard for enhanced protection.
• Plug-and-Play Installation – Allows for easy setup next to put walls, lower shipping and installation costs, seamless integration into existing fulfilment workflows and easy relocation.

New Era for Box-First Packaging

CMC Genesys PRIMA, a high-throughput, space-efficient machine that brings box-first automation to the forefront leveraging integration with warehouse automation technologies. Following the recent launch of the CMC Genesys Compact for box-last processing, this latest innovation is the first right-sized packaging machine of its kind to support BOTH box-first and box-last processes — a significant advancement in operational efficiency.

CMC Genesys PRIMA features a compact footprint of less than 20 square metres/215 square feet, ensuring easy installation and seamless relocation for future expansion.

With CMC Genesys PRIMA, CMC not only pioneers a breakthrough technology but also redefines packaging with CMC PRIMA-BOX — a patented, innovative box concept designed to set a new standard in automated packaging.

• A unique box design eliminating any void filling material
• Unnecessary corrugated is not discarded but used to create built-in protective corners, providing additional stability and safeguarding for products.
• The box is presented to the picking station with one open side, allowing operators to easily place products inside without obstruction from the flaps. This feature is especially useful for handling taller boxes or preventing using trays
• New design does not require extra equipment to place a lid or seal the box
• Optional automatic box closing
• Tape-free design, reducing material waste
• Easy opening and resealing option
• Opens from the top like a presentation box — enhancing customer experience

As fulfilment centres increasingly seek to optimize existing spaces rather than expand, CMC Super Vertical and CMC Genesys PRIMA delivers a future-proof automation solution designed for sustainability, operational efficiency, and maximum ROI.

similar news

CMC Genesys Enables Multi-Line Fulfilment Without Pre-Consolidation

Motorised drive roller manufacturer Itoh Denki is set to showcase its innovative MDR-based technologies at LogiMAT 2025.

Itoh Denki, a leading international specialist in motorised drive roller (MDR)-based material handling technologies, will showcase its range of highly innovative modular material handling technologies at the forthcoming LogiMAT 2025 show.

Itoh Denki’s stand (no. 1K25 in Hall 1) will display a number of novel systems based on acclaimed MDR technology, bringing greater control and modularity to material handling processes across
both the warehouse and the factory. It says its modular systems allow for unrivalled flexibility to meet changing operational demands, optimising throughput and performance.

FNR is an MDR-powered conveyor platform which safely and efficiently transfers light loads of all shapes and sizes via a patented bed system comprising robust plastic wheels. Able to undertake any task handled by belt conveyors, FNR delivers further benefits in near-silent operation and colleague safety.

Requiring minimal set-up and ongoing maintenance, FNR is designed specifically for applications involving small and medium-sized items and is particularly suited to singulation and accumulation tasks for order preparation. In these applications, thanks to its short, independently controlled zones, FNR can rapidly and efficiently singulate or accumulate items even in very short distances.

As an entirely modular system, FNR can be easily integrated into existing in situ systems – and can be reconfigured whenever necessary as requirements evolve. FNR will be displayed alongside Itoh Denki’s family of diverter units which between them cater for a vast array of application requirements.

Sorting Excellence

The Multi-Angle Ball Sorter (MABS) harnesses patented rotating ball transfer technology to enable diversion to exits at 30°, 45° or 90° angles on either side. Capable of handling up to 4,300 units per hour, MABS can be integrated into any type of conveyor system, where it can handle loads up to 30kg of varying shapes and sizes.

Available in five sizes and easily reconfigurable to meet changing requirements, up to eight MABS units can be combined as necessary to create larger transfer zones.

MABS will be demonstrated in combination with Itoh Denki’s acclaimed F-RAT NX compact 90° diverter and sorter module for smaller loads up to 50kg, and M-RAT module for larger loads up to 250kg. F-RAT NX and M-RAT are the only diverters of their type to transfer products at 90° on either side of the conveyor line without lifting the product between entry and exit, enabling smoother transfers and simpler conveyor design.

MABS, M-RAT and F-RAT all run on 24V DC power, enabling designers and specifiers to move away from pneumatically powered systems with all their challenges around commissioning,
maintenance and safety.

Tatsuya Akashi, President of Itoh Denki Europe, explains: “As the leading international trade show for intralogistics solutions and process management, LogiMAT once again offers the opportunity for system designers and specifiers from across the world to see the gains in productivity and flexibility they can enjoy by choosing systems from Itoh Denki.

“MDR-based systems continue to become the preferred choice for a vast range of applications where performance cannot be compromised, while bringing advantages in terms of enhanced safety – for both colleagues and products – energy efficiency, minimal maintenance, and ease of setup and reconfiguration. We anticipate strong interest in all of the technologies we will have on show at
LogiMAT.”

similar news

Conveying and Diverting Solutions

Coesia, a global supplier of industrial and packaging solutions, will present its latest automation technologies for logistics and e-commerce at LogiMAT 2025, taking place from March 11 to 13 in Stuttgart, Germany (Hall 8, Booth 8C31). As a go-to partner for any e-commerce fulfilment need, Coesia provides highly innovative and user-friendly technological solutions focused on agility, flexibility, and efficiency. The company’s booth will host experts from its companies ACMA, Emmeci, FlexLink, Atlantic Zeiser, and System Ceramics, presenting their range of e-commerce solutions. The exhibit will focus on advanced automation technologies that enhance operational efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability in warehouse and order fulfilment processes.

“Coesia is the go-to partner for e-commerce fulfilment needs,” says Alessandro Parimbelli, CEO of Coesia. “With deep expertise in automation, we help customers optimize their operations with solutions that simplify order fulfilment, reduce operational complexity, and enhance scalability. Our advanced technologies, from intelligent packaging to smart palletizing and warehouse automation, empower businesses to meet evolving consumer expectations while maintaining operational excellence and enhancing adaptability in their supply chain operations.”

Smart Palletizing by FlexLink – streamlined pallet handling

As the technology on display, Coesia will showcase the RC12 Re-Palletizing Line from FlexLink, an advanced system designed to streamline pallet handling operations in warehousing and co-packing. By integrating two RC12 collaborative robots to transfer products to another pallet, the system enables seamless automation of pallet size and pattern changes. This is particularly beneficial in e-commerce and distribution centers where orders must be repacked or adapted to different pallet configurations.

The RC12 Re-Palletizing Line features RobotConfig, an intuitive interface that simplifies palletization programming. It allows users to configure pallet patterns quickly without specialized robotics expertise. Additionally, its movable design, free from fixed floor attachments, offers great flexibility in dynamic warehouse environments. The solution enhances operational agility by supporting free-flow palletization and optimizing workflows without requiring major infrastructure modifications.

AI-driven mixed palletizing

In response to evolving e-commerce needs, the Mixed Palletizer is an innovative technology, optimizing stacking patterns for heterogeneous shipments. While not physically showcased at LogiMAT 2025, Coesia experts will be available to provide insights and discuss its benefits with interested customers looking to enhance their logistics operations.

E-BF by Emmeci – automated, customized packaging

Another highlight of Coesia’s presence at LogiMAT 2025 is the E-BF by Emmeci, a fully automated packaging solution that customizes box sizes on demand. Designed to accommodate both unstable multi-item orders and single-item shipments, it seamlessly integrates Box First and Box Last concepts to ensure precise fit-to-size packaging. The system automatically seals, tapes, and labels each package, optimizing material usage by up to 40%. By enhancing efficiency and sustainability, the E-BF improves productivity while ensuring high-quality packaging and optimized customer experience.

Visitors will also have the chance to learn more about:
• System Ceramic’s E-BFS machine, equipped with smart fulfillment technology and designed to wrap the product directly with a custom-fit package, creating a clamshell box in real time with the exact dimensions. This system enhances the customer experience with aesthetically refined and customizable packaging while supporting reverse logistics, simplifying returns, and reducing waste.
• ACMA’s E-SWL sleeve wrapping solution, designed for creating custom-sized shipping bags from paper-based or other materials on demand.
• Atlantic Zeiser’s Late-stage differentiation, which integrates with traditional printing for on-demand boxes personalization, reducing SKUs, waste, and storage costs.

With a continued presence at LogiMAT 2025, Coesia demonstrates its commitment to advancing automation in e-commerce logistics. By offering integrated solutions for packaging, palletizing and warehouse automation, the company helps companies achieve greater efficiency and adaptability in their supply chains.

similar news

e-commerce Box-making Solution

Aaron Geiger, Managing Director of Manufacturing and CPG/Retail for ORTEC, looks at Strategies businesses can deploy to optimize Last-Mile Deliveries.

Supply chain optimization has become a critical factor in maintaining a competitive edge. However, many companies still struggle to effectively implement AI-powered solutions for their supply chain. The disconnect often stems from a misalignment between C-level decision-makers and operational teams, leading to suboptimal results and missed opportunities for true optimization.

These are important decisions because a growing number of logistics professionals admit they aren’t optimized enough in their operations. Over half of respondents (52%) in a recent survey rated their organization’s current last-mile delivery planning effectiveness as below ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’ Additionally, the survey found that nearly 40% of respondents need to adjust delivery routes multiple times per day due to unexpected delays, emphasizing the pressing need for innovative solutions in logistics.

Understanding The Role of Software Optimization

One of the primary challenges in implementing AI and software solutions is the lack of a holistic view of the supply chain. Many companies focus solely on individual components, such as warehouse management or transportation logistics, without considering how these elements interact within the broader ecosystem. This siloed approach often leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for optimization across the entire supply chain.

Data quality and integration pose additional challenges. AI and machine learning algorithms rely heavily on accurate, comprehensive data to generate meaningful insights and recommendations. However, many companies struggle with data silos, inconsistent data formats, and outdated information, which undermine the effectiveness of even the most sophisticated software solutions.

Smarter Load Optimization

Moving beyond these implementation challenges, let’s examine the critical area of load optimization in warehouses and distribution centers. Many companies today are utilizing optimization software that focuses solely on downstream processes at the warehouse level. Even though the approach yields some benefits, it significantly limits flexibility and responsiveness to changing market conditions.

Forward-thinking companies are recognizing the need for more sophisticated software solutions that allow for upstream optimization. This strategy enables companies to make last-minute changes to orders, responding dynamically to shifts in demand or supply chain disruptions. By optimizing loading upstream, companies can better align their operations with real-time market conditions, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction while minimizing food waste.

A key component is the ability to perform dynamic builds, reconfiguring truck loads with proper ‘stackability’ to ensure each axle is weight-optimized while also considering the unique temperature control requirements of different products. These capabilities allow companies to maximize the number of pallets loaded onto trucks without risking fines during road checks or compromising product quality.

Many industries, including grocery as an example, face unique challenges in load optimization due to the various temperature control sections required in a truck. Traditional loading strategies based on the order of customer drops often result in inefficiencies, requiring the removal of several pallets at each stop to reach the varying temperature sections of the truck. These strategies not only increase delivery times but also risk compromising the temperature integrity of perishable goods.

Today’s more advanced load optimization software strategically orchestrates the loading of the trailer to address these challenges. These solutions consider product compatibility, determining which items should be safely stacked on top of each other in a pallet and within the truck. They also optimize the placement of goods in different temperature-controlled sections of the truck, minimizing the need to remove non-customer-specific pallets at each stop.

By implementing these advanced optimization techniques, companies reduce the number of pallets that need to be moved at each delivery point. Industry observers believe this not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of temperature fluctuations for sensitive products. The result is a more streamlined delivery process that maintains product quality and freshness while reducing operational costs.

Is Your Routing Truly Dynamic?

The final piece of the puzzle in supply chain optimization is dynamic routing. Many companies still rely on static routing methods, which lack the flexibility and agility required in today’s fast-paced business environment. The limitations of static routing become particularly apparent in the face of unexpected events, such as traffic disruptions, weather conditions, or last-minute order changes, all of which significantly impact the delivery of goods.

Dynamic routing offers a solution to these challenges by continuously optimizing delivery routes based on real-time data and changing conditions. This is particularly crucial in industries, where factors such as traffic, weather, and product freshness impact delivery schedules. Dynamic route optimization leverages advanced algorithms and real-time data to create the most efficient delivery routes, considering factors such as traffic patterns, delivery time windows, vehicle capacities, road conditions, and the specific temperature requirements of different product categories.

However, simply investing in dynamic routing software is not enough for companies. They need to build the right strategy to adopt and implement the technology effectively, which is where the disconnect between C-level executives and operational teams often becomes most apparent. While C-suite leaders may be eager to invest in cutting-edge routing software, operational teams need support in refining their processes before the software is truly effective.

By combining AI-driven insights with human expertise, companies will be positioned to make more informed decisions about customer service levels. Sometimes, this might mean adjusting delivery frequencies based on a comprehensive analysis of costs and benefits. For example, a company might decide to reduce deliveries to certain customers from four or five times a week to three, based on factors such as order volume, product mix, and delivery costs. The strategic approach to routing optimization leads to greater cost savings and improved overall efficiency without compromising product quality or customer satisfaction.

The logistics industry faces unique challenges in supply chain optimization, particularly in areas such as temperature-controlled logistics and product freshness. However, by leveraging advanced technologies and strategic thinking, companies can overcome these challenges and achieve significant improvements in their operations.

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, companies that successfully implement these advanced optimization strategies will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex marketplace.

similar news

Route Planning Optimization Cuts Delivery Distance

A fleet introduction debut that was four years in the baking, Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC) UK Limited has welcomed the first Tiger Trailers-manufactured vehicles to its fleet in the form of nineteen moving deck double decks and two single deck box vans, boasting mouth-watering full-wrap Maryland Cookies, Jammie Dodgers, and Party Rings liveries.

The biscuit manufacturer’s new double decks are powered by Tiger’s own four-ram hydraulic lifting system and have been designed and engineered in a wedge iteration to enable them to transport a capacity of fifty-two UK pallets. This maximises utilisation efficiency and reduces both carbon dioxide emissions and fuel spend.

Danny Hobkirk, Fleet Transport Operations Manager for Fox’s Burton’s Companies, says: “Everyone from across our business is excited to see these first Tiger trailers join our fleet. They look stunning with some of the nation’s most-loved biscuit brands on them. Tom and Tiger colleagues have visited our sites on many occasions throughout this project’s development, during which time we have utilised a number of double decks from Tiger Rentals and also visited Tiger’s site for 3D reviews, all giving us full confidence in the new vehicles’ ability to fulfil our requirements.”

Safety for its operatives and also other road users was at the forefront of the delivered specification for the customer’s new articulated trailers, which incorporate the Safe Parking systems from both Haldex and Maple, along with a ground-level sliding coupling, upgraded tow-guard with an over-centre locking handle to protect against finger injuries, a wanderlead for remote deck operation, Anchorlock to mitigate trailer runaways, and a wide range of additional lighting both externally and internally. A flashing warning lamp to warn cyclists of the trailers’ danger zones and to inform them when the vehicle is turning left has also been fitted.

Thomas Stott, Key Account Manager at Tiger Trailers, remarks: “It’s been a pleasure collaborating closely with the Logistics team from FBC while working on these exciting new trailers. Our businesses share a desire for high quality, and it’s great to see a customer taking safety so seriously as seen in the specification of their new trailers. It’s great each time we see one of FBC’s new Tiger trailers out there delivering confectionaries everyone is familiar with, and we look forward to continuing to support their operations over the coming months and years”.

The treat-maker’s new Tiger trailers will operate out of FBC’s sites in Batley, West Yorkshire, and Kirkham in Lancashire, delivering its iconic biscuits throughout the UK.

similar news

United Biscuits Signs Three-Year Contract Renewal With Chep In Europe

Oranges are not the only fruit, and in the world of warehouse vehicles brand differentiation is significant. Still Materials Handling, the ‘orange truck’, is automating its product line, as David Priestman reports from a press event in Antwerp.

In the charge towards warehouse automation materials handling OEMs want to avoid being typecast as just a forklift supplier or racking provider. Still’s new pitch is to be a systems integrator, while continuing to offer manually-driven warehouse vehicles. “We’re a one-stop-shop,” declares Managing Director Dr Florian Heydenreich (pictured). “70% of customers want to automate. We want them to think smart from the start and we’re providing customer-optimised products, robotics, hardware and software.”

The former factory of Egemin, the Belgian automated guided vehicle (AGV) pioneer, on the outskirts of Antwerp, is now Still’s automation competence centre, with 400 staff here. Since Egemin joined the KION group in 2015 (for a reputed €72m), expertise in AGVs has permeated to the rest of the group’s companies. The AGV market is forecast to grow by 18% per annum, driven by a need for process efficiency, cost control and the shortage of labour. Still, understandably, wants to rapidly gain market share. “Our aim is to advise and offer the best fit solutions, regardless of customer size and experience in automation,” Heydenreich adds, describing a holistic strategy.

“Automation is a hype, with five myths,” he explains:
1. Automation only works in new build facilities with high investment. This is not true as automation does not always replace manual operations, can be scaled-up and is therefore suitable for existing, ‘brownfield’ DCs
2. Automation solutions lack reliability. Automating cannot turn a bad operation into a good one without collaboration. 98% reliability is achievable
3. Immature technology. The biggest risk is the human factor. Companies must define standards, expectations and processes, for example regarding peak performance
4. Traditional materials handling providers are not innovative enough. We need to set standards for automation. Still has 600 employees working on simulation and project design
5. Automation is a purely contractual arrangement – the customer orders it and the integrator just implements. No – it is a joint approach, including change on the customer’s side, that needs time and consideration. Success requires close co-operation.

No forklift accidents without humans

Automation-as-a-service is what Still propose. An AGV is essentially a set of computers and sensors with forks and wheels. ‘Service readiness’ is key. Data is provided by every vehicle to the customer and to Still technicians for predictive maintenance. There no longer needs to be two different types of engineer – one for hardware and one for software as every technician can do all the work an AGV needs, using diagnostics and system updates. The machines have been ‘industrialised’, being built on the same production lines as manual trucks, making them cheaper and more highly available. For a three-shift, 24/7 operation, automation is the answer.

With two fleet management systems, ‘iGo Easy’ and ‘iGo Systems’, users can choose between standard or high-performance AGV fleets, with models such as the EXV 16 and AXV 12. iGo Easy does not require ERP or WMS and the user interface is any mobile device, with a lean project team. iGo Systems integrates AGVs into the customer’s WMS, with intelligent order allocation and storage location selection, to maximise throughput based on priority, weight of load etc. Data is stored on which AGV stores which load, where and when.

Reaching up, not out

The entire warehouse is mapped, creating a digital twin, for navigation, with precision to the nearest centimetre. The EXV has a lead time of just 8 weeks, from order to delivery. AGVs can be customised too. The company has many years of reach truck expertise and is putting that to good use with automated reach trucks, offering high-bay operations up to 7m and beyond. These AGVs can work in VNA warehouses with aisle widths as narrow as 2950mm.

Other automation solutions include AMRs, which learn from changes in the warehouse without re-programming, and the ‘iGo Cube’ for high-density storage, using AMRs. This is a pallet shuttle with WCS – a fully-automated ‘black box’. It takes six months to order and install a standard iGo Cube system, which can used in cold stores. All automation installations envisage a 12-year lifespan, with return-on-investment typically 3 years. Installation challenges often include the floor quality for AGVs to be able to drive at full speed and up to the maximum height, as well as when there are both pallets and totes being utilised.

Driverless installation

Third party logistics (3PL) provider Yusen Benelux’s Project Manager for Contract Logistics, Gitte Daelemans, talked me through the recent automation solution by Still for a 40,000 m2 greenfield hub, fully-automated warehouse. The DC is run exclusively for one large pharmaceutical company and features temperature-controlled zones (including vaccine storage for 11000 pallets), as well as quality control, packing and despatch and a secure area of 1440 pallets for hazardous products. Commenced in 2022, it went live last summer, undertaking 160 pallet transport per hour.

“This was a chance to automate,” says Daelemans. “The longer the 3PL contract the bigger the investment in automation. We defined the process implementation and what needed improving.” The DC is managed in a single integrated system, using Manhattan Associates’ WMS and provides smart integration of inbound and putaway processes. “It’s hard to find drivers with reach truck skills. But we still need staff for picking,” she points out.

The AGV vehicles operate in ambient conditions (35000 pallets) as well as in cool storage environments. The narrow aisle racking system has 10 automated VNA trucks – MX-X iGo, and 18 automated high lift pallet trucks – EXV iGo with sensor-based positioning. The EXV iGos deliver pallets to designated aisle drop-off points, where the automated VNA trucks pick them up and store them in the narrow aisle racks. This ensures high pallet throughput with minimal human intervention.

A full ‘day-in-the-life’ test prior to implementation helps to resolve any outstanding issues. “Volume testing is really important,” adds Daelemans. “Not just 1 or 2 machines but with inbound and outbound running to detect bottlenecks. This is difficult without the customer’s pallets being there before go-live.” She advises appointing a dedicated person to oversee the automated solution, along with implementing a contour scanner check for weight and measurement with an adjustable tolerance range that maximises acceptance, reducing rejection rates and the need for manual intervention. “We learned some lessons after go-live to be able to optimise things in the subsequent months and hit our KPIs,” Daelemans concludes, citing reject lanes and barcode readability.

Pragmatic approach

Still’s corporate culture is to be pragmatic. The company is not pursuing the highest-tech products for the sake of it, but rather the right technology and solution, sensibly. There has been a change in philosophy to ‘think automation’, instead of ‘building forklifts’. The company has the distinct advantage of having many customers already familiar with the brand, rather than being a new entrant to this space and Still is re-asserting its brand distinctiveness within KION.

I concluded my insightful visit by spending time with Frank Heptner, VP of Automation. An enthusiast, the former BMW executive embodies the upbeat Still attitude. “What is Still’s USP now?” I asked him. “Our local footprint, for installation and service is key, but we’re also a global partner; we’re everywhere, in every vertical market. We have a long history and our own DNA: Experience, stability and innovation,” he emphasises. And the competitors? “We have good coverage. There are lots of AMR suppliers, but few companies are automating larger AGVs,” he states.

What is the impact of automation on existing manual trucks? “There are 2 types of customer,” Heptner tells me. “Those that needed to automate years ago and those new to it. They’re all looking for automation. The speed of replacement of manual, driven trucks with ‘plug & play’ AGVs will accelerate. Perhaps a third of trucks will be automated in the foreseeable future.” Instead of training forklift drivers, managers will run a fleet of bots. For petrolheads like Heptner and myself that inevitability is sad, but true.

similar news

STILL OPX iGo Neo Triumphs

In a step towards a more sustainable Latin America, Uruguay’s national packaging recovery initiative, Plan Vale, agreed to the terms with the consortium of CIEMSA, CSI, and Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) to implement the country’s first Deposit Return and Refund System (DRS) for single-use beverage containers. This pioneering project positions Uruguay as the first Latin American nation to adopt such a system, setting a precedent for efficient recycling and waste management in the region.

The consortium has been entrusted with the system’s design, implementation, and operation under Plan Vale’s stewardship. The program, which is designed to incentivize the return of recyclable materials, will cover a wide array of packaging types, including PET plastics, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and carton beverages. Including these materials is expected to amplify the program’s environmental impact significantly.

To facilitate this ambitious effort, RLG has partnered with CIEMSA and CSI, two long-established and highly experienced local firms, to support operations in Uruguay, which include material collection and transportation, as well as the construction and operation of counting and sorting centres. This collaboration will allow the transfer of RLG’s extensive global experience to DRS, which will ensure the system’s efficiency and reliability.

RLG will act as the project’s primary technology provider. The company will deploy an End-to-End DRS IT solution that integrates all system stakeholders and ensures the secure management of data and financial flows. Additionally, RLG’s operations and logistics management solution will support the Consortium in optimizing collection routes and tracking materials from collection to their final processing destinations.

The establishment of a local entity by RLG to manage the project underscores the company’s commitment to the success of the DRS in Uruguay. The local team, already in place, is expected to grow as the project progresses, further embedding RLG’s expertise within the country. RLG’s involvement in Uruguay’s DRS is a testament to the company’s leadership in environmental logistics solutions. With a strong track record of DRS implementations globally, RLG brings best practices and cutting-edge technology to support Uruguay in achieving its environmental goals.

This partnership marks a milestone for Uruguay and serves as a model for other Latin American countries considering similar initiatives. This initiative advances Uruguay’s sustainability efforts and serves as a scalable model for Latin America.

similar news

Global Cold Chain Alliance in Latin America

With a double-deck un/loading solution set to revolutionise European transport loading bay operations in its portfolio, Transdek is on the march, as Peter MacLeod discovers.

Have you ever seen a double-deck HGV on the motorway and wondered how challenging it must be to load or unload it at a standard warehouse dock? Leon Butler, Managing Director of Hörmann Transdek UK Ltd – and a champion of industrial safety and loading bay efficiency throughout his career – certainly has, for he has grown his business on the back of it. The double-deck modular loading lift designed and pioneered by Transdek some 20 years ago, before its merger with German industrial doors expert Hörmann, has been the UK’s de facto solution for the difficult challenge of non-compatibility between the standard warehouse dock height and the two levels of the vehicle’s double deck.

Whilst a double-deck trailer chassis is more complicated, expensive and heavier than its fixed-deck counterpart, the fact that it offers up to 60% additional capacity – 53 Euro pallets versus 33 – is a compelling argument in its favour. No wonder its use is growing, especially given the drive to eliminate carbon from the supply chain. But this growth is slowed in mainland Europe because the challenge is approached differently on the continent, addressing the issue with a vehicle-mounted tail lift that in comparison to Transdek’s pod is a clumsy, inefficient, expensive – around 15 to 20 % of the trailer’s capital cost – and potentially less safe solution.

Transdek solves the challenge at the warehouse, with a module that fits in front of the warehouse door and rises or falls smoothly and safely, matching the height of the vehicle deck and thus allowing MHE unhindered access to the interior of the trailer. The continental solution, on the other hand, has to be deployed as the vehicle abuts the dock, and rises up or down in a similar way to a tail lift on a light van. The significant disadvantages are in the fact that the steel lift and its multiple hydraulics are transported by the vehicle, taking up valuable space and weight capacity. Furthermore, it takes considerably longer to un/load than the Transdek solution. If that’s not compelling enough, the practicalities of trying to load a trailer with the tail lift married to a conventional loading dock leveller presents many hazards, a practise not accepted in the UK.

When I ask Butler about Transdek’s plans to roll the solution out across mainland Europe, he says: “The product itself unlocks the use of the double-deck trailer to make it more attractive. The installation of it as a retrofit takes just two days on site, because we don’t need any civil works such as bunded pits, as you would do with a normal scissor lift. With prime development land becoming less available and encroaching on flood plains, any surface or flood water will simply flow under the structure and drain away, allowing operations to resume faster following adverse weather events.”

Furthermore, the double-deck lift can be financed via regular equipment leasing arrangements, and it can be easily either removed or relocated to another site or bay when necessary. Safety-wise, it features side barriers up to 2.2m in height. With only a single hydraulic cylinder (versus the vehicle-mounted alternative’s four, eight or 16) lifting up to 20 tonnes, the Transdek pod only requires servicing every 12 months. “We can make the loading platform much more robust than a tail lift, because a tail lift has to be as light as possible to be put on the back of a trailer. With a fixed asset bolted onto a building, you can make it as robust as you want, because you’re not paying for fuel to take it up and down the roads.”

Buoyant Year

Looking at the bigger picture, Transdek enjoyed a strong 2024 within the UK market, with new customer engagement increased by 20% across all the company’s product portfolio, whilst maintaining strong relationships with existing clients. It anticipates the market for double-deck trailers to rise in the coming year due to a number of factors, principal among them being the labour shortage, with the EU, Norway and the UK together missing over 233,000 commercial drivers.

Butler says Transdek has long-standing relationships with retailers in the UK such as Boots, Superdrug, BM Home Bargains, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Iceland. With such a to-die-for customer list, expansion into new markets should accelerate once European retailers understand the benefits. With a focus on the Benelux region and Central Europe, Transdek will be displaying its demo unit at the BAU and the transport and logistic 2025 exhibitions, both in Munich.

It seems only a matter of time before the scales fall from the eyes of European operators and vehicle-mounted unloading systems and all their inherent disadvantages become a thing of the past.

similar news

Tiger supplies DPD with 250 trailers