Clark has expanded the S-Series Electric with new three- and four-wheel forklifts. The new STE and SE series with a load capacity of 1.6 to 2 tonnes and a maximum lift height of up to 7075 mm replaces the GTX and GEX series in the 48 volt segment. Like the S-Series Electric (SE25-35) with 80 volts and load capacities of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes, the new three-wheel and four-wheel forklift trucks are also characterised by the attributes ‘smart, strong and safe’.

The STE16/18/20 and SE16/20 electric forklift trucks offers a combination of safety and high handling performance. Thanks to their compact design and impressive manoeuvrability, the electric forklift trucks are an ideal solution for indoor and outdoor use in industry and retail. The four-wheel forklift trucks with a steering angle of 101° (Zero Steer Turn Axle) prove their worth particularly in narrow aisles or space-critical work areas, as they can turn almost on the spot. All models in the new series are designed to ensure smooth internal logistics with maximum availability and efficiency, and are completely emission-free.

Smart – Flexible battery solution and maximum performance

With the new vehicles with lithium-ion battery (460 Ah and optional 280 Ah), the operator benefits from extremely short charging times and maximum productivity, as the maintenance-free Li-ion technology extends the battery service life, reduces operating costs and thus enables flexible multi-shift operation thanks to intermediate and fast charging capability. As with the S-Series Electric, the operator also has the option of changing the vehicle’s energy source and adapting the software accordingly in the event of changing application requirements without any major additional effort. The forklift trucks can be operated with the classic lead-acid battery with a maximum of 625 Ah and can also be switched back to the high-performance Clark lithium-ion battery if required. With this smart battery solution, the electric forklift trucks can be adapted to almost any application scenario.

The advanced 5-inch colour display with integrated reversing camera, active safety systems and extensive additional equipment not only ensure a high level of safety, but also the greatest possible efficiency in use. Special highlights include the nested mast profiles for excellent mast visibility, the service-friendly and robust design, intuitive direction change integrated into the hydraulic or mini levers and the electric parking brake, which prevents the vehicle from unintentionally accelerating or rolling backwards. The modern and well thought-out vehicle concept is rounded off by an ergonomic workplace with numerous storage options for documents, drinks and mobile phones.

Strong – Electric power for high handling performance

Two drive motors in the parallel front drive, each with an output of 4.4 kW and 48 V three-phase AC technology, ensure rapid acceleration and travelling speeds of up to 16 km/h. Three individually programmable driving modes are available for energy-efficient utilisation of the truck. Wear-free regenerative braking with the engine brake and automatic speed reduction when cornering can also be set as required.

As you would expect from Clark, the S-Series Electric is also designed according to the ‘Built to Last’ concept. This requires a solid construction with high-quality and durable components: In the S-Series Electric, this includes wet, maintenance-free multi-disc brakes, a durable and electronically protected gearbox, a robust, vibration-free steering axle for up to 50 per cent less effort when braking, lift masts from Clark’s own production with 6-roller fork carriage and lift mast damping, and the fully welded frames that are standard at Clark.

The maintenance-free multi-disc brakes with oil cooling, for example, also prove their worth on wet or dusty surfaces thanks to their powerful braking effect. The long maintenance intervals and low operating and maintenance costs should also be emphasised. In the event of maintenance, all relevant components are easily accessible for the service technician, minimising downtimes.

Safe – Intuitive and safe operation

In addition to high availability and performance, the STE/SE series also has a lot to offer the operator: The extremely spacious driver’s workplace with a generous footwell and plenty of leg and headroom ensures that operators can feel comfortable at work. A choice of adjustable comfort seats with air or mechanical suspension contribute to the high level of operator comfort. The tilt of the steering column can be individually adjusted to suit the operator. The pedals are automotive-compliant. The vehicle can be operated either via adjustable mini levers integrated into the armrest or via ergonomically arranged hydraulic levers on the vehicle bonnet. The intuitive switching of the direction of travel on the hydraulic or mini-lever takes the strain off the driver, as he does not have to reach round to switch.

The operator has a very good view to the front of the forks and the load to ensure a high level of safety when travelling straight ahead and when loading and unloading loads. This is ensured by a large viewing window and the nested mast profiles. The high-contrast, splash-proof 5-inch colour display provides information on all important vehicle parameters. Safety and warning messages are displayed in 26 languages. When using the optional SafeView HD all-round camera, the image is transmitted to an HD colour display so that the operator has a good overview of the activities on his route when reversing. The SafeView HD camera system is a fully digital HD camera with 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9) and three wide-angle cameras (left/rear/right) installed on the truck as well as a 10-inch touchscreen. The operator can choose between different views as required (bird’s eye view, split screen view and 3D view). This increases safety during use, as the operator always knows what is happening in his working environment in real time with a frame rate of 30 fps.

Further optional safety features are available to maximise safety. These include, for example, the load weight indicator, which measures the weight of the load on the forks and helps to prevent the truck from being overloaded. With the Vertical Mast System (VMS), which is also optional, a tilt sensor automatically brings the mast into a vertical position so that goods can be loaded and unloaded quickly and safely. The VMS positions the mast vertically both when tilting forwards and backwards and equalises the vehicle position on uneven floors or ramps. Safe use on sloping terrain or ramps is guaranteed by the automatically engaging electric parking brake. This prevents the truck from unintentionally accelerating or rolling backwards and ensures that the operator always has the vehicle under control.

Customised for the application

Clark offers extensive additional equipment and options for different applications for the three and four-wheel forklift trucks in the S-Series: Optional equipment includes various cabs, such as rain protection (steel roof), weather protection (steel roof and windscreen), partial (steel roof, front and rear windscreen and PVC side panelling) and full cabs, mini levers or mechanical levers, blue LED warning lights, orange seat belt, attachments and additional safety options.

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Clark Debuts ‘Smart, Strong and Safe’ IC Forklift

MiTek can provide the robust and precise steelwork required to support intralogistics automation, such as automated stores, conveyor technology, AGVs and robotic handling systems. Whether it’s a single steel platform or multi-tier solution, and whether it’s installed in a brand-new facility or an existing warehouse, the MiTek team designs and delivers mezzanine solutions that enable automated logistics systems to achieve the highest possible efficiency and space utilisation.

MiTek Industries GmbH, based in Cologne, will exhibit on stand K58 in hall 1 at the LogiMAT exhibition in Stuttgart from 11 to 13th March. With the theme ‘Empowering Automation’, the company will focus on mezzanine systems and associated steel solutions for intralogistics automation. These structures usually need to be designed and built in a slightly different way, in order to bear the heavy loads typical in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), conveyor systems and robotic cells.

“The future of intralogistics is digital,” says Bart Pulles (pictured), Operations & Sales Manager and responsible for MiTek’s mezzanine business in continental Europe. “Increasingly, warehouse operators are turning to autonomous and intelligent technologies to meet their current and future demands for performance and cost efficiency. Our bespoke steel platforms enable the realisation of automation solutions in both greenfield and brownfield environments, as well as the optimisation of available space.”

The perfect partner for cube storage systems

MiTek specialises in the internal construction of distribution centres, using hot-rolled and cold-formed steel structures. A core aspect of this is the design and installation of mezzanine floors that maximise a warehouse’s productive space while minimising its overall footprint.

Pulles highlights the synergy between MiTek’s steel platforms and automated storage systems, such as the AutoStore cube storage system: “As modular solutions that can be integrated almost anywhere, automated storage systems are ideally suited to being implemented not only at ground level but also on a platform. With sufficient ceiling height, multiple storeys can be considered.”
In addition, MiTek can install maintenance platforms on top of the grid, or intermediate platforms for workstations. Beneath the automated system, mezzanine tunnels can accommodate additional workstations, conveyor routes or replenishment areas. Walkways spanning ASRS systems can also serve as escape routes.

Regardless of the specific design of the automated storage system – whether it is spread across floors, around columns and corners or goes right up to the roof – Pulles states, “Our steel platforms ensure the necessary structural stability and accessibility.”

High load capacity and flexibility

MiTek’s mezzanines are tailored to meet the specific requirements of automated handling equipment in terms of load-bearing capacity, deflection and vibration. The company has delivered projects in partnership with 9 of the world’s top 10 material handling system suppliers. “Our in-house team of experts works closely with system integrators,” explains Pulles, “to ensure seamless integration with their automation drawings. For example, our designers may need to create voids for conveyors; meet certain column spacing to facilitate machinery on ground level and ensure conveyor void positions; and design the floors to meet the specified load capacity.”

Robust solutions at competitive prices

Drawing on almost 40 years of experience and around 20,000 completed mezzanine projects worldwide, MiTek develops robust solutions at affordable prices. “Every MiTek steel platform is essentially a bespoke solution that delivers excellent value for money,” says Pulles. “We place great emphasis on avoiding both over-engineering and under-engineering, to ensure the right balance of competitiveness and strength. We look forward to presenting our solutions at LogiMAT 2025 and welcoming visitors onto our stand.”

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How to get an Accurate Cost for Mezzanine

BITO UK, the UK subsidiary of the international BITO Lagertechnik GmbH of Germany, is looking ahead to the new year having experienced a record sales turnover in 2024.

The year saw BITO group establish a new pallet packing line in Poland to meet increased demand and the company was proud to achieve ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Certification in 2024. ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed and recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). An EMS supports organisations in identifying, managing, monitoring and controlling environmental processes.

Product developments in 2024 included ECOMotion containers, which have been specifically designed for automated warehouses. They have a double base with a flat-surfaced, non-textured outer tread to minimise noise on conveyor lines and in automated warehouses. Also on the container front, all RK models are now manufactured in recycled plastic, further enhancing BITO’s renowned environmental credentials.

The spring of 2024 saw enhanced new versions of BITO’s cost effective Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). LEO flow and LEO carrier offer vital advantages over manual handling and conveyor alternatives for transporting bins and containers, with a payback period often in one year or less. Less complex than more expensive AGVs, the new LEO flow and LEO carrier offer productivity advantages over manual handling and conveyor alternatives for transporting bins and containers, with a payback period often in one year or less.

Ideal for ecommerce picking operations, LEO carrier is equipped with a shelf that has four levels to hold goods being transported. LEO flow is equipped with a belt conveyor top and an automatic lifting mechanism. It has a maximum load capacity of 35 kg and a battery runtime of 10-14 hours. A 600 x 400 mm load of either containers, cartons or small parts can be picked up and discharged sideways to the direction of travel. Three reflective light barriers detect the position of the goods on the vehicle and ensure that the goods are centred before transport.

All that’s required for the plug and play LEO to get going is to lay a route marked by a 19 mm wide track line with tape or floor painting for the transporters to follow using optical navigation. Instructions are entered on a tablet and markers with printed QR codes guide LEO on destination points and tasks. Users can implement simple systems themselves in just a few days, without the need of IT support. And they can be quickly and easily adapted, enabling rapid reaction to seasonal fluctuations and warehouse reorganisations.

BITO has also enhanced its website, which has a fresh new look ready for a busy 2025. Visitors to bito.com can find comprehensive insight on BITO solutions, products, customer projects, advice and service information, thought leadership, case studies and news. They can also access the BITO online shop and direct catalogue – the fast way to a comprehensive range of materials handling products and solutions.

Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems, said: “Finding efficiencies in warehouse solutions will be critical in the coming year as companies face increasing labour and energy costs. Retail developments are also challenging companies to hold sufficient stock within a given area and providing accurate and efficient order picking. Fortunately, BITO’s innovative spirit in developing solutions to meet these challenges will continue to develop in 2025. This will be the first of a series of important events throughout 2025 where BITO will be exhibiting, with the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) at the NEC, Birmingham on 9th – 11th September. We look forward to seeing you there.”

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“Simplest AGV on Market” Ready For Intralogistics Role

Descartes Systems Group released findings from its study, ‘What Companies are Doing to Tackle Escalating Global Supply Chain Challenges’. The study shows that 74% of the supply chain and logistics leaders surveyed view technology as fundamental or highly important to their organization’s growth strategy in the face of rising global trade challenges, such as tariffs and trade barriers, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical instability. This number jumps to 88% for companies expecting greater than 15% growth over the next two years. In addition, 59% consider technology as extremely or very important to provide a competitive advantage in international trade.

When considering what technology capabilities are expected to help companies involved in international trade enable business growth and gain a competitive advantage, 36% cited global trade intelligence as the top capability required to deliver the greatest value in the next two years. This was followed by global trade analytics at 27% and by supply chain mapping at 26%.

Results also showed that respondents across all industries agreed that global trade intelligence was the top technology capability expected to deliver the greatest value over the next two years, including, for example, in manufacturing (40%), wholesale and distribution (44%), finance and insurance (38%), and retail (30%) sectors.

“For companies in diverse industries, global trade has become much more complex, with many new challenges to traditional business operations,” said Jackson Wood (pictured), Director, Industry Strategy at Descartes. “As businesses contend with tariffs and trade barriers, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions and compliance requirements, technology tools can help them build greater agility and resilience into their supply chains to compete more effectively.”

Descartes and SAPIO Research surveyed 978 supply chain intelligence leaders in key trading nations across Europe, North and South America, and Asia-Pacific. The goal was to understand the strategies, tactics and technologies used by companies involved in international trade to help gain a competitive advantage and ensure continued business growth, and to identify if these varied by factors such as country, industry, company size and business growth. Respondents are members of company leadership teams, from management level to Chief Executive Officer or Owner. To learn more, read the study What Companies are Doing to Tackle Escalating Global Supply Chain Challenges.

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Research Indicates AI Revolution has Arrived in Transport Ops

DHL’s trade outlook conference call today witnessed a cautious attitude to 2025 forecasts and trends. Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe, expects impacts on trade between the US, Eurozone, and UK, and argues that DHL Express is supporting UK businesses in navigating these changes.

“There’s volatility and uncertainty for sure,” Parra said. “But globalization is not in retreat, as shown by our connectedness index recently. There has been a deceleration in global trade growth. Typically trade growth is double GDP growth, and that’s still the case for countries like Turkey. But currently trade is rising by the same as GDP in the UK and other countries,” which is not much therefore. “We are seeing growth in shipments by SEMs,” he added.

Saul Resnick, CEO of DHL Supply Chain UK, who was a guest on our Logistics Business Conversations Podcast recently, discussed inventory levels and infrastructure investments in the UK and what they reveal about business confidence in UK retail and manufacturing. “UK competiveness is under review,” he said. “FMCG investment is ok, as is moves to more automation and digitization. Omnishoring is trending. 90% of the affects of Brexit have taken place and we have adapted with our customers to these new arrangements.” In terms of inventory, “safety stock levels are down, so service is paramount. Products must be in the right place.”

“I thought we had seen the bottom last year, in terms of insolvencies and disruption in the UK, as a result of Brexit, but maybe it will be this year,” added Parra. “We’re getting closer to the full impact, it shall pass and the UK will bounce back. But what’s next? We’ve seen customer stop selling into the EU. On the plus side, our family of businesses offer consolidation warehousing and distribution to help.”

I asked Parra and Resnick about their opinion on whether the UK should join the forthcoming ‘Pan-Euro-Mediterranean’ (PEM) convention and customs agreement. Is this the single best thing the UK Government can do to boost growth? “Anything that attracts more trade we will support,” responded Resnick. Parra said, “any free trade agreement for the UK now will be seen as positive in nature. Trade equals jobs!”

DHL Express operates 130 flights per day from the UK, particularly the East Midlands Airport hub.

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Improved Outlook for Sales, Lowered Expectations for Orders

With AMY, a compact AMR for loads up to 25 kg / 55 lbs., and the fleet manager NAVIOS, DS Automotion will be presenting groundbreaking concepts and solutions for production and logistics for any company size at LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart. Trade show visitors have the opportunity to experience the new concepts for small load transports with AMY in action both on-site and providing an interactive experience for visitors to try out our fleet management system, NAVIOS.

They are in operation around the clock.They take over precise delivery tasks in the production process, relieve human needs, and ensure on time and precise workflows. They can be adapted in various production areas.

At LogiMAT 2025 from March 11 to 13 in Stuttgart, visitors can take a close look at these solutions with the AMR AMY in live operation. Trade fair visitors can also gain detailed insights into the fleet management NAVIOS – highlighting features how intuitive and user-friendly its cockpit is to operate, and how flexible the layout can be configured, tested by interested parties through test programming at the trade show.

Efficiency booster for small parts handling

AMY was specifically designed for use in industrial production and intralogistics processes and impresses with its quite simple operation and high flexibility. Through a unique transfer concept with an active lift table, sources, and sinks can be implemented as passive stations. This makes cost-effective implementation and scaling in existing systems easier than ever before. The smart control software developed by DS Automotion itself enables rapid commissioning – individually or in swarms.

The AMR can operate completely autonomously or follow a virtual track avoid unexpected obstacles. In addition, like all current vehicles offerings from DS Automotion, AMY is equipped with a VDA-5050 interface and can process files with the Layout Interchange Format (LIF). Under the fleet manager NAVIOS from DS Automotion, AMY can also be operated in mixed mode with other vehicles from the leading manufacturer of mobile robotics for in-house logistics and assembly applications. This makes AMY particularly suitable as a cost-effective addition to existing systems.
Thanks to the three different load handling devices (LHD), which can be implemented depending on the complexity at the customer – even in existing infrastructures – AMY proves to be a versatile AMR for numerous applications. The first variant is a passive LHD that works with the help of gravity. The advantage of this variant is that the LHD does not require sensors or drives. This makes it particularly simple and cost-effective. It works together with the appropriate transfer station, which also does not require sensors. This makes it ideal for applications where the material is provided independently of the vehicle.

The second LHD variant can also handle gravity roller conveyors and belt conveyors. This allows for easy connection to conveyor technology. There are also passive transfer stations for this system. The third option is a platform for manual loading and unloading. For this purpose, the vehicle is called to stations where the user manually places the load and then sends AMY on to next destination. For all three variants, a suitable web interface is available for operating the mobile robots: from generating the transport order to calling and acknowledging the vehicle.

NAVIOS — the holistic fleet manager

The key to optimizing and automating processes in production and logistics lies in an efficient fleet manager. NAVIOS from DS Automotion offers customers the opportunity to efficiently control their vehicle fleet – whether AGVs or AMRs. Thanks to an intuitive user interface and flexible layout configuration, users can easily and individually adapt their operations. Thanks to VDA-5050 compatibility, seamless communication between all mobile robots is also possible. The layout design of the driving course is visualized using a navigation map. The integrated route planning tool ensures maximum efficiency. This means that users can change the layout during operation, and the vehicles automatically receive the updated conditions. Users have access to extensive, meaningful analysis functions around the mobile robots and material handling.

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SSI Schaefer Completes DS Automotion Acquisition

Zebra Technologies today announced it intends to acquire Photoneo, a leading developer and manufacturer of 3D machine vision solutions. The 3D segment of the Machine Vision market is the fastest growing, and this acquisition will further accelerate Zebra’s presence in the category.

By combining Photoneo’s 3D machine vision solutions with Zebra’s advanced sensors, vendor-agnostic software and AI-based image processing capabilities, customers will benefit from a unique portfolio of offerings to address their most challenging use cases. These include high value applications such as bin picking, depalletizing, creating digital twins, and inspecting objects used in automotive manufacturing, logistics and other key markets.

Photoneo’s intelligent sensors are particularly effective within the vision-guided robotic segment. They are certified to interface with many of the largest robotic manufacturers for a variety of use cases including robot-arm applications for bin picking. Photoneo differentiates itself through parallel structured light technology in complex 3D applications which provides a faster, more accurate, higher resolution and more robust solution comprised of both hardware and software.

“This acquisition addresses the needs of customers globally who want to maximize the potential of machine vision within their frontline operations,” said Bill Burns, Chief Executive Officer, Zebra Technologies. “Building on Zebra’s proven expertise in autonomous data capture, inspection software and deep learning AI capabilities, this combination expands our portfolio of highly differentiated 3D sensors and advanced 3D machine vision software. We look forward to welcoming the Photoneo team to the Zebra family.”

Zebra has made strategic investments in the Machine Vision market, most recently in the acquisition of Matrox Imaging in June 2022 to augment its portfolio of fixed industrial scanners and machine vision sensors. By acquiring Matrox Imaging, Zebra accelerated its position as a provider of machine vision hardware and a broad range of software development libraries and apps now unified within the Zebra Aurora software suite.

In 2024, Zebra and Photoneo created an OEM relationship for Photoneo’s cameras that expanded Zebra’s 3D portfolio offering.

“Zebra Technologies will provide an ideal environment for Photoneo to further accelerate its innovation,” said Jan Zizka (pictured), Co-founder and CEO, Photoneo Brightpick Group. “By combining world-class 3D sensors from Photoneo with Zebra’s global reach and best-in-class 3D software, customers will be able to unlock considerable business value from machine vision across new, exciting use cases.”

This acquisition is accretive to Zebra’s profitable growth profile while advancing the company’s portfolio of machine vision solutions. Zebra expects to fund the purchase price with cash on hand. The transaction is subject to closing conditions and expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. Financial terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

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Photoneo raises $21m Series B funding

Zebra Technologies today announced it intends to acquire Photoneo, a leading developer and manufacturer of 3D machine vision solutions. The 3D segment of the Machine Vision market is the fastest growing, and this acquisition will further accelerate Zebra’s presence in the category.

By combining Photoneo’s 3D machine vision solutions with Zebra’s advanced sensors, vendor-agnostic software and AI-based image processing capabilities, customers will benefit from a unique portfolio of offerings to address their most challenging use cases. These include high value applications such as bin picking, depalletizing, creating digital twins, and inspecting objects used in automotive manufacturing, logistics and other key markets.

Photoneo’s intelligent sensors are particularly effective within the vision-guided robotic segment. They are certified to interface with many of the largest robotic manufacturers for a variety of use cases including robot-arm applications for bin picking. Photoneo differentiates itself through parallel structured light technology in complex 3D applications which provides a faster, more accurate, higher resolution and more robust solution comprised of both hardware and software.

“This acquisition addresses the needs of customers globally who want to maximize the potential of machine vision within their frontline operations,” said Bill Burns, Chief Executive Officer, Zebra Technologies. “Building on Zebra’s proven expertise in autonomous data capture, inspection software and deep learning AI capabilities, this combination expands our portfolio of highly differentiated 3D sensors and advanced 3D machine vision software. We look forward to welcoming the Photoneo team to the Zebra family.”

Zebra has made strategic investments in the Machine Vision market, most recently in the acquisition of Matrox Imaging in June 2022 to augment its portfolio of fixed industrial scanners and machine vision sensors. By acquiring Matrox Imaging, Zebra accelerated its position as a provider of machine vision hardware and a broad range of software development libraries and apps now unified within the Zebra Aurora software suite.

In 2024, Zebra and Photoneo created an OEM relationship for Photoneo’s cameras that expanded Zebra’s 3D portfolio offering.

“Zebra Technologies will provide an ideal environment for Photoneo to further accelerate its innovation,” said Jan Zizka (pictured), Co-founder and CEO, Photoneo Brightpick Group. “By combining world-class 3D sensors from Photoneo with Zebra’s global reach and best-in-class 3D software, customers will be able to unlock considerable business value from machine vision across new, exciting use cases.”

This acquisition is accretive to Zebra’s profitable growth profile while advancing the company’s portfolio of machine vision solutions. Zebra expects to fund the purchase price with cash on hand. The transaction is subject to closing conditions and expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. Financial terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

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Photoneo raises $21m Series B funding