48 | WAREHOUSING
LogiMAT 2014
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ocated near Stuttgart Airport, Ger many - Logi M AT, t he International Trade Fair for Distribution, Materials Handling & Information Flow reported a rise of more than ten percent in visitors, with exhibitor numbers at around the same high level as last year. LogiMAT has been running for 12 years and is internationally recognised as a barometer for the intralogistics sector. While the majority of the exhibitors and visitors were from Germany there was representation from
most other European countries, including the Eastern Block. The TradeWorld Forum was also included in the show this year, recognising the fact that the global flow of goods means trade and logistics are becoming ever more tightly integrated. Intralogistics therefore ensures efficiency at the interface between production and transport. A total of eight halls were occupied by the event with two of those primarily dedicated to
materials handling equipment. Many of the major forklift manufactures were represented as were the conveyor and racking specialists. Automation was also very much to the fore together with soft ware companies and att achment producers also prominent.
Best Products Awards
Mitsubishi
The Best Products Awards for excellence go to companies whose innovative products contribute significantly towards rationalisation, cost-savings and increasing productivity in intralogistics. In the category ‘Soft ware, Communication, IT’ the winner was Heidler Strichcode GmbH, for its ‘PalletCube’ which features special infrared cameras and is used for measuring pallets of any shape. Because the device can be wall or ceiling mounted, the PalletCube does not get in the way of work processes. As soon as an object arrives in the measurement area, PalletCube automatically identifies the perimeters and, depending on its size, calculates the dimensions and the loading meters in about 500 milliseconds. In logistics, because of limited loading space and capacity in aircraft , vehicles and ships, it is ever more important to calculate forwarding tariffs not only according to weight, but according to volume.
In developing EDIA EM – the ‘Electric Diamond’ – Mitsubishi designers have aimed to give the driver a sense of confidence and control. Driver-friendly features include ‘FeatherTouch’ electric steering, which requires only half the effort of a conventional system and provides ‘force feedback’ to aid precision. Comfort is enhanced by the smooth, quiet steer motor with noise levels less than 66 dB(A) for the 3 wheel and 67 dB(A) for the 4 wheel, which is about the level of normal conversation.
Still STILL iGo is designed to help automate the entire material flow in a warehouse, regardless of whether it’s a newly designed building or an existing facility. The range of solutions and expansion possibilities allows not only for tailored improvements to existing conditions such as narrow or wide aisles, but the total automation of vertical and horizontal transport as well. Automated STILL vehicles cover the entire in-house material flow at the warehouse from the receipt of goods to fi nal shipment. The iGoRemote system is made up of a CX 20 picker or CX-T tractor, a remote control and receiver as well as personal safety equipment. Easy operation and simple installation make it a possible solution in many areas such as simplification of order picking and related processes.
Mitsubishi uses the term ‘ErgoCentric’ regarding the operator station, with a large, flat, uncluttered floor space and clear all-round visibility, as well as a deep, wide step and exceptionally large ‘entry window’. Buyers can also opt for a fi ngertip hydraulic control unit, based on the company’s award-winning adjustable armrest concept. Also when the truck is being driven, a hill hold feature prevents accidental rolling – even on steep ramps.
Kalmar The new Kalmar DCG90-180 is designed to offer greater total lifetime savings while improving the driver’s working environment, thereby increasing productivity, efficiency and safety. The new EGO cabin is loaded with ergonomic features and the truck has upgraded electrics and hydraulics as well as an improved cooling system. Combined with modern lift ing equipment this helps drivers boost productivity levels whilst reducing fuel consumption in the 9-18 tonne capacity range. Fast, simple and more convenient daily inspections and regular servicing is prioritised and the fully tilting cab provides excellent access for maintenance, reducing downtime and associated costs. FLEETTRANSPORT | APRIL 14
Seegrid The live Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) demo area on the Seegrid stand, showed how to utilize vision-guided technology for navigation, with no changes required to the infrastructure. The innovative technology allows vehicles to be trained and deployed in a warehouse, distribution centre, or manufacturing facility quickly and efficiently, eliminating non-valueadded repetitive tasks. The vision system provides operators complete route flexibility, as the AGV routing can be re-programmed in a matter of minutes supporting the up-to-date