Material Handling Solutions

Discover material handling breakthroughs and innovators.

ABB Mobile Robot with AI-Technology

ABB Robotics this year rolled out its first Flexley Tug T702 autonomous mobile robot equipped with AI-based Visual SLAM navigation technology and the new AMR Studio software, enabling first-time robot users to easily program and operate entire fleets of mobile robots. The new capabilities simplify configuration and can reduce commissioning time by up to 20%, paving the way for a workplace where intelligent robots operate autonomously, amid a critical shortage of skilled labor. Combining AI and 3D vision, Visual SLAM technology enables AMRs to make intelligent decisions, differentiating between fixed and mobile objects in dynamic environments. Using Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (Visual SLAM), the robots can create a map that is used to operate independently, reducing commissioning time from weeks to days and enabling fully autonomous operation in highly complex, dynamic environments alongside people. Maps are constantly updated and shared across the fleet, offering instant scalability without interrupting operations and greater flexibility compared to other navigation technologies. (https://global.abb/group)

AutomationDirect’s New Power Supplies are Long-Lasting, Economical

AutomationDirect has added WAGO Eco2 series power supplies that offer performance and value, featuring high efficiency and a compact, space-saving design, making them ideal for space-limited applications. These economical power supplies provide reliable performance and long service life for a variety of applications such as industrial automation, building management systems, machine control and robotics. Eco2 power supplies accept a universal 90-264 VAC input voltage and provide a 24 VDC adjustable output in 30-, 120-, and 240-Watt models. They offer up to 90% efficiency, a built-in DC OK relay and LED indicator, and are available in rugged metal or thermoplastic housings. Push-in connections and WAGO levers make wiring the Eco2 series quick, easy, and tool-free, saving valuable installation time. The new WAGO Eco2 power supplies are UL Listed, RoHS compliant, and UKCA and CE marked. (www.automationdirect.com/power-supplies-din-rail)

Double E Group Roll Pusher is Easy to Handle

Powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery for long use, RollMover RX Roll Pusher is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, making it easier to handle and maneuver but also offering a 35% increase in torque. RollMover RX’s new power profile offers an increased capacity to move rolls up to 8,000 lbs. across a flat floor or up to 5,500 lbs. into transitions (varies by application). With a roll diameter range of 16” to 60”, RollMover RX offers the ability to move a greater range of rolls than ever before. It has an ergonomic mover base design for increased mobility and productivity and a compact design, with no protruding chain or motor guards that get in the way. (www.ee-co.com)

ELOKON Module Helps Prevent AGV, AMR Collisions

ELOKON, Inc.’s ELOshield module for driverless transport vehicles, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless sensors that offer a 360-degree range of up to 82 feet. The radio-based module prevents collisions between these vehicles in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants; as well as forklifts equipped with the ELOshield forklift safety and pedestrian detection system. It acts as stand-alone antenna that can be easily installed on material handling vehicles due to the module’s small size (3.3in x 2in x 0.8in). The module can be used in fleets with all different types and brands of AGVs and AMRs and can be pre-installed by vendors or suppliers or retrofitted onto existing fleets, no matter how long they’ve been deployed. (www.elokon.com/en-US)

A Versatile VRC from PFlow Industries

The PFlow M Series 2-Post Mechanical Material Lifts move materials at a standard travel speed of 25 feet per minute (FPM), and up to 400 FPM is available. With its ability to lift up to 10,000 pounds, reach an unlimited number of floor levels, and perform under even the most demanding continuous use applications, the M Series is a perfect lifting solution for high-speed / high-cycle and automated material handling applications. Each M Series VRC conforms to ASME B20.1 and is equipped with advanced safety features, including limit switches that control carriage travel, shutting off the motor and engaging the brake when tripped or power is lost. Additionally, chain sensors, certified safety cams, chain tensioners and guides ensure safe operation by detecting chain tension loss and chain failure and preventing uncontrolled carriage descent. The versatile M Series VRC is available in both straddle and cantilever designs. Straddle configurations provide increased lifting capacity and larger carriage platform sizes, making them ideal for applications with ample space. Conversely, cantilever configurations offer access to the carriage platform from three sides and can accommodate taller payloads, making them suitable for areas with limited space. (www.pflow.com and www.cartveyor.com)

Crown Equipment Introduces Rugged, Electric-Powered Forklifts

Crown Equipment Corporation’s Crown C-B Series 80V electric, pneumatic tire counterbalance forklifts have capacities ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 lbs. The C-B Series combines the ruggedness of pneumatic tire forklifts with clean, efficient electric power to reliably handle both indoor and outdoor environments. The forklift combines the power of AC traction control with low energy consumption and offers a heavy duty, optimized steer axle that provides strength and maneuverability. Its robust design features a sealed AC controller, enclosed drive motor and silicon-sealed wiring for dependable outdoor performance. The forklift is ergonomically designed with a focus on operator comfort and precision control. It is equipped with spacious legroom and a steering column, and full suspension seat that are fully adjustable to fit operator preferences. It has excellent visibility through thoughtful overhead guard design and careful routing of hydraulic hoses and chains along the mast uprights. (www.crown.com)

Container Dumping Solutions from Advance Lifts

Advance Lifts’ Container Dumper Series is designed to meet the dumping needs of various industries, including package and letter handling, food processing, material handling, automotive, manufacturing and warehousing. The series includes compact, medium-duty Standard Container Dumpers (DP) with a 125-degree dump rotation and versatile dump heights that are ideal for confined spaces. Heavy Duty Container Dumpers (HDDP) are engineered to handle continuous use with enhanced mechanical advantages, using angled cylinders straddling the bins for added strength and stability, and a 135-degree dump rotation. High Reach Container Dumpers (HRDP), High Performance Container Dumper (HPDP) and Ultra High Performance Container Dumper (UHPDP) offer other features, like elevated dumping heights, a 180-degree dump rotation and higher operational efficiency. (www.advancelifts.com/container-dumpers)

OMRON Lifter Handles Heavy Loads

OMRON’S TML500/TML750 Lifter is a versatile flat top lifter solution enabling its MD-650 and MD-900 AMRs to safely pick up, transport, and drop off pallets and cargo up to 510 kg (1120lbs). A ROEQ PR750 Pallet Rack is also available with a space saving Multi Rack option. For the Lifter, the ROEQ Assist software weaves the three building blocks – AMR, lifter module and pallet rack – into a full solution working as one. The same goes for the roller solution, where AMR, roller module and the GuardCom System all are configured by the same ROEQ Assist tool. The close integration delivers a smooth setup and installation experience and shows its real strength in daily high and reliable performance, resulting in overall better Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). (https://automation.omron.com) WMHS