The specialist journalists at the competence center in Antwerp followed a first major project with 160 pallets per hour of pharmaceutical articles in Gembloux, Belgium, which Gitte Daelemans outlined as an example of a use case at the internationally active logistics provider Yusen.
Together, Yusen (650 distribution centers/offices in 375 cities across 46 countries and regions) and Still implemented a smart warehouse spanning 40,000 square meters, featuring a narrow-aisle racking system and ten automated MX-X iGo pallet trucks, as well as 18 EXV iGo high-lift pallet trucks with sensor-based positioning. The warehouse operates fully automatically: The EXV iGo trucks deliver pallets to designated drop-off points in the aisle, where automated VNA stackers pick them up and store them in the narrow-aisle racking. The vehicles must operate in ambient temperatures ranging from 15-25°C to cool storage environments of 2-8°C. With such large projects, says Daelemans, "commissioning is, of course, always an exciting moment.".
Panel discussion with C. Harnisch, E. Düwel, H. Wabnitz
A panel discussion with robot system developer Carsten Harnisch, automation product manager Erik Düwel, and design developer Hubertus Wabnitz highlighted the importance of user-friendliness and rapidly implementable solutions that must function reliably even in complex environments like brownfields. With short commissioning times ("one hour instead of a week"), high interoperability with other providers thanks to VDA 5050, and easy integration of manual vehicles, the systems are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing processes. Adjustments should be straightforward, allowing modifications to be made by local partners on-site or by the customers themselves. Wabnitz stated, "It's not about simply accommodating as many pallets as possible." Harnisch added, "If I see that a lot of people are in an aisle, sending in a machine isn't the smartest solution.".
Photos: klk.
At least there have been some relaxations regarding the introduction of automated processes and human-machine collaboration. "Previously, the works council always had to be involved." Today, the era of fundamental discussions is largely over.
Klaus Koch
www.still.de
