Robot Roundup - Volume 12

Insider - Vanderlande to take over Siemens airport logistics

According to insiders, 西门子 has found a buyer for its airport logistics division.

Vanderlande , the Dutch global leader in airport baggage conveyor belts and parcel sorting systems, has won the bid for Siemens Logistics, as reported by three individuals familiar with the sales process, speaking to Reuters .

The exact terms of the deal are still under negotiation, and approval from Siemens' Supervisory Board remains pending, according to two of the sources. It is not expected that there will be any major competition concerns, as the two companies have few overlapping areas. A spokeswoman for Siemens declined to comment on the matter, and Vanderlande stated that, as a rule, they do not respond to market rumours.

Vanderlande has been owned by Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation since 2017. Their baggage carousels are in use at over 600 airports globally, transporting up to four million pieces of luggage annually. The company employs 9,000 people and generates a turnover of €2.2 billion.

Siemens Logistics is the last of the so-called "portfolio companies" that the Munich-based group has placed on the market in recent years, as part of a strategic focus on its core business. 西门子 anticipates more than €7 billion in sales proceeds and around €3.5 billion in profits from the transactions it has already finalised. As for the logistics division, internal discussions have suggested potential proceeds in the lower hundreds of millions of euros.

In addition to baggage carousels and air freight sorting systems, Siemens Logistics originally included a parcel processing systems business. However, this part of the company was spun off and sold to the northern German conglomerate K?rber Supply Chain for €1.15 billion. At the time, Vanderlande was reportedly already interested in acquiring it.

The much smaller airport division has continued to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. While the aviation sector is now recovering, Siemens' CFO, Ralph Thomas, recently tempered expectations, saying, "Most airports are not yet ready to expand their capacities again. Some have postponed their expansion plans, and very few new airports are currently being built," in an interview with Reuters .

Sticking with Vanderlande... they've partnered with Kappahl

Kappahl Group has partnered with Vanderlande to automate its new logistics hub, situated in Gothenburg in Sweden. The companies have entered into an agreement and contract to install Vanderlande 's innovative FASTPICK system at the facility. The facility is a state-of-the-art 34,000 square meter centre that is projected to be fully automated by June 2026.

Part of Kappahl Group 's long term strategy is to transition from their current existing logistics centre to this new facility in a bid to modernise their logistics operations and accommodate growth. Aiming to streamline current logistics processes, the partnership with Vanderlande allows them to improve service levels for their rapidly growing online customer base across much of Europe and Asia. On top of the online customers, they are supporting their network of around 330 physical store, across Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland and the UK.

Vanderlande 's innovative FASTPICK solution is at the core of their warehouse automation capabilities. This system leverages their cutting-edge ADAPTO automated storage and retrieval system to optimize storage and retrieval processes. The ADAPTO system will utilize a fleet of 159 shuttles to access an extensive storage area comprising 86,000 individual storage locations spread across 28 aisles. Retrieved goods will then be transported to ergonomically designed goods-to-person picking stations, facilitating efficient and rapid order fulfilment.

To further enhance the operational flow, the design also features an inbound and outbound High Dynamic Storage buffer system. Products that arrive on hangers will be handled seamlessly by Vanderlande ’s AIRTRAX system, ensuring they are processed efficiently. Goods will then be dispatched from the logistics centre using shipping sorters, with items packed in totes, polybags, or cartons, depending on the destination—whether retail stores or e-commerce customers.

Eva Meding , Logistics Manager at Kappahl Group , highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "@Vanderlande’s solution will provide the efficiency and capacity we need to fulfil our growth ambitions. Furthermore, this partnership will enable us to deliver an even better level of service to our customers and stores as we improve our sustainable logistics flow.”

James Cotton , Executive Managing Director for Warehouse Solutions at Vanderlande , expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with Kappahl Group . The solid relationship we’ve established with their team has been instrumental in delivering an optimal solution, and we remain committed to supporting their continued success.”

In addition to boosting operational efficiency, the modernised logistics centre will be a cornerstone of Kappahl Group ’s effort to enhance sustainable practices across its supply chain. The automation provided by Vanderlande will allow Kappahl Group to keep pace with the growing demand in both the physical and digital retail sectors while also reducing their environmental impact. This forward-thinking approach positions both Kappahl and Vanderlande as leaders in logistics innovation within the fashion and retail industry.

Refreshed Vision for Rethink Robotics

Rethink Robotics, Inc. has introduced its new line of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), the Rethink Ryder, at IMTS 2024. The range includes two models: the MRE 550, which handles payloads up to 550 kg (1,212 pounds), and the MRE 1400, designed for heavier tasks with a capacity of up to 1,400 kg (3,086 pounds). Both come with an integrated lift function, offering increased flexibility for various logistics and manufacturing environments.

What sets the Rethink Ryder AMRs apart is their ability to navigate independently without requiring additional components or infrastructure. Equipped with multi-detection technologies and 360-degree sensing, they can assess and react to changes in their surroundings, ensuring both efficiency and safety in the workplace. This makes them ideal for environments that demand flexibility in intralogistics, particularly where space is limited.

The open architecture of the Ryder platform provides access to low-level controllers and sensor data, making it compatible with a wide range of third-party applications. Additionally, its SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) system enables it to visualise its environment, allowing for precise pallet identification, obstacle avoidance, and path planning.

Compact in design, the Rethink Ryder AMRs are well-suited for tasks like laboratory automation or stock replenishment, particularly in tight spaces. When combined with a collaborative robotic arm and an easily detachable battery, the Ryder line is capable of performing mobile manipulation with exceptional efficiency, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics-driven logistics.

DB Schenker implements Jungheinrich AGV's

德铁信可 in Bor?s, Sweden, has significantly improved efficiency by automating internal transport processes with Jungheinrich AG Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) powered by Kollmorgen technology. This marks the first use of automated forklifts in DB Schenker Land’s terminal operations, enhancing productivity, safety, and reducing production damage.

Fredrik Ottosson , Terminal & CoDi Manager at DB Schenker, noted the challenge of moving large volumes of goods within tight timeframes. "This technology is a key step towards increasing automation across our terminals," he said. The six AGVs currently operate in two shifts, transporting parcels to and from sorting facilities and preparing for the next day’s operations.

Jungheinrich AG provided the AGVs along with its Logistics Interface system, enabling smooth operation via tablets. "This is a pioneering move for DB Schenker Land," said Bardia Emad , Head of Automation Units Nordic at Jungheinrich AG .

Kollmorgen , responsible for the system’s routing and navigation, praised the seamless transition from manual to automated processes. Mikael Ekman , Key Account Manager at Kollmorgen , highlighted the flexibility of the system and 德铁信可 ’s successful change management. This project sets a new benchmark for automation in terminal operations.

Vention collab with ABB Robotics

Vention , the company behind the cloud-based Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP), has announced its collaboration with ABB Robotics , ensuring compatibility between Vention ’s platform and 阿西布朗勃法瑞公司（ABB） ’s GoFa? cobot family. This integration offers clients seamless collaboration between the two technologies, from the design of robotic cells to operations on the factory floor.

Through this partnership, ABB gains access to a wider range of DIY automation users, while Vention enhances its offering with ABB's advanced robotic solutions. This relationship will help both companies expand their market reach and drive innovation in automation.

The ABB GoFa? robots—available in payloads of 5 kg, 10 kg, and 12 kg—are now part of the Vention marketplace. Known for their safety, performance, and ease of use, these cobots are ideal for working alongside humans in tasks like assembly, welding, material handling, and inspection.

ABB GoFa? robots are fully compatible with the entire Vention platform, including MachineBuilder for design, MachineLogic for programming, MachineAnalytics for operations monitoring, and Remote Support for on-demand assistance. This integration promises one of the most intuitive user experiences, offering a streamlined process from the design stage to daily operations on the factory floor.

Looking ahead, ABB GoFa? robots will also be available in 2025 as part of Vention’s innovative Rapid Series application line.

Toyota introduces Swarm Automation Storage

For companies seeking to expand their storage capacity and enhance their manpower efficiency, Toyota Material Handling Europe now presents Swarm Automation Storage – a comprehensive automated solution leveraging the synergy of three established components. This concept delivers aisle-free storage density, up to 80% greater than selective racking, at a significantly lower cost compared to alternative high-density solutions. It also offers the flexibility to fit into existing spaces and can be scaled up if additional storage or higher throughput is needed.

This automated storage and retrieval system integrates three core elements: the well-regarded Toyota Radioshuttle high-density storage system, the company’s RAE automated reach truck, and the Toyota T-ONE warehouse execution system, which interfaces with the user’s existing warehouse management software. The system’s size and layout can be customised to maximise available space, with the number of shuttles and automated guided forklifts (AGFs) adjustable according to operational requirements.

Primarily designed for palletised loads, this storage solution transports items via the shuttle units through designated storage channels within a specially designed racking system. The automated reach trucks feed the loads into the system and move the shuttle units between channels. The system can be tailored to provide FIFO (first in, first out) or LIFO (last in, first out) inventory management.

One of the key benefits of this system is its flexibility. Adaptable to available space, it can also be installed on elevated levels of a facility, freeing up the space below for other uses. All three components are proven for their reliability, ensuring efficient operation and optimal manpower utilisation. With a straightforward, easy-to-integrate control system, automation enhances safety and accuracy by reducing the risk of damage or injury. Additionally, the solution offers substantial cost benefits by eliminating driver expenses, minimising damage through precise handling, saving energy with consistent movement, and optimising space utilisation. Overall, it presents a cost-effective alternative to other solutions.

José María Gener Martínez , Vice President of Sales & Marketing, said: “We observe many companies aiming to make better use of their available space. Given the current labour market challenges, automation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for our customers. Integrating these key products into a ready-made solution simply makes sense.”

Thanks for reading into Volume 12. Please don't hesitate to get in touch on any other topics! Please get in touch at [email protected] !