ORDER PICKING SYSTEMS

Canada-based Cimcorp Automation Ltd. introduces the CIMCORP 3D Shuttle, an automatic storage and retrieval solution for goods-to-man order picking. It uses gantry robot technology integrated with an innovative shuttle device to store and retrieve goods in plastic crates, totes, bins and containers. When a particular SKU is required to fulfill an order, the robot gantry retrieves the corresponding tote and deposits it onto the shuttle device. The shuttle travels along the gantry and transports the tote to a conveyor line that feeds the picking stations. Once picking from a tote is complete, it is conveyed back to its location within the storage area. It moves up to 1,000 totes per hour, and allows warehouses to retrieve any tote in a storage area with one, fast, fluid movement. The CIMCORP 3D Shuttle is suitable for a wide variety of applications in retail, foodservice and e-commerce distribution, and optimizes space utilization by stacking mixed SKUs directly on the floor.

Cimcorp also introduced enhanced gripping technology that is said to pick and place almost any product in distribution centers worldwide with near 100% picking capability. This layer pick system is made up of a heavy-duty clamping and vacuum-based tool and a large, fast gantry robot that can be used together or independently with variable force and vacuum strength based on the SKU to be handled. For products that require mainly the clamping force, multiple layers can be picked at one time to increase efficiency and ease of product picking. The layer pick system is ideally suited for facilities that pick more than 1,000 layers per day from 50-500 SKUs. This layer picking technology can handle anything from standard corrugate cases to shrink wrap products, bottles, tubs and open trays and utilizes a built-in warehouse management system to collect order information from a customer host system, as well as customer stacking rules and picking sequences to build customized order pallets. The Cimcorp WMS also maintains a database that tracks every move of each case, including lot information, and can report all activities and traceability back to the customer. 

Cimcorp Automation Ltd.
905-643-9700
www.cimcorp.com

ALL-PLASTIC PALLET

ORBIS Corp., Oconomowoc, Wic., introduced an all-plastic pallet designed to optimize the supply chain of small footprint retailers by eliminating product touches during the order replenishment process, from distribution center to store to floor.

With this pallet, small-format 42x30 HP pallets, full cases and split cases can be sorted and loaded at the distribution center, then delivered to the store and used as a replenishment vehicle at the point of sale. Once pallets arrive at the retailer, they can be moved directly to the floor, reducing labor costs and maximizing storage space. Plus, the pallet’s 30-inch width allows for easy access through narrow doorways and tight store aisles, and its contoured corners won’t damage product.

Additional features include:

• Truckload density, with 45 pallet locations per 53-foot trailer.
• Generous clearance for forklifts to de-nest a full stack of pallets, with slanted fork entry and a discontinuous, stepped pallet lip.
• Ease of manual handling with a 20-pound tare weight and ergonomic hand holes.
• Added efficiency with molded-in stretch wrap notches in each pallet corner.

ORBIS Corp.
800-890-7292     
www.orbiscorporation.com

HIGH-FREQUENCY CHARGING SOLUTION

EnerSys, Reading, Pa., exhibited its extensive line of motive power solutions for manufacturing and supply chain management applications.

EnForcer IMPAQ high-frequency modular chargers offer intelligent charging with advanced efficiency and the flexibility to maintain peak efficiency at all times. Whether free-standing or wall-mounted, EnForcer IMPAQ modular chargers are ideal for material handling equipment, automated guided vehicle systems, cleaning machines and industrial electric vehicles.

Charger modules are automatically switched on and off based on the charge cycle requirements, and should a module develop a minor fault, the charger bypasses the module for continued operation and continuation of the charging process without interruption.

EnForcer IMPAQ chargers include a number of charging profiles, from standard flooded and valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) to cold storage and opportunity charging. Plus, the modular construction adapts to a wide range of battery capacities, and modules can be added if battery capacity changes.

EnerSys
610-208-1991
www.enersys.com

ERGONOMIC CASTER PRODUCTS THAT REDUCE WORKPLACE INJURIES

Caster Concepts Inc., Albion, Mich., unveiled its complete line of ergonomic products designed to reduce workplace injuries.

For example, ErgoMaxx is a rig designed to reduce the amount of push-force required to turn or start rolling when all the wheels are not parallel. The maintenance-free ErgoMaxx will reduce shoulder and back injuries.  

TWERGO is a multi-wheel-in-one caster wheel with a patented face design that reduces energy exerted to start, turn and continue rolling. TWERGO comes with twin or triple wheels that rotate separately, reducing friction when turning, resulting in less force exerted to turn. In fact, TWERGO is said to achieve 25% average reduction in initial push force needed to start moving a cart.

ErgoTread is a uniquely designed polyurethane tread that returns energy, resulting in less force exerted to begin and continue rolling. This custom formulation also achieves a high resistance to debris, reduces noise and won't damage most flooring. 

CasterShox casters were created with a patented shock-absorbing technology. Its innovative design integrates the company's patented SHOX absorption system. The design muffles roughly 70% of cart noise and dissipates shock at the source, reducing impact.

Caster Concepts Inc.
888-785-5174
www.casterconcepts.com

MOBILE AUTONOMOUS MATERIAL HANDLING ROBOT

The TM-100 robot from Harvest Automation, Billerica, Mass., is a mobile autonomous material handling platform engineered for distribution and fulfillment operations.

The TM-100 seamlessly integrates with current operations and existing workforce, and provides scalable and flexible warehouse automation, as it works safely alongside people.

Additional features include:

• Communicates wirelessly with warehouse management systems.
• Includes an advanced sensor suite for navigation and collision avoidance.
• Can manipulate totes.
• Adapts to any workflow.
• Operates in any warehouse layout – no change to current warehouse layout or structure required.
• Augments existing infrastructure.

Harvest Automation
978-528-4250
www.harvestai.com