February - Modern Materials Handling

SSI Schaefer unveiled fully automated case picking systemThe Schaefer Case Picking System (SCP) was introduced in apress conference. The SCP system seamlessly automates all processesfrom receiving, de-palletizing, selecting, sequencing and palletizingof mixed case palletloads, said Cory Flemings, executive salesmanager for the automation and systems division of SSI Schaefer.“The system has the capability to handle anywhere from 30,000to 300,000 cases per day with higher performance and fewer errorsthan traditional distribution centers,” Flemings said. By removinglabor from the process, users are expected to attain a drop in costper-unitshipped by up to 30%.Initially created for use in high-SKU environments like groceryand consumer electronics handling, the system generates savingsthrough advanced computer simulation of pallet-load building.The software that controls the order-picking and sequencing systemstarts with order information and builds cube-optimized pallets invirtual space first.Then the software tells the systems which trays to deliver to theHK introduced amicro-load AS/RSHK Systems, Inc. introduceda new automatedstorage and retrieval system(AS/RS) designed to handlemicro-loads—cases and totesweighing up to 75 pounds—inapplications requiring densestorage and high throughputfor a diverse set of SKUs, casesand/or totes. With verticalspeeds of up to 600 feet perminute (fpm) and horizontalspeeds of up to 1,500 fpm, andthe ability to add up to fourextractors, the system canexecute up to 500 putawaysand retractions per hour.“U.S. commerce has beenredesigning the unit loadHK Systems’ new automated storageand retrieval system handles cartonsand totes up to 75 pounds. Paul Gines(left), Mike Kotecki (center) and LarryKaiser (right).from pallets to cases, and now from cases to eaches,” said MikeKotecki, senior vice president. “This family of machines is designedto work in applications such as case and tote replenishment in a pickto-lightenvironment, or carton flow replenishment in a case-pickingapplication.”Manufactured in HK’s plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, the machinecan handle cases and totes with dimensions ranging from 8 inches to24 inches. With the ability to support an array of extractor mechanisms,it creates a more efficient and more responsive supply chain,capable of fulfilling smaller order sizes at increased frequency.Key features of the micro AS/RS machine include industry leadingspeeds and accelerations, scalable design, multiple and flexibleextractor options, and dual and independent lift carriages. The systemrelies on dynamic shelving—warehouse management (WMS)software technology—to maximize the use of shelf space.pick station—and in what order. This results in palletizing robotsreceiving products in the correct sequence, allowing the SCP tobuild cube-optimized, store-ready pallets by family group.Product characteristics are entered into the system through theSchaefer Vision System cube dimensioning unit that collects andstores physical data. This information is used by the software to calculatevolume-optimized and scalability-oriented pallets.Further, a hybrid packing station with dual encased pallet liftsensures that the robotics always have a pallet in process. While thesystem finishes building a pallet on one lift, the other lift lowers itspallet through a two-level wrapping system that ensures pallet stabilityand integrity.The first system is currently being built in York, Pa., and isexpected to be operational in January 2010, and a second system isunder construction in Germany, Flemings added.AC-powered reachtruck at ToyotaToyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.unveiled a line of AC-powered reachtrucks designed for DCs, retail operations,refrigerated warehouses and thirdparty logistics (3PL) applications. Thenew line is available in three models,including a single reach lift truck in3,500- and 4,500-pound lifting capacitiesand a 3,000-pound capacity doublereach truck.While AC-powered trucks are notnew to the market, the new line isdistinguished by an AC-powered drivesystem, an AC-powered hydraulicsystem (on 36-Volt models) and maintenance-free electric diskbrakes. Because the AC system contains no motor commentator,brushers or springs, maintenance costs are lower. The drive systemenables operators to handle more pallets per hour and per shiftfor increased productivity.“The new series was designed with the specific needs of ourwarehousing customers in mind, including product travel speedsthat are up to 17% quicker than previous models, and fewer serviceintervals,” said Brett Wood, president.While the new series is scheduled to go into production thismonth, Toyota also debuted a hybrid concept lift truck that usesthe same hybrid technology used in the Toyota Prius. The truckcombines the best of electrical and internal combustion enginetechnology, allowing the vehicle to shift between battery andengine mode to operate with optimum fuel and emissions efficiency.Toyota is also exploring concepts that may use compressednatural gas, fuel cells, biodiesel and ethanol.While there is no date set for production, “the concept vehicledemonstrates our global charter to develop innovative technologiesand products that are environmentally responsible and economicallyviable,” said Wood.mmh.com MODERN MATERIALS HANDLING / FEBRUARY 2009 41