Innovations for Automation and Digital Transformation

Current trends and demand for material handling technology are driven by the continued shortage of skilled labor coupled with expanding e-commerce. Manufacturers and systems integrators showcasing their solutions at LogiMAT 2022 have responded by further automating intralogistics processes, digitizing information flows, and designing flexible solutions that can grow with the customer. Sustainable solutions and resource-optimized processes under the banner of “green logistics” are another dominant trend, so equipment and material flow systems are designed around compact, energy-efficient technology and—given the volatility of demand—highly flexible and scalable systems and solutions. “We know from years past what’s driving innovation in systems engineering,” explains Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty of EUROEXPO in Munich, which organizes LogiMAT. “But the pandemic has reinforced these trends and really impacted what customers demand from intralogistics manufacturers and providers. Manufacturers of material handling systems and equipment will present the latest spectrum of solutions for digital, automated, flexible intralogistics—filling nearly four exhibit halls at the Messe Stuttgart convention center for LogiMAT 2022, May 31 to June 2.”

The manufacturers and systems integrators that will fill Halls 1 (including the gallery), 3, 5, and part of 7 are presenting products whose system and control elements increasingly integrate state-of-the-art technologies such as robotics, imaging, and minimization. Another growing trend is for installed racking and material handling systems to integrate and inter-coordinate with mobile components such as automated forklifts or AGVs. Machinery and equipment manufacturers, system providers, and systems integrators represent the largest group of exhibitors. At LogiMAT 2022 in Stuttgart, they’ll present new shuttle systems, carrying robots, autonomous picking robots, space-saving sorting solutions, innovative picking robots and material handling components, cutting-edge bag sorters, picking and palletizing cobots—and much more. Several systems integrators will also be on hand to show off AutoStore systems and the latest components and add-ons for the automated storage system. Other exhibits focus on tech-driven optimization using system and data integration for integrated data transfers and comprehensive data analytics.

The methodologies and processes of artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly integral, especially in process control, analyses, maintenance, and services. “Integrated intralogistics systems that are capable of learning and self-optimizing will begin playing a major role in the very near future,” emphasizes Johann Steinkellner, CEO for Central Europe at TGW Logistics Group (Hall 5, Booth C13). The Austrian systems integrator is coming to LogiMAT 2022 to present its latest modules, systems, and solutions for automated systems. TGW is also showcasing its systems integration software, in which data from all apps, products, and solutions is consolidated for analysis and visualization in a single system, then used for further optimization.

Representative sampling of current solutions

As these trends play out, many companies are investing in modernizing their intralogistics equipment and optimizing their processes. So it’s no surprise that machinery and equipment manufacturers are doing a healthy business, with real year-on-year growth in new orders of 32% in 2021, according to figures from the industry association VDMA. Companies began the current year with a higher-than-average order backlog of 10.9 months, meaning that at the start of the year, they were already fully booked until November. Nevertheless, they want to introduce their latest products to an international audience of industry professionals and keep taking new orders. “We look forward to finally being able to present interesting product innovations in person again in 2022,” says Sebastian Krayenborg, Managing Director of Karl-H. Bartels GmbH (Hall 1, Booth B69). LogiMAT has proven to be the optimal venue for this—a presentation, information, and communication platform where people come to do business.

From the new standalone components to the latest fully automated systems: LogiMAT offers a cross-section of the current range of solutions for efficient intralogistics in industry and commerce. Rocketsolution GmbH (Hall 1 Gallery, Booth OG71) is bringing its new RSX1 shuttle system to Stuttgart, an innovative technology that delivers maximum efficiency and performance to automated storage systems. Körber Supply Chain Automation GmbH (Hall 1, Booth C34) will be showcasing various automation and material handling solutions in Stuttgart, including a new shuttle system and AI-supported “operator eye” technology for troubleshooting and error prevention in fully automated layer picking.

Stock Solutions and Streicher Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG will present their joint iQS project in the East Entrance, Booth E080, a flexible shuttle for standard racks as well as small and large load carriers. The high-performance solution can also be retrofitted to existing automatic small parts storage facilities. Extor GmbH, (Hall 5, Booth G69) will exhibit the compact storage system RoverLog, which uses a lifting platform to stack up medium-sized items without the need for forklifts, conveyors, pallets, or sorters. RoverLog is designed to automate or replace manual picking processes as well as walk-around, forklift-assisted, and high-reach picking in narrow aisles.

Robot revolution

LogiMAT will feature new solutions for more accurate and efficient storage and picking processes by cube storage pioneer AutoStore (Hall 1, Booth B61) and Element Logic GmbH (Hall 1, Booth 1H21), AMI Förder- und Lagertechnik GmbH (Hall 1, Booth C03), Knapp AG (Hall 3, Booth B05), and Dutch systems integrator Inther Group (Hall 5, Booth B50). AutoStore has announced plans to unveil several new industry solutions plus an integratable new CarouselPort workstation. Element Logic is one of several exhibitors with AutoStore systems at LogiMAT 2022 presenting innovative new developments of the compact, automated storage and picking system. These include AutoStore’s new R5+ robots, new system bins up to 425 millimeters high, and AutoStore’s Bin Lift 2.0, a robust new vertical lift for multi-level warehouses. Other peripherals for AutoStore systems on show will include Picavi GmbH (Hall 7, Booth D08) with an assisting pick-by-vision solution for enhanced picking quality, and AM Logistic Solutions GmbH (Hall 1, Booth B31) with the new RiCO-bot. The RiCO-bot, equipped with an articulated arm, uses 3D optics to orient itself autonomously, can detect and handle small parts on its own, and is designed to complement automated warehouse systems such as AutoStore to extend their performance to automated receiving and shipping processes.

But robots aren’t the only measure of progress. New developments such as the automatic Smart-Flexdepot system from AMI Förder- und Lagertechnik GmbH (Hall 1, Booth C03) are transforming storage and picking. Smart-Flexdepot provides continuous inventory reconciliation with the materials management system, “maximizing usable volume for the greatest possible warehouse availability,” AMI promises. Knapp AG (Hall 3, Booth B05) presents several innovations at LogiMAT, including the first showing of AutoPocket, a completely new type of pocket sorter system. Visitors can also experience advances in Knapp’s Open Shuttle AGVs and the latest generation of the AI-equipped Pick-It-Easy robot.

AGVs as a flexible alternative to fixed systems

The Inther Group is one of only three manufacturers of A-Frame technology worldwide, and the Dutch systems integrator is coming to LogiMAT 2022 to unveil its latest model for efficient intralogistics (Hall 5, Booth B50). Inther has perfected A-Frame technology, offering high-efficiency, fully automated picking of up to 1,200 items an hour for high-volume orders in the small parts segment. Another Inther innovation you won’t want to miss: The Gantry Robotic Intelligent Piece Picker (GRIPP).

J. Schmalz GmbH (Hall 7, Booth C05) will showcase more options for integrating robots into picking processes. Two demo cells with cobots illustrate potential applications in bin picking and palletizing/depalletizing. One innovation here is the ZLW vacuum layer gripping system for lifting packages, glasses, or other workpieces layer by layer. The second demo cell features a camera-based vision and handling solution that uses image processing technology to retrieve items from boxes. The “Match” end-of-arm ecosystem enables fast, automated gripper changes. Premium Robotics GmbH (Hall 7, Booth C30) is also coming to LogiMAT to debut new systems for robot-based handling of containers. The robots use image processing, sensor technology, and gripper systems to eliminate the need for layer depalletizers, shuttle intermediate storage, or conveyor technology. This makes it possible to transfer unstable packing units of consumer goods directly from a storage pallet to a delivery pallet, for example.

Exhibitors in Hall 2 are presenting a collection of new AGV technology, industrial trucks, AMRs, carrying robots, and a broad selection of industrial machinery and equipment that offer a flexible alternative to permanently installed material handling technology. Geek+ Europe GmbH (Hall 7, Booth D51) presents RoboShuttle, an AMR system that uses robot technology to achieve high-density warehouse storage. The crown jewel of the RoboShuttle series is the RS8-DA, which the manufacturer calls the tallest AMR on the market, capable of serving racks over 8 meters high. Carrybots GmbH (Hall 5, Booth B67) is showing its newly redesigned Herbie AGV for the first time in Stuttgart. Its modular expandable system structure was developed as a cost-efficient basic solution, especially for the transport of small load carriers and similar transport goods.

Entry-level solutions for end-to-end process automation and integration

The international exhibitors at LogiMAT 2022 will showcase their innovation and expertise when it comes to stationary materials handling technology, too. The Gebhardt Intralogistics Group (Hall 5, Booth B71) is coming to Stuttgart to present its Karis AGV and StoreBiter MLS shuttle system, plus the first-ever showing of a brand-new sorting technology designed specifically for compact warehouses. The space-saving SpeedSorter line has a vertical design and offers a variable number of end positions on both sorter sides for high performance and flexibility in the smallest spaces. Dambach Lagersysteme GmbH & Co. KG (Hall 1, Booth F41) is presenting a solution for the flow of goods in pre-storage areas of automated storage systems—a newly developed, standalone container conveyor technology that will be on display for the first time at LogiMAT 2022. The conveyor component, developed specifically for Dambach systems, will eventually be offered with even more innovations as a system-neutral standalone unit.

Karl-H. Bartels GmbH (Hall 1, Booth B69) is coming to Stuttgart with a “revolution among pallet magazines,” according to Managing Director Sebastian Krayenborg. In addition to its stair climbers, Bartels will unveil the new DStacker pallet magazine, designed for very high pallet turnover in a picking warehouse and capable of ejecting one of up to 55 pallets every 10 seconds. And a sustainability bonus: the DStacker functions entirely without power, pneumatics, or hydraulics. Schmale Logtec GmbH (Hall 3, Booth C53) will present its new AGV Connect product line and live-demo an integrated transfer station for AGV loading and unloading that offers better efficiency and a convenient entry-level option for end-to-end process automation and integration.

This selection of innovations highlights the wide range of innovations and solutions for efficient warehousing processes that the international exhibitors of industrial machinery and equipment at LogiMAT 2022 have in store for visiting industry professionals. System developers and suppliers will present the latest components, equipment, and standalone systems for stationary and installed automated material handling technology featuring compact, scalable storage and picking systems. But they’ll also showcase AGVs and the latest shuttle solutions, mobile alternatives for intralogistical transport, production supply, and automated access to shelf systems. “It’s a comprehensive cross-section and overview of the latest innovations and solutions currently offered by machinery and equipment manufacturers, system providers and systems integrators for future-ready intralogistics,” concludes Exhibition Director Ruchty. “At LogiMAT, industry professionals can finally be in the room with these innovations and many other products never before exhibited elsewhere, compare them with one another, and talk to the providers directly with detailed questions. Prospective customers and industry professionals won’t find this quantity or quality anywhere else.”

Organized by: EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH

Joseph-Dollinger-Bogen 7 | 80807 Munich, Germany

Phone: +49 89 32 391 259 | Fax: +49 89 32 391 246

www.logimat-messe.de | www.logimat.digital

About LogiMAT

LogiMAT, the International Trade Show for Intralogistics Solutions and Process Management, will take place at the Messe Stuttgart convention center, directly adjacent to Stuttgart International Airport, from May 31 to June 2, 2022. Presented by EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH, LogiMAT ranks as the world’s largest trade show for intralogistics solutions with a complete market overview of everything driving the intralogistics industry, from procurement to production to shipping. International exhibitors showcase innovative technologies, products, systems, and solutions for streamlining operations, optimizing processes, and cutting costs in a company’s internal logistics. Beyond the exhibitor booths, visitors can also experience a different program of presentations each day in the East Entrance Atrium covering a wide range of topics.

EUROEXPO has also partnered with Landesmesse Stuttgart since 2014 to present the annual LogiMAT China, held in Shanghai alongside transport logistic China.

Bangkok is the site of LogiMAT | Intelligent Warehouse. Focused on the Southeast Asian market, this event follows in the footsteps of Intelligent Warehouse, presented by local organizer Expolink Global Networks Ltd. from 2015 to 2019.

LogiMAT.digital is the platform that brings together top providers of the world’s best intralogistics solutions with high-quality leads, bridging the time and space between on-site events.