Central nervous system in the factory of the future

Markus Kölsch:MLR has completely redesigned its Phoenix RH-1.0 pallet truck: The truck has been equipped with a self-locking spindle lift and therefore does not require any hydraulics at all. This means that the truck can now also be used in sensitive environments, such as hospitals. Another highlight is the extendable charging contacts and the option of using inductive charging. Lead-acid or LiFePo4 batteries can be used. MLR has also introduced a modern operating concept: In future, dialogs with the vehicle control system will be handled via touch screens. Here, particular emphasis was placed on simple and intuitive operability. The touchscreens can also be used to operate high-speed doors (up/down) or charging stations (on/off) on site, as well as to select different display languages.

mfl: At which trade fairs are you present or is your focus elsewhere?

Kölsch:Even though we now achieve over 90% of initial contacts through our online marketing, nothing can replace personal contact, such as at a trade fair. LogiMAT is still the most important trade fair for the AGV sector. Most AGV manufacturers are represented here - including MLR. We also regularly take part in the AGV Forum conference and the Fraunhofer IPA Technology Forum, as we make high-quality contacts there.

Two questions for Ronald Kretschmer, Director Marketing & Sales E&K Automation

materiafluss: Which product do you want to inspire customers with in 2018? Roland Kretschmer: We are focusing on the following four topics: 1. smart move - transport robotics out of the box. With automated series industrial trucks from the manufacturers Jungheinrich and Linde MH, EK offers cost-optimized standard solutions for automated pallet handling. Over 20 years of experience in the automation of series trucks guarantee industrial quality standards with maximum availability. Customer-specific adaptations and innovative Li-ion energy systems enable maximum flexibility. 2. simulation as a digital planning tool. Complex material flow systems are simulated in 3D on the basis of an AGV toolbox developed by EK. 3. point clouds for visualizing intralogistics environments and simulation results. EK Automation uses 3D scanning technology to create high-precision digital 3D copies of the real logistics environment and can therefore significantly minimize planning risks and reduce system implementation costs. In addition, we offer our customers a virtual glimpse into the future of their intralogistics environments. 4. transport robotics is considered a key technology of Industry 4.0. autonomous transport robots form the central nervous system in the intelligent factories of Industry 4.0, as only they can guarantee the necessary flexibility in the material flow for the individualized mass production of the future. In this context, EK will present a concept study of a multifunctional flat transport platform.

mfl: At which trade fairs are you present or is your focus elsewhere?

Kretschmer: EK Automation will be exhibiting at LogiMAT 2017 in a new location and size in Hall 7. EK Automation's focus is clearly on LogiMAT, which we see as the leading trade fair for intralogistics systems and automated guided vehicles. We expect a great response from a qualified specialist audience. The internationality of the trade fair is not the focus.

Martin Schrüfer