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Intralogistics switches to automatic

With a growing range of autonomously driving and lifting industrial trucks, a paradigm shift is on the horizon: The boundaries between manual and fully automated are becoming increasingly blurred. At the World of Material Handling (WoMH) customer event in mid-May, Linde Material Handling presented new ideas and products relating to automated intralogistics. The focus was on a look into the near and distant future: How can the "smart factory" be implemented and how are automation and networking connected?
A high-rack stacker takes a pallet from a rack compartment, sets it down at a transfer point, where a high-lift truck picks it up and sets it down on a roller conveyor after a short transport distance. After the pallet has traveled along the roller conveyor to the other end, it is picked up by a waiting Linde Factory Train, which moves the pallet to another rack - all this happens fully automatically, without an operator having to control the equipment. With this multi-stage work game, Linde demonstrated at WoMH what is already conceivable with autonomous industrial trucks and how an automated transfer of loads between self-driving vehicles can take place. This is a vision for the "smart factory", the intelligent factory of the future. And Linde is already on the way to this future with its product range.
Future topic: The interaction of different vehicles
"Towing, transporting, storing - we will have an automated solution in all categories," says Tobias Zierhut, Head of Product & Service Marketing, Linde MH. In future, many applications will be a networked system: "The completely automated interaction of different vehicle models - that is a topic of the future, especially in the connection between production and warehouse," Zierhut is convinced. Including a connection to warehouse management, where data is evaluated, driving commands are generated and employees can keep an eye on the position of all vehicles or goods at all times.

"Automation will not be the only solution for all future intralogistics requirements, but it will play an important role," says Massimiliano Sammartano, Vice President Sales & Service Marketing & Operations, Linde MH. The advantages of the MATIC fleet lie in the high potential for networking with machines and systems, the high level of traffic safety thanks to components such as sensors, scanners and cameras, and the ability to switch between autonomous driving and manual operation at any time. "Customers are very interested in automated solutions that can be gradually integrated into existing operational logistics," says Zierhut.
The WoMH presents a wealth of ideas and solutions
Under the motto "Linked Perspectives", the World of Material Handling provides answers to the major future topics of intralogistics: in addition to automation, networking, individualization and energy systems. "In-plant logistics will be increasingly networked, digitalized and automated," says Sammartano. The 12,000 square meters of exhibition space will feature 3D media shows, expert forums, product demonstrations and experience zones. Content can be explained in group tours or discovered individually. "After the comprehensive performance show two years ago, this year we are concentrating on the four major areas of expertise that will be of crucial importance to our customers in the near future," says Manfred Höhn, Head of Marketing Communication and Branding, Linde MH.
Contact:Linde Material Handling GmbH 63743 Aschaffenburg Tel.: 0 60 21 / 99-0 E-Mail: [email protected] www.linde-mh.de









