DC Velocity - March 2009

SImon says: SI Systems has unveiled SImon (SI Mobile Onboard Navigation), a new automated guided cart (AGC). SImon carts are smaller, more compact, and less expensive than automated guided vehicle (AGV) technology, but are capable of performing similar transport tasks with a smaller footprint. SImon is a battery-operated optical guided system capable of performing from/to transport tasks as well as complex routing assignments, such as sideways, diagonal, or rotational movements up to 360 degrees. The AGCs can be given a variety of tasks to perform, including picking up or delivering loads. They can easily be instructed to slow down or speed up, reverse, or make a complete about-face. (SI Systems, www.sihs.com)

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Hear here: Vocollect Inc., a supplier of voice-directed systems, is now offering Vocollect Voice on the new Intermec CK3 rugged mobile computer. Vocollect Voice eliminates unnecessary distractions, helping distribution workers focus on the task instead of the tools. This is achieved by talking people through their daily tasks, replacing cumbersome lists and traditional data-capture methods with hands-free, personal voice dialogues.

The Intermec CK3 performs equally well for a wide range of distribution center and warehouse-based applications, including order picking, receiving, put-away, transfers, returns, cycle counting, and loading. Its functionality is also fully adaptable to a wide range of vertical markets, including food and grocery, retail, consumer packaged goods, third-party logistics, health care, automotive, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing.

Vocollect Voice on the CK3 is designed to meet the highest standards for voice capability on a device that is highly adaptable to meet the ever-changing data-capture and communication needs of global supply chain customers. (Vocollect Inc., (412) 349-2515, www.vocollect.com)

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Flexible conveying: FKI Logistex has launched its NB200 Narrow-Belt Driven Roller Conveyor, a flexible system that is part of the company’s new Logistex Case Conveyor Solutions (LCCS) product family. The FKI Logistex NB200 offers maximum system throughput rates by using proven algorithms for release modes and zero-pressure accumulation. The conveyor has the option of three standard release modes, which can be changed quickly and easily with selectable switch settings.

Flexible accumulation options include downstream zone look-ahead that allows product to move downstream at the best possible rate while maintaining gentle zero-pressure accumulation. The conveyor includes the ability to switch between slug and singulation release modes to match the flow demands of an application.

The NB200 also offers a dynamic auto-slug feature, which is a built-in option that allows the NB200 accumulation zones to self-monitor product density and move groups of product downstream when space is available. This option increases accumulation throughput by 10 percent over other, similar accumulation methods, according to the manufacturer. (FKI Logistex, www.fkilogistex.com)