Remaining in suspense: Sealed Air
Corp. announces a new variation on
its Korrvu suspension and retention
packaging that combines the best of
both formats into a third new hybrid category. The Korrvu Hybrid package design looks like
Korrvu retention packaging, but offers the performance benefits of Korrvu suspension packaging, the company says. The Korrvu Hybrid package uses a retention frame
and elastomeric film to hold items securely in place during shipment. When the side flaps of the corrugated retention frame are
folded up, the resilient film is loosened, creating an insertion pocket where the item can be placed. When the flaps are folded down,
the film, which is attached to the corrugated frame, stretches over
the product and holds it securely in place.
Like a Korrvu suspension package, the Hybrid package holds the
item securely in the air space of the shipping container and away
from the sides of the box. The new design is suitable for low-profile products requiring retention-type surface protection with a sus-pension-type hold, such as cell phones, cameras, and laptops.
Korrvu Hybrid packaging provides a lower-cost solution compared with other suspension packages, the company says. It is also
recyclable and contains more than 30 percent recovered paper,
making it easy for customers to be environmentally responsible. In
addition, the packaging stores flat to reduce transportation and
storage requirements. (Sealed Air Corp., www.korrvu.com)
RAP artists: RMT Robotics has launched ADAM RAP (Reactive
Audio Playback), a programmable sound system for the company’s ADAM (Autonomous Delivery and Manipulation) mobile
robot. The new system includes interactive voice messages and a
mobile vehicle-in-motion jukebox for every mood and season.
Although automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) are required to have
a standard beeper-based vehicle-in-motion alert system, the alerts
tend to lose effectiveness over time as workers become acclimated to the vehicles’ monotonous beep. The ADAM RAP is designed
to get around that problem by generating a variety of sounds that
are automatically associated with vehicle positions or functions.
RMT Robotics developed the ADAM sound application to play
text-to-speech messages, sound bites, or musical interludes that
can be either actively or passively triggered in reaction to a variety
of operational conditions and system inputs. Through the ADAM
Commander mapping software, regions on the facility map can be
embedded with commands to automatically load specific tunes or
prompt a series of voice messages. For example, ADAM may play
a song in the aisle-ways and then switch to a text-to-speech–based
message saying, “Excuse me, I am coming through” as it
approaches a doorway. After successfully moving through the
door, ADAM will automatically revert to playing the original song.
ADAM RAP also has the ability to react to inputs. If a worker (or
object) is fully obstructing the doorway, ADAM will enunciate,
“Please move, I cannot get around you.” Similarly, if the Enter
Destination button is pressed, ADAM will state, “Thank you, see
you later,” before proceeding with its mission. (RMT Robotics,
www.rmtrobotics.com)
