DC Velocity - July 2017

80 DC VELOCITY JULY 2017 www.dcvelocity.com r o ll o ut s

Retractable barrier: Rite-Hite has introduced the GuardRite retractable barrier, a modular and self-storing barrier system that can withstand up to 30,000 pounds of impact at 4 mph, making it ideal for guarding rail docks, finger docks, and wide loading and flatbed loading areas, the company says.

The GuardRite system’s core component is a 10-inch-tall barrier that can stand alone or be incorporated into an OSHA-compliant removable safety-rail system. The barrier consists of an eight-inch-diameter sleeve, which fits into a 10-inch core-drilled hole, excavated 20. 5 inches deep. The impact-absorbing polyurethane sleeve surrounds a 3.5-inch-diameter bollard. The barrier unit is gas-spring assisted and can easily be raised or lowered flush into the floor. The complete safety system includes the retractable barrier, visibility posts, and removable handrails and can provide full run-off protection while still allowing unrestricted access along the entire length of the installation.

Rite-Hite says the modular nature of the GuardRite system makes it ideal for rail docks, where loading/unloading access points may vary by 300 feet. However, the device is also suitable for use in protecting sensitive equipment installations and pedestrian areas from forklift impact. (Rite-Hite, www.ritehite.com)

Electric forklifts: UniCarriers Americas Corp. has introduced its new TX30M, TX35M, and TX40M three-wheel electric forklift trucks. These new forklifts replace the current Platinum TX Series as UniCarriers continues to upgrade its full line of forklifts. The new trucks incorporate advanced technologies that deliver improved performance and reliability as well as additional features that are desired in material handling operations.

Available in 3,000-, 3,500-, and 4,000-pound capacities, the new TX–M lift trucks feature electric power steering that eliminates the mechanical and hydraulic components from the previous series, while increasing energy efficiency and decreasing steering effort. Other enhancements include a ramp hold for smoother operation on inclines; a low-maintenance automatic parking brake with “no effort required” design; five factory performance settings for more versatility; and a wider mast for better visibility.

The fully sealed IP54 drive and pump motors are protected from debris and moisture, reducing the need for maintenance while simultaneously increasing operating reliability and uptime.

The new electric forklifts are available with additional standard options such as quad mast, drive-in-rack, foot direction pedal, and forward- or reverse-activated blue spotlights. The vehicles are also backed by UniCarriers Americas’ two-year/unlimit-ed-hours limited warranty. (UniCarriers Americas Corp., www.

unicarriersamericas.com)

Rail tracking service: Freight tracking and visibility specialist FourKites has added rail/intermodal freight tracking to its real-time freight visibility and orchestration platform. With this addition, shippers and third-party logistics service providers can gain enhanced visibility and control of the transportation lifecycle, the company says.

FourKites is also pursuing plans through 2017 to introduce support for additional modes of transportation. (FourKites, www.

fourkites.com)

Scalable WMS system: Numina Group has introduced the RDS+ LFS.wms, an advanced and tightly integrated warehouse management system. The company says the new software is a highly scalable warehouse management system with a full family of advanced logistics automation modules, including a transportation management system ( LFS.tms).

RDS+ LFS.wms integrates the “Real-time Distribution Software” warehouse execution and control system (WES-WCS)

order fulfillment software suite with a WMS-WES. The new software provide a single-source high-performance high-transaction WMS that bundles all the best-practice warehouse automation tools in a preconfigured WMS core application, according to the company.

The WMS is shipped ready to be configured to the DC’s requirements, based on the vendor’s 30 years of application know-how and WMS implementation experience. The software suite’s functions include inbound goods receiving, inspection, inventory management (including A, B, C velocity put-away/slot-ting), and order pick, pack, and ship via both RF and pick-to-voice systems. (Numina Group, www.numinagroup.com)

Autonomous tow tractor: For operations striving to meet faster delivery expectations while dealing with labor availability and retention challenges, Yale offers a new addition to its automation lineup. The Yale MO70T tow tractor now joins the company’s MPE080-VG end rider model, utilizing Driven by Balyo technology to autonomously navigate through warehouse environments.

Suitable for sequencing operations and stock replenishment, the MO70T is the second robotic solution available since Yale combined its material handling expertise with Balyo’s industry-leading navigation technology. Both the tow tractor and end rider solutions use infrastructure-free navigation technology that maps existing structural features to self-locate and navigate, without requiring tape, wires, or magnets for guidance. This allows for reduced startup time and costs, and for easy adjustment to changing layout configurations.

By using robotic lift trucks, operations can achieve “cobotics,” with employees and machines working side by side, allowing people to focus on more valuable roles and leaving repetitive tasks to the robotic trucks. Both Driven by Balyo models from Yale can be easily switched to manual mode. Once the operator leaves the truck, it resumes its regularly assigned workflow. (Yale Materials Handling Corp., www.yale.com)

Traffic management software: AutoGuide has released a new version of Avinu, a traffic management software application for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that optimizes the vehicles’ movement. The software, which features open architecture for universal integration, provides in-depth reports about cycle times, battery levels, errors, and more.

AutoGuide also introduced a new wireless push button that works with Avinu 3.0 to call and release automated guided vehicles with a simple push of a button. The durable device can be mounted to a wall or forklift for plug-in power or operate as a battery-powered handheld tool. The cost-effective button takes the place of expensive programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for simple job scheduling. (AutoGuide, www.autoguide agvs.com)