The buzz from Hannover

Filling eight halls, the CeMat show in Hannover, Germany showed off the latest in materials handling from around the world.

By -- Modern Materials Handling, 6/1/2000

Every 2 years the world gathers for a week in Hannover, Germany to see both the present and the future of materials handling at the CeMat show.

This spring, nearly 1,000 exhibitors filled 78,000 sq. meters of space in eight halls to show off their latest developments in hardware, software, and systems. CeMat is one of six international tradeshows that run concurrently at the Hannover Fairgrounds. Total attendance for all events during the week was 270,000.

Leading the parade of innovations were some of the most unconventional designs ever seen in lift trucks. Elsewhere, overhead handling devices from small but powerful hoists to monorails that lift loads vertically as well as horizontally were prominently displayed. Other developments were notable in advanced storage systems and automatic guided vehicles as well as sortation and information systems specifically targeted at e-commerce.

Although, e-commerce is far less developed in Europe than in the U.S., expectations there are no less grand than here. As a result, the supply chain and e-commerce were primary topics at several seminars (visit www.hannovermesse.de ).

The future is here

Lift truck companies experimenting with basic designs of the future included Still, Jungheinrich, Linde, Steinbock Boss, and Pimpeso. The basic concept is to put the driver in a glass-enclosed operator compartment, maximizing both protection and visibility. While most of the cabs were generally egg shaped, Jungheinrich opted for a cylinder in its concept truck. Several models featured a cab that faces the forks during lifting and lowering of loads, but rotates 180 degrees for unobstructed travel. Other innovations in these advanced designs include biometric systems that control access to the cab and operation of the truck, and a new steering system that requires minimal operator effort.

Ergonomics figured prominently in the designs of other lift trucks. Atlet unveiled its UNS Tergo reach truck with a seat that swivels and tilts to give the driver a clear upward view when moving loads. A servo-assisted steering wheel minimizes wrist strain. Hydraulic function controls laid out in a fan configuration offer light touch-of-a-finger operation.

Linde included all controls and indicators on a display placed in easy view of the operator. In addition, controls are integrated into a wide arm rest so the operator has all mast functions within fingertip control while the arm is comfortably supported.

Lift truck emissions were a concern of suppliers too. A prototype that uses hydrogen fuel was shown by Linde. A commercial version could be ready in 5 years. The hydrogen is stored in a metal hydride sponge that powers the truck for an 8 hour shift. It takes about 10 minutes to refuel. Unlike conventional fuel systems, hydrogen fuel emits only water as it is used.

Clark unveiled its new diesel particulate filter technology. When particulates are trapped in the filter, a burner oxidizes them, creating carbon dioxide. Testing shows the system eliminates 90% of the particulates emitted by the diesel engine.

On display at the NDC booth were automatic guided vehicles outfitted with Pallet Finder technology. Developed with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, this software allows the vehicle to approach, find, and pickup a pallet load even if it is mispositioned by as much as 20 degrees from where the AGV was told it would be.

In the lifting arena, Mannesmann Dematic showed off its small, state-of-the-art hoist for load capacities up to 100 kg. The HandyLifter features an infrared remote control unit, and an infinitely variable speed control with a control ratio of 1:20.

Of special interest is an electric monorail that moves loads both horizontally and vertically on its 90 degree incline sections. DaimlerChrysler already uses the Swisslog-built monorail at its Bremen plant. Doors for the Mercedes C series move from one floor to the next higher on a 90 degree incline section of the monorail.

A unique handling system based on linear motor and electro-magnetic technologies was also on display at Swisslog. The MagneTrak transport system, developed in conjunction with U.S. based MagneMotion, features individual vehicles that move along a track containing linear motors that control movement. Patented magnetic guidance and switching systems steer the vehicles through track networks without mechanical moving parts. The system can be suspended from the ceiling or mounted on the floor.

From Jervis B. Webb Co. was its light-duty overhead chain conveyor. Developed in Australia, the monoveyor moves light to medium weight loads on trolleys by a chain conveyor along a track. Turns can be made at 45-, 90- and 180-degree angles.

For storage systems, both Mannesmann Dematic and TGW displayed load handling devices for totes and cartons of different widths. The devices adjust to the exact width of the load, and telescope into the storage location for putaway or retrieval using standard automated storage cranes.

Meanwhile, viastore unveiled a new generation of double-deep automated storage system. The handling device accommodates cartons and rigid trays in any configuration, maximizing both flexibility and storage density.

Vertical lift modules were enhanced to manage much larger loads. Some of the units on display from MegaMat, Kardex, and Zambelli could store loads of 1 ton or more. Items ranging from finished goods to tools and dies can be stored in these high-capacity units.

Sortation systems tailored for e-commerce warehouses were on display at the Crisplant and PSB booths. Crisplant's compact sorter is for items that weigh a maximum of 5 kg and have a maximum size of 300 by 400 mm. It sorts up to 16,000 items an hour.

PSB's Ringsorter inducts items onto one of four short conveyors arranged north, south, east, and west on a central ring. Totes for individual orders are arranged in a larger, concentric ring. As the central ring rotates and a conveyor lines up with a designated tote, the item is gently sorted into that tote.

e-commerce warehouses will also be relying on advanced information systems. To streamline item picking, Syvox featured its speech technology with radio frequency data communications in wearable, wireless speech data terminals. The interactive voice response system allows workers to hear instructions, complete the task, and confirm accuracy with a direct link to a central database. Similarly, Siemens showed a headset that combines voice communications with a tiny computer display positioned directly in front of the worker's eye.

To speed the shipment of completed orders, Datalogic displayed an advanced CCD vision system for reading bar codes and human readable data on shipping parcels. Siemens also introduced a parcel address reader capable of handling 10,000 items an hour.