The SmartLoader, an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) introduced by the Jervis B. Webb Company, picks up loads from storage rack, staging areas or palletizers and delivers them directly onto over-the-road trailers.

The vehicle is guided by radio frequency tags embedded in the warehouse floor, so there is no need to outfit trucks and ramps with guidance wires, lasers or magnets. The SmartLoader runs on an eight-hour battery, which the vehicle automatically recharges without manual intervention.

A provider of automated dimension scanning systems, Quantronix introduced a new ceiling-mounted cubing and weighing system. The system quickly and accurately measures large containerized or palletized freight in most cargo handling and logistics applications.

The dimensioning system uses advanced FDA class II laser and camera-based sensing technology. The lasers scan and dimension the load from above while the camera technology captures a digital image, which can be stored in a database. Integrated with a heavy-capacity floor scale, the system can also capture weights.

Customers can expect shorter lead times and no overseas shipping concerns now that TGW-Ermanco's unit load handling system is being made in the United States. Production of the unit load conveyor (ULC) system in Spring Lake, Mich., is an outgrowth of TGW's acquisition of Ermanco in August 2005, which resulted in TGW-Ermanco to serve North America.

ULC components include transportation and accumulation conveyors, transfers, lifts, transfer cars, turntables and accessories. The systems have been made by TGW in Austria for more than 25 years. The Michigan facility shipped its first ULC order earlier this year.

Celerity Automation, a new Kentucky-based company, demonstrated a high-speed transfer vehicle. The vehicle travels at speeds up to 30 feet per second with a 4,500 pound load, yet it can stop with position accuracy to within 1/10,000th of an inch.

The vehicle is powered by a linear direct drive servo motor. It can be outfitted with robotic layer- or case-picking devices to automate picking operations. The technology can also be adapted to run overhead as a monorail system.

Companies consolidating their warehouse systems are often looking to retrofit a common drive control throughout their facilities. Schneider Electric showcased the ConveyorPak 500-a bundled drive control to mount to sections of conveyor-to do just that.

The drive control is run by an AC motor and can accept device inputs and provide device outputs through the drive itself, without the need for external I/O devices and gateways. A drive keypad is mounted on the box for push-button features with short wire run connections for maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. An E-stop circuit is integrated to each box, which is also outfitted with a disconnect capability.

Accpac WMS 5.0 from Sage Software provides greater efficiency and accuracy through increased pick rates, decreased errors, higher compliancy and accurate forecasting of warehouse resources and demands.

Capable of integrating with various RF hardware, shipping systems and warehouse automation equipment, the warehouse management system is a paperless, wireless, Web-deployable solution that serves as the hub of a warehouse's supply chain. The software is available in three editions: 100, 200 and 500.

Customers can scale up to a higher edition, add more users or supplement their edition with additional modules to build a WMS that maps to their changing needs.

With the introduction of new vehicles and improved guidance techniques, HK Systems expanded and enhanced its line of automatic guided vehicles.

One is a counterbalanced unit with up to 3,000 pounds of carrying capacity and a 2,000-pound fork vehicle with lift capability up to 20 feet. The company also offers a low-profile conveyor-deck unit load vehicle that can transfer loads to elevations from 14 to 30 inches. Providing up to 6,000 pounds of carrying capacity, this unit is ideal for conveyor-to-conveyor transfers.

In addition, HK introduced a new AGV laser guidance technology that uses a spinning laser scanner to measure distance and angle to known targets, allowing the vehicle to triangulate its exact position.

Storopack, manufacturer of protective packaging and cushioning solutions, featured the AIRPlus Mini, which produces air pillows at a rate of 20 feet per minute-occupying less than two square feet of desktop space.

The portable, 20-pound unit can be plugged into any standard wall outlet and uses ambient air to produce air pillows on demand. The unit produces air pillows in eight-inch widths, and lengths of four or eight inches. The amount of air in each pillow can be adjusted based on specific packaging requirements.

With the official release of its VoiceLogisticsPro software development toolkit, Voxware took another step toward open, independent voice-based data collection solutions.

The VoiceLogisticsPro release puts a toolkit in the hands of warehouse management system (WMS) suppliers and other providers to deploy voice solutions in a more flexible way.

The Web-based, platform-independent toolkit uses function-block workflows to visually configure the bridge between orders, waves and tasks coming from a WMS, and the prompts and responses in the voice solution. Visual fields and tabs in the toolkit support simplified data mapping between the back-end system or WMS and the voice solution.

The Axiom-X bar code scanner from Accu-Sort provides flexibility, high read rates and low cost of ownership. The omnidirectional laser reader is housed in a rugged, modular enclosure and offers up to 1,120 scans per second. Just one scan head is needed for most applications.

Multiple units can be networked using a standard client/controller configuration that eliminates the need for an additional multiplexer and makes tunnel configurations seamless. The unit handles applications such as multi-sided arrays, high-speed parcel sortation and manufacturing. Axiom-X uses multiple lasers and receiving optics to ensure constant scanning and focusing over the complete depth of the field.

Ifm efector premiered its optical distance measurement sensor which features a smart-pixel receiver element with a "system-on-chip" design.

Both sensor element and signal evaluation electronics are integrated on a 0.25 mm square silicon chip. The sensor provides a non-contact distance measurement with a 10-meter sensing range. It mounts easily in applications with limited space and is rugged enough to handle considerable shock.

"Distance measurement isn't new. What's new is that we've put optics and electronics on one small chip," says Ernie Maddox, who works on the sensor team. "We achieve high performance at a low price point, so something that was once a specialty can now be an everyday solution."

No more accidental cuts from tape dispensers. That's the promise behind a new tape gun from InnoDesk. Instead of the serrated blade common to most tape dispensers, the unit uses a heat element to easily and safely melt standard packing tape at the pack station or shipping dock.

Powered by AA batteries, the unit is designed to provide thousands of cuts before the batteries need to be changed.

Gorbel showcased its expanded line of G-Force Intelligent Lifting Devices. The line includes a 660-pound unit suitable for precision lifting.

More precise than hoists and more responsive than air balancers, the device increases efficiency and provides safe and easy lifting and handling. Applications include lifting fully dressed engines and transmissions, changing out expensive machine chucks and dies, valve assembly and heavy equipment manufacturing.

A modular design makes the unit easy to retrofit and includes onboard diagnostics. A new ergonomic handle includes a standard LCD display that communicates operation modes, programming menus, fault codes and weight readout.

Caristrap featured a range of strapping systems. The systems offer higher dynamic performance than steel, superior tensile strength and elongation capacity, and excellent shock absorption and load shifting control.

Caristrap's Weatherguard material is one-seventh the weight of steel strapping. Unlike steel, twine or rope, the product does not rust, stain or mar materials. Buckles, seals and tensioners may be added to make up a system that can be retensioned at any time.

Making its debut was The Mule, a lightweight hand lift truck developed by Beyond Products. The truck is electronically powered and runs on an off-the-shelf battery that can be recharged in six hours and provides about 125 lift cycles.

The Mule is an all-in-one transporter, lift, positioner and work bench. It has a screw-driven lift, which eliminates many maintenance issues and the cost generally associated with chain, cable or gas-powered lifts. The customizable workbench platform has a vice that enables workers to perform a variety of tasks, including the transportation of materials to assembly.

Demo3D, a materials flow simulation system from Emulate3D, is a physics-based software capable of creating physical interactions between systems elements for debugging. The solution can create dynamic 3D models of conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems and other materials handling systems from catalogs of elemental parts; create product flows; and describe the system flow logic.

The software produces credible representations of product and equipment behavior: boxes rebound, pallets tilt and friction coefficients on transfer surfaces ensure the closest thing to reality.

Inther Integrated Systems introduced a new pick-to-light cart that combines batch-picking efficiencies with pick-to-light simplicity, speed and efficiency. With the new cart and a minimal amount of training, a worker can fill multiple orders with one pass through a pick zone. And, the pick path can be optimized for the picker, ensuring the highest level of efficiency.

In addition, Inther introduced a pick-by-voice speech recognition solution developed in partnership with Top Systems. This hands-free, eyes-free system is based on voice recognition procedures for paperless processes in warehouses and production facilities. The speech recognition solution is used in combination with the VOXTer, a solid, portable dedicated voice computer that weighs less than nine ounces and allows the use of speech-based data input and output.

The new DC Xcellerator from SI Systems is an automated suite of software that maximizes all picking systems housed in a distribution center. It analyzes the full range of systems-manual, semi-automatic and automatic-in real time.

The software offers a series of modules, including a picking system analyzer that determines if a product is a good candidate for each picking system based on its physical and movement characteristics. Also available is the order-scheduling module, which takes customer order files and analyzes picking requirements against defined picking system parameters. It then sequences them to maximize each picking area's efficiency.

Instapak Quick RT foam-in-bag packing requires no special equipment to activate the foam bag, just hand pressure applied at room temperature. The product, introduced by Sealed Air Corporation, provides users with a custom-fit protective cushion without requiring a large up-front investment, making it ideal for small-volume packaging applications.

Using mobile scanners and a Web-based application, the Yard Director system from RACO Industries allows security, driver and yard management staff to track critical information about each vehicle that enters their facilities.

The system supports SMTP email alerts that are triggered when user-defined thresholds are crossed. Alert types include fuel-level, temperature, detention and maintenance. On-site administrators can configure the alert thresholds through a Web-based administration console.

Labor management systems that measure the real-time performance of workers on the floor are no longer just for the largest warehouses with 200 or more employees. HighJump Software unveiled a labor management system designed to meet the needs of companies of all sizes.

The system compiles real-time performance data, enabling customers to plan and measure labor activities throughout their facility. That same information can be used for real-time access and analysis for performance statistics. Users can select among discrete, historical or engineered labor standards to measure employee performance.

SICK premiered two products: the Pick2Light bin control system and the VMS410 volume measurement system.

The Pick2Light system, offers hand detection and a 360-degree visible job LED. The single-sided, retro-reflective light grid aims to cut parts and labor costs with its external t-slot frame mounting feature. Each bin only requires one light grid and the rugged metal housing simplifies installation and adjustments.

The VMS410 determines the volume of in-motion, cube-shaped objects or packages on flat conveyor belts, enabling users to calculate precise shipping charges and maximize loads.

Novo Foam Products launched its Air Ride Pallet line, which combines strength and performance with lightweight construction. The pallet is only 11 pounds, yet can perform equal to pallets weighing six times more.

Additional features are shock, thermal, chemical and contaminant resistance, combined with a flat deck that increases product protection. An ergonomic design improves workplace safety and materials are 100% recyclable.

The unifying focus behind next generation technologies from system supplier Diamond Phoenix is cost reduction. The company is making solutions more affordable by doing such things as streamlining control designs.

The new SMARTdepot vertical lift module (VLM), for example, has one central control panel, and fewer buttons and sensors. Other next generation technologies on display included new "DirectPick" pick-to-light components with a smaller form factor and initial cost, and a horizontal carousel system that allows for the management of three carousels from one control platform.

Controllers for inkjet printheads and motor-driven roller conveyor systems were displayed at Matthews Marking Products and Holjeron, the electronic controls subsidiary of Matthews International. The company introduced three new conveyor controllers.

A standalone UBT controller has the merge, divert and right-angle transfer software programmed into the controller. The company also introduced an interface that allows distributed microprocessor-based controllers to communicate, enabling users to configure and monitor a zero pressure accumulation conveyor line easily and inexpensively. Also new was a low-cost micro-roller driver capable of setting and maintaining the speeds of adjacent conveyor zones to within ± 1 rpm of each other with the flick of a switch.

Demand for conveyors using 24-volt DC roller drive technology is getting a boost from their energy savings potential, according to Interroll. These rollers are modular conveyor components that work with integrated sensor and control capabilities to stop the system when goods aren't moving.

Interroll's display included "Intelliveyor" modules with zero-pressure accumulation. The modules are deployed in zones consisting of a DC-powered roller with up to nine slave rollers.

"The savings can be up to 80% compared to traditional conveyor systems that run all the time," says Kyle Rodabaugh, a regional sales manager with Hilmot Corp., an integrator and conveyor systems supplier that uses Interroll's components.

Truck manufacturer Hyster is teaming with I.D. Systems, a provider of wireless vehicle management technology, to provide wireless technology for corporate and dealer fleet management initiatives. Under the new initiative the two companies will promote wireless fleet management capabilities to Hyster dealers and customers.

I.D. Systems' solution uses RFID-based technology and an intelligent wireless communication infrastructure to provide a range of systems functions, including vehicle access control, electronic safety checklists, text messaging, location mapping and activity analysis for trucks and drivers.