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OnRobot Releases World’s Most Powerful Electric Vacuum Gripper for Heavy-Duty Palletizing
Meet the VGP20 --the world's most powerful electric vacuum gripper and the latest addition to OnRobot's range of products designed to support quick and easy collaborative applications.
OnRobot Releases World’s Most Powerful Electric Vacuum Gripper for Heavy-Duty Palletizing Applications
OnRobot’s new VGP20 electric vacuum gripper provides a powerful and versatile solution for challenging palletizing scenarios including heavy, bulky and porous surfaces.
Odense, Denmark, February 25, 2021: Large, unwieldy bags of dog food, non-airtight clothing or consumer goods packages, and bulky, porous cardboard boxes. These are just some examples of demanding packaging and palletizing applications that OnRobot’s new VGP20 gripper can address. VGP20 is the world’s most-powerful electric vacuum gripper. Compatible with all leading robot brands, the gripper can handle payloads of 20kg (44.09lbs), making it a great fit for a wide range of applications in industries from cosmetics and electronics to pharmaceuticals and food and beverage.
“Our customers asked for a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy vacuum gripper that can pick up bulky, heavy-duty payloads while being intelligent enough to handle a wide range of items, including those with irregular shapes and porous surfaces,” says Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO at OnRobot. “The VGP20 combines power, intelligence and ease-of-use that competes with expensive, complex pneumatic grippers.”
End-of-line operations such as palletizing are labor-intensive and costly. Researchers estimate that, on average, labor costs account for 65% of warehouse facility operating budgets, dwarfing the costs associated with utilities, taxes, distribution and rent combined.
On this basis alone, automation is a compelling proposition for companies of all sizes. According to researchers, adoption of automated palletizing solutions in the food and beverage sector is estimated to have increased at a CAGR of more than 13% since 2017 and is set to reach USD390 million by 2022.
90% cost savings compared to pneumatic grippers
OnRobot’s new VGP20 electric vacuum gripper can take on applications that have traditionally been handled by powerful pneumatic grippers–at a fraction of the cost and complexity.
While pneumatic grippers require compressed air to operate, the VGP20 is all-electric and ready to go out of the box, enabling companies to save up to 90% on operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional pneumatic gripper deployments.
The VGP20 provides unlimited cup and airflow customization and multichannel functionality, allowing it to be deployed on multiple items of different shapes and sizes.
Additionally, the VGP20 gripper’s built-in intelligence, combined with its easy-to-use software, provides precise air flow control functionality that is beyond the capabilities of traditional pneumatic grippers. This functionality allows users to vary the type of grip used in different applications, such as the soft grip used to handle delicate items to the hard grip required for handling bulky, heavy cardboard boxes with porous surfaces.
Enables use of less expensive packaging materials
The costs of carboard for packaging has risen by nearly 40% from 2010-2020. And with continued strong growth of e-commerce demands, estimates of further increases lead shippers to look for lower-cost options for packaging materials. Thinner, more porous cardboard and lightweight shipping bags present challenges for traditional automated packaging and palletizing, however. The powerful, customizable OnRobot VGP20 easily handles these thinner and less expensive packaging materials, allowing shippers to save considerably on both automation and shipping costs.
OnRobot’s VGP20 gripper also provides an option to enable continuous monitoring of the gripper’s air flow. If this option is selected, and the vacuum is interrupted for any reason, the robot will come to an immediate halt and an alert pop-up window will be displayed in the gripper software.
“Efficient packaging and palletizing performance is crucial to success for manufacturers, e-commerce and logistics companies. However, labor shortages present an ongoing challenge and performing these jobs by hand is both monotonous and unergonomic,” says Iversen. “The powerful and versatile VGP20 gripper enables companies to automate these tasks, providing relief to workers while improving overall productivity and quality.”
About OnRobot
OnRobot manufactures a wide assortment of tools for collaborative applications, including: electric grippers, magnetic grippers, the world's most powerful electric vacuum gripper, the award-winning Gecko gripping technology, force/torque sensors, 2.5D vision technology, screwdriving kits, sanding kits and tool changers. OnRobot makes it quick and easy to automate tasks such as packaging, quality control, materials handling, machine tending, palletizing, assembly, and surface finishing. Headquartered in Odense, Denmark, OnRobot also has offices in Los Angeles, Dallas, Soest (Germany), Barcelona, Warsaw, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Budapest.
MOORESTOWN, NJ (December 18, 2024) OPEX® Corporation, a global leader in Next Generation Automation providing solutions for document, mail, and warehouse automation, has been selected as a finalist in the 2024 NED (New Equipment Digest) Innovation Awards, which celebrates innovations in industrial technology, tools, and equipment that empower businesses to work faster, better, and more cost-effectively.
Introduced in March 2024, Sure Sort X with Xtract is a fully adaptable, turnkey offering designed to automate multiple manual tasks with a simple, one-touch solution.
The technology handles nearly 100% of customer-sortable items weighing up to 20 pounds and sorts items into a configurable array of mixed bin sizes and types, all while maintaining a consistent throughput of up to 2,100 items per hour.
“We are excited to once again receive this recognition, which honors our warehouse automation solutions that clients around the globe count on, as well as our culture of innovation,” said Alex Stevens, President, OPEX Warehouse Automation. “Sure Sort has long been a preferred warehouse automation solution for distribution centers and third-party logistics companies. Sure Sort X paired with Xtract has been developed to meet the evolving demands of the marketplace to deliver one integrated solution that automates the sort and order takeaway process.”
When Sure Sort X is paired with Xtract, totes are retrieved and their contents are transferred into shipping containers automatically, eliminating the need to manually sort and transfer boxes downstream. Xtract iBOTs can handle up to 200 extracted totes per hour.
The system can accommodate multiple market vertical workflows and greatly reduce the need for human interface. Installation can occur in as little as one week and return on investment can be realized within just two years.
For nearly five decades, OPEX has served as a trusted partner, collaborating closely with clients to develop customized, scalable solutions that transform how they conduct business.
About OPEX
OPEX Corporation is a global leader in Next Generation Automation, providing innovative, unique solutions for warehouse, document and mail automation. With headquarters in Moorestown, NJ, USA—and facilities in Pennsauken, NJ; Plano, TX; France; Germany; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and Australia—OPEX has nearly 1,600 employees who are continuously reimagining and delivering customized, scalable technology solutions that solve the business challenges of today and in the future.
Richland Hills, Texas, September 12, 2024. AML, a U.S-based manufacturer of barcode data collection products, announces the launch of its latest Android® product, the StrikerX mobile computer.
“As more and more companies are moving away from legacy TELNET based applications, and towards APK and web-based applications, the power required to efficiently access and process graphical apps increases exponentially,” AML President Mike Kearby said. “StrikerX can handle the most demanding tasks with power to spare. Add in the fact that StrikerX is equipped with a Wi-Fi® 6E radio, and it becomes the clear choice for those looking for mobile computers they can keep deployed for years to come.”
StrikerX comes with a host of built-in software utilities for rapid deployment and maximum operator efficiency. The mobile device can be configured with an array of options including different barcode scanners, keypads, with or without a handle, and an optional camera. StrikerX can also be paired with a variety of charging accessories.
For more information on AML's new mobile computer, StrikerX, contact an AML representative at 800-648-4452 or visit our website at:
About AML. AML is a manufacturer of barcode-centric data collection products. For more than 40 years, AML has been providing American-Made data collection products to a variety of companies and industries, with an emphasis on value and performance.
For more information, contact Natalie Smith, Marketing Manager. nsmith@amltd.com
Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co., a 117-year-old industry leader in heavy-duty industrial casters, proudly announces the enhancement of its legacy Super Endurance Caster (SEC) series, now rebranded as the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series. In addition, Hamilton is introducing the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster (ZFSEC2) series, both of which feature a new heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal designed to elevate performance in the most demanding environments.
The Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series replaces Hamilton’s legacy SEC series, setting a new benchmark for kingpinless caster design in extra heavy-duty applications. Central to this upgrade is the heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal, which offers protection against dirt, debris, and moisture. This advanced sealing technology ensures consistent performance and extends the life of the caster, making it the ideal choice for environments where reliability is critical.
"With the introduction of the V-Style seal, the ZFSEC series is engineered to withstand the harshest conditions while providing zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free operation," said Mark Lippert, president of Hamilton Caster. "This enhancement allows our customers to minimize maintenance costs and downtime, further solidifying Hamilton’s reputation for durability and dependability."
The ZFSEC series retains the robust construction that Hamilton is known for, including a swivel top plate and inner raceway made from forged steel, providing superior strength for shock conditions. Sealed precision ball bearings are also now standard in all wheels, contributing to the maintenance-free performance of the series. Notably, the zerk fittings have been eliminated, as the new design makes them unnecessary.
Complementing the ZFSEC series, Hamilton introduces the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Wheel Caster (ZFSEC2) series. This dual wheel series is engineered for extra heavy-duty applications where stability, durability, and maintenance-free operation are paramount. Like its counterpart, the ZFSEC2 series leverages the new 'V-Style' seal, ensuring that each caster is fully protected against contaminants that could compromise performance.
Combined with sealed precision ball wheel bearings, this caster series ensures zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free performance. The dual-wheel configuration enhances stability and allows for a lower overall height, offering a perfect blend of strength and maneuverability.
Casters in both series are finished in a durable HAA polyester platinum powder coat and are available in a wide variety of wheel types, allowing for customization based on application needs. For complete wheel specs and product details check out the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster Landing Page and all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster Landing Page.
ACTON, Massachusetts – September 3, 2024 – New Horizon Soft, LLC (https://www.newhorizon.ai), a global leader in AI-powered supply chain planning software, announced today the release of a new version of its Buyers Workbench procurement planning software. The latest version includes the ability to optimally schedule inbound deliveries, taking into account distribution center (DC) receiving capacity, thus minimizing receiving bottlenecks and lowering inbound logistics costs. A research paper describing the innovative methodology and its deployment at an iconic $10B+ U.S. quick-service restaurant chain was recently published in the peer-reviewed academic journal, the International Journal of Operations Research and Information Systems.
Supply chain organizations typically plan purchase orders without regard to DC receiving capacity. This leads to bottlenecks on some days and underutilized staff on others. New Horizon’s methodology, called Master Purchasing Receipt Scheduling (MPRS), uses a novel algorithm to automatically and optimally schedule deliveries. The algorithm plans deliveries at the time of purchase order creation and results in a steady volume of deliveries and lower planning and logistics costs. While first deployed at a restaurant chain, the methodology is applicable to any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or foodservice company operating high-velocity DCs.
“With the increasing prevalence of high-velocity DCs, scheduling inbound deliveries can no longer be an afterthought,” said Chao-Ming Ying, Co-founder and CTO of New Horizon. “We developed the new MPRS functionality to address what had been a blind spot in many supply chains. Our customers are now taking advantage of this capability to streamline inbound logistics, increase receiving capacity utilization, and lower distribution costs.”
Supporting Resources
• Research article with case study published in the International Journal of Operations Research and Information Systems
• PDF version of article on New Horizon’s website
• New Horizon blog providing overview of restaurant chain deployment
• New Horizon Buyers Workbench web page
About New Horizon Soft, LLC
New Horizon’s supply chain planning software harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to enable manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to improve forecast accuracy and service levels while minimizing inventory and costs. We help planners make better decisions with cloud-based applications that are easier to use, easier to configure, easier to implement, and lower cost to operate. New Horizon is headquartered outside of Boston and has customers in North America, Europe, and Asia.
New Horizon — The AI Planning Suite™. Learn more at https://www.newhorizon.ai or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Relations
Mike Liebson
New Horizon Soft, LLC
marketing@newhorizon.ai
+1 857-242-0783
Pennsylvania, United States – August 2024 – Thinkink Packaging, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new line of Custom Frozen Food Boxes. Designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable and durable packaging in the frozen food industry, these new boxes offer a perfect blend of functionality, quality, and eco-friendliness.
The frozen food market is rapidly expanding, with consumers increasingly seeking convenient, ready-to-eat meals that maintain freshness and quality. Thinkink Packaging’s Custom Frozen Food Boxes are specially engineered to meet these needs, offering superior insulation to preserve product integrity from production to the consumer's freezer.
Our boxes are designed with high-quality materials that provide excellent insulation, ensuring that frozen foods remain at the correct temperature throughout the supply chain. Committed to reducing environmental impact, our frozen food boxes are made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, aligning with the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Businesses can personalize their packaging to reflect their brand identity, with a range of sizes, styles, and printing options available. Built to withstand the rigors of transport and handling, our boxes provide robust protection against moisture, ensuring products arrive in perfect condition.
“The launch of our Custom Frozen Food Boxes is a significant step forward for Thinkink Packaging as we continue to expand our product offerings to meet the evolving needs of the market,” said Asim Munir, CEO of Thinkink Packaging. “We understand the importance of packaging in maintaining the quality and safety of frozen foods, and our new boxes are designed to provide optimal protection while also supporting sustainability goals.”
About Thinkink Packaging
Thinkink Packaging, based in Pennsylvania, is a premier provider of custom packaging solutions for a wide range of industries, including food, retail, and e-commerce. With a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, Thinkink Packaging has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their packaging strategies.
For more information about Thinkink Packaging's Custom Frozen Food Boxes or to place an order, please contact us at +1-570-468-1167 or email support@thinkinkpackaging.com.
Thinkink Packaging – Your Partner in Packaging Innovation.