Easily adaptable components, a modular basic design, and a system technology based on a building block principle are fundamental prerequisites for flexible systems. These topics will also be addressed at LogiMAT and in corresponding focus areas within the supporting program from March 19 to 21 in Stuttgart.
With increasing volatility, complexity, and dynamism, flexibility and adaptability are gaining importance in the future-proof design of logistics processes. They facilitate the expansion and modification of existing systems in response to changing needs and technological advancements. Four expert forums will address this topic in the LogiMAT Arena at the East Entrance of the Atrium.
The range of tools extends from modularly designed warehouse management systems (WMS) and logistics suites to plant and material flow control, and on to the process-optimized interaction of conveyor technology and fleets of transport equipment. A classic example in warehouse technology is the consistently modular design of AutoStore technology with the scalability of all system components.
As part of the supporting program, Professor Robert Schulz, head of the Institute for Materials Handling and Logistics (IFT) at the University of Stuttgart, will present logistics and safety concepts as well as hardware and software components as logistical aspects of such a “fluid production” on the first day of the trade fair in the Expert Forum “Logistics for Fluid Production” (March 19, 2024, 4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.).
Adaptable production systems, he says, offer the necessary flexibility to meet the constantly changing demands resulting from shorter product life cycles, increasing product variety and volatile sales figures.
In addition to the hardware components, the software, with its integration of artificial intelligence for analysis and forecasting, supports the flexibility and adaptability of material flow design and processes. Professor Thorsten Schmidt, Head of the Chair of Technical Logistics at TU Dresden, discusses the fact that the successful e-commerce sector is increasingly navigating challenging waters. He sees "e-commerce facing a crucial test" (Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 11:00–11:50 a.m.) and, together with practitioners, outlines current challenges and solutions.
From a flexibility perspective, the report demonstrates, among other things, the practical contribution of artificial intelligence (AI) to improving predictive accuracy and forecasts for business areas and processes. Continuous AI-based process analyses create transparency, identify weaknesses, and enable targeted optimizations, expansions, and modifications of existing systems and processes.
In another forum, Michael Lickefett, Head of Department Factory Planning and Production Management, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), will present a “Quick Check Order Management” (March 21, 2024, 2:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.) and its functionality.
Photos: LogiMAT.
In the fourth expert forum, Günter Ullrich, Managing Partner of Forum-FTS GmbH and Head of the VDI Technical Committee for AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), will discuss "The Future of Mobile Robots from the Perspective of Sensor Manufacturers" on March 20, 2024 (3:00–3:50 p.m.). Based on the applications and requirements for robot use in factory halls and warehouses of manufacturing companies, and with a view to deployments in publicly accessible areas, the panel of experts will focus particularly on the safety design of robots and sensor technology. New application areas will be classified, requirements specified, and solution strategies and technical concepts discussed. Furthermore, as previously reported, a user forum on "Mobile Robotics" will complement the showcase of AGV and AMR (Automated Guided Vehicle) providers on the gallery in Hall 6 for the first time.
