ProMat came to a close today, ending an exciting week of exhibits, networking, and educational talks. Over the show’s four days, more than 50,000 supply chain and manufacturing professionals gathered in Chicago to see the industry’s latest innovations.
Here are seven new automated warehousing products that debuted at the show. To stay up to date on the latest technologies and trends at the show, follow the rest of our ProMat coverage.
CaPow’s Genesis Antenna XL powers robotic fleets
At ProMat, CaPow said the new Genesis Antenna XL is a long-range modular floor antenna for in-motion power. The company’s Power-in-Motion technology delivers power to fleets en route, eliminating downtime and achieving 100% uptime.
The antenna provides an extended path for robots to receive power, even when only partially aligned. This ensures an energy-positive state and uninterrupted operations for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) over longer distances, according to the Be’er Sheva, Israel-based company.
CaPow said traditional contact-based charging systems for robotic fleets lead operators to endure costly downtime, operational disruptions, and wasted warehouse space. The use of large lithium-ion batteries in traditional charging systems also raises safety and environmental concerns, it noted.
ProVeyance Group conveyor cuts energy use, lasts longer
ProVeyance Group launched its new Ashland ProFlex Power conveyor. The conveyor features leg sets with welds with beads across the top and bottom of each connection point. In addition, its drive belt is contoured to grip the roller. The Holland, Ohio-based company said this makes the drive belt last up to five times longer than competing designs.
When a ProFlex Power belt wears out, a worker depresses a spring-loaded axle shaft on the roller, removes the drive belt, and swaps it with a new one in minutes. Replacing motors on traditional conveyors requires electricians to spend an hour or more disconnecting and disassembling parts.
ProVeyance said it manufactured its ProFlex Power conveyor with high-grade components like precision-engineered rollers and bearings to reduce wear and extend life. The conveyors include heavy-duty casters that won’t break off the leg sets. ProVeyance also offers options for adding lighting to illuminate temporary work areas and special-order colors to match a customer’s brand.
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Hyster expands its electric forklift lineup at ProMat
Hyster announced an expanded lineup of high-capacity electric forklifts that offer the configurability to match a range of heavy-duty applications at ProMat.
The Cleveland, Ohio-based company said the integrated lithium-ion battery power of the Hyster J230-400XD series provides the performance and reliability required by demanding environments. At the same time, it offers a zero-emission alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) power.
The J230-400XD series is available with a range of battery sizes to match duty cycle and charging requirements, configurable up to 280kW. Hyster claimed that the 350-volt architecture provides a “right-sized solution” for ICE-like performance and energy efficiency.
Yale designs delivery system for tight retail spaces
Yale Lift Truck Technologies said its new direct-store delivery system provides the functionality of two pieces of equipment in one. The company designed it to address the maneuverability and ergonomic challenges operators face in direct-store delivery (DSD) operations.
The two-part solution consists of a small sled nested in a standard pallet jack that can easily undock to facilitate easy restocking in tight retail environments. Yale said this system gives operators a heavy-duty pallet jack that helps them transport heavy loads on lift gates and over uneven surfaces.
When maximum maneuverability is required, users can detach the low-profile sled, handle deliveries to small-format customers, and take care of stocking in aisles and refrigerators. The emphasis on space efficiency extends to moving to the next delivery stop, the company said.
Because there is only one piece of equipment to move from the trailer to the store, it takes up less room in the trailer and allows for faster staging and stocking, said Cleveland-based Yale.
Gorbel releases three new products
At ProMat, Gorbel, a developer of ergonomic material handling technology, made three product announcements at the show. First, it released the G-FORCE VSeries intelligent assist device, which combines advancements in servo technology with a proprietary design.
Next, it added the GSS 115 VAC Single Phase Hoist to its hoist lineup. The Fishers, N.Y.-based company said this hoist can operate in versatile, medium-duty spaces with lower power infrastructure. The unit is available in 1/4, 1/2, and 1-ton capacities and features a preconfigured variable frequency drive (VFD) for superior load control.
Finally, it released the Destuff-it 2.0, an expansion to its Portable Ergonomic Conveyor offerings. This product offers two new configurations that enable end users to select a unit that is best suited to their loading/unloading environment. Each configuration is designed to optimally position operators against product walls and reduce the risk of injury.
KUKA KMP 3000P designed for heavy loads, tight spaces
KUKA AG demonstrated its KMP 3000P omnimove robot, which can move up to 3 tons. The Augsburg, Germany-based company said it is suitable for material supply in production, process interlinking without conveyor belts, or point-to-point transportation.
The new robot has relatively compact dimensions of 2,200 x 1,200 x 370 mm (86.6 x 47.2 x 14.5 in.) and relies on induction charging for round-the-clock availability. The KMP 3000P robot uses integrated 3D cameras and laser scanners. At Chicago’s McCormick Place, it demonstrated transport of rolls to a KR QUANTEC robot arm.
KUKA also showed the LBR iisy collaborative robot and the compact KMP 600P AMR with a 600 kg (1,322 lb.) payload capacity. It also discussed the evolution of mobile robots.
A-SAFE debuts new machine guarding system
A-SAFE Inc., a developer of workplace efficiency and safety systems, launched A-GUARD, a machine-guarding system, at ProMat. The company said it combines advanced wireless technology with 100% interior visibility.
A-GUARD goes beyond traditional mesh fencing, eliminating safety gaps while providing clear sightlines to machinery and processes, ensuring both protection and visibility, said Halifax, U.K.-based A-SAFE. The system’s clear polymer panels provide unobstructed sightlines for operators while ensuring comprehensive protection against potential hazards.
A-GUARD adapts on-site to fit a facility’s needs, allowing instant modifications without complex reinstallation. With real-time monitoring, it tracks panel removal and any impact, helping safety managers spot access patterns and optimize maintenance schedules.
