Hy-Tek Intralogistics to offer K.Hartwall automation for logistics customers

Hy-Tek Intralogistics and K.Hartwall partnership.
Hy-Tek Intralogistics will be bringing K.Hartwall automation to the U.S. market. | Source: Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Hy-Tek Intralogistics, an integrator of full-service automation technology, is now offering smart logistics systems from K.Hartwall. Finland-based K.Hartwall specializes in systems made for the retail, postal, parcel, and automotive industries.

The companies will combine Hy-Tek’s enterprise logistics platform with K.Hartwall‘s A-MATE system. The A-MATE line includes laser-navigated automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The companies said the combined systems will allow logistics customers to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

“The partnership with Hy-Tek is an important step for K.Hartwall to establish a local presence with the A-MATE mobile robots in the U.S. market in addition to our already-successful solutions like our roll cages, foldable cages, and lean equipment,” said Eero Heinonen, head of automation at K.Hartwall, in a release.

“Hy-Tek has many years of experience in the field of logistics automation and has a nationwide commissioning and after-sales service,” he said. “Now, in combination with K.Hartwall’s A-MATE mobile robots, which have already been proven successful in the European market, our US customers are getting the best possible entry into the world of efficient and flexible automated intralogistics.”

K.Hartwall aims to add supply chain flexibility

The current shift in economic conditions, a shortage of labor, and evolving spending habits mean the supply chain needs flexibility and a quicker return on investment. Robotics, and mobile robots in particular, have made headway in the logistics and delivery sectors. According to IDTechEx, the mobile robot logistics market is expected to approach $150 billion over the next two decades.

K.Hartwall said its A-MATE FreeLift and Counter vehicles give customers a means of transporting unit loads without needing an on-board operator or specialized transfer stands.

“K.Hartwall’s A-MATE solutions offer flexible, autonomous transport and elevation of various loads including GMA-style pallets, which are commonly used in the US market,” Collette Henn, senior manager of R&D at Hy-Tek Intralogistics, said in a release. “The agility, ease of maintenance, and safety features that include continuous safety scanning, speed adjustment, and obstacle avoidance make it an excellent choice for our customers’ pallet and cage transfer needs.”

 

A-MATE works with current infrastructure, Hy-Tek systems

A-MATE FreeLift is compatible with many cages and Euro-style pallets. It also has an omnidirectional drive system so it can maneuver into even the tightest spaces, said K.Hartwall. The system has a scissor-free lift design so it can stack loads. It also has a pallet detection functionality that automatically adjusts to skewed pallets.

With A-MATE Counter, Hy-Tek Intralogistics said its customers will have access to a fully electric mobile robot that has cantilevered forks and counterweights to move various load carriers such as GMA pallets and cages.

“We are excited to start our partnership with K.Hartwall and be able to open the North American markets to them,” Zac Boehm, vice president of robotic solutions at Hy-Tek. “By formalizing our partnership, it allows Hy-Tek to add to its existing solutions with a technology that focuses on eliminating non-value added material movements in today’s demanding and ever-changing environment, further enforcing our goal to meet our customers where they are in their automation journey.”

Colombus, Ohio-based Hy-Tek Intralogistics has been providing turnkey systems to its customers since 1963. The company‘s systems range from customized handling and storage systems to pre-assembled buildings and off-the-shelf products.

In June 2023, Hy-Tek announced a partnership with Hai Robotics to collaborate on an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The companies developed the system for a manufacturing and engineering company in Ohio for a goods-to-person (G2P) buffer system.

Written by

Brianna Wessling

Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She joined WTWH Media in November 2021, and is a recent graduate from the University of Kansas. She can be reached at bwessling@wtwhmedia.com