In Bergen op Zoom, one of the world's leading 3PLs handles the intralogistics activities for its customer, a global provider of information management technology. These services range from picking and packing to order configuration. Since 2021, the 3PL has been relying on the solution from Dutch company Lowpad, which combines intelligent process software and AMRs to optimize its material flow processes. With its flat AMRs, Lowpad specializes in the automation of logistics processes in (food) retail, 3PLs and postal and parcel services. A total of six autonomous mobile robots transport the printers in the warehouse from a buffer area to the workstations, where they are configured according to the final customer requirements. The lowpads relieve employees of the burden of transporting up to 900 printers per day using hand pallet trucks. This has enabled the 3PL to significantly increase its ergonomics and productivity in this area.

AMR solution with low profile for the intralogistics of roll cages

Lowpad has developed the Lowpad S, which is suitable for existing standard roll cages and is therefore the ideal automation solution for (food) distribution centers and postal and parcel service providers. The Lowpad solution navigates without requiring any changes to the infrastructure. This unique combination is a decisive advantage over other market solutions that often require costly investments, such as structural modifications and the purchase of compatible roll cages.

Additional productivity gains through inductive charging technology

The etaLINK inductive battery charging system from Wiferion is an integral part of the AMR. Thanks to the fast charging system, the robots of the 3PLs are automatically charged in the immediate vicinity of the transport process. This ensures high vehicle availability, as there are no long charging breaks or trips to distant charging stations. The 3PL therefore benefits from the maximum productivity of each individual vehicle.

"In contrast to other charging systems, Wiferion impresses with a very fast initiation time of just one second and allows us to run dynamic processes without wasting valuable time charging the vehicles," explains Peter de Kiewit, Sales Director at Lowpad. What's more, the chargers can be installed without any major conversion work on the building structure. "This is a major advantage, as many companies only rent the warehouses. We were also impressed by the high reliability and durability." The low temperatures that prevail in food logistics are a constant challenge for other charging systems. etaLINK, on the other hand, works reliably even at particularly high or low temperatures.

Further implementations at leading 3PLs and trading companies

Shunting solutions are currently being introduced at another large 3PL company in the Netherlands and a leading retailer in the UK. "Inductive charging will be an important component in increasing productivity there too," says Peter de Kiewit.